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"The ultimate villain of the story, who's causing the problem the heroes must solve."
"The ultimate villain of the story, who's causing the problem the heroes must solve."


Note that Big Bad is not a catch-all trope for the biggest and ugliest villain of any given story. The [[Big Bad]] is the one who turns out to be behind several other seemingly independent threats.
Remember, "Big Bad" is not a catch-all trope for the biggest and ugliest villain of any given story. The [[Big Bad]] is the one who turns out to be behind several other seemingly independent threats.


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* For most of ''[[Bleach]]'', [[The Chessmaster|Sosuke Aizen]] was firmly entrenched as the [[The Man Behind the Man|source]] of [[Gambit Roulette|almost every major conflict within the series]], gleefully establishing himself as the scourge of nearly the entire cast (sans the [[Five-Man Band]] and the [[Big Good]]). That particular [[The Reveal|reveal]] came as a [[Wham! Episode]], even though his villainous status was almost a [[Shocking Swerve]], though it does make sense in hindsight. Upon his defeat, however, he seems to have been regulated to [[Disc One Final Boss]] status.
* For most of ''[[Bleach]]'', [[The Chessmaster|Sosuke Aizen]] was firmly entrenched as the [[The Man Behind the Man|source]] of [[Gambit Roulette|almost every major conflict within the series]], gleefully establishing himself as the scourge of nearly the entire cast (sans the [[Five-Man Band]] and the [[Big Good]]). That particular [[The Reveal|reveal]] came as a [[Wham! Episode]], even though his villainous status was almost a [[Shocking Swerve]], though it does make sense in hindsight. Upon his defeat, however, he seems to have been regulated to [[Disc One Final Boss]] status.
** While Ichigo was recovering his lost powers after losing them to defeat Aizen, Shukuro Tsukishima {{spoiler|and Kugo Ginjo were a temporary [[Big Bad Duumvirate]]}}.
** While Ichigo was recovering his lost powers after losing them to defeat Aizen, Shukuro Tsukishima {{spoiler|and Kugo Ginjo were a temporary [[Big Bad Duumvirate]]}}.
** The latest [[Big Bad]], and newest one on the block, is [[The Emperor]] of the Vandenreich.
** The latest [[Big Bad]], and newest one on the block, is [[The Emperor]] of the Vandenreich.
* ''[[Combattler V]]'': Empress Janera, even though she was working through pawns for the first half of story.
* ''[[Combattler V]]'': Empress Janera, even though she was working through pawns for the first half of story.
* Vicious from [[Cowboy Bebop]]. Due to the episodic nature of the show, he's only in 5 episodes, but he's not only the central threat of those episodes, he also plays a huge role in Spike's past.
* Vicious from [[Cowboy Bebop]]. Due to the episodic nature of the show, he's only in 5 episodes, but he's not only the central threat of those episodes, he also plays a huge role in Spike's past.
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* ''[[Daimos]]'': {{spoiler|Olban}} was the real [[Puppet Master]] caused the conflict in the story, manipulating everybody to achieve power.
* ''[[Daimos]]'': {{spoiler|Olban}} was the real [[Puppet Master]] caused the conflict in the story, manipulating everybody to achieve power.
* ''[[Death Note]]'' takes an unusual approach to this trope by making the main character himself the Big Bad.
* ''[[Death Note]]'' takes an unusual approach to this trope by making the main character himself the Big Bad.
** [[Shinigami|Ryuk]] is the [[Bigger Bad]], since he's the one who dropped the Death Note in the first place, causing all of the events in the series. Not much would've changed if he left Light alone after dropping the notebook.
** [[Shinigami|Ryuk]] is the [[Bigger Bad]], since he's the one who dropped the Death Note in the first place, causing all of the events in the series. Not much would've changed if he left Light alone after dropping the notebook.
** The notebook itself could be considered this as well.
** The notebook itself could be considered this as well.
* ''[[Digimon]]'' has the following, by series:
* ''[[Digimon]]'' has the following, by series:
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** Daybreak: [[Dirty Old Man|Duke Everlue]]
** Daybreak: [[Dirty Old Man|Duke Everlue]]
** Lullaby: [[Blow You Away|Erigor]]
** Lullaby: [[Blow You Away|Erigor]]
** Galuna Island: [[Red Baron|Cold Emperor]] [[An Ice Person|Lyon Bastia]]
** Galuna Island: [[Sobriquet|Cold Emperor]] [[An Ice Person|Lyon Bastia]]
** Phantom Lord: [[Casting a Shadow|Master Jose]]
** Phantom Lord: [[Casting a Shadow|Master Jose]]
** Tower of Heaven: [[Brainwashed and Crazy|Jellal]]{{spoiler|/Siegrain}}
** Tower of Heaven: [[Brainwashed and Crazy|Jellal]]{{spoiler|/Siegrain}}
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** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam Wing|Gundam Wing]]'': Duke Dermail is the Big Bad at first; after his exit the role is split between Treize Khushreneda, Miliardo Peacecrat, and Quinze.
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam Wing|Gundam Wing]]'': Duke Dermail is the Big Bad at first; after his exit the role is split between Treize Khushreneda, Miliardo Peacecrat, and Quinze.
** ''[[After War Gundam X|Gundam X]]'': [[Big Bad Duumvirate|Shagia and Olba Frost]], with Shagia as the more senior of the two.
** ''[[After War Gundam X|Gundam X]]'': [[Big Bad Duumvirate|Shagia and Olba Frost]], with Shagia as the more senior of the two.
