What type of villain do we prefer, the one who simply one-shot kill their enemies and have no higher motive other than being evil and cruel or those that are more philosophical or ideologically driven antagonists like Eren Yeager from AOT or Madara Uchiha. The preference for these types of villains is often tied to the impact they have on the pacing, intensity, and tone of the narrative or down right preference of the person watching.
One of the biggest pros to one-shot kill villains is the sheer presence of danger they bring, you might be watching but even you don't know what their next move is going to be, they are so unpredictable, Unlike villains with deep motives or ideologies, these characters aren’t trying to convince anyone of their beliefs or make philosophical points, they’re just pure, unstoppable forces of destruction. Their motivations often boil down to a simple, brutal desire to be evil or to cause chaos, like Sukuna or Beru in solo leveling. This can feel more visceral and immediate for audiences. There's no room for negotiation or ideological debate, they’re just a threat to be dealt with.
For viewers or readers who are looking for a more straightforward, adrenaline pumping experience, these villains can be so satisfying. They don't spend time giving long speeches or making philosophical arguments, they just act. This leaves less room for the typical “villain monologues” that often bog down more complex antagonists. When a villain like this appears on the scene, the focus is immediately on the confrontation. There's no waiting for them to explain their grand plan or reveal their tragic backstory. Their only aim is destruction, and that simplicity can make them terrifying and exciting.
In contrast, villains like Eren and Madara, while undeniably complex and fascinating, often require more mental energy and are more thought provoking. They’re driven by intricate motives that question morality, justice, and what they deem to be fair. This can lead to great storytelling and emotional depth, but it can also slow down the pace of the story with endless speeches, motivations, and debates about their philosophy. For some, this kind of villain can feel like an intellectual exercise and may end up skipping through some parts of the story.
However, the appeal of villains with complex motives like Eren and Madara/pain is undeniable, and apart from their quotable speeches, their depth and reasoning make them more relatable and, at times, even sympathetic. The audience is given a chance to understand them, making their actions and eventual goals more impactful. They aren’t just forces of evil, they are forces of nature with a reason behind their evil, and that gives their story an emotional weight that a one-shot kill villain might lack.
Ultimately, the preference for one-shot kill villains or those with deeper motives comes down to what the viewer is looking for in a story. Some enjoy the adrenaline rush of an unstoppable force wreaking havoc, while others prefer a more cerebral, philosophical exploration of what it means to be evil. Both types of villains have their merits, and each serves a different narrative purpose. I personally prefer the brutal one-shot kill villains who don't waste time on speeches.
Which do you prefer?