Annoying Clichés in the Shōnen Anime Genre: Battle Shōnen and Beyond

Shōnen anime has been a beloved genre for many, captivating audiences with its exciting battles, compelling stories, and deep character development. However, some of the tropes within this genre can become monotonous and even annoying. In this article, we will explore the most clichéd and frustrating elements of shōnen anime, focusing on the battle shōnen genre and beyond.

The Cliché of Friendship Power

One of the most ubiquitous and seemingly unrealistic tropes in the Shōnen genre is the idea that friendship can triumph over even the most formidable foes. This cliche, seen in countless anime series like Fairy Tail, Black Clover, Naruto, and Demon Slayer, has become so prevalent that it can be seen in approximately 90% of shōnen anime. The premise is that no matter how much more powerful the opponent is, the bond of friendship will always bring the protagonist to victory. While this concept can be an emotional and inspiring moment, it can also come across as overly unrealistic and frustrating, especially when the battle involves an opponent far beyond the protagonist's strength.

The Generic Harem MC

Another stereotypical element that often grates on viewers is the generic harem protagonist (MC). These characters are often portrayed as "nice guys" with no other traits worth mentioning. They are never good at anything significant, don’t even have a standout good looks, and are basically a placeholder for the ideal version of the viewer. The harem MC is a pattern where he consistently helps girls without regard for how they treat him. This creates a farcical scenario where the protagonist's kindness is taken for granted, leading to a deeply uninteresting and unbelievable character. Additionally, in the harem genre, the MC is frequently self-inserted, catering to the desires of the viewers rather than developing a unique character.

The Unbelievably Dense Harem MC

Somewhat contradictory to the generic harem MC, the unbelievably dense harem MC is another frustrating trope. Despite being followed by multiple girls, he manages to remain oblivious to their affections. A notable example of this trope is the MC from the anime Infinite Stratos. The sheer lack of insight into the feelings of the girls surrounding him adds an unneeded layer of absurdity to the story. This cliche not only reduces the depth of the character but also makes the story feel as though it's not evolving in a natural, believable way.

The Tsundere Girl

The tsundere girl trope is also a prevalent and often frustrating element in shōnen anime. This type of character is known for hitting the MC whenever they are not doing something appropriate or expected. While this dynamic can add some edge to the relationship, when overused, it can become predictable and irritating. The constant confrontation between the dominant girl and the doting MC wears thin quickly, leading to a narrative that becomes tedious and less engaging over time.

The Relying on Plot Armor

Another common cliché is the MC who relies heavily on plot armor. Plot armor refers to the narrative device that saves the protagonist from certain death, often in scenarios that seem like immediate peril, whether intentional or not. A prominent example is Sasuke from Naruto, who performed a daring but ultimately dangerous attack on the Kage Summit to reach Danzo. Despite having a smart character, Sasuke's audacious and risky strategy nearly cost him his life, only to be saved by plot armor. Owari no Seraph also features a character, Yuuichirou, who takes an excessive dose of strength-enhancing pills to save his captain, only to be saved by an angelic entity. These examples of plot armor show how frequent such reliance can undermine the authenticity of a character's actions.

While these tropes are common and have been used effectively in many anime series, they can become overused and quite tiresome. It is essential for creators to mix in unique and less predictable elements to keep viewers invested in the story. By avoiding these clichés, anime can provide a richer and more engaging viewing experience for the audience.