Series & First Appearance
Masamune Makabe is a central character from the manga and anime series Masamune-kun no Revenge (政宗くんのリベンジ), created by Hiroshi Takahashi. The series first debuted in April 2017 as an anime produced by Silver Link, and the original manga was serialized in 2012.
Profile at a Glance
Masamune Makabe is a high school student who appears to be around 16 years old. He serves as the protagonist of the story, driven by his desire for revenge against his former crush, Adagaki Aki. Masamune possesses no signature weapons but relies on his intelligence and charisma to execute plans aimed at getting his desired payback.
Personality & Motivations
Masamune is characterized primarily by his narcissism and obsessive desire for revenge. Growing up, he was bullied for being overweight, leading him to reinvent himself into a handsome, confident young man. This transformation instilled a deep-seated need to prove his worth, particularly to Adagaki Aki, who humiliated him in the past by calling him "Piggy." Despite his vengeful demeanor, Masamune exhibits moments of compassion and vulnerability, particularly as his feelings for Aki become complicated. His significant fear of spiders also adds a humorous dimension to his character, as he tries to maintain a "cool" facade.
Abilities / Powers
Masamune’s primary skills lie in his strategic thinking and charisma. He often uses manipulation and psychological tactics to achieve his goals, particularly in crafting his plans to win Aki’s affection and exact revenge. His intelligence allows him to navigate social situations effectively, leveraging his new image to manipulate his peers. However, his reliance on revenge can cloud his judgment, leading him to make questionable decisions.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
The series primarily revolves around Masamune’s quest for revenge, beginning when he reunites with Aki after several years apart. Key turning points in his character arc include:
- Initial Meeting with Aki: Masamune’s resolve to get revenge rekindles when he meets Aki at his new school, setting the stage for the series’ central conflict.
- Collaboration with Yoshino Koiwai: To execute his revenge, Masamune teams up with Aki’s maid, Yoshino Koiwai. Their partnership brings moments of comedic relief and deeper character exploration, particularly in how they confront their own feelings and motivations.
- Inner Conflict: As he spends more time with Aki, Masamune’s feelings begin to shift from hatred to love, leading to moments of self-doubt and identity crisis, questioning whether his quest for revenge is truly what he desires.
Notable Relationships
- Adagaki Aki: The object of Masamune’s revenge and former crush. Their complicated relationship is a focal point of the story.
- Koiwai Yoshino: Aki’s maid who becomes Masamune’s ally. She often serves as a voice of reason and is integral to both his plans of revenge and his internal struggles.
- Masamune’s Parents: His interactions with his father and mother provide insight into his character, particularly regarding the support and expectations they have for him, which further fuel his motivations.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- A Moment of Realization: In Episode 10, Masamune reflects on his feelings for Aki after seeing her vulnerability, pushing him to reconsider his motives for revenge. This scene marks a significant character shift, showcasing his emotional depth.
- Masamune’s Fear of Spiders: In a comical twist, his drastic reaction to a spider, where he shatters his imagined cool persona, serves not only as a comedic element but highlights his underlying insecurities.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Masamune’s character design, featuring sharp features and stylish hair, was well received and contributed to his popularity, earning him a spot in multiple character popularity polls, often ranking within the top tier.
- The Japanese voice actor, Natsuki Hanae, is known for his roles in other popular anime, adding star power to Masamune’s character. In English, Masamune is voiced by Jessie James Grelle, bringing him to a wider audience.
- “Masamune” is also the name of a famous swordsmith in Japan, which adds a layer of cultural significance to the character’s name and could be perceived as a metaphor for his quest for refinement and personal strength.
Masamune Makabe’s character is an intricate blend of humor, vulnerability, and the complexities of adolescent love, making him a relatable figure in the realm of anime protagonists. His journey from a revenge-driven individual to someone who confronts his feelings creates a rich narrative arc that captivates viewers.