** ''[[Turn a Gundam (Anime)|Turn a Gundam]]'': Gym Ghingnham.
** ''[[Turn A Gundam|Turn a Gundam]]'': Gym Ghingnham.
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|Gundam SEED]]'': {{spoiler|[[Omnicidal Maniac|Rau Le Creuset]].}}
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|Gundam SEED]]'': {{spoiler|[[Omnicidal Maniac|Rau Le Creuset]].}}
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|Gundam SEED Destiny]]'': {{spoiler|[[Dark Messiah|Gilbert Durandal]]}}
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|Gundam SEED Destiny]]'': {{spoiler|[[Dark Messiah|Gilbert Durandal]]}}
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 00|Gundam 00]]'': {{spoiler|Ribbons Almark.}}
** ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 00|Gundam 00]]'': {{spoiler|Ribbons Almark.}}
** '' [[Gundam Unicorn]]'': Full Frontal.
** '' [[Gundam Unicorn]]'': Full Frontal.
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** An even better example might be {{spoiler|the [[Man Behind the Man|Shikon]] [[Artifact of Doom|no]] [[Sealed Evil in a Can|Tama]], when it's revealed to have a mind of its own -- one that isn't very nice.}}
** An even better example might be {{spoiler|the [[Man Behind the Man|Shikon]] [[Artifact of Doom|no]] [[Sealed Evil in a Can|Tama]], when it's revealed to have a mind of its own -- one that isn't very nice.}}
** {{spoiler|The [[Man Behind the Man|Shikon]] [[Artifact of Doom|no]] [[Sealed Evil in a Can|Tama]] is more like ''[[Applied Phlebotinum]]''.}}
** {{spoiler|The [[Man Behind the Man|Shikon]] [[Artifact of Doom|no]] [[Sealed Evil in a Can|Tama]] is more like ''[[Applied Phlebotinum]]''.}}
* In [[Hellsing]]
* In [[Hellsing]]
** Manga and OVA:The Major
** Manga and OVA:The Major
** tv anime: Incognito.
** tv anime: Incognito.
* Dio Brando in ''[[Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure|Jo Jos Bizarre Adventure]]''. Every arc that doesn't feature him as the main villain features one who is connected to him, however small. The Pillar Men (Part 2) created the Stone Mask that turned Dio into a vampire, Yoshikage Kira (Part 4) got his Stand abilities from one of the arrows that Dio once owned, Diavolo (Part 5) was directly responsible for Dio getting his hands on the arrow in the first place, and Enrico Pucci (Part 6) was Dio's closest confidante.
* Dio Brando in ''[[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure]]''. Every arc that doesn't feature him as the main villain features one who is connected to him, however small. The Pillar Men (Part 2) created the Stone Mask that turned Dio into a vampire, Yoshikage Kira (Part 4) got his Stand abilities from one of the arrows that Dio once owned, Diavolo (Part 5) was directly responsible for Dio getting his hands on the arrow in the first place, and Enrico Pucci (Part 6) was Dio's closest confidante.
* ''[[Karano Kyoukai|Kara no Kyoukai]]'' has [[Badass|Araya Souren]], who is responsible for pretty much everything before and after Shiki, the main charfacter, woke from her coma. Strangely enough, he is finished off in the fifth movie in a series of seven movies.
* ''[[Kara no Kyoukai:|Kara no Kyoukai]]'' has [[Badass|Araya Souren]], who is responsible for pretty much everything before and after Shiki, the main charfacter, woke from her coma. Strangely enough, he is finished off in the fifth movie in a series of seven movies.
* ''[[Karas]]'' has Eko, the former Karas of Shenjuki, who doubles as a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]].
* ''[[Karas]]'' has Eko, the former Karas of Shenjuki, who doubles as a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]].
* ''[[Kinnikuman]]'' has had, in terms of Big Bads that were actually dangerous, Robin Mask for the 20th Choujin Olympics arc, Warsman for the 21st Choujin Olympics arc, Buffaloman for the Devil Choujin arc, Akuma Shogun for the Golden Mask arc, the tag-team of Neptuneman and Big the Budo for the Golden Mask arc, and lastly Kinnikuman Super Phoenix for the Throne arc.
* ''[[Kinnikuman]]'' has had, in terms of Big Bads that were actually dangerous, Robin Mask for the 20th Choujin Olympics arc, Warsman for the 21st Choujin Olympics arc, Buffaloman for the Devil Choujin arc, Akuma Shogun for the Golden Mask arc, the tag-team of Neptuneman and Big the Budo for the Golden Mask arc, and lastly Kinnikuman Super Phoenix for the Throne arc.
* ''[[Kotetsu Jeeg]]'': Queen Himika for the first half, Emperor Dragon for the second.
* ''[[Kotetsu Jeeg]]'': Queen Himika for the first half, Emperor Dragon for the second.
* ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'' likes using [[Mad Scientist|Mad Scientists]] for their Big Bads, what with Precia Testarossa in season 1 and Jail Scaglietti in season 3.
* ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'' likes using [[Mad Scientist|Mad Scientists]] for their Big Bads, what with Precia Testarossa in season 1 and Jail Scaglietti in season 3.
