Anime fans know the feeling all too well. You’re watching a series for the protagonist, but then a supporting character shows up and completely steals the spotlight. They have depth, mystery, and a backstory that begs to be told. Yet they remain in the shadows, playing second fiddle to the main cast. Some of these characters have become more beloved than the heroes themselves, sparking endless fan theories and passionate debates about what their own series would look like.
Many anime side characters possess compelling backstories, unique abilities, and dedicated fanbases that rival the main protagonists. Characters like Levi Ackerman, Killua Zoldyck, and Gojo Satoru have demonstrated enough depth and popularity to warrant standalone series. Their untold stories, complex motivations, and rich character development make them perfect candidates for spin-offs that could expand their respective anime universes while satisfying devoted fans.
Why Supporting Characters Often Outshine the Main Cast
Side characters don’t carry the burden of moving the entire plot forward. This freedom allows writers to craft more nuanced personalities and explore darker, more complex themes. They can be morally grey without alienating viewers. They can fail without derailing the story. This creative liberty often results in more interesting character arcs.
The main protagonist usually follows a predictable growth pattern. They start weak, face challenges, and emerge victorious. Side characters break this mould. They arrive with mysterious pasts, hidden agendas, and skills that make you wonder how they got so strong in the first place.
Fans connect with these characters because they feel more human. They have flaws that aren’t always resolved. They make choices that don’t always lead to happy endings. This authenticity resonates deeply with audiences who crave complexity in their storytelling.
Characters With Untapped Potential for Standalone Series
Several anime side characters who deserve their own show have already proven they can carry episodes on their own. When they appear on screen, viewership spikes. Fan art floods social media. Discussion threads explode with theories and speculation.
Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan
Levi’s backstory in the Underground City was briefly touched upon, but fans hunger for more. His relationship with Kenny, his survival in the slums, and how he became humanity’s strongest soldier all deserve proper exploration. A prequel series following his journey from street thug to Survey Corps captain would provide the gritty, character-driven narrative that made Attack on Titan so compelling.
His fighting style alone could sustain entire episodes. The precision, the brutality, the calculated efficiency. Watching him develop these skills from scratch would be mesmerising.
Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter
Killua’s family dynamics offer endless storytelling possibilities. The Zoldyck family operates as elite assassins with their own code, hierarchy, and twisted sense of love. A series focusing on Killua’s training, his missions before meeting Gon, and his internal struggle between his nature and his desires would be phenomenal.
His relationship with his siblings, particularly Alluka, deserves more screen time. The moral complexities of the assassination business, combined with Killua’s gradual rejection of his predetermined path, creates rich narrative ground.
Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen
The strongest sorcerer in the modern era has a past that’s only been partially revealed. His student days with Geto, the mission that changed everything, and his rise to becoming the pillar of jujutsu society all warrant deeper examination. A series exploring his youth would blend action, tragedy, and the philosophical questions that define Jujutsu Kaisen.
His unique perspective on power, responsibility, and the corrupt jujutsu establishment provides a mature lens through which to examine the series’ world. Fans have already shown immense interest in his character, making a spin-off commercially viable.
What Makes a Side Character Spin-Off Worthy
Not every supporting character can carry their own series. Certain elements must be present for a spin-off to succeed both narratively and commercially.
| Element | Why It Matters | Example Character |
|---|---|---|
| Complex backstory | Provides episode material and emotional depth | Itachi Uchiha |
| Unique abilities | Creates visually interesting action sequences | Roy Mustang |
| Fan dedication | Ensures viewership and merchandise sales | Vegeta |
| Thematic relevance | Allows exploration of the original series’ themes | L Lawliet |
| Character growth potential | Sustains multi-season storytelling | Zoro |
The character must also fill a gap in the original series. If their story has been fully told, a spin-off becomes redundant. The best candidates are those who disappeared for long periods, whose pasts remain mysterious, or whose futures after the main series end remain uncertain.
Fan Favourites Who Could Lead Their Own Series
Beyond the obvious choices, several underrated characters have the depth and appeal to anchor standalone shows.
- Nobara Kugisaki brings a refreshing female perspective to jujutsu sorcery with her unapologetic confidence and unique cursed technique
- Yoruichi Shihōin from Bleach has centuries of history as a former captain and noble that remains largely unexplored
- Ragnar from Vinland Saga raised a prince while navigating court politics and his own warrior past
- Olivier Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist commands Fort Briggs with an iron will and tactical genius that deserves spotlight
- Hisoka from Hunter x Hunter operates as a wild card whose past and true motivations remain tantalizingly vague
Each of these characters has demonstrated the ability to captivate audiences during their limited screen time. They possess distinct personalities that contrast with their respective protagonists, offering fresh narrative angles.
