In the anime world, a successful villain is not just about overwhelming power but also the ability to capture the hearts of viewers. Recently, Japan’s leading e-book site Comic Seymour revealed the results of a poll on the most beloved villains, delivering a surprising outcome.
Forget names like Aizen from Bleach or Blackbeard from One Piece. Japanese fans have a very different taste when it comes to their favorite villains.
1. Champion: “The Black Swan” Vermouth (Detective Conan)
Surpassing many strong contenders, Vermouth claimed the top spot with 2,805 votes, outpacing the runner-up by over 1,000 votes. This clearly shows the undeniable charm of the Black Organization’s queen.
What makes Vermouth special isn’t brute strength or world domination schemes. She is a master of disguise and espionage, operating with mystery and emotion. Despite being a dangerous criminal, Vermouth often secretly protects Conan and Haibara. Her blend of danger, allure, and deep psychological complexity makes every appearance a thrill for fans.
2. Runner-up: “The Manipulator” Naraku (Inuyasha)
Naraku, the cunning half-demon, took second place with 1,513 votes. Under Rumiko Takahashi’s pen, Naraku is not just a persistent villain but also a tragic figure.
Despite his countless crimes, fans’ hatred for Naraku often comes with sympathy. His evil roots stem from very human flaws: jealousy, loneliness, and blind love. He proves that the more a villain’s cruelty is born from pain, the more the audience can empathize.
3. Third Place: “The Envious” Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Rounding out the top three is Envy, one of Fullmetal Alchemist’s most memorable Homunculi, with 1,073 votes. Known for causing the heartbreaking death of Maes Hughes, Envy was initially despised.
However, as the story progresses, Envy’s cruel facade peels away to reveal a painful truth. Envy hates humans because he envies their ability to love, protect, and rise after falling, things a created being like him can never have. This tragic depth helped Envy surpass many other powerful villains.
These results show that for Japanese fans, strength or coolness isn’t always the most important factor. Complex storytelling and a deeply wounded soul matter more. Villains like Vermouth and Naraku prove that sometimes the cracks in a character’s personality are what draw the audience’s affection.