** The sequel manga ''[[Mahou Senki Lyrical Nanoha Force]]'' has the Huckebein family.
** The sequel manga ''[[Mahou Senki Lyrical Nanoha Force]]'' has the Huckebein family.
* ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'' has Fate, {{spoiler|who may or may not be the biggest threat.}} Although it's later revealed that {{spoiler|Dynamis is actually running CE and he actually brought Fate back for additional muscle, making him the [[Big Bad]] and Fate merely [[The Dragon]].}}
* ''[[Mahou Sensei Negima]]'' has Fate, {{spoiler|who may or may not be the biggest threat.}} Although it's later revealed that {{spoiler|Dynamis is actually running CE and he actually brought Fate back for additional muscle, making him the [[Big Bad]] and Fate merely [[The Dragon]].}}
** In the past, the Lifemaker was undeniably the [[Big Bad]]. {{spoiler|And may ''still'' be the [[Big Bad]].}}
** In the past, the Lifemaker was undeniably the [[Big Bad]]. {{spoiler|And may ''still'' be the [[Big Bad]].}}
* ''[[Mazinger Z]]'', ''[[Mazinkaiser]]'' and ''[[Shin Mazinger]]'': Dr. Hell, [[Mad Scientist]] and [[Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds]].
* ''[[Mazinger Z]]'', ''[[Mazinkaiser]]'' and ''[[Shin Mazinger Shougeki! Z-hen]]'': Dr. Hell, [[Mad Scientist]] and [[Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds]].
** ''[[Great Mazinger]]'': [[God of Evil|The Emperor of Darkness]], ruler of the Mykene Empire.
** ''[[Great Mazinger]]'': [[God of Evil|The Emperor of Darkness]], ruler of the Mykene Empire.
** ''[[UFO Robo Grendizer]]'': [[Galactic Conqueror|Great King Vega]], [[Hilarious in Hindsight|ruler of the Vegans]].
** ''[[UFO Robo Grendizer]]'': [[Galactic Conqueror|Great King Vega]], [[Hilarious in Hindsight|ruler of the Vegans]].
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** For a while, it looked like Franz Bonaparta was [[The Man Behind the Man]] {{spoiler|However, he turned out to be [[The Atoner]]}}.
** For a while, it looked like Franz Bonaparta was [[The Man Behind the Man]] {{spoiler|However, he turned out to be [[The Atoner]]}}.
* The series ''[[Monster Rancher (anime)|Monster Rancher]]'' has the evil Moo.
* The series ''[[Monster Rancher (anime)|Monster Rancher]]'' has the evil Moo.
* Enchu in ''[[Muhyo and Roji]]''.
* Enchu in ''[[Muhyo and Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation]]''.
* ''[[MW]]'' has Michio Yuki.
* ''[[MW]]'' has Michio Yuki.
* ''[[Naruto]]'' initially presents Orochimaru as the Big Bad. The series becomes a [[Big Bad Ensemble]] in Part II, featuring {{spoiler|Orochimaru, Pain, Danzo, Kabuto, and Tobi}} as contenders for the title. However, the series appears to have settled on the true [[Big Bad]]: {{spoiler|Tobi, the true leader of Akatsuki and the one who instigated the events of the series.}}
* ''[[Naruto]]'' initially presents Orochimaru as the Big Bad. The series becomes a [[Big Bad Ensemble]] in Part II, featuring {{spoiler|Orochimaru, Pain, Danzo, Kabuto, and Tobi}} as contenders for the title. However, the series appears to have settled on the true [[Big Bad]]: {{spoiler|Tobi, the true leader of Akatsuki and the one who instigated the events of the series.}}
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** Little Garden arc: [[Mad Artist|Mister 3]].
** Little Garden arc: [[Mad Artist|Mister 3]].
** Drum Island arc: [[Adipose Rex|Wapol]], the former king of Drum Island, attempting to reclaim his kingdom after previously abandoning it when the Black Beard Pirates attacked.
** Drum Island arc: [[Adipose Rex|Wapol]], the former king of Drum Island, attempting to reclaim his kingdom after previously abandoning it when the Black Beard Pirates attacked.
** Alabasta arc: [[Magnificent Bastard|Sir Crocodile]].
** Alabasta arc: [[Magnificent Bastard|Sir Crocodile]]. According to [[Word of God]], he was intended at first to be the Big Bad of the whole series, before growing interest in the series prompted Oda to expand the overall plot.
** Jaya arc: [[The Hyena|Bellamy the Hyena]].
** Jaya arc: [[The Hyena|Bellamy the Hyena]].
** Skypeia arc: [[A God Am I|Enel]]
** Skypeia arc: [[A God Am I|Enel]]
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** Thriller Bark arc: [[Living Shadow|Gecko Moria]]
** Thriller Bark arc: [[Living Shadow|Gecko Moria]]
** Sabaody Archipelago arc: At first it seems to be the slaver [[Facial Composite Failure|Duval]], but he's redeemed fairly quickly. The real villain turns out to be the pathetically weak [[Aristocrats Are Evil|Saint Roswald]], though his [[Dragon-in-Chief|Dragons-in-Chief]], [[Everything Is Worse With Bears|Bartholomew Kuma]], [[Light Is Not Good|Admiral Kizaru]], and [[Stout Strength|Science Captain Sentoumaru]], are the real threat, handing the Straw Hats their first complete and utter failure.
** Sabaody Archipelago arc: At first it seems to be the slaver [[Facial Composite Failure|Duval]], but he's redeemed fairly quickly. The real villain turns out to be the pathetically weak [[Aristocrats Are Evil|Saint Roswald]], though his [[Dragon-in-Chief|Dragons-in-Chief]], [[Everything Is Worse With Bears|Bartholomew Kuma]], [[Light Is Not Good|Admiral Kizaru]], and [[Stout Strength|Science Captain Sentoumaru]], are the real threat, handing the Straw Hats their first complete and utter failure.
