Unmasking the Darkness: Worst Anime Fathers

We cannot discuss anime fathers without mentioning Goku, the legendary Saiyan from the beloved series Dragon Ball Z. Goku, despite being an incredibly powerful and heroic character, falls short in the realm of fatherhood. His relentless pursuit of strength and constant battles often take precedence over his responsibilities as a father and husband.

Throughout the series, Goku’s absence and neglect are palpable, as he prioritizes training and fighting over spending quality time with his sons, Gohan and Goten. While his intentions are never malicious, Goku’s irresponsibility as a father leaves a void in the lives of his children, resulting in their pursuit of strength and affirmation elsewhere.

Dragon Ball Z fans have long debated Goku’s role as a father, highlighting the impact of his absence on Gohan and Goten’s development. Despite his heroic deeds, Goku serves as a prime example of a neglectful anime dad.

Within the gripping tale of Attack On Titan lies the haunting figure of Grisha Yeager, whose actions reveal the depths of his villainous nature. Grisha’s actions and treatment of his son, Eren Yeager, paint a harrowing picture of an abusive anime father.

Driven by his twisted ideology and obsession with the world beyond the walls, Grisha subjects Eren to cruel experiments and manipulates him into fulfilling his grand plan. This toxic relationship leaves Eren scarred and filled with resentment, fueling his path of destruction.

Fullmetal Alchemist delivers a heart-wrenching narrative, and within its depths lies one of the most despicable characters in the anime world—Shou Tucker. Shou, a renowned alchemist, succumbs to irresponsibility and moral bankruptcy when he transmutes his daughter, Nina, and her large dog, merging them into a grotesque chimera.

This unforgivable act of betrayal and cruelty showcases Shou’s complete disregard for the well-being of his child and highlights his crazy obsession with his career. The guy even infused his wife with some unknown creature. The tragic consequences of his actions haunted the anime fans long after the episode concluded, solidifying his place among the worst fathers in anime history.

Within the complex and introspective world of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gendo Ikari emerges as a villainous figure who manipulates the lives of those around him, including his own son, Shinji Ikari. While I am not a fan of Shinji, his father’s apathy is why the young EVA pilot turned the way he did. Gendo’s cold demeanor and calculated actions paint a grim picture of a father driven solely by his hidden agenda.

Gendo’s neglectful behavior and emotional detachment exacerbated Shinji’s insecurities, leading to a strained relationship filled with anguish and confusion. The emotional toll inflicted on Shinji showcases Gendo’s capacity for emotional manipulation and solidifies his position as one of the worst anime fathers in history.

Obsession has a face, and it’s Enji Todoroki. In My Hero Academia, Enji Todoroki, also known as Endeavor, stands out as a complex character, embodying the struggles and potential for redemption. As the father of Shoto Todoroki, Endeavor’s relentless pursuit of becoming the number one hero clouds his judgment and leads him down a dark path.

Endeavor’s abusive treatment of his family, particularly Shoto, casts a dark shadow on his legacy. However, as the series progresses, Endeavor confronts his past mistakes, striving for redemption and reconciliation with his family. This journey offers a glimmer of hope and showcases the potential for growth, reminding us that even the worst fathers can change.

In anime, we encounter a diverse array of fathers, some embodying love and support while others stand as cautionary tales of what not to be. These anime fathers shed light on the devastating impact of neglect, abuse, irresponsibility, and villainy.

Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the importance of positive and nurturing parental figures in their children’s lives. They urge us to reflect on our own relationships with our fathers (figures) and strive to break the cycle of dysfunction. So, if you’re happy that your dad isn’t Shou Tucker, why not give him a thoughtful Father’s Day gift?