How Spin-Offs Benefit the Original Series
Creating standalone series for popular side characters isn’t just fan service. It’s smart world-building that enriches the entire franchise.
A well-executed spin-off can:
- Fill plot holes or answer lingering questions from the main series
- Introduce new characters who can later appear in the original timeline
- Expand the universe’s lore and power systems
- Maintain fan engagement between seasons or after the main series concludes
- Generate additional revenue streams through merchandise and streaming
The key is maintaining the quality and tone that made the original series successful. Fans can spot cash grabs immediately. The spin-off must respect the source material while standing on its own merits.
“The best spin-offs don’t just retread familiar ground. They take a beloved character and show you a side of them you never knew existed, making you appreciate both the spin-off and the original series even more.”
This approach has worked brilliantly in other media. Breaking Bad spawned Better Call Saul, which many consider equal or superior to the original. Anime has the same potential with its rich casts of supporting characters.
The Business Case for Side Character Series
Studios are slowly recognising the commercial viability of these projects. Demon Slayer’s success with character-focused arcs proves audiences will show up for supporting cast members. The Mugen Train arc, centred on Rengoku, became the highest-grossing anime film of all time.
Streaming platforms actively seek content that can attract established fanbases. A spin-off featuring a beloved character comes with built-in marketing. Fans will promote it organically through social media, creating buzz without massive advertising budgets.
Merchandise sales for popular side characters often rival or exceed those of main protagonists. Levi Ackerman consistently tops popularity polls and merchandise sales despite not being Attack on Titan’s protagonist. This demonstrates clear market demand.
Characters Whose Stories Ended Too Soon
Some side characters were removed from their series prematurely, leaving fans devastated and hungry for more content.
Eri from My Hero Academia survived horrific abuse but her recovery and growth happen mostly off-screen. A series following her learning to control her power, processing her trauma, and finding her place in hero society would be both heartwarming and emotionally powerful.
The Body Improvement Club from Mob Psycho 100 provided some of the series’ most wholesome moments. Their dedication to self-improvement, acceptance of Mob, and genuine friendship created a positive masculinity rarely seen in anime. A slice-of-life series following their daily lives and workouts would be refreshingly uplifting.
The Shitennou from Sailor Moon were redeemed in the manga but killed off in the original anime. Their complex relationships with the Sailor Guardians and internal conflicts between duty and emotion deserved fuller exploration.
What Fans Want From Side Character Series
The anime community has been vocal about what they expect from potential spin-offs. Forums, Reddit threads, and social media polls reveal consistent patterns in fan preferences.
Fans want origin stories that don’t contradict established canon. They want to see formative moments that shaped the character into who they became. Training arcs, early missions, and pivotal relationships all rank high on wish lists.
They also crave character development that feels earned. A spin-off shouldn’t just be action sequences strung together. It needs emotional weight, difficult choices, and consequences that matter.
Visual quality must match or exceed the original series. Fans won’t accept downgraded animation or rushed production. The character deserves the same care and budget that made them popular in the first place.
Making It Happen Without Losing What Made Them Special
The biggest risk with any spin-off is overexposure. Part of what makes these characters compelling is their mystery. Revealing too much can diminish their appeal.
The solution lies in strategic storytelling. Focus on specific time periods rather than documenting their entire lives. Leave some questions unanswered. Maintain the qualities that made them interesting while adding new dimensions.
Involve the original creators when possible. Their vision shaped these characters, and their input ensures consistency in tone and characterisation. Studio changes or different directors can result in characters that feel off, alienating the existing fanbase.
Timing matters too. Launching a spin-off while the original series is still airing can split audience attention. Waiting too long risks losing momentum and fan interest. The sweet spot is usually shortly after the main series concludes or during a planned break between seasons.
Bringing These Characters to Life
The anime industry is gradually warming to the idea of side character series. We’ve seen successful examples with shows like A Certain Scientific Railgun, which elevated Misaka Mikoto from supporting character to protagonist. The series proved that with the right approach, side characters can absolutely carry their own narratives.
Technology and production methods have evolved to make these projects more feasible. Studios can reuse assets, world-building, and established lore, reducing production costs compared to creating entirely new intellectual property.
Fan campaigns have also become more effective at influencing studio decisions. Organised petitions, trending hashtags, and demonstrated willingness to financially support projects through crowdfunding have all played roles in greenlighting new content.
The characters are ready. The fans are eager. The business case is solid. Now it’s just a matter of studios taking the leap and giving these anime side characters who deserve their own show the spotlight they’ve earned. The potential for compelling storytelling, commercial success, and franchise expansion is enormous. These supporting players have already proven they can steal scenes. It’s time to see if they can steal the show.