Anime characters as children and adults - see the evolution!

Some of the most beloved anime characters win us over not only with their adventures, but also with their journeys of growth.

Watching a character evolve from child to adult offers a unique perspective on their development and the changes they face throughout life, as well as offering an unparalleled emotional attachment.

Let's list some of these iconic characters that we have the privilege of following in different stages of their lives, some that only appear in flashbacks and others that we watch grow up.

We'll get to the list soon, but we'd just like to make it clear that "adult" in anime is a slightly more... fluid term. Some characters don't change that much physically, despite several years passing and a great deal of maturity.

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto / Naruto Shippuden / Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)

Naruto Uzumaki is perhaps one of the most classic examples of growth in anime. From his beginnings as a lone ninja in Naruto, to becoming the Hokage in Boruto, Naruto is a symbol of perseverance, personal growth, and we follow his evolution for more than ten years.

His journey is marked by challenges and victories, reflecting not only his maturity as a warrior, but also as a leader and father.

Gohan (Dragon Ball / Dragon Ball Z / Dragon Ball Super)

Goku's son, Gohan, is another classic example of a character who grew up before us. In Dragon Ball Z, he evolved from a shy child into one of Earth's most powerful warriors, particularly during the Cell Saga, where he was being groomed to replace Goku.

In Dragon Ball Super, we see Gohan balancing his life as a fighter with family and academic responsibilities, showing how he matures and that even the strongest warriors in the universe are not immune to paying taxes.

Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward Elric is another character who goes through a significant transformation. Starting out as a young alchemist determined to reclaim his brother's body, he matures into a young man who faces the consequences of his actions and understands the moral complexities of the world.

Ed's development is deeply emotional and philosophical, exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the pursuit of knowledge. While we don't see him grow much physically throughout the series, just a few inches, FMA still does us the favor of seeing Ed as a child.

Inuyasha (Inuyasha)

Look at that cute little puppy! Inuyasha is a half-demon who also experiences a form of growth, although not in terms of physical age (although we do see an image of him as a child, this is not the focus of the anime).

Throughout the series, he does not age, but evolves from an impulsive and suspicious warrior to someone who deeply values ​​his relationships and responsibilities.

Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Ta...takae? Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan is perhaps one of the most complex characters in terms of development. Starting out as a young man full of anger and a desire for freedom, he transforms into a much more ambiguous and controversial figure as the series progresses, but he remains young and full of anger.

Eren deals with questions of identity, morality, and the cost of freedom, making his evolution one of the most impactful and discussed in the world of anime. Do you agree with Eren's decisions?

Jotaro Kujo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders / Diamond is Unbreakable)

Jotaro Kujo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is seen as both a teenager and an adult (although he doesn't seem like it), with his iconic cold and calculating demeanor evolving throughout the seasons.

As one of the series' most enduring characters, Jotaro demonstrates maturity that is reflected in his approach to combat and his family relationships, especially towards his daughter, Jolyne, in Stone Ocean.

Taichi Yagami (Tai) (Digimon Adventure / Digimon Adventure 02)

Tai, the protagonist of Digimon Adventure, is shown growing from an impulsive leader into a responsible young adult. In Digimon Adventure 02, and later in Digimon Adventure Tri, we see how Tai deals with the growing responsibilities and challenges of balancing his past as a DigiDestined with the new realities of adulthood. His evolution reflects the complexities of growing up and finding purpose.

Rin Okumura (Blue Exorcist)

Rin Okumura is the son of Satan, but also a teenager struggling with the discovery of his identity and power. Throughout Blue Exorcist, Rin must confront not only the external challenges of being an exorcist, but also his own inner demons, literally. His journey is a mix of action and introspection, exploring themes of self-acceptance and control.

Guts (Berserk)

It might be a bit cruel to introduce Guts as a child, and it was relatively difficult to find an SFW image of him, but here goes. In Berserk, Guts is shown in various stages of his life, from his brutal childhood to his adult life marked by constant battles.

The series uses flashbacks to reveal the depth of his trauma and how it shapes his personality. Guts is a character who personifies the continuous fight against destiny and his own demons, both internal and external.

Shikamaru Nara (Naruto / Naruto Shippuden / Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)

It might seem strange to choose another Naruto character, especially Shikamaru, but he is one of the characters who show the greatest emotional growth in the series, so we chose him. Shikamaru Nara is a character who, since he was young, has been known for his intelligence and laid-back attitude. In Naruto Shippuden and Boruto, we see Shikamaru grow into his role as a strategist and leader. His transition from a lazy teenager to a responsible adult reflects his emotional and intellectual maturity, making him one of the most respected characters in the series.

Aang (The Legend of Aang)

Aang has a complete journey in his "anime" - I know, the subject of whether Avatar is an anime or not is controversial, but since it fits perfectly into the parameters of this list (except for the anime part...) we decided to include it. We see Aang mature during his journey, from a boy who believes that "all life is sacred" to an adult who understands that, from time to time, sacrifices must be made.

Korra (The Legend of Korra)

Another character from the Avatar universe, Korra is introduced both as a child and as a young adult. The series explores her struggles with the responsibility of being the Avatar, as well as her personal and spiritual challenges.

Korra's growth is a profound exploration of identity, power, and the search for balance, both in the world and within herself.

These characters offer fans a unique perspective on growth and maturation, and many have literally aged before our eyes. By following their journeys from childhood to adulthood, we are able to reflect on the changes and challenges that we also face or will face in real life.

Each of these characters can teach us something about the complexity of the human experience, making them unforgettable not only for their stories, but also for their evolution over time. And for those who have grown up and are now the age of their favorite characters, a little empathy.

And you, which character do you think we missed? Tell us in the comments!