In the vast world of anime and manga, it's not always the heroes who steal the show. Sometimes, the villains are just as—if not more—captivating. Japan's massive digital bookstore, Comic Cmoa, recently polled its users to find out which antagonists they just can't help but root for in its "Villain You Can't Help But Stan Ranking," and the results are in.
The poll, officially titled "Villain Charm That Outshines the Protagonist! The Villains You Want to Stan Ranking," gathered responses from 6,077 users. Taking the top spot was none other than Vermouth from *Detective Conan*. Let's dive into the top three and see if your favorite made the cut.
Here are the official top three, followed by a list of other popular nominees:
▼ Third Place: Envy from *Fullmetal Alchemist*
As the embodiment of "Jealousy," Envy initially looks down on humans, calling their emotions and sacrifices foolish. In reality, Envy is deeply jealous of humanity's ability to support one another, driving them to sow hatred and watch humans destroy each other in despair. This twisted yet wavering emotional core, which unfolds throughout the story, makes Envy more than just a simple enemy—they're a complex and unforgettable character.
What fans are saying:
"From their first appearance to the end of the story, you see their emotions shift and become more human. That's what makes them so appealing."
"They're genuinely evil, but just like their name, 'Envy,' they're jealous of humans while also yearning to be like them. That contradiction is so fascinating."
▼ Second Place: Naraku from *Inuyasha*
As the series' most formidable villain, Naraku was born from the fusion of a wicked human bandit, Onigumo, with countless demons. After learning of the love between Kikyo and Inuyasha, the demons' desires overrode Onigumo's human affection, leading him to pit the two against each other to obtain a fully corrupted Shikon Jewel. Naraku's complex mix of loneliness and desire makes it impossible to see him as a purely evil character, which is why he's remained a fan favorite for years.
What fans are saying:
"He's so lonely but desperately craves love. That's what makes him so compelling."
"The reason he became a villain stems from human desire, so you can't completely write him off."
"Even though he's a villain, there's an indescribable sadness about him."
▼ First Place: Vermouth from *Detective Conan*
A core member of the Black Organization, Vermouth has been an enigma since her debut. From her mysterious agelessness and mastery of disguise to her ambiguous position between friend and foe, she keeps everyone guessing. She even knows Conan and Haibara's true identities but has kept the secret from the Organization. Vermouth's confidence, personal code, and frenemy status have made her a deeply captivating character for readers.
What fans are saying:
"She's strong and cool! And the fact that she's not just a simple villain is a huge plus."
"Even though she's a villain, she has a soft spot for the hero and heroine, sometimes helping them out or just teasing them. That complexity is irresistible."
Many others mentioned:
"She's a villain, but you can't help but wonder if she's secretly on their side. That sense of anticipation is awesome."
"Just so cool! She's the most mysterious member of the Black Organization and has her own principles. Even though she's Conan's enemy, you somehow want to cheer for her."
Who else made the list? Here are some other fan-favorite villains who received nominations:
Zodyl Typhon from *Gachiakuta*
Praised for being "strong, charismatic, and having clear goals, willing to do anything to achieve them." His cool, composed demeanor mixed with a touch of idealism makes him incredibly cool.
Hōgen from *Ginga Densetsu Weed*
Fans love his "insane combat power and cunning" and that he's "strong, cool, and evil all in one." One reader noted that he's so thoroughly evil, it's actually refreshing.
Yujiro Hanma from *Baki*
Described as "the strongest creature on Earth who still understands etiquette" and "unreasonably strong with a sense of humor." His overwhelming presence and obsession with strength create an incredible aura.
Zeno Bell from *Zatch Bell!*
"He's not just strong; his struggle before becoming a villain is heartbreaking." Many readers were drawn to his backstory, noting that "the more you watch, the more you see his unwavering core."
Griffith from *Berserk*
"Impossibly beautiful, but his reasons for falling into darkness are clear." His "sky-high ideals clashing with his obsession with Guts" create a contrast between nobility and darkness that's impossible to ignore.
Kiriwo Amy from *Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun*
"The gap between his two personalities is huge—it's a great contrast." Fans are excited by his mysterious and unpredictable nature, wondering, "Maybe he won't be a villain in the end?"
Namekawa Hidenobu from *Ushijima the Loan Shark*
"You want to look away, but you just can't." Described as "the strongest and most evil man," his brutally realistic villainy is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
So, what do you think of the list? Did your favorite villain get snubbed? Maybe your top pick is totally different from what Japanese fans chose. Drop a comment and let us know which antagonist you can't help but stan!
via： Comic Cmoa