10 Anime Idols Outshone by MHA’s Pop-Step

by

Introduces newer series enthusiasts to the lively idol figure, Pop-Step. The recent installment of MHA showcases this freelance idol and vigilante causing quite a stir with her appeal and intelligence. This newfound fondness for the character has led many fans to draw parallels between her and other idol characters from well-known anime. It’s no wonder, considering Pop-Step exhibits several tsundere characteristics that are prevalent in idol anime.

There are numerous captivating anime characters who shine equally on stage and off. Shows such as “Love Live” and “BanG Dream!” manage to provide in-depth character development for their idol group members, making them seem authentic. This depth often makes it challenging to pick a favorite, but Pop-Step appears poised to outshine many of her contemporaries based on initial impressions.

In the world of anime, Sharon Apple stands among the earliest characters who are entirely virtual. Initially, Sharon relied heavily on her producer, Myung Fang Lone, for assistance in producing her music. However, this dynamic shifts significantly when her creator starts meddling with the AI’s programming, sparking a newfound sense of self-awareness within her. Due to their close relationship, many of Sharon’s actions mirror those of Myung, and eventually, she contemplates replacing her entirely.

Sharon Apple boasts remarkable abilities, including the power to mesmerize individuals through her music, enabling her to exert control over them whenever she wishes. This suggests that the AI’s influence is primarily exercised by manipulating people in reality to cause significant harm. Unlike Pop-Step, Sharon Apple’s otherworldly aura isn’t as captivating.

Sharon Apple can use her songs to make people do what she wants, but this power comes from controlling real people to do bad things. Compared to Pop-Step, Sharon Apple isn’t as attractive because of her ethereal nature.

In the anime “Macross Delta,” Freyja Wion is prominently featured, serving under the Walküre unit not only as a popular idol but also as a healer using her powerful voice to cure those afflicted with Vars Syndrome. Freyja’s commitment to her role as an idol extends beyond mere fame; she pours her heart and soul into singing, finding genuine fulfillment and vitality in her craft.

Freyja’s vibrant demeanor lends itself well to lifting the spirits of those around her. Unlike the solitary Mikumo, she is warmly accepted by her peers due to her friendly nature. Yet, her absent-mindedness and innocence sometimes place her at a disadvantage against Pop-Step’s strategic acumen.

The Selection Project is an anime centered around idols, where hopeful talents from across Japan battle it out for a chance at their debut. Among these contestants is Suzune Miyama, a bubbly girl hailing from North Kanto. In her youth, Miyama faced health challenges that required hospitalization. Inspired by the smiles her idols brought to her during difficult times, she now aspires to return the favor by joining the idol group, 9-Tie.

9-Tie, led by Suzune, ultimately experienced remarkable accomplishments collectively. Initially excluded from the competition, their burgeoning fame proved impossible to overlook. Upon reentering the Selection Project, their performance of “Glorious Days” marked a successful debut for 9-Tie as idols, with Suzune’s timely recovery from stress being crucial. Despite Suzune excelling as an idol, her vulnerable health presents challenges relative to the formidable Pop-Step performers.

In the world of “Sailor Moon,” Seiya Kou wasn’t the first character with musical roots to make an appearance. Characters like so-and-so were famed violinists before their time as Sailor Guardians was revealed. Unlike these characters, Seiya’s identity is tied to her membership in the Idol group, the Three Lights. As the story unfolds in the ’90s anime and manga, particularly during the climactic arcs, this group plays a crucial role in aiding Sailor Moon in defeating the forces of Sailor Galaxia.

Regrettably, Seiya doesn’t have much time to develop her idol persona due to her primary mission of searching for Princess Kakyuu alongside her Three Lights teammates. As a result, spectators don’t get to delve deeply into Seiya’s idol journey, particularly in the “Sailor Moon Crystal” series and the comic book. This advantage allows Pop-Step to gain traction quickly over Sailor Star Fighter.

From an outside perspective, it’s easy to forget that Misa Amane, so deeply entangled in the Death Note saga, was once a renowned idol before being ensnared by the influence of Kira. Frequently, she can be spotted showcasing her talents on Light’s university campus, generating a fervor among fans wherever she steps. However, upon unveiling her powers to Kira, her idol duties seem to fade into insignificance as she embraces her role as the “second” Kira.

