While manyanimeadaptations remain faithful to their original source material, there are times when studios take creative liberties. This can be due to pacing issues, filler episodes, production schedules, or simply a desire to explore new ideas within an existing universe. As a result, anime-original content is born.
An anime may introduce new story arcs, plot twists, or even entirely original characters that never appeared in the source material. Sometimes, these characters are forgettable. But other times, they shine just as brightly as the original cast.
These characters all made their debut in the anime, though several became popular enough to later appear in the manga as well.
10Tsubaki
Naruto
The very first antagonist introduced in Naruto was Mizuki, a former Academy instructor who manipulated Naruto into stealing the forbidden Scroll of Seals. In the manga, Mizuki is swiftly defeated and remains incarcerated. However,the anime expands on his story, allowing him to escape from prison and introduces a new character: his lover, Tsubaki.
This filler arc also introduced a powered-up version of Mizuki, transforming him into a tiger-human hybrid… affectionately nicknamed “Tony the Tiger” by the fandom.
At first, Tsubaki refuses to believe that Mizuki could be anything but a kind and misunderstood man. She’s convinced he was wrongfully accused and clings to the memory of who he used to be. But as Mizuki’s behavior grows more erratic and violent, Tsubaki is forced to confront the truth.
9Ayame
Inuyasha
Beware Spoilers Ahead!While the love triangle between Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kikyo is the most noted romantic dynamic in the series, the rivalry between Inuyasha and Koga for Kagome’s affections plays an equally important role. From the moment Koga first meets Kagome, he is smitten, openly declaring her as his woman. Though it was clear that Inuyasha and Kagomewere destined to be endgame, Koga wasn’t left without a happy ending of his own.
Ayame, the granddaughter of the Northern Wolf Demon Tribe’s elder, was Koga’s childhood friend. Years later, when her tribe is nearly wiped out by the demon Kyokotsu, Koga steps in to avenge them. After reuniting with Ayame, the two rekindle their bond. Their eventual marriage brings long-awaited unity to the fragmented Wolf Demon Tribe and gives Koga a meaningful, fulfilling resolution to his story.
8Muramasa
Bleach
Muramasa is a Zanpakutō Spiritwith the rare and powerful ability to sever the bond between other Shinigami and their Zanpakutō, effectively freeing the spirits from their servitude. After suffering years of abuse at the hands of his master, Kōga Kuchiki, Muramasa becomes disillusioned and embarks on a mission to liberate all Zanpakutō Spirits. This crusade ultimately sparks the Zanpakutō Rebellion.
Although the Zanpakutō Rebellion arc is anime-only and not considered canon, it offers fans deeper insight into the nature of Zanpakutō and their relationships with their wielders. The arc gave long-overdue character development to many of the spirits, enriching the world of Bleach in a way the main storyline hadn’t explored.
7Homura Toushin Taishi
Gensoumaden Saiyuki
War God Prince Homura was one of the primary antagonists in the second season of Saiyuki. A forbidden child born from the union of a god and a human, Homura’s existence was deemed a violation of divine law. The only reason he was spared execution was his blood relation to the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven. Instead, Homura was imprisoned and left to await a slow, forgotten death. This cruel fate instilled in him a deep resentment toward the celestial realm, eventually driving him to plot its destruction.
While Homura never appeared in the manga’s story, he was added as a cameo during a one-shot chapter published by G-Fantasy.
By the end of Saiyuki’s first season, the anime had caught up with the manga, leaving the creators with a decision: go on hiatus or produce an original storyline. They chose the latter, which led to the development of the Homura arc. Though not considered canon, this arc is notable for expanding the narrative beyond the source material. It not only introduced compelling original characters like Homura but also explored Heaven’s internal politics and allowed for deeper character development among the main cast.
6Commander Jonathan
One Piece
Jonathan is a Vice Admiral in the Marines who first appeared during the G-8 Arc of One Piece. Known for his sharp tactical mind and calm demeanor, he is one of the most strategic and calculating officers in the Navy. Throughout the arc, he reveals that he was never truly intent on capturing the Straw Hat Crew. Instead, he used their unexpected arrival as an opportunity to rally his subordinates, test their preparedness, and demonstrate the continued value of the G-8 base to Marine Headquarters, which was considering shutting it down.