*** {{spoiler|Subverted in Kuma's case. They [[Stealth Mentor|didn't know at the time]], but he actually saved the Straw Hats from Kizaru by teleporting them away.}}
*** {{spoiler|Subverted in Kuma's case. They [[Stealth Mentor|didn't know at the time]], but he actually saved the Straw Hats from Kizaru by teleporting them away.}}
** Amazon Lily arc: None! Though [[Hot Amazon|Boa Hancock]] might count at first
** Amazon Lily arc: None! Though [[Hot Amazon|Boa Hancock]] might count at first
** Impel Down arc: [[Poisonous Person|Chief Warden Magellan]].
** Impel Down arc: [[Poisonous Person|Chief Warden Magellan]].
** Marineford arc: A tie between [[General Ripper|Akainu]] and [[Evil Counterpart|Blackbeard]], both of which committed the unforgivable taboo of {{spoiler|''[[Never Say "Die"|killing]] [[Disney Death|someone]] in [[One Piece]]''.}}
** Marineford arc: A tie between [[General Ripper|Akainu]] and [[Evil Counterpart|Blackbeard]], both of which committed the unforgivable taboo of {{spoiler|''[[Never Say "Die"|killing]] [[Disney Death|someone]] in [[One Piece]]''.}}
** [[Complete Monster|Hody Jones]] for the Fishman Island arc.
** [[Complete Monster|Hody Jones]] for the Fishman Island arc.
** Punk Hazard ''seems'' to have [[Mad Scientist|Caesar Crown]] as its top antagonist.
** Punk Hazard ''seems'' to have [[Mad Scientist|Caesar Crown]] as its top antagonist.
** Dressrosa Arc, Warlord of the Sea Donquixote Doflamingo.
** Fans generally speculate that an overall [[Big Bad]] for the entire series will eventually be revealed, and as of now most foreshadowing is pointing to {{spoiler|Blackbeard}}.
** Whole Cake Island Saga (consists of three seperate Arcs) Charolette "Big Mom" Linlin.
** Wano County Arc: [[Big Bad Duumvirate]] for this one, Kaidou and Big Mom.
** Egghead Arc, Celestial Dragon St. Jaygarcia Saturn.
** Fans generally speculate that an overall [[Big Bad]] for the entire series will eventually be revealed; for awhile, foreshadowing was pointing to Blackbeard, but ultimately, it seems like the true main antagonist is {{spoiler|[https://onepiece.fandom.com/wiki/Imu Imu], the true ruler of the World Government.}}.
* In the ''[[Pokémon Special]]'' manga, Giovanni (or Sakaki, if you're going by the Japanese) pulls this off just like his anime counterpart should be doing in the first and fifth arcs.
* In the ''[[Pokémon Special]]'' manga, Giovanni (or Sakaki, if you're going by the Japanese) pulls this off just like his anime counterpart should be doing in the first and fifth arcs.
** The other Big Bads are Lance (second arc), Mask of Ice (third arc), Archie and Maxie (fourth arc), Guile Hideout (sixth arc), Cyrus (seventh arc), Charon (eigth arc) and Archer (ninth arc). The mysterious Sird, however, seems to be a series-spanning [[Big Bad]], with a [[Arc Welding|plan spanning several arcs.]]
** The other Big Bads are Lance (second arc), Mask of Ice (third arc), Archie and Maxie (fourth arc), Guile Hideout (sixth arc), Cyrus (seventh arc), Charon (eigth arc) and Archer (ninth arc). The mysterious Sird, however, seems to be a series-spanning [[Big Bad]], with a [[Arc Welding|plan spanning several arcs.]]
** All the [[Pokémon (film)|Pokémon]] movies except the [[Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys|seventh]], [[Pokémon: Lucario and The Mystery of Mew|eighth]], and [[Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai|tenth]] have a (usually a human) Big Bad.
** All the [[Pokémon (film)|Pokémon]] movies except the [[Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys|seventh]], [[Pokémon: Lucario and The Mystery of Mew|eighth]], and [[Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai|tenth]] have a (usually a human) Big Bad.
*** ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie|Pokémon the First Movie]]'': Mewtwo (the only Pokémon movie villain to be a Pokémon himself; it takes a heroic role later in the anime)
*** ''[[Pokémon: The First Movie|Pokémon the First Movie]]'': Mewtwo (the only Pokémon movie villain to be a Pokémon himself; it takes a heroic role later in the anime)
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*** ''[[Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions|Pokémon Zoroark Master of Illusions]]'': [[Corrupt Corporate Executive|Kodai]]
*** ''[[Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions|Pokémon Zoroark Master of Illusions]]'': [[Corrupt Corporate Executive|Kodai]]
*** ''[[Pokémon the Movie: Black And White|Pokémon the Movie Black And White]]'': Damon
*** ''[[Pokémon the Movie: Black And White|Pokémon the Movie Black And White]]'': Damon
* The closest thing ''[[Puella Magi Madoka Magica]]'' has to a main villain is adorable but duplicitous and secretive little [[Weasel Mascot]] Kyubey, who doesn't tell the [[Magical Girl|Magical Girls]] he creates certain key facts, including that {{spoiler|Magical Girls are essentially liches, or that every Magical Girl is doomed to become a [[Eldritch Abomination|Witch]] like the ones they fight}}, and doesn't care one whit about humans {{spoiler|as long as the universe itself continues to exist}}.
* The closest thing ''[[Puella Magi Madoka Magica]]'' has to a main villain is adorable but duplicitous and secretive little [[Weasel Mascot]] Kyubey, who doesn't tell the [[Magical Girl|Magical Girls]] he creates certain key facts, including that {{spoiler|Magical Girls are essentially liches, or that every Magical Girl is doomed to become a [[Eldritch Abomination|Witch]] like the ones they fight}}, and doesn't care one whit about humans {{spoiler|as long as the universe itself continues to exist}}.