It’s challenging to assess Misa’s talent as an idol because she spends most of her storyline aiding Kira in his mission for a new world order, leaving little spotlight on her singing career. In contrast to Pop-Step, Misa is more enigmatic and unpredictable than the vigilante character.

The anime titled “Zombie Land Saga” boasts an array of endearing characters who grapple with personal problems, some as mild as social awkwardness while others deal with intense anxiety. One such character is Sakura, who starts off cheerful and full of vitality, only to meet a tragic end when she’s brutally hit by a vehicle. Her transformation into a zombie compels her to join the idol group Franchouchou, drastically altering her existence. Initially overwhelmed with remorse for not experiencing a longer life, Sakura finds solace in the companionship of her new friends within Franchouchou.

Following friendships formed with individuals such as Saki and Junko, Sakura was rapidly progressing towards a professional idol career. Her involvement with Franchouchou has significantly contributed to the revitalization of Saga prefecture. Moreover, her exceptional vocal abilities are instrumental to Franchouchou’s identity, and the group is incomplete without her. However, despite her numerous achievements, Pop-Step remains more captivating and intelligent compared to Sakura.

Taki Shiina is a key member of the all-female band MyGO!!!, the central group in the most recent anime installment of the BanG Dream series. Initially, Taki might come off as straightforward and unfiltered when expressing her thoughts. Yet beneath this tough exterior lies a heart full of deep affection for her friends, which she finds challenging to communicate openly. As both composer and drummer for MyGO!!!, Taki plays an essential part in ensuring the band functions smoothly.

MyGO!!!!! wouldn’t have its unique charm without Taki’s impact. Her determination to push the band to excel propels them forward and offers guidance. Yet, this dedication to perfection sometimes makes Taki overly critical, focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths. This self-doubt can occasionally overwhelm her, but Pop-Step manages to avoid such insecurities with her innate charm.

In the popular series, “Love Live: School Idol Project,” Honoka Kosaka plays a significant role as one of the key idols. She embodies the spirit and essence of the band, μ’s. Honoka’s cheerful and resilient personality serves as a beacon, guiding μ’s even through their toughest obstacles. Despite low turnout at their events, Honoka remains undeterred, ensuring that μ’s persist in chasing their dreams. Her unwavering determination not only keeps the group motivated but also helps them enjoy their journey towards success.

Over time, Honoka’s belief in her friends and herself has proven incredibly rewarding. In the Love Live franchise, μ’s was a top-tier idol group, setting a standard that subsequent groups have found challenging to match. Notably, she co-founded a successful subgroup within μ’s called Prinetemps. If Pop-Step were to face off against Honoka in competition, they would surely encounter formidable opposition. However, there’s little question that the charisma and appeal of this “vigilante” would captivate any audience she performs for.

Ruby Hoshino’s storyline in the idol anime, “Oshi no Ko,” is one of the most somber among all characters. After tragically losing her mother to a brutal killing, Ruby saw her dreams of becoming a star as an opportunity for vengeance against her mother’s murderer rather than just seeking fame. Over time, this thirst for revenge ultimately became the primary motivation behind Ruby’s actions, despite her maintaining success as an idol.

In essence, Ruby bears a striking resemblance to an individual whom a character like Pop-Step would aim to prevent. Her insatiable thirst for retribution outweighs any affection or attachment she might have towards people, relationships, or belongings. Ruby’s quest for resolution is a protracted and bitter one that leaves her shattered emotionally and mentally. On the other hand, Pop-Step enjoys better mental health due to the camaraderie of her friends, a luxury that, regrettably, has eluded Ruby so far.

In the game ‘Persona 4’, Rise Kujikawa serves as a key member of the Investigation Team, also being an idol. She transitioned from an entertainer to a Persona user and played a significant part in capturing the culprit responsible for the mysterious murders that troubled Inaba. Throughout ‘Persona 4 The Animation’ and ‘Persona 4: The Golden Animation’, Rise is frequently seen either showing affection towards Yu or providing support to uplift the group’s morale.

In various focus scenes from both anime versions, Rise demonstrates her talents as an idol. When not battling Shadows in the TV World, she works with other members of the Investigation Team to put on a band performance during Yasogami High’s school festival. Both Rise and Pop-Step are exceptional heroines, capable of winning over their peers through their music and supernatural powers. However, Pop-Step’s strategic and organizational skills give her an edge as Inaba’s primary idol.

Read More

2025-05-01 03:11