Let's talk about a trope in shounen battle manga (anime) that I actually like (yes there are tropes I DO enjoy). In a battle manga, there's generally a character archetype that we call the "badass". They're usually a rival or act independently from the main cast and it's not uncommon for them to be stronger or as strong as the main character. Some examples are Zaraki Kenpachi, Vegeta, Hidetora Toujou, Hibari Kyoya or like Zebra from Toriko. That should give you an idea of what kind of character I'm talking about. I tend to like these characters to some degree when they're handled properly. There's one character in recent years that comes to mind that is such a fantastic example of this character archetype. Escanor from Nanatsu no Taizai.
This man just brings the HYPE, he's got such a strong presence and I think Suzuki handles him perfectly. First of all, he's the last of the Sins that gets introduced, in a side story, pretty deep into the narrative. Secondly when we see him, he looks like a weak, frail man and he's pathetic. Right there, as a reader you kinda don't bother with him at that point. All of a sudden the next time we see him, he's not only going up against the main antagonist, Escanor's demeanor is completely different. He's bigger, confident and demands an apology from his enemy. Huh? He then proceeds to complete embarrass his foe with ease leaving us in complete awe.
This man just brings the HYPE, he's got such a strong presence and I think Suzuki handles him perfectly. First of all, he's the last of the Sins that gets introduced, in a side story, pretty deep into the narrative. Secondly when we see him, he looks like a weak, frail man and he's pathetic. Right there, as a reader you kinda don't bother with him at that point. All of a sudden the next time we see him, he's not only going up against the main antagonist, Escanor's demeanor is completely different. He's bigger, confident and demands an apology from his enemy. Huh? He then proceeds to complete embarrass his foe with ease leaving us in complete awe.
Escanor is the Sins X-factor, secret weapon. He's the weakest and the strongest member. You see, as the sun begins to rise, Escanor's power rise and his personality changes into a extremely prideful, powerful man. As the sun sets he weakens, becomes cowardly and less confident. It's called Sunshine. When the sun reaches high noon, at it's peak, he's virtually indestructible. Anytime you see Escanor on screen, expect something badass, cool and or epic to go down. He never disappoints.
First time we see Escanor in the main story is when Ban was faced with impossible odds. Demons from the Demon Clan that were once lead by Meliodas are on his ass. He runs into Escanor at a bar. These two demons had already proven themselves to be formidable. Galan picks on the weak frail Escanor but, the sun is rising. Galan tries to wield Escanor's Holy Weapon, but finds it awkward and heavy to hold with two hands. Escanor then casually takes his axe back and states that the axe is meant to be held with one hand. Galan asks him if he's even human to which our boy replies " I assure you I am human. I am the very pinnacle of my species." Long story short, he makes quick work of both demons with out even breaking a sweat. Godlike.
First time we see Escanor in the main story is when Ban was faced with impossible odds. Demons from the Demon Clan that were once lead by Meliodas are on his ass. He runs into Escanor at a bar. These two demons had already proven themselves to be formidable. Galan picks on the weak frail Escanor but, the sun is rising. Galan tries to wield Escanor's Holy Weapon, but finds it awkward and heavy to hold with two hands. Escanor then casually takes his axe back and states that the axe is meant to be held with one hand. Galan asks him if he's even human to which our boy replies " I assure you I am human. I am the very pinnacle of my species." Long story short, he makes quick work of both demons with out even breaking a sweat. Godlike.
What I like about that situation is that the demons first arrive when it's night and even when it's morning, we don't know how high the sun is. Not to mention there's two demons here who just kind of embarrassed Ban. The next awesome Escanor moment would come and he ends up badly injuring two demons with one attack before reverting to his frail self. His next moment to shine is quite possibly the greatest moment in the manga.
The main character was defeated and killed by Estarossa. A powerful demon who looked up to their leader once upon a time. Even with Ban stealing his power it didn't even slow Estarossa down. The demons take over and Estarossa ability causes anyone who feels any hatred towards him incapable of moving. He just killed their captain and the demons are running amok. How could you not feel some type of hate towards this man? Boom, a foot in the panel clad in armor, pan upwards and you see Escanor in full armor walk right up to Estarossa, unaffected by his curse because, "he only feels pity for those beneath him."
The main character was defeated and killed by Estarossa. A powerful demon who looked up to their leader once upon a time. Even with Ban stealing his power it didn't even slow Estarossa down. The demons take over and Estarossa ability causes anyone who feels any hatred towards him incapable of moving. He just killed their captain and the demons are running amok. How could you not feel some type of hate towards this man? Boom, a foot in the panel clad in armor, pan upwards and you see Escanor in full armor walk right up to Estarossa, unaffected by his curse because, "he only feels pity for those beneath him."
Possibly one of the best fights in the manga. Escanor actually starts off the fight taking damage, thus making us feel that maybe, this will be the one guy who could take him. There's a part where Escanor strikes Estarossa and has his own attack countered. He responded by saying it only makes sense that an attack by him would cause him to feel pain, unfazed. So yeah he went on to burn that demon into a crisp, even evaporating an entire lake in the process.
In Escanor's most recent fight he had to fight Medolias at full power, devoid of his emotion like how he used to be 3000 years ago. The question of who's stronger would finally get answered and let me tell you, that was the best fight of 2017. Escanor was finally pushed to his utmost limits in this fight, he couldn't really do anything to Medolias until high noon where his power peaks and proceeded to strike Medolias down with one attack. It was great, he is great and I hope to see more awesomeness from this man. My favorite modern embodiment of the badass archetype.
In Escanor's most recent fight he had to fight Medolias at full power, devoid of his emotion like how he used to be 3000 years ago. The question of who's stronger would finally get answered and let me tell you, that was the best fight of 2017. Escanor was finally pushed to his utmost limits in this fight, he couldn't really do anything to Medolias until high noon where his power peaks and proceeded to strike Medolias down with one attack. It was great, he is great and I hope to see more awesomeness from this man. My favorite modern embodiment of the badass archetype.