Every anime has its fan-favorites, and most of them are the titular or main characters, but there are some exceptions to that statement. Sidekicks, usually only referred to as supporting characters, often step aside and let the main characters hog the spotlight, either because their role within the series is relatively small, they're killed off early on or their minor appearances are simply overlooked in favor of the permanently present characters. Here are some anime sidekicks that are arguably better than the main characters of their respective franchises, and who are deserving way more recognition than they get.
The Helpful Fox Senko-san - Shiro
The Helpful Fox-Senko-san follows Kuroto Nakano, who is perpetually stressed out by his job. Still, since he lives alone, he must find ways to sustain himself. Little do humans like Kuroto know that this stress takes the form of darkness that resides within human bodies and spreads at an alarming rate. Fox deities can see this darkness and are tasked with ridding the humans of it before it's too late. To help rid Kuroto of his stress, Senko-san, an eight hundred-year-old kitsune, volunteers to take care of him, and will do everything she can to ease the tension in his weary soul.
While Senko-san and Kuroto are the narrative focus, Shiro, another fox demi-god, is introduced in later episodes. She's approximately 300 years younger and more immature than Senko, as well as initially arrogant when first introduced. She also has a more unpredictable and rebellious personality and believes that Kuroto should be her servant and worship kitsunes. Her presence within The Helpful Fox Senko-san is not only wildly understated and extremely entertaining, but she also has the most notable character development, which is always nice to see.
Fullmetal Alchemist - Riza Hawkeye
Fullmetal Alchemist revolves around Edward Elric, a young and brilliant alchemist who has suffered great loss in his twelve-year life. When he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother's body as well as two of his own limbs. A year later, Edward, now promoted to a State Alchemist, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher's Stone.
Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is an officer in the Amestrian State Military, as well as the personal adjutant and bodyguard of Colonel Roy Mustang. Having known Roy since his youthful days as her father's apprentice alchemist and throughout his entire military career, the course of Riza's life seems to bend to suit his. Her character shows a mix between a tortured woman looking for redemption and a resigned acceptance of past mistakes and their consequences. She is not only brilliantly complex, but also an iconic representation of female empowerment.
Pokémon - Pikachu
Easily the most universally identifiable anime of all time, the Pokémon franchise features Ash Ketchum, a new Trainer from Pallet Town, who aims to become the Pokémon Champion and travels with his Pokémon, Pikachu. Together, they journey across the land, training and battling as equals.
Pikachu was the first Pokémon partnered with Ash and has since proven himself to be ferocious and loyal. His absolute devotion to his best friend and trainer has also produced some of the most heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments in anime history. While Ash is the central protagonist, he would be nothing without his faithful partner, with whom he has an unbreakable bond.
Beastars - Haru
Set in a high school where the students are literally divided into predators and prey, Beastars follows Legoshi, a large wolf who becomes the prime suspect in a tragic murder that took place at Cherryton Academy, where an herbivore student was killed and eaten. This is further complicated by his supposedly romantic feelings toward a herbivore, which might not be what they seem.
That herbivore is none other than Haru, a dwarf rabbit. Haru is the only member of the Cherryton gardening club and is generally excluded from school due to her sexual promiscuity. She is regularly treated as a fragile individual by society but longs to be seen as her own person rather than someone small and in need of protection. Cherryton Academy collectively labels Haru as a "slut."
Japanese manga artist Paru Itagaki mentioned Haru's character in Chapter 25 of the Beastars manga, saying: "I feel that Haru is a character that has many traits that are akin to women, both good and bad. But that isn't where her character truly shines. Her true defining trait is that she's always willing to be true to herself." If that poetic description doesn't shine a light on Haru's importance, especially regarding the representation of strong female characters, perhaps nothing does.
Kakegurui - Runa Yomozuki
Kakegurui takes place at Hyakkaou Private Academy, which prepares students for their time in the real world. Since many of the students are the children of the richest people in the country, the academy has certain quirks that separate it from all others. At night, it turns into a gambling den. Yumeko Jabami, a beautiful and seemingly naive transfer student, is ready to try her hand at Hyakkaou's special curriculum. Unlike the rest, she doesn't play to win, but for the thrill of the gamble.
Runa Yomozuki is a supporting character in the series. She is the leader of the Election Committee and serves as a referee during election gambling matches. Despite looking friendly and innocent, Runa possesses a streak of cruelty and tends to get bored very easily, which may indicate sociopathic tendencies. She is described as a "mischievous egotist," which automatically makes her endlessly interesting and volatile -- qualities that often go against the stereotypes of female characters and their purpose within media.
