One of anime's greatest strengths is its versatility as a medium. Even within genres, each series is different from the next, with some leaning more into comedy and others going for a more serious storyline. Though fans love their comedy, many have begun to gravitate toward the serious series with a darker or more mature plot. However, it isn't uncommon for even these kinds of anime to throw in some comedy here and there, and comic relief characters are a popular way of doing so.
It can sometimes feel off-putting when a silly or comical character is introduced in a more serious title, and they often feel out of place in the story. However, when done right, these characters can be a fun and much-welcome addition to a story and take off some of the edge.
10 Kon Is The Comic Relief Talking Animal Mascot (Bleach)
Bleach is an epic and action-packed shonen series that few would expect to see feature a cute talking anime mascot. Nevertheless, the series has Kon, a companion to Ichigo Kurosaki and the comic relief mascot of the series.
Kon acts as Ichigo's body double when he's in his spirit form, and that's often his main use. Besides that, he's the silly comic relief character, often playing up perverted jokes and fanservice throughout the series. Compared to the overall tone in Bleach, Kon's character really sticks out among the rest.
9 Mineta Is The Least Heroic Of The Group (My Hero Academia)
Though My Hero Academia has its fair share of goofy comic relief characters, few can compare to Minoru Mineta. From his design and personality to his quirk, everything about him is ridiculous and hard to take seriously in any way. Though he's technically a hero, he's one of the least heroic of the bunch, and his quirk is one of the least useful in most situations.
Rather than being a strong member of the team, Mineta is usually placed into a comic relief role. Most of his appearances revolve around his perverted nature, which gets played up as a running gag throughout the series.
8 L Has Many Silly Quirks, Despite Being The Main Antagonist (Death Note)
L is one of the most popular characters in Death Note, and he's even sometimes more beloved than the protagonist himself. There's no denying that L is a formidable opponent and a highly intelligent detective. Despite that, from his very introduction, he's nothing short of strange.
Pretty much everything about L is weird, from his looks to his mannerisms. He's one of the few silly characters who can still be taken seriously when it counts. However, his many quirks add some much-needed lightheartedness to an otherwise dismal series and make him stand out among the other characters.
7 Puck Is Guts' Cutesy Elf Companion (Berserk)
Berserk is a beloved series that is famous for its dark and violent storyline. While the main quest may be treacherous and bleak, Guts' first companion is anything but. Puck is a tiny elf from the Pisky race, and he joins Guts early on in his journey.
Both Puck's appearance and personality contrast with Guts, and he adds whimsy and cheer to the somber atmosphere. Though Puck seems like an odd addition to the series, he serves a great purpose and keeps Berserk from becoming too dark and depressing for fans.
6 Youhei Sunohara Never Seems To Grow Up (Clannad)
Besides its intense emotional story, one of Clannad's greatest strengths is its well-developed characters. Many of the characters have their own story arcs within the series, giving greater insight into their lives and allowing them to grow as the story progresses. However, Tomoya's best friend Youhei Sunohara gets the least amount of development out of everyone.
Youhei never gets an official story arc, and he remains the obnoxious comic relief character the whole time. Even in Clannad After Story, he doesn't change a bit, while all the other characters have grown into responsible adults.
5 Mr. Cat Is Ahiru's Comically Dramatic Ballet Teacher (Princess Tutu)
Princess Tutu is filled with strange and amusing characters, but few can compare to the eccentric dance teacher named Mr. Cat. He sticks out among the rest in the series for many reasons, the obvious being that he's an anthropomorphic cat teaching ballet.
Mr. Cat also has a very dramatic and exaggerated personality, often leading to hilarious situations in which he tries to punish students by having them marry him. His role in the series has no real value to the overall plot, but he makes for a fun addition that breaks up the tension in the story.
4 Mako Is A Ray Of Sunshine In An Action-Packed And Thrilling Series (Kill La Kill)
Kill la Kill is a beloved modern classic from the acclaimed Studio TRIGGER. It's filled with action, thrills, and exciting fights that fans can't get enough of. Mako Mankanshoku is the best friend of protagonist Ryuko Matoi, and is the exact opposite of her in nearly every way. She's carefree and bubbly, immediately becoming attached to anyone she befriends.
Out of all the characters in the series, Mako stands out the most with her sunny and warm personality. She creates a great contrast between the main characters, balancing out the fierce Ryuko and serious Satsuki.
3 Rock Lee Is The Perfect Blend Of Silly And Serious (Naruto)
There are many silly characters throughout Naruto, but Rock Lee takes the cake. The first time fans meet him, everyone can't help but raise an eyebrow at his strange appearance. Things only get weirder after he declares his undying love for Sakura in one of the most hilarious moments of the series. However, fans quickly learn not to underestimate Lee.
Despite Lee's goofy appearance and strange mannerisms, he's incredibly skilled and a formidable opponent. The more the audience and characters get to know him, the more serious of a character he becomes. He may have comical beginnings, but Rock Lee is easily one of the most beloved Shinobi and is brimming with potential.
2 Zenitsu Is The Cowardly Crybaby Of The Group (Demon Slayer)
Demon Slayer is a modern anime classic and easily one of the most beloved series of all time. With its beautiful visuals, engaging fight scenes, and intense emotion, it's one of the best shonen to come out in years. Though the story is overall serious, it has its lighthearted moments.
Zenitsu Agatsuma is one of the main characters and acts as the group's comic relief. Forced to become a demon slayer, Zenitsu is cowardly and not cut out for the job in most cases. He struggles to stand his ground, instead cowering and crying before the demons he faces. Though some find his cowardly ways irritating, Zenitsu is a very entertaining character and adds humor to each fight.
1 Sasha's Quirkiness Wins Over The Entire Audience (Attack On Titan)
Attack on Titan is famous for its dark and depressing story, filled with death, destruction, and pain. However, even the darkest of stories have a glimmer of happiness, and for Attack on Titan, it's Sasha Braus. She's the fun, cute, and quirky member of the Scout Regiment and one of the most popular characters in the series.
What makes Sasha so beloved is her charismatic personality and her insatiable appetite. Even in the darkest of times, Sasha brightens up the story with her energy and humorous mannerisms. She adds some much-needed comic relief into the series and wins fans over with her quirky antics.