Top 10 Best Anime Mentors
Anime mentors are a staple of the genre, especially in shonen series. These characters guide our heroes at the start of their journeys, shaping them into the powerful individuals we come to root for. Unlike mentors in other media, many anime mentors are far from passive or disposable. Instead, they’re powerful, dynamic, and leave a lasting impression. Today, we count down the Top 10 Badass Anime Mentors who’ve left their mark on the genre.
Top 10 Best Anime Mentors
Character | Anime |
---|---|
Lisa Lisa | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure |
Genkai | Yu Yu Hakusho |
Kisuke Urahara | Bleach |
Biscuit Krueger | Hunter x Hunter |
Jiraiya | Naruto |
Korosensei | Assassination Classroom |
Izumi Curtis | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
Silvers Rayleigh | One Piece |
All Might | My Hero Academia |
Hiko Seijuro | Rurouni Kenshin |
10. Lisa Lisa – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Lisa Lisa is proof that anime mentors don’t have to fit the stereotypical mold of grizzled veterans. Stunning, graceful, and incredibly powerful, Lisa Lisa plays a pivotal role in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure as Caesar’s Hamon master and a mentor to Joseph Joestar. She’s tough, strategic, and easily holds her own against formidable foes like vampires and Pillar Men. While she appears youthful, Lisa Lisa is actually in her 50s, a testament to the benefits of her Hamon training.
9. Genkai – Yu Yu Hakusho
90s anime fans will fondly remember Genkai, the snarky, sarcastic powerhouse of Yu Yu Hakusho. Once a champion of the Dark Tournament, she’s as formidable as they come. Genkai trains Yusuke with her trademark “tough love,” pushing him through grueling lessons to unlock his true potential. Her no-nonsense approach, combined with her immense power, earns her a spot on this list.
8. Kisuke Urahara – Bleach
While Rukia Kuchiki introduced Ichigo Kurosaki to the world of Soul Reapers, Kisuke Urahara arguably plays the most critical role in shaping Ichigo’s destiny. The quirky shopkeeper not only helps unlock Ichigo’s full powers but also trains his allies for their perilous mission to Hueco Mundo. Beneath his laid-back demeanor lies an extraordinary former captain of the Gotei 13 with unmatched intelligence and power. Urahara is integral to resolving major conflicts in Bleach and his Bankai? Absolutely worth checking out in the manga.
7. Biscuit Krueger – Hunter x Hunter
Who says mentors can’t come in unexpected forms? Biscuit Krueger, or “Bisky,” is introduced in the Greed Island arc of Hunter x Hunter and quickly proves herself a powerhouse. Though she appears as a delicate young girl, her true form is anything but. Bisky trains Gon and Killua, refining their Nen abilities with her rigorous lessons. Her blend of strength, mystery, and humor makes her a standout mentor.
6. Jiraiya – Naruto
A classic in the mentor archetype, Jiraiya is as wise as he is eccentric. Known for his comedic perversion and deep insight, the “Pervy Sage” is Naruto Uzumaki’s key mentor. Jiraiya not only teaches Naruto how to harness his potential but also shapes him into the destined savior of the shinobi world. His tragic yet heroic last stand remains one of the most emotional moments in Naruto Shippuden.
5. Korosensei – Assassination Classroom
Korosensei is as unique as anime mentors come. The tentacled creature from Assassination Classroom starts as a seemingly unstoppable villain who destroyed the moon but soon reveals himself as an extraordinary teacher. His dedication to his students is unmatched, and he helps each one uncover their potential while shielding them from harm. Beneath his overpowered abilities lies a troubled soul who seeks redemption, making Korosensei an unforgettable mentor.
4. Izumi Curtis – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Never underestimate a “mere housewife.” Izumi Curtis is anything but ordinary. As the Elric brothers’ alchemy teacher, she pushes them to their limits, using survival challenges and harsh lessons to teach them resilience. Her terrifying demeanor often keeps foes—and even her students—on edge, but she’s also deeply empathetic, especially when she learns about the brothers’ ill-fated attempt at human transmutation.
3. Silvers Rayleigh – One Piece
Silvers Rayleigh, also known as the “Dark King,” is a living legend in the One Piece universe. As the former right-hand man of Pirate King Gol D. Roger, he trained Luffy in the ways of Haki, equipping him with skills essential for his journey. Despite retiring from piracy, Rayleigh retains his immense strength, even holding his own against powerful admirals. His status as a legendary figure without a Devil Fruit solidifies his badass credentials.
2. All Might – My Hero Academia
The Symbol of Peace and the greatest hero in My Hero Academia, All Might is a paragon of justice. His mentorship of Izuku Midoriya goes beyond transferring his powers—he inspires Deku and countless others to embrace heroism. Even as his strength wanes, All Might’s presence continues to strike fear into villains while motivating his students to reach their potential.
1. Hiko Seijuro – Rurouni Kenshin
Topping the list is Kenshin Himura’s mentor, Hiko Seijuro, from Rurouni Kenshin. Known for his unmatched swordsmanship and towering arrogance, Hiko exudes confidence because he can back it up. He’s leagues ahead of even the series’ strongest foes, but his indifference to the world’s conflicts keeps him on the sidelines. His no-nonsense training methods and larger-than-life presence make him the ultimate anime mentor.
Honorable Mentions
Anime is filled with memorable mentors, from Master Roshi of Dragon Ball to Kaien Shiba in Bleach. Who’s your favorite mentor? Let us know in the comments!
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