* ''[[Ranma ½]]'' has Pantyhose Taro, Herb, and Saffron.
* ''[[Ranma ½]]'' has Pantyhose Taro, Herb, and Saffron.


* Akio Ohtori of ''[[Revolutionary Girl Utena]]''. He {{spoiler|loses Anthy}} but it could be rightly said that otherwise, he [[Karma Houdini|got away with everything]], including being responsible for probably hundreds of deaths, if not thousands.
* Akio Ohtori of ''[[Revolutionary Girl Utena]]''. He {{spoiler|loses Anthy}} but it could be rightly said that otherwise, he [[Karma Houdini|got away with everything]], including being responsible for probably hundreds of deaths, if not thousands.
* The first season of ''[[Rosario to Vampire]]'' had Hokuto. The second season has Gyokuro.
* The first season of ''[[Rosario + Vampire]]'' had Hokuto. The second season has Gyokuro.
* ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'' had Makoto Shishio and Enishi Yukishiro. To expand on this:
* ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'' had Makoto Shishio and Enishi Yukishiro. To expand on this:
** Shishio was the [[Big Bad]] of the Kyoto arc by virtue of being Kenshin's replacement as the Ishin Shishi's top assassin, a [[Social Darwinist]] whose views [[Evil Counterpart|clashed with Kenshin's pacifistic ideals]], and his desire to overthrow the Japanese government that both his and Kenshin's swords helped to set up. He had the strength, connections, manpower and weaponry to start and maintain his campaign, plus being a [[Magnificent Bastard|magnificently]] [[Manipulative Bastard]] for a lot of people, both within his private army and on a wider scale; not to mention his aptitude for planning and executing strategies to keep himself two steps ahead of his enemies. What made him especially effective was that he was willing to cop to his faults whenever any aspect of his planning ''did'' fail {{spoiler|such as underestimating Sanosuke and not anticipating he'd have portable bombs powerful enough to destroy the Rengoku battleship}}, he actually respected his underlings to a degree, and he proved powerful enough to stave off four of the strongest opponents he could have--while being physically impaired himself (his burns from the government's assassination attempt meant he couldn't fight longer than 15 minutes at a time or else he'd risk death by overheating).
** Shishio was the [[Big Bad]] of the Kyoto arc by virtue of being Kenshin's replacement as the Ishin Shishi's top assassin, a [[Social Darwinist]] whose views [[Evil Counterpart|clashed with Kenshin's pacifistic ideals]], and his desire to overthrow the Japanese government that both his and Kenshin's swords helped to set up. He had the strength, connections, manpower and weaponry to start and maintain his campaign, plus being a [[Magnificent Bastard|magnificently]] [[Manipulative Bastard]] for a lot of people, both within his private army and on a wider scale; not to mention his aptitude for planning and executing strategies to keep himself two steps ahead of his enemies. What made him especially effective was that he was willing to cop to his faults whenever any aspect of his planning ''did'' fail {{spoiler|such as underestimating Sanosuke and not anticipating he'd have portable bombs powerful enough to destroy the Rengoku battleship}}, he actually respected his underlings to a degree, and he proved powerful enough to stave off four of the strongest opponents he could have--while being physically impaired himself (his burns from the government's assassination attempt meant he couldn't fight longer than 15 minutes at a time or else he'd risk death by overheating).
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** in Soul Eater Not! Medusa's and Arachne's younger sister Shaula Gorgon can be qualified as the Big Bad in this arc.
** in Soul Eater Not! Medusa's and Arachne's younger sister Shaula Gorgon can be qualified as the Big Bad in this arc.
* In ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'', the [[Big Bad]] is Lordgenome. {{spoiler|[[Heel Face Turn|Until the Anti-Spirals are revealed...]]}}
* In ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'', the [[Big Bad]] is Lordgenome. {{spoiler|[[Heel Face Turn|Until the Anti-Spirals are revealed...]]}}
* Friend from ''[[Twentieth Century Boys]]''.
* Friend from ''[[20th Century Boys]]''.
* In ''[[Umineko no Naku Koro ni]]'', Beatrice is this at first, until {{spoiler|she is usurped by Bernkastel and Lambdadelta. Because of this, Bernkastel is now a [[Rogue Protagonist]] and [[Fallen Hero]], since she was the amalgamation of all the dead Rika Furudes from ''Higurashi''.}}
* In ''[[Umineko no Naku Koro ni]]'', Beatrice is this at first, until {{spoiler|she is usurped by Bernkastel and Lambdadelta. Because of this, Bernkastel is now a [[Rogue Protagonist]] and [[Fallen Hero]], since she was the amalgamation of all the dead Rika Furudes from ''Higurashi''.}}
* Lord Darcia in ''[[Wolf's Rain]]'' is not only a Big Bad, his entire family line is responsible for anything evil involved in the story... even in its [[Earn Your Happy Ending|"happy ending,"]] which is anything but because of him.
* Lord Darcia in ''[[Wolf's Rain]]'' is not only a Big Bad, his entire family line is responsible for anything evil involved in the story... even in its [[Earn Your Happy Ending|"happy ending,"]] which is anything but because of him.
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*** Note that the giant monster from ''Sakuretsu Armor'' is the same from the equip spell ''Falling Down'', who is actually {{spoiler|Warrior Dai Grepher}}, tainted by the dark power of the Archfiends. And yes, he later becomes Dark Lucius as he gains control over his new power.
