It’s actually quite common for supporting characters to become more popular than the main heroes. Anime protagonists are often designed to be relatable, allowing viewers to imagine themselves in the role, but this can sometimes make them feel a little bland. Meanwhile, a compelling villain or a funny sidekick can unexpectedly develop a stronger personality and gain a really devoted following.
Fans have long written their own stories about anime worlds, often imagining events from a different character’s point of view. But some characters are so popular, it seems like studios could make even more money by creating spin-off series focused on them.
L Has Way More Detective Stories Outside of Death Note
L, a hugely popular character from Death Note, is a complete enigma – no one knows where he came from or even his true name. His death in the middle of the series was devastating for fans, who are eager to learn more about his life and past. Since the Kira case was unusual for him, many wonder what other mysteries he solved throughout his career.
The famous LA BB murders case from the story has already been expanded upon in a spin-off novel, giving readers more details about Wammy’s House and the mysterious character Beyond Birthday. Because L showed exceptional detective skills from a very young age, there’s a lot of room to tell more stories about him, even outside of the main Death Note plot.
Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs Deserves a Full Mafia Spin-Off
With so many characters in Bungo Stray Dogs, there’s a lot of opportunity for new stories and spin-offs, as explored in the light novels and anime created by Atsushi Nakajima.
I’m a huge fan of Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs – he’s just such a compelling character! Everyone loves his playful, almost clown-like personality, and the running joke about him trying to end it all is always good for a laugh. But what’s really fascinating is his backstory. Before joining the Agency, he was a total prodigy in the Port Mafia, specializing in torture! Honestly, the Port Mafia itself is so rich with potential stories, they could easily fill an entire 25-episode season just exploring that side of things.
Hisoka is the Ultimate Wild Card in Hunter x Hunter
Hisoka is a divisive character in Hunter x Hunter, but he’s still incredibly popular with fans. While he often comes across as unsettling, especially to younger characters like Gon and Killua, his unpredictable nature is a key part of his appeal. His vibrant design and unique abilities make him a great candidate for his own spin-off anime.
Hisoka’s motives in Hunter x Hunter are unpredictable – he’ll fight anyone, whether they’re the hero or the villain. This makes him a truly unpredictable character, opening up many exciting story possibilities. It’s unusual for a villain to be so popular with fans, but Hisoka is a clear standout in the world of shonen anime.
Itachi Uchiha is the Original Badass Side Character in Naruto
Itachi, Sasuke’s older brother, has always been a fascinating character for many Naruto fans – some even admire him for his brooding style. For most of the series, he’s presented as a villain, responsible for the deaths of everyone in the Uchiha clan except Sasuke. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, fans grew to love him even more.
The Naruto anime and related novels have given us glimpses into Itachi’s personality, but fans often wonder what a dedicated anime series focused solely on him would be like. He’s a fascinating character because he’s presented as both a ruthless killer and a devoted brother, leaving plenty of room for a deeper look into his story.
Fans Want a Shanks Spin-Off Before One Piece Has Even Ended
Shanks played a huge part in inspiring Luffy to become a pirate, and fans have been eager to learn more about his history. He immediately grabs attention in One Piece with his relaxed personality and the fact that he used to sail with the legendary Roger Pirates, leading many to wonder if he was secretly a villain. Now that we know he’s a good person, he’s become even more beloved by fans.
A One Piece spin-off focusing on Shanks could explore his journey to becoming a powerful and respected pirate emperor. Because he’s generally humble, much of his history remains a mystery, making him an ideal subject for a deeper story.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Best Boy Gojo Needs His Own Show
Fans haven’t gotten nearly enough information about Satoru Gojo’s past in Jujutsu Kaisen. Because he’s such a powerful and popular character, fans are eager for any new content featuring him, especially with the knowledge that his time in the anime is limited.
Viewers really enjoyed the relationship between Gojo and Geto in the Hidden Inventory arc and are eager to see more of their adventures as high school students. Additionally, Gojo’s time mentoring Yuta Okkotsu in Jujutsu Kaisen 0 offers many possibilities for additional stories, along with exploring his upbringing and training as the sole member of the Gojo clan possessing both Limitless and the Six Eyes.
Mob Psycho 100 Needs to Adapt the Reigen Spin-Off Manga
What’s exciting about a possible Mob Psycho 100 spin-off is that one is already written – it just needs to be made into an anime. Mob Psycho 100: Reigen is a manga by ONE that takes place after the original story, and it follows the psychic con artist Reigen Arataka as he continues running his paranormal consultation business after Mob goes off to high school.
Fans adore Reigen, especially his dynamic with his assistants, Serizawa and Tome. Excitingly, his English voice actor, Chris Niosi, has expressed interest in reprising the role in a potential spin-off on TikTok, giving fans hope that it might become a reality.
A Dragon Ball Prequel Could Be Based on Planet Vegeta
Vegeta is one of the most popular characters in the Dragon Ball series, second only to Goku. He started as an enemy for Goku, but became so popular with fans that he continued to appear throughout the series, often sharing the spotlight and even starring in his own storylines. While he’s a fun character now, there are still many unexplored stories about his life before coming to Earth.
A new Dragon Ball series focused on Planet Vegeta could greatly expand our understanding of the Saiyan race. It could explore their history, customs, and government – the world Vegeta knew as a child – and introduce us to members of his family we’ve never met. We might even see villains like Frieza again, with the destruction of Planet Vegeta serving as the event that kicks off the main Dragon Ball story.
Roy Mustang’s Time in the Army is an Untold Fullmetal Alchemist Story
Given how important Roy Mustang is to the story of Fullmetal Alchemist, he’s the most requested character for a spin-off series. His strong drive and personality made him a fan favorite, and people have been imagining what a series focused on him would be like for years. Many feel it’s time to finally bring that idea to life.
Fans are deeply invested in Roy’s character because of his remorse for past actions and his ambition to reform the military. This has led to strong interest in a spin-off anime that would explore his backstory and motivations in detail.
A Chainsaw Man Prequel Could Follow Kishibe Joining Public Safety
Fans are eager for the next part of Chainsaw Man, but a spin-off focusing on Kishibe would also be welcome. Kishibe is a highly experienced devil hunter and the leader of a special division, known for being a bit unusual. His intriguing personality has left fans wanting to learn more about his history and time working in public safety.
A spin-off series focusing on Kishibe would fit well within the world of Chainsaw Man. He’s known as the most powerful devil hunter and has made deals with many strong devils. We’ve already seen glimpses of his past, including his relationships with Quanxi and Himeno, which opens the door for those characters to reappear.
2026-05-23 07:13