Although Jonathan is a non-canon character created exclusively for the anime, he became a fan favorite thanks to his intelligence, wit, and unique approach to justice. His popularity led to additional appearances in the anime and a cameo in the film One Piece: Stampede.
5Kemokemo
Fairy Tail
While on a mission with Lucy and Happy to collect monster scales in Fairy Tail, Natsu stumbles upon a mysterious egg. Moved by instinct and curiosity, he decides to care for it himself. When the egg hatches, a strange, furry creature emerges, instantly earning Natsu’s affection. He names it Kemokemo and declares it part of his family.
Over the following weeks, Kemokemo accompanies Natsu on various jobs, rapidly growing both in size and loyalty. As their adventures continue, Kemokemo slowly begins to uncover the truth about his origins… and his greater purpose in the world. In the end, this unlikely bond between dragon slayer and mysterious creature becomes key in a quest much bigger than any of them anticipated.
4Wrath
Fullmetal Alchemist
Beware spoilers for Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.Not to be confused with King Bradley, the embodiment of Wrath in the manga and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist anime introduced an original version of Wrath. In this adaptation, Wrath is a Homunculus born from Izumi Curtis’s tragic attempt to resurrect her deceased son. The transmutation failed, and the resulting child’s body was cast into the Gate, where he remained trapped for years.
In isolation, Wrath developed a deep resentment toward Izumi, whom he viewed as both his creator and his forsaker. His hatred only grew with time. When Edward and Alphonse Elric reopened the Gate during their own failed human transmutation, Wrath seized the opportunity to escape, emerging into the world with Edward’s right arm and left leg, which he had taken for himself.
3Ash Ketchum
Pokemon
After Pokemon Red & Blue (Red & Green in Japan) became a global phenomenon, it was only natural that an anime adaptation would follow. However, there was one major hurdle: the video game’s protagonist, Red, was a silent, blank-slate character designed to serve as a player avatar and had no personality.
To bridge the gap between game and show, the anime introduced Ash Ketchum: a precocious, determined ten-year-old from Pallet Town. Unlike Red, Ash had a voice, a personality, and a dream: to become a Pokemon Master. With Pikachu by his side, Ash became the heart of the anime, capturing the imaginations of fans for over two decades.
2Broly
Dragon Ball Z
Broly is the main antagonist in the Broly Triple Threat trilogy, a series of three feature-length Dragon Ball Z films released in 1993 and 1994. Unlike most Saiyans, Broly does not wear the standard Saiyan battle armor, as he is not affiliated with Frieza’s forces. Over the course of the trilogy, Broly transforms from a calm and collected warrior into a savage, maniacal powerhouse, driven by his seemingly endless reservoir of strength.
Broly’s popularity far exceeded expectations. His initial appearances were considered non-canon, existing outside the main Dragon Ball storyline. However, due to his overwhelming fan appeal, series creator Akira Toriyama later reimagined and reintroduced Broly into the official canon with the 2018 film Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
1Team Rocket Trio: Jessie, James, And Meowth
While Ash and Pikachu may be the faces of the Pokemon anime, Team Rocket has earned a special place in fans' hearts as some of the most beloved characters in the series. This hopelessly endearing trio, Jessie, James, and Meowth, technically work for theinfamous crime syndicate Team Rocket, the main antagonists of the original Pokemon games. But while Giovanni poses a serious threat to Red in the games, his subordinates in the anime are anything but menacing.
Due to the trio’s popularity, Jessie, James, and Meowth made appearances in Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokemon GO, and several spin-off games and manga.
Desperate to capture Pikachu and prove their worth as true villains, Jessie, James, and Meowth constantly find themselves tangled in over-the-top schemes and inevitable failure. Yet, despite their antics and villainous goals, they consistently show genuine care for their Pokemon and for each other. you may’t help but cheer them on, even when they’re blasting off again.
