The ability to confidently wield a sword is the sign of a true warrior, and that’s why the best swordsmen in anime and manga reign supreme as some of the most powerful characters ever.
So, let’s dive into the exciting world of swordplay and meet some of the greatest swordsmen to grace the pages and screens of anime and manga.
Aki Hayakawa from Chainsaw Man
Aki Hayakawa is a Public Safety Devil working in Makima’s special squad. Due to his contract with the Curse Devil, he is granted a nail-like sword.
In the series, he is depicted as a skilled swordsman who can decimate his enemies using his peculiar nail-like sword.
He has showcased enough skill to kill several zombies and even match superior enemies like Hybrids, thanks to his Devil contracts aiding him.
However, he resorts to using his sword only in dire situations, as its use drastically shortens his life span.
Afro from Afro Samurai
Afro is hands-down one of the coolest-looking samurai and is an incredible swordsman.
He is capable of deflecting crossbow bolts and shattering bullets while executing lethal strikes.
His training under the Sword Master enables him to spontaneously devise innovative combat tactics mid-battle, harnessing his subconscious mind.
Also, he showcased remarkable prowess in aerial combat against the Afro Droid.
Due to lacking any special powers, he has to rely solely on his swordsmanship against his powerful enemies.
Interestingly, Afro is highly agile and swift and beautifully merges these strengths with his highly regarded swordsmanship.
Ezra Scarlet from Fairy Tail
The S-Class Mage of the Fairy Tail Guild, Ezra Scarlet uses her Sword Magic against her adversaries.
Using Sword Magic, she can execute various magical attacks with her blades, often integrating them with her distinctive armors to enhance her combat prowess significantly.
She can merge different armors with a variety of swords, enabling her to both defend and strike with heightened potency.
Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has introduced an unconventional and rather modern take on how sword fighting should be.
Levi utilizes a peculiar fighting stance that involves him gripping his right sword backhandedly with the blade outward and positioned behind him, rather than in front.
This technique enables his blades to form a protective circle around him, allowing him to spin fluidly and rotate attacks.
As a result, he sustains high speed and agility in combat. Moreover, this stance conserves Levi’s energy reserves, ensuring he can engage in prolonged battles without unnecessary stamina and strength depletion.
Kento Nanami from Jujutsu Kaisen
Kento Nanami, armed with his blunt sword, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Nanami wields his blunt sword during combat and uses it with incredible proficiency.
Fused with his cursed technique, Nanami can slice through any obstacle, even those fortified by cursed energy.
Nanami’s swordsmanship is characterized by equilibrium and grace, executing swift and precise attacks with every swing of his blade.
Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
Roronoa Zora has dedicated his life to becoming the strongest swordsman in the entire world.
Even before joining the crew, he had already gained widespread acclaim for his flamboyant technique and achievements in combat.
However, his skills skyrocketed to new heights upon joining the Straw Hat Pirates and embarking on a two-year training regimen under Dracule Mihawk, who is known as the strongest swordsman in the world.
He has demonstrated his skills by successfully battling formidable enemies in large numbers, with his standout feat being his solo victory over a group of 100 bounty hunters associated with Baroque Works.
Kirito from Sword Art Online
Kirito was selected as one of the thousand beta testers for Sword Art Online, the pioneering VRMMORPG for the Nerve Gear. Later, he joined the official release, becoming one of the 10,000 players trapped in the game.
Throughout the Sword Art Online series, Kirito has displayed his incredible skills with the sword.
He uses a wide variety of one-handed sword techniques like Vorpal Strike, Vertical Square, Sonic Leap, Slant, Sharp Nail, Rage Spike, Horizontal Arc, and Spinning Shield to name a few.
Apart from his one-handed sword style, he also masters the usage of dual blades.
Yami Sukehiro from Black Clover
Yami Sukehiro belongs to the Yami clan from the Hino Country and is the first captain of the Black Bull squad.
He is a magic swordsman who coats his sword with mana and swings it at his opponents with his muscles.
His mastery of swordsmanship enables him to engage Patolli, leader of the Eye of the Midnight Sun, on equal footing, utilizing both swordplay and Dark Magic to destroy the surroundings.
Asta from Black Clover
Asta is the main character of Black Clover. He starts as a rusty swordsman but Asta is known for his never-give-up spirit.
Eventually, Asta gains battle experience, acquires additional swords, hones his ki-sensing abilities, and learns from numerous encounters with both allies and enemies.
As the series progresses, Asta’s swordplay becomes complex and his skills evolve significantly.
Dracule Mihawk from One Piece
Dracule Mihawk, also known as Hawk Eyes, is the strongest swordsman in the world in One Piece.
His mastery exceeds that of his former rival, Shanks, one of the Four Emperors of the Sea.
Mihawk’s swordsmanship is remarkably diverse. He can unleash devastating compressed air slashes capable of annihilating massive ships and icebergs from afar through his Strong Blade.
Additionally, he shows exquisite precision by effortlessly redirecting bullets with his Gentle Blade style.
Miyamoto Musashi from Vagabond
Miyamoto Musashi is one of the most iconic samurai characters based on the novel Musashi.
He is the main protagonist in the manga titled Vagabond and is showcased setting out on a journey to become the most powerful samurai after getting exiled from his village.
Musashi innovated the dual-sword style, brandishing a katana for offense in his right hand and a Wakizashi for defense in his left.
Among the technique’s mysteries is the skillful hurling of the Wakizashi blade similar to a kunai or shuriken.
Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki relies on swordplay in his Shinigami form. With each battle, Ichigo’s proficiency improves steadily.
His overall ability enables him to hold his ground against powerful swordsmen such as Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki.
While he favors his right hand in battles, he is ambidextrous, wielding Zangetsu proficiently with either hand.
Since mastering the true form of Zangetsu, he effortlessly wields both blades simultaneously, showcasing incredible mastery and skill.
Who is your favorite swordsman in anime and manga? Share your pick with us in the comments section below.