Another year ending means a plethora of lists documenting bests and favorites. Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi is one of the go-to when it comes to anime, manga, and light novel recommendations, and they’ve released the results for their polls in many different categories. There’s a post up already about Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi’s list of best girls, and here we’ll be taking a look at their list of ten most popular male characters. Let’s get to it!
10 Fumiya Tomozaki (Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun)
Fumiya Tomozaki is the main protagonist of Jaku-Chara, an elite gamer, but a “trash-tier” character in the real world (his word, not ours). As he goes through the story, he starts to work on himself, from being an awkward NPC that has a hard time socializing with others self to someone who would fare better in this game called life.
9 Shinei Nouzen (86)
Codenamed Undertaker, and known as Reaper by his peers, Shin is the field commander of Spearhead squadron and is an elite Processor with 5 years on the front lines. He has the special ability to hear the enemy and he uses this to his advantage in battle even though this does strain him. He is stoic in nature, due mostly to his ability’s effects, and known to be an avid reader. He feels the responsibility of looking out for his companions but is not one to take care of himself.
8 Bell Cranel (Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka)
Bell Cranel is the main male protagonist of DanMachi and is the captain of the Hestia Familia. He is considered to be cute by the other characters, comparing his appearance to a rabbit, and is characterized to be kind, trusting, brave, and shy among other things.
His trusting nature has caused him trouble in the past as people have taken advantage of him, but even in these instances, he is quick to forgive. Although he is emotionally driven, he is a determined adventurer that sets to achieve the goals that he sets from himself.
7 Accelerator (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
Accelerator is the number one level 5 esper and is currently the strongest one in Academy City. He was introduced as an antagonist but later on, became the main protagonist of the science side of the series. He gets excited when fighting opponents that amuse him and in these battles, he appears more maniacal with his wide grin and laughter. His character development is interesting in that there is a turn to a more heroic role and as a protagonist, his story revolves more around the conspiracies that exist on the dark side of Academy City.
6 Kazuma Satou (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!)
Kazuma Satou is the main protagonist of the isekai KonoSuba. Prior to his life in the Fantasy World, Kazuma was a recluse that spent pretty much all of his time playing video games. After he died (in the most embarrassing way might we add) and came into the Fantasy World he was initially enthusiastic about how he would live considering his video game experience. This didn’t last long though as he was faced with the realities and difficulties of being an adventurer. He’s mostly sarcastic towards his companions but is known to be a reliable leader and teammate whenever it counted most.
5 Kazuto Kirigaya (Sword Art Online)
Kirito is the main protagonist of one of the most popular isekai series out there, Sword Art Online. He was one of the beta testers that got stranded in Aincrad and at the end of the very first arc was the one who cleared the game and saved everyone. He’s a pretty direct person who can come off as a little rude to others, and he can also be a little overconfident with regard to his abilities.
Despite these traits though, he is very heroic by nature and always looks out for other people even above his own self.
4 Hachiman Hikigaya (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru.)
Hachiman Hikigaya is the main protagonist of OreGairu, and is described to be stoic, a cynic, and a loner. He tends not to rely on anyone but himself. He’s also self-deprecating, sarcastic, and has an unusual sense of humor that can make some people uncomfortable, while there are those that understand him and others that pity him. He does have his nice sides too. Although he typically avoids others because he sees himself as a hindrance, he makes exceptions to those that he sees are being genuine in striking a friendship. He also has a soft spot for younger girls, being a big brother himself.
3 Touma Kamijou (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
Touma is the main protagonist of Toaru Majutsu no Index, and he possesses a mysterious ability in his right hand, Imagine Breaker, that negates all forms of magic, esper powers, and other divine abilities. He grew up being seen as very unlucky, but this is later connected to Imagine Breaker, considering that luck is also a gift from God.
He has gained the affection of many of his companions because of his overwhelming urge to help anyone in need. His unconditional desire to help others is so great that he doesn’t even care if it would be detrimental to him.
2 Sakuta Azusagawa (Seishun Buta Yarou Series)
Sakuta is the main protagonist of Aobuta and has been shown to be a socially isolated and calm person which can be attributed to his past experience with Adolescence Syndrome. He gained a delinquent reputation in school due to rumors that said he hospitalized several people, but he doesn’t seem to be phased by this reputation is or what people think of him, even saying that he doesn’t care if he is hated so long as he is needed by someone. He’s extremely caring and compassionate towards those he cares about and is not afraid to show even his lewd side through his straightforward remarks, which are of course only jokes not to be taken seriously.
1 Kiyotaka Ayanokouji (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e)
Kiyotaka is the main protagonist of Classroom of the Elite and is a member of the D-Class. When he was younger, he was part of a program that trained a group of children for physical and mental prowess and he was the lone survivor of that group, taking the opportunity to escape when he could. Seeking freedom, he decided to attend Advanced Nurturing High School and he scored exactly 50 in all of his entrance exams, putting him in Class D, and it was hinted that he did this on purpose. He’s a stoic and observant to what goes on around him, and although he seems socially awkward, he’s still able to interact with his classmates and other peers.