*** Note that the giant monster from ''Sakuretsu Armor'' is the same from the equip spell ''Falling Down'', who is actually {{spoiler|Warrior Dai Grepher}}, tainted by the dark power of the Archfiends. And yes, he later becomes Dark Lucius as he gains control over his new power.
* ''[[Yu Yu Hakusho]]'' breaks these up by season as well (except the first, [[Monster of the Week|where the villain in turn depends on the case Yusuke is in]]):
* ''[[Yu Yu Hakusho]]'' breaks these up by season as well (except the first, [[Monster of the Week|where the villain in turn depends on the case Yusuke is in]]):
** Sakyo in Season 2. Although Younger Toguro looks like this as well, he's more the [[Dragon-in-Chief]].
** Sakyo in Season 2. Although Younger Toguro looks like this as well, he's more the [[Dragon-in-Chief]].
** Sensui in Season 3. He is the leader of the villains, but another [[Big Bad]] could be {{spoiler|Elder Toguro, who, seeing himself as Sakyo's successor, gave Sensui the idea for the [[Evil Plan]].}}
** Sensui in Season 3. He is the leader of the villains, but another [[Big Bad]] could be {{spoiler|Elder Toguro, who, seeing himself as Sakyo's successor, gave Sensui the idea for the [[Evil Plan]].}}
** The three main rulers of the Makai world. {{spoiler|One of them is revealed to be Yusuke's ancestor.}}
** The three main rulers of the Makai world. {{spoiler|One of them is revealed to be Yusuke's ancestor.}}
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** Yakumo in ''[[The Movie|Poltergeist Report]]''.
** Yakumo in ''[[The Movie|Poltergeist Report]]''.
* The [[Needs More Love|little known]] manga [[Kagerou Nostalgia]] has [[The Man Behind the Man|Lord Gessho Kuki]], [[Names to Run Away From Really Fast|Shadow]], who is responsible for pretty much every horrific thing to occur in series. May actually be the host of an even [[Bigger Bad]] to boot.
* The [[Needs More Love|little known]] manga [[Kagerou Nostalgia]] has [[The Man Behind the Man|Lord Gessho Kuki]], [[Names to Run Away From Really Fast|Shadow]], who is responsible for pretty much every horrific thing to occur in series. May actually be the host of an even [[Bigger Bad]] to boot.
* Fei Wong Reed in ''[[Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle]]''. For a long time he appears to be doing nothing at all, apart from watching the heroes on magic TV and remarking about how [[Just As Planned|all is going according to his plan;]] he appears to be a remarkably useless villain. {{spoiler|However, that's because we're actually coming in halfway through his plan. As it turns out, [[Face Heel Turn|three of the four original main characters]] [[The Mole|were his servants.]] }}
* Fei Wong Reed in ''[[Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle]]''. For a long time he appears to be doing nothing at all, apart from watching the heroes on magic TV and remarking about how [[All According to Plan|all is going according to his plan;]] he appears to be a remarkably useless villain. {{spoiler|However, that's because we're actually coming in halfway through his plan. As it turns out, [[Face Heel Turn|three of the four original main characters]] [[The Mole|were his servants.]] }}
* Onimaru Takeshi in ''[[Yaiba]]'', your typical [[Dark Overlord]]. Also Kaguya and, during the Pyramid and Underworld arcs, Boss.
* Onimaru Takeshi in ''[[Yaiba]]'', your typical [[Dark Overlord]]. Also Kaguya and, during the Pyramid and Underworld arcs, Boss.
** In the last arc, there's also the Platina Company.
** In the last arc, there's also the Platina Company.
* In the most recent arc of ''[[Shakugan no Shana]]'' {{spoiler|main character Yuji}} becomes the [[Big Bad]] after {{spoiler|ascending to Snake of the Festival}}.
* In the most recent arc of ''[[Shakugan no Shana]]'' {{spoiler|main character Yuji}} becomes the [[Big Bad]] after {{spoiler|ascending to Snake of the Festival}}.
** {{spoiler|Subverted. The Snake of the Festival and Yuji succeed in creating a new world for Crimson Denizens to live without having to consume humans' Power of Existence. Many, if not all of those consumed by Denizens, are returned to existence. The Crimson Lords' and Flame Hazes' fear that this destroy the world proves to be without merit, and the eternal war between the Denizens and Flame Hazes end. The Flame Hazes are now free to be actual people instead of walking weapons whose only purpose is fighting, something Yuji desperately wanted for Shana, who he does end up in a relationship with. Everything went exactly according to the Snake and Yuji's plans.}}
** {{spoiler|Subverted. The Snake of the Festival and Yuji succeed in creating a new world for Crimson Denizens to live without having to consume humans' Power of Existence. Many, if not all of those consumed by Denizens, are returned to existence. The Crimson Lords' and Flame Hazes' fear that this destroy the world proves to be without merit, and the eternal war between the Denizens and Flame Hazes end. The Flame Hazes are now free to be actual people instead of walking weapons whose only purpose is fighting, something Yuji desperately wanted for Shana, who he does end up in a relationship with. Everything went exactly according to the Snake and Yuji's plans.}}
* [[Windaria]] The king of the Shadowland appears to be this but its actually {{spoiler|Lagado.}}
* [[Windaria]] The king of the Shadowland appears to be this but its actually {{spoiler|Lagado.}}
* Sekidousai in [[Inukami!]] whose inventions form the basis of early plots and those [[Evil Plan]] drives the second half of the show.
* Sekidousai in [[Inukami!]] whose inventions form the basis of early plots and those [[Evil Plan]] drives the second half of the show.
