#Japan #Osaka #Fullmetal Alchemist #Inuyasha #Conan

February 19th: A Celebration of Wrestling and Villains

In Japan, February 19th marks the 'Day of Professional Wrestling,' commemorating the first international wrestling match held in the country in 1954. To celebrate this occasion, NTT Solmare Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, conducted a survey to identify the most loved villain characters in manga. The results unveiled an exciting ranking that featured characters who capture the imagination of fans across generations.

Top Villain Character Rankings Revealed

The survey, carried out among 6,077 avid manga readers using the popular electronic book store, Comic Seemore, spotlighted the enduring charm of antagonists within storytelling. The number one character, securing 2,805 votes, is Vermouth from the hugely popular series 'Detective Conan' published by Shogakukan. Followed closely in second place is Naraku from the fantasy-adventure series 'Inuyasha,' who garnered 1,513 votes, and in third place, Envy from the revered 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' accumulating 1,073 votes. The findings underscore the central role of well-developed villains in captivating narratives that resonate with audiences across different age groups.

1. Vermouth - 'Detective Conan' (Shogakukan): 2,805 votes

Vermouth, a character from Gosho Aoyama's legendary work, 'Detective Conan,' emerges as the most adored villain. This character has made a significant impression, winning the hearts of readers of all ages. Praise from survey participants reflects their admiration: 'She's strong and stylish!', 'Despite being an antagonist, she often supports the main characters, making her intriguingly relatable.' Readers are drawn to her complex persona; her ambiguous allegiance fuels their curiosity and propels her to the top of the ranking.

Plot Summary: A brilliant high school detective, Shinichi Kudo, finds himself regressed to childhood after a strange incident. Adopting the name Edogawa Conan, he begins a new life as a kid detective!

Explore more now: Detective Conan - Comic Seemore

2. Naraku - 'Inuyasha' (Shogakukan): 1,513 votes

Naraku, a character from Rumiko Takahashi's beloved fantasy series 'Inuyasha,' continues to captivate readers even years after its serial publication ended. Lore surrounding this character reveals deep emotional layers, such as the desire for companionship and the nature of evil rooted in human greed. Participants articulated the character's depth: 'He embodies loneliness, yet seeks love,' showcasing the narrative’s complexity where Naraku is not merely evil but harbors moments of vulnerability that resonate with audiences.

Plot Summary: After being transported to the Sengoku period, a modern schoolgirl encounters Inuyasha, a half-demon, in a timeless tale of adventure, bonds, and heartfelt growth.

Read more: Inuyasha - Comic Seemore

3. Envy - 'Fullmetal Alchemist' (Square Enix): 1,073 votes

Envy from 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' a darker fantasy narrative that has seen film and anime adaptations, represents a complex villainous figure. Readers appreciate the evolution of Envy through the story: 'The character’s emotional turbulence makes him relatable and interesting.' This complicates the standard portrayal of villains, as Envy is driven by jealousy yet fascinated by humanity in equal measure.

Plot Summary: Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric venture on a quest to reclaim their bodies after a forbidden alchemy experiment leads to dark consequences, pushing them into an epic journey filled with challenges.

Explore here: Fullmetal Alchemist - Comic Seemore

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the leaders, fans submitted various other beloved villainous characters worth noting:

• - Zodiru Teufon ('Gachi Actor') - Praised for charisma and purpose-driven ambition.
• - Hoggen ('Silver Fang Legend Weed') - Celebrated for his formidable abilities and cunning.
• - Yujiro Hanma ('Grappler Baki') - Recognized for his overwhelming strength and humanized persona.

Special Campaigns and Promotions

To celebrate the findings of this ranking, Comic Seemore launched a special campaign offering discounts on the top three ranked works, alongside exclusive points for lucky subscribers. Enthusiasts can delve into the complex odyssey of beloved villains from February 12th to February 25th. Here’s a chance to savour creativity intertwined with malevolence!

With over 4.2 million customer reviews and a vibrant selection of more than 1.8 million titles, Comic Seemore continues to enhance its offerings, carving a niche where fans can explore intricate storytelling deeply embedded in manga culture.

About NTT Solmare

NTT Solmare aims to enrich society by delivering fresh excitement and creating memorable experiences through its flagship electronic book store, Comic Seemore, alongside original comics and a variety of engaging services to provide readers with endless entertainment. For more information, visit the official NTT Solmare website.