Summary
- Whips are rare but powerful weapons in anime, used skillfully by characters like Midnight and Jonathan Morris.
- Different characters, like Kurapika and Panther, have unique interpretations of the whip, enhancing their combat styles.
- Whips can range from long-range attacks like Lucy's magic whip to unique weapons like Renji's Zabimaru in Bleach.
Weapons in anime range across the spectrum, from swords customized to enhance their wielder's power, to elemental abilities that far transcend that of any mage. On this long list of weapons, one of the rarer - yet not less powerful - weapons fans don't often see is the whip. It's unique but certainly aggressive and takes quite a bit of tact to use. It could almost be said that an anime character's weapon says just as much about them as their name or backstory.
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Time and time again, these unstoppable anime heroes and villains have proven themselves to be the strongest characters that the medium has to offer.
When it comes to using a whip against an enemy, these battles are not for the faint of heart - as some of anime's most powerful heroes (and villains) have perfected the art of using it. In this ranking, the character's weapon has been taken into account, but so have their abilities while they're wielding their whips. From the least to the most powerful, there's seemingly no shortage of anime characters who know how to use this uncommon weapon.
10 Midnight - My Hero Academia
Midnight Uses Her "Whips Of Love" To Slay Enemies
My Hero Academia
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2016 - 2025-00-00
- Studio
- Bones
- Creator
- Kōhei Horikoshi
- Number of Episodes
- 159
- Japanese Title
- Boku no Hero Academia
Marketing herself as an 18+ or "R-rated" hero, Midnight - aka Nemuri Kayama - is no stranger to the world of whip-wielding. Her go-to weapon is the bullwhip, which packs a punch in the form of her "Whips of Love."
She also carries a flogger-style whip better for close-range combat, adding a level of depth to her skill with this unique weapon. Along with her mature personality, whips are a flawless fit - but enemies certainly do hate to be on the receiving end.
9 Jonathan Morris - Castlevania
Guardian Of The Vampier Killer, A Powerful Whip Against The Undead
Castlevania
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2017 - 2021-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Showrunner
- Warren Ellis
- Seasons
- 4
Castlevania has had a long line of descendants when it comes to which person inherits the coveted "Vampire Killer." This whip is capable of not only slaying vampires but also dealing some serious damage to demons, including the Grim Reaper.
While the Belmont family had the right to claim Vampire Killer during their battle to end Dracula, it was then inherited by the Morris family to keep it safe until the original family came to claim the weapon once again. This is how it landed in the hands of Jonathan Morris who, in the game series, needs to make the ultimate sacrifice to unlock its true potential.
8 Kurapika - Hunter x Hunter
A Different Interpretation Of A Whip, But A Powerful Weapon Nonetheless
Hunter x Hunter
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2014
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Creator
- Yoshihiro Togashi
- Number of Episodes
- 148
Kurapika is widely skilled at a range of weapons, but none other than his chains. While not exactly whips, Kurapika does use them in a very similar manner, making them increasingly effective against a variety of enemy types.
-Renji-Abarais-Soo-Zabimaru-(Bleach)-Panther-Lilys-Bustermarm-Sword-(Fairy-Tale).jpeg?q=49&fit=crop&w=140&h=98&dpr=2)
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The two most valuable moves this Zodiac member is versed in are offensive attacks with the Dowsing Chain and Chain Jail for defensive maneuvers. Having these two only adds to the broad array of weapons mastery seen in Hunter x Hunter, but provides a unique element to Kurapika's character.
7 Ann Takamaki/Panther - Persona 5
Panther Might Seem Sweet, But Her Whip Is Deadly
Persona 5: The Animation
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 8, 2018
- Studio
- CloverWorks
- Number of Episodes
- 26
The "lovely Lady Ann," as Morgana would call her, plays the role of the one and only Panther in Persona 5. While her character in the real world is a model and college student, she's a heart-stealing phantom thief in the Metaverse.