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* ''[[Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple]]'' presents us with Saiga Furinji, the eponymous One Shadow in the Yami organization's One Shadow Nine Fists group--essentially, the strongest martial artist in the organization--who is also the son of the series' [[Big Good]], Hayato Furinji, and the [[Disappeared Dad]] to Hayato's granddaughter Miu. {{spoiler|However, it seems Saiga may be [[Anti-Villain|a complicated case of this]], as he's been shown to still be a [[Martial Pacifist]] despite being the leader of a group that advocates murderous martial arts}}.
* ''[[Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple]]'' presents us with Saiga Furinji, the eponymous One Shadow in the Yami organization's One Shadow Nine Fists group--essentially, the strongest martial artist in the organization--who is also the son of the series' [[Big Good]], Hayato Furinji, and the [[Disappeared Dad]] to Hayato's granddaughter Miu. {{spoiler|However, it seems Saiga may be [[Anti-Villain|a complicated case of this]], as he's been shown to still be a [[Martial Pacifist]] despite being the leader of a group that advocates murderous martial arts}}.


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{{reflist}}
[[Category:Big Bad]]
[[Category:Anime And Manga]]

Latest revision as of 17:36, 18 March 2024


"The ultimate villain of the story, who's causing the problem the heroes must solve."

Remember, "Big Bad" is not a catch-all trope for the biggest and ugliest villain of any given story. The Big Bad is the one who turns out to be behind several other seemingly independent threats.


  • Akio Ohtori of Revolutionary Girl Utena. He loses Anthy but it could be rightly said that otherwise, he got away with everything, including being responsible for probably hundreds of deaths, if not thousands.
  • The first season of Rosario + Vampire had Hokuto. The second season has Gyokuro.
  • Rurouni Kenshin had Makoto Shishio and Enishi Yukishiro. To expand on this:
    • Shishio was the Big Bad of the Kyoto arc by virtue of being Kenshin's replacement as the Ishin Shishi's top assassin, a Social Darwinist whose views clashed with Kenshin's pacifistic ideals, and his desire to overthrow the Japanese government that both his and Kenshin's swords helped to set up. He had the strength, connections, manpower and weaponry to start and maintain his campaign, plus being a magnificently Manipulative Bastard for a lot of people, both within his private army and on a wider scale; not to mention his aptitude for planning and executing strategies to keep himself two steps ahead of his enemies. What made him especially effective was that he was willing to cop to his faults whenever any aspect of his planning did fail such as underestimating Sanosuke and not anticipating he'd have portable bombs powerful enough to destroy the Rengoku battleship, he actually respected his underlings to a degree, and he proved powerful enough to stave off four of the strongest opponents he could have--while being physically impaired himself (his burns from the government's assassination attempt meant he couldn't fight longer than 15 minutes at a time or else he'd risk death by overheating).
    • By contrast, Enishi,the Big Bad of the Jinchu arc, has a much closer tie to Kenshin than Shishio did (both Kenshin and Enishi had Tomoe in common, and both got lasting marks from her death--Kenshin got the second half of his scar, with the first half coming from Tomoe's slain fiance; Enishi, meanwhile, had his hair turn white from the shock of seeing Tomoe die in front of him), being the only one to both physically defeat Kenshin in combat and psychologically break him.
  • Sailor Moon was no stranger to this concept, but it was even more fond of setting up the seasons Dragon as the Big Bad, only to do a big reveal at the end.
    • First season: Queen Metaria
    • Sailor Moon R: Ail and En in Part One, and Wiseman/Death Phantom in Part Two
    • Sailor Moon S: Pharaoh 90
    • Sailor Moon SuperS: Queen Nehellenia
    • Sailor Stars: Chaos (who is the original source of all the aforementioned except Ail and En)
  • Saint Seiya the first Big Bad is Ares.
  • Science Ninja Team Gatchaman has Sosai (Leader) X.
  • Slayers has at least one or two per season:
    • Slayers: Rezo-Shabranigdo and Copy Rezo.
    • Slayers NEXT: Chaos Dragon Gaav and Hellmaster Phibrizo.
    • Slayers TRY: Valgaav and Dark Star Dugradigdu
    • Slayers Revolution: Zanaffar (revived by Dulcis)
    • Slayers Evolution-R: The ghost of Rezo-Shabranigdo.
      • And in the final original light novel, another piece of Shabranigdo, held within the soul of a mercenary named Luke, was a Big Bad.
  • Sonic X has Dr. Eggman in the first two seasons and Dark Oak in the final season.
  • Soul Eater has one for every major story arc. In the first one, it's Medusa, the second, Arachnae, and the third, Noah(The Greed Incarnation)but actually it's the Book of Eibon's Table of Contents as the Noahs are artificial constructs created by it.. Although Medusa is notable.In that she wakes up Kishin Ashura and so far, hasn't been killed, and is still an active villain.Until she is killed by Crona in the Moon Arc Kishin Asura is often mistaken for one, but he more qualifies as a Bigger Bad.However he did make a few recurring appearances in the story arcs and like medusa is still as active villain.Now the next arc is about Asura and him as the Big Bad this time.Also Soul eater is about preventing Kishins from being born just like Asura since everybody is after him,so Asura does qualify as a big bad to the entire series.
    • in Soul Eater Not! Medusa's and Arachne's younger sister Shaula Gorgon can be qualified as the Big Bad in this arc.
  • In Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, the Big Bad is Lordgenome. Until the Anti-Spirals are revealed...
  • Friend from 20th Century Boys.
  • In Umineko no Naku Koro ni, Beatrice is this at first, until she is usurped by Bernkastel and Lambdadelta. Because of this, Bernkastel is now a Rogue Protagonist and Fallen Hero, since she was the amalgamation of all the dead Rika Furudes from Higurashi.
