Marvel Rising: Initiation (2018) is an animated series that introduces a new generation of Marvel superheroes, focusing on young heroes like Ghost-Spider (Gwen Stacy) and Squirrel Girl.
It emphasizes themes of empowerment, inclusivity, and underdog resilience, wrapped in vibrant animation and character-driven storytelling. Like Marvel Rising, these 15 underrated anime share core elements: underdog protagonists rising against odds, dynamic team dynamics, and subversive takes on power systems.
They deserve attention for their unique narratives, visual innovation, and fresh perspectives that often fly under the radar.
1. Saint Seiya (1986)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Young warriors called Saints protect the goddess Athena from divine threats, battling gods and traitors despite being underestimated. Their journey highlights loyalty and perseverance.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Features underdog heroes shunned by their own organization, fighting for justice with found-family bonds, mirroring Marvel Rising’s focus on young heroes overcoming institutional skepticism.
- Details: MAL: 7.75; Episodes: 114; Studio: Toei Animation; Notable: Cult classic with mythic storytelling.
2. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, the android Casshern seeks redemption while hunted for causing humanity’s ruin, blending action with philosophical depth.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Explores redemption and identity like Gwen Stacy’s arc, with stylized action and a protagonist grappling with unintended consequences.
- Details: MAL: 7.6; Episodes: 24; Studio: Madhouse; Awards: Praised for visual artistry.
3. Concrete Revolutio (2015)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Government agents manage superheroes in 1960s Japan, navigating moral gray areas as heroes clash with society’s expectations.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Examines superhero ethics and youth empowerment, akin to Squirrel Girl’s optimistic heroism amid systemic flaws.
- Details: MAL: 6.8; Episodes: 24; Studio: Bones; Notable: Non-linear narrative akin to comic-book pacing.
4. The Ossan Newbie Adventurer (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A guild clerk becomes overpowered after brutal training, joining a party to tackle quests while hiding his growth from peers.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Underdog-to-hero progression mirrors Patriot’s journey, with humor and team dynamics central to its charm.
- Details: MAL: 6.9; Episodes: 12; Studio: Yumeta Company; Based on light novel.
5. I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A boy reincarnated as royalty masters magic effortlessly, leading to chaotic, humorous battles against demons and deities.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Blends OP protagonist antics with lighthearted teamwork, evoking Ghost-Spider’s balance of power and relatability.
- Details: MAL: 7.2; Episodes: 12; Studio: Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab.
6. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Two ping-pong prodigies confront rivalry and self-doubt, using the sport to explore ambition and personal growth.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Character-driven underdog arcs echo Marvel Rising’s focus on resilience, with unique animation amplifying emotional beats.
- Details: MAL: 8.5; Episodes: 11; Studio: Tatsunoko Production; Awards: Critical acclaim for storytelling.
7. Afro Samurai (2007)
- Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A swordsman seeks vengeance in a dystopian Japan, battling foes with his sword amid themes of justice and legacy.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Stylish action and a lone hero’s moral conflicts parallel Quake’s narrative, with cultural fusion enriching its world.
- Details: MAL: 7.5; Episodes: 5; Studio: Gonzo; Notable: Starring Samuel L. Jackson.
8. Tatami Galaxy (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A college student relives university life through parallel timelines, exploring regret and self-discovery in surreal vignettes.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Unconventional storytelling and youth empowerment themes resonate with Marvel Rising’s emphasis on self-acceptance.
- Details: MAL: 8.7; Episodes: 11; Studio: Madhouse; Awards: Animation excellence.
9. Bubble (2022)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot: In a gravity-defying Tokyo, parkour athletes battle amidst mysterious bubbles, uncovering secrets about their collapsing world.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Youth-led adventure with dazzling animation reflects Marvel Rising’s visual flair and themes of unity against chaos.
- Details: MAL: 6.5; Episodes: Film; Studio: Wit Studio; Directed by Tetsurō Araki.
10. Children of the Sea (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot: A girl bonds with ocean-raised boys, embarking on a mystical journey to understand her connection to marine life and cosmic forces.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Empowerment through wonder and self-discovery, with stunning visuals that match Marvel Rising’s immersive style.
- Details: MAL: 7.0; Episodes: Film; Studio: Studio 4°C; Based on manga.
11. The Legendary Hero Is Dead! (2023)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A lazy farmer’s soul inhabits a dead hero’s body, teaming with a necromancer to fight demons in a raucous comedy-action series.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Subverts hero tropes with humor and team dynamics, akin to Marvel Rising’s balance of levity and stakes.
- Details: MAL: 7.0; Episodes: 12; Studio: Liden Films.
12. Skeleton Knight in Another World (2022)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A gamer awakens as an OP skeleton knight, hiding his identity while righting wrongs in a fantasy realm.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Undercover heroism and action-comedy tone echo Ghost-Spider’s dual-life struggles.
- Details: MAL: 6.8; Episodes: 12; Studio: Studio Kai, HORNETS.
13. The Land of Leadale (2022)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A woman reincarnates as her game avatar in a changed world, rebuilding connections and exploring new responsibilities.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Focus on legacy and community-building, paralleling Squirrel Girl’s optimistic leadership.
- Details: MAL: 6.9; Episodes: 12; Studio: Maho Film.
14. A Condition Called Love (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Netflix
- Plot: A pragmatic girl navigates a trial relationship with an obsessive boy, dissecting love’s complexities through trauma and growth.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Character-driven relational dynamics and emotional depth align with Marvel Rising’s focus on personal evolution.
- Details: MAL: 7.5; Episodes: 12; Studio: East Fish Studio; Based on manga.
15. Mr. Villain’s Day Off (2024)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A villainous leader finds solace in zoo visits on his days off, revealing his quirky, human side.
- Similarities to Marvel Rising: Humanizes antagonists with humor and heart, reflecting Marvel Rising’s nuanced approach to morality.
- Details: MAL: 7.3; Episodes: 12; Studio: Shin-Ei Animation.
Why These Anime Work for Marvel Rising Fans
These series resonate with Marvel Rising: Initiation’s core appeal: they champion underdog narratives, prioritize character growth over power fantasy, and innovate within their genres. Like Marvel Rising, they balance action with heartfelt storytelling, often subverting tropes—whether through unique animation (e.g., Tatami Galaxy’s surrealism) or thematic depth (e.g., Concrete Revolutio’s ethical dilemmas). Their underrated status stems from niche appeal or overshadowing by mainstream hits, yet they excel in delivering fresh perspectives on heroism, teamwork, and resilience. For fans seeking the same blend of inclusivity, empowerment, and dynamic storytelling, these anime offer rich, overlooked alternatives.
