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The era of the Big Three—comprising the monumental series One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach—marked a transformative period in the anime world, captivating audiences worldwide with their tales of perseverance and resilience. These narratives, capturing the essence of the early 2000s, instilled a “never give up” spirit that defined a generation of anime enthusiasts. Fast forward to today, and the spotlight has shifted to the so-called Dark Trio of shonen—Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Hell’s Paradise—ushering in a new era of storytelling.
In stark contrast to their predecessors, these contemporary series veer away from the classic shonen formula. They embrace grittier, more complex narratives that resonate with modern audiences. The emergence of these series signifies a departure from the archetype of the hopeful shonen hero, as current anime fans are drawn to themes exploring nihilism and survival over grand ambitions of heroism and world-saving quests.
During the height of their popularity, characters like Monkey D. Luffy, Naruto Uzumaki, and Ichigo Kurosaki became the embodiment of unwavering optimism. They inspired viewers with their relentless fights to protect their loved ones while striving towards lofty aspirations that symbolized societal acceptance and personal triumph. Naruto Uzumaki’s journey, for instance, was a compelling underdog saga that captivated fans for years, as he pursued the dream of becoming Hokage, a goal that resonated universally with audiences.
Modern Shonen Protagonists Reject Classic Heroic Archetypes
Monkey D. Luffy, Naruto Uzumaki, and Ichigo Kurosaki all embodied a specific brand of infectious optimism during their prime. These anime heroes fought to protect their friends while pursuing grand goals that represented societal validation and personal growth. For example, fans followed Naruto Uzumaki religiously for years because his quest to earn the title of Hokage felt like a universal underdog story.
In contrast, modern shonen protagonists like Denji from Chainsaw Man represent the antithesis of this drive by focusing on basic goals like obtaining physical intimacy and good food. Unlike the 2000s heroic protagonists, Denji’s motivations in Chainsaw Man rarely extend beyond living a decent life or finding a companion. Denji does not care about saving the world unless the world offers him a tangible, immediate reward for his labor. This survivalist mindset reflects a jaded perspective that resonates with modern viewers who find grand ambitions unrealistic.
Yuji Itadori, meanwhile, begins Jujutsu Kaisen with a selfless desire to help others, yet his journey involves psychological torture and permanent loss. Unlike Naruto Uzumaki, Yuji is forced to realize that his presence often brings more harm than good to those around him. The world of Jujutsu Kaisen offers no rewards for Yuji’s kindness, only grief as he’s forced to play the role of the cog the system demands he become. After Shibuya, Yuji eventually gives in and accepts his role as a mere tool for killing curses rather than a savior.
Adult Viewers Drive The Demand For Grittier Storytelling
The shift towards dark shonen is likely because the original Naruto and One Piece audiences grew up alongside their favorite characters. These adult anime fans now seek stories that reflect the complexities of the real world rather than idealized fantasies. Many older viewers especially appreciate the lack of plot armor that previously protected protagonists in the earlier Big Three era, which is exactly what the Dark Trio delivers.
Gege Akutami crafts Jujutsu Kaisen as a brutal shonen deconstruction where beloved characters die without ceremony. Tatsuki Fujimoto uses Chainsaw Man to explore trauma and parasocial relationships through a surrealist, often depressing lens. Hell’s Paradise blends historical fiction with body horror to challenge the notion of traditional heroism. These narratives resonate with a generation facing global uncertainty and economic instability, providing a level of emotional honesty that Naruto and Bleach often avoided.
The Search For A New Big Three Equivalent For Younger Fans Continues
As a result of the shift towards darker narratives, younger audiences currently lack a definitive long-running shonen that matches the massive cultural impact of Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. My Hero Academia started as a bright successor to the Big Three, yet Izuku Midoriya’s journey eventually mirrored the grim tone of the Dark Trio.
The Dark Deku arc in My Hero Academia signaled a shift toward the same jaded storytelling found in Jujutsu Kaisen. While Izuku Midoriya remains a hero, his world has become too bleak for younger pre-teens to enjoy purely. Similarly, Demon Slayer captured the world’s attention with the pure-hearted Tanjiro Kamado, but the series ended before it could build a multi-decade legacy.
The absence of a purely optimistic long-running shonen leaves today’s pre-teens without a central hero to grow with over time. One Piece continues to sail, but its immense length intimidates many new, younger viewers, preventing them from entering the fandom. Boruto attempts to continue Naruto’s legacy, yet many fans feel the series lacks the stakes and quality of the original. Without a massive, hopeful hit, the next generation of anime fans might just adopt the cynicism of the Dark Trio prematurely.