Anime heroes are often regarded with reverence for the positive qualities they embody. Most of them strive for a noble objective, whether to become the strongest of their people or simply to protect their loved ones.
However, the challenges they face are steep, and it is not impossible to lose oneself under pressure, whether through their own volition or on account of an insidious external force. By identifying the instances in which heroes lost control, we can best appreciate their values, what it takes to set them off, and the strength of their resolve.
10 Ryuko Gave Into Her Bloodlust & Became A Monster (Kill La Kill)
After Nui Harime revealed that she was the one behind the death of Ryuko's father, the hero was enraged for a multitude of reasons. Not only was the Life Fiber creation unapologetically antagonistic about her actions, but it also evinced that Satsuki Kiryuin was lying to her and purposefully misdirecting her anger.
Overcome with anger, Senkutsu transformed her into a disfigured monstrosity and one that would attack victims indiscriminately. Only Mako's loyalty and faithfulness were sufficient to bring her friend back from the brink of insanity.
9 Killua Was Prompted By His Brother To Kill A Hunter Exam Contestant (Hunter X Hunter)
The insidious influence of Illumi Zoldyck caused Killua to lose control in the final rounds of the Hunter Exam. Though he had no problem defeating his opponent, he broke the one rule that Isaac Netero established - do not kill the other contestant whatever the cost.
As a result, he was the only person to have failed the last stage of the test and ironically not for a lack of merit. However, he would take it a second time years later and pass with flying colors.
8 Ichigo Embraced His Hollow Form Against Ulquiorra (Bleach)
Though only the fourth strongest Espada, Ulquiorra was an unprecedented juggernaut who Ichigo had no hope of defeating in his base form. Refusing to die, he reverted to his Hollow state, gaining such astounding strength that his opponent displayed sincere shock for the first time in the series.
His ethereal screams and incorrigible mannerisms were equally horrifying to Orihime and Uryu, the latter of which was accidentally injured amidst the substitute Soul Reaper's bloodlust. Providentially, the wounds were not fatal and allowed Kurosaki to return to his senses, having already dealt Ulquiorra untenable injuries.
7 Naruto Went Berserk Against Orochimaru (Naruto)
Before Naruto was able to harness the power of Kurama, the latter was more capable of controlling him under extreme states of duress. This was demonstrated through his fight against Orochimaru, where his undeveloped Nine Tails state proved too much even for the fallen Sannin to manage.
It wasn't the first time that Naruto lost control; Jiraiya also sustained injuries when training with him to defeat the Akatsuki. Fortunately, Captain Yamato's Hashirama cells allowed him to curb the young man's primal rage and return him to his senses before he could pose too significant of a threat to himself and others.
6 Eren Attacked Mikasa Directly (Attack On Titan)
During Eren's first mission to repair a hole in one of Paradis' compromised walls, he harnessed his titan form for the expressed intention of saving humanity for the first time. However, seconds after he became the Attack Titan, he immediately lunged for Mikasa and attempted to pulverize her.
This did not bode well for anyone, as it proved Yeager's detractors correct since he evidently could not control himself. Fortunately, this was the only instance of Eren's barbarism - without direct intent behind it.
5 Polnareff Was Possessed & Attacked Jotaro (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Anubis was a rogue Stand who was able to possess anyone that wielded him. Though Polnareff was aware of its pernicious abilities, he would ultimately fall prey to its wiles and be turned against his stalwart ally, Jotaro Kujo.
Combining the strength of the villain's blade with his own Silver Chariot, Star Platinum was soon overwhelmed with dizzying attacks and unprecedented speed. However, by catching the malevolent sword in his stomach and crushing it in his hands, he was able to revert his friend back to normal.
4 Roy Mustang Slew Lust In A Fit Of Rage (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Roy Mustang was livid for the death of his close friend, Maes Hughes. After identifying the culprit and having carefully cultivated his hatred of the homunculus, he would finally take his revenge on Lust during their battle.
Though her Philosopher's Stone allowed her to regenerate from his scorching attacks, he relentlessly continued to smother her in fire until she was no longer able to mend her wounds. It was a fate that nearly befell Envy before Hawkeye intervened, pleading with Mustang to show mercy for his own sake.
3 Meliodas Killed Fraudrin After He Surrendered (Seven Deadly Sins)
Fraudrin was a demon of the Ten Commandments who was responsible for puppeteering Hendrickson. During their direct battle, he was nearly able to kill his enemies before Griamore begged him to stay his hand.
Overwhelmed by the memories Dreyfus left him since they had once shared a body, he refrained from his assault and pledged not to harm anyone else. Meliodas identified his hesitation and seized the advantage, vaporizing everything above his waist in a single punch. This was on account of his gradual return to his demon form, one facilitated through his death by Estarossa's hand.
2 Shinra Was Possessed By The First Pillar (Fire Force)
The First Pillar was a malevolent entity that had some semblance of control over Shinra's body. Through possessing him, she was able to play off the insecurities he had grown since his childhood for his monstrous smile and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his family's death.
In his rage, he attacked one of the Fire Stations and was nearly able to kill their Adolla obsessed commander. Only Arthur's stolid intervention and surprisingly even disposition were enough to bring him back from the brink of committing an irredeemable atrocity.
1 Gon Was Willing To Kill Himself For Revenge (Hunter X Hunter)
Gon was permanently changed after the death of Kite. Once he confronted Neferpitou, the Royal Guard promised to restore his friend upon completing their current objective to mend Komogi. However, this was later revealed to be a lie, one designed to buy them time.
Furious at the deception and anguished through the loss of his friend, Gon imbued himself with the aggregate of all power he would ever wield so that he would possess the strength to strike Neferpitou down. Ultimately, their battle was brutal, one-sided, and brief, though Gon would survive to suffer its repercussions.