  • Lord Darcia in Wolf's Rain is not only a Big Bad, his entire family line is responsible for anything evil involved in the story... even in its "happy ending," which is anything but because of him.
    • Oddly enough, the original ending (the version that stops at episode 26) seems to present Lady Jaguara as the real villain, especially after Darcia's apparent death. In the OVA, Darcia takes that position back hard.
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!!:
  • Yu-Gi-Oh! GX:
    • Season 1: Kagemaru
    • Season 2: The Light of Ruin
    • Season 3: Yubel, corrupted but not possessed by the Light of Ruin
    • Season 4: Darkness
  • Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's:
    • Season 1: Rex Godwin starts off looking like one, but turns out to be more of a Stealth Mentor. In the second half of the season, Rudger (Rex's brother and leader of The Psycho Rangers) seems to take over, but is soon abruptly killed off halfway through his arc, leaving the rest of it to his followers who had been Dragon Their Feet. The final three episodes of the season, however, reveal the guy behind everything: it really was Rex the whole time, playing everyone up to and including two deities for suckers.
    • Season 2: Z-one, who was, through his followers, responsible for Rex and Rudger turning evil, and thus could be considered the Bigger Bad for Season 1, as well.
  • Yu-Gi-Oh Ze Xal
    • Season 1: Dr. Faker so far, but now that the World Duel Carnival has started it's ambiguous as to whether it'll be him or Tron, the most mysterious competitor in said Carnival, who'll turn out to be Eviler Than Thou.
    • Generally, it can be argued that the biggest bad of the original series is Bakura/Zorc, the biggest bad of GX is the Light of Ruin (while not the final adversary, and in fact beaten offscreen, it is Judai's Arch Nemesis Because Destiny Says So and responsible for two seasons worth of strife, the other two villains only getting one), and the biggest bad of 5D's is ZONE.
      • And, in the world portrayed in the cards themselves, it seems that Invader of Darkness fits the Big Bad role pretty well. He even has a Badass Cape. However, close seconds would seem to go to Dark Lucius, who one could argue crossed the Moral Event Horizon in Sakuretsu Armor.
      • Note that the giant monster from Sakuretsu Armor is the same from the equip spell Falling Down, who is actually Warrior Dai Grepher, tainted by the dark power of the Archfiends. And yes, he later becomes Dark Lucius as he gains control over his new power.
  • Yu Yu Hakusho breaks these up by season as well (except the first, where the villain in turn depends on the case Yusuke is in):
    • Sakyo in Season 2. Although Younger Toguro looks like this as well, he's more the Dragon-in-Chief.
    • Sensui in Season 3. He is the leader of the villains, but another Big Bad could be Elder Toguro, who, seeing himself as Sakyo's successor, gave Sensui the idea for the Evil Plan.
    • The three main rulers of the Makai world. One of them is revealed to be Yusuke's ancestor.
    • In the manga, it's revealed that alot of the early villains had been pawns in an enormously elaborate publicity stunt overseen by King Enma, the true villain.
    • Yakumo in Poltergeist Report.
  • The little known manga Kagerou Nostalgia has Lord Gessho Kuki, Shadow, who is responsible for pretty much every horrific thing to occur in series. May actually be the host of an even Bigger Bad to boot.
  • Fei Wong Reed in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. For a long time he appears to be doing nothing at all, apart from watching the heroes on magic TV and remarking about how all is going according to his plan; he appears to be a remarkably useless villain. However, that's because we're actually coming in halfway through his plan. As it turns out, three of the four original main characters were his servants.
  • Onimaru Takeshi in Yaiba, your typical Dark Overlord. Also Kaguya and, during the Pyramid and Underworld arcs, Boss.
    • In the last arc, there's also the Platina Company.
  • In the most recent arc of Shakugan no Shana main character Yuji becomes the Big Bad after ascending to Snake of the Festival.
    • Subverted. The Snake of the Festival and Yuji succeed in creating a new world for Crimson Denizens to live without having to consume humans' Power of Existence. Many, if not all of those consumed by Denizens, are returned to existence. The Crimson Lords' and Flame Hazes' fear that this destroy the world proves to be without merit, and the eternal war between the Denizens and Flame Hazes end. The Flame Hazes are now free to be actual people instead of walking weapons whose only purpose is fighting, something Yuji desperately wanted for Shana, who he does end up in a relationship with. Everything went exactly according to the Snake and Yuji's plans.
  • Windaria The king of the Shadowland appears to be this but its actually Lagado.
  • Sekidousai in Inukami! whose inventions form the basis of early plots and those Evil Plan drives the second half of the show.
  • The Pope, a.k.a. Gemini Saga, in the Sanctuary Arc of Saint Seiya , Hilda in the Asgard Arc, and the respective titular villains of the Poseidon and Hades Arcs. The movies have their own Big Bads as well.
  • Millions Knives in Trigun.
  • Voltes V: Emperor Zu Zambojil, Dirty Coward extraordinaire.
  • Rain Devila in Wedding Peach is behind all the demons who attack Momoko and her friends until her own Heel Face Turn in the end.
  • Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple presents us with Saiga Furinji, the eponymous One Shadow in the Yami organization's One Shadow Nine Fists group--essentially, the strongest martial artist in the organization--who is also the son of the series' Big Good, Hayato Furinji, and the Disappeared Dad to Hayato's granddaughter Miu. However, it seems Saiga may be a complicated case of this, as he's been shown to still be a Martial Pacifist despite being the leader of a group that advocates murderous martial arts.

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