The weapon that comes with such an awakening is a whip, and it allows Panther to perform some battle-altering attacks. Along with Carmen, her Persona, and a submachine gun for added power, Panther has an array of long-distance attacks. Not to mention a flashy whip-wielding outfit that's on point.
6 Lucy Heartfilia - Fairy Tail
A Gentler Type Of Magic Made Brutal With A Whip
Fairy Tail
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2009 - 2019-00-00
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, CloverWorks
- Creator
- Hiro Mashima
- Number of Episodes
- 328
Lucy plays the role of a Celestial Spirit Mage in Fairy Tail, which comes with its own set of unique skills. While most of them involve spirit keys to call upon spirits to help aid her in battle, she does use a whip that gives her an extra edge over enemies.
As with most whip wielders, Lucy's whip allows her to strike from long distances without draining her unique magic to do so. Additionally, the whip is made of magic water which further specializes her attacks depending on who she's facing off with.
5 Dino - Reborn!
This Bullwhip Helps Him Maintain Leadership
Reborn!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2006 - 2010-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Artland
- Creator
- Akira Amano
- Number of Episodes
- 203
- Japanese Title
- Katekyou Hitman Reborn!
Sometimes, a character's weapon choice gives a tougher edge to their personality - and this is exactly what the whip does for Dino in Reborn! Wielding a bullwhip, Dino comes across as a ruthless leader as head of the Cavallone family.
The whip he uses is an extension of this power and authority, and he can also use Sky Flames to strengthen his whip attacks with fire. Despite being a mentor and having a bit of a soft side, this weapon suits him - and his personality - well.
4 Yoko Kurama - Yu Yu Hakusho
The Rose Whip Is Truly A Thorn In Everyone's Side
Yu Yu Hakusho
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1992 - 1994-00-00
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Yoshihiro Togashi
- Number of Episodes
- 112
Kurama is a force to be reckoned with and his Rose Whip is an absolute extension of his power and ability. In Yu Yu Hakusho, he can manipulate plants and use them against his enemies, essentially bending nature to his will.
His whip is unique as it's specific to the abilities he wields - rather than an average whip, the Rose Whip is a thorny vine that's nearly unstoppable once it's in motion. This gives him an advantage in long-range attacks, but also makes him a heavy hitter on the battlefield.
3 Renji - Bleach
Possibly the Sickest Whip-Like-Sword Combination Of Any Anime
Bleach
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2004 - 2012-00-00
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Tite Kubo
- Number of Episodes
- 366
Similar to Kurapika in Hunter x Hunter, Renji has a unique whip-like weapon in Bleach that provides incredible versatility during his cinematic battle sequences. As a Soul Reaper, Renji has a sword called Zabimaru that's unique to his abilities and looks like nothing more than a serrated blade to anyone who doesn't know better.
However, one of the perks of wielding the Zabimaru is that Renji can disassemble it so that it can be used flexibly as a metal whip. Therefore, he's gifted at both long and short-range attacks with a downright terrifying weapon.
2 Do-S - One Punch Man
This Whip Is All Mental Manipulation
One Punch Man
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget endNot every anime character who wields a whip will do it for the better good, and fans love to see it. This is the case with Do-S, who plays a sadistic villain in One Punch Man as part of the Monster Association.
The whip Do-S uses is unique in the sense that, rather than just doling out physical attacks, it gives her the ability to control the minds of anyone she's targeting. Affectionately called "Love Slaves," these manipulated enemies become highly suggestible after Do-S gets her whip out.
1 Trevor Belmont - Castlevania
An Age-Old Weapon That Slayed An Ancient Monster
Castlevania's Vampire Killer is so highly touted throughout the series that it deserves two mentions, depending on who's wielding it. Trevor Belmont was one of the original Belmonts to use this killer whip, and he slayed none other than Dracula.
It's a testament to how powerful this whip truly is, but is also a testament to the longevity of such a weapon - as it's passed down through generations of Belmonts and, eventually, to the Morris family.
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