YouTube star MrBeast recently sparked a wave of controversy in the anime community after posting an online poll asking fans which series should be “deleted forever.” The poll quickly went viral, drawing responses from viewers around the world and prompting heated debates on social media.
While the poll was intended as a lighthearted game for entertainment, it unexpectedly stirred strong emotions among anime fans, highlighting the intense loyalty and rivalries that exist between different fandoms.
The poll featured several well-known anime series, including Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia. Viewers were asked to vote for the series they would erase from existence, a question that immediately generated conflict and amusement at the same time.
Anime communities, which are often known for their passionate and defensive fanbases, responded in large numbers, with people sharing their opinions, memes, and arguments across multiple social media platforms.
Reports indicate that Bleach received the highest number of votes in the poll, surprising some fans and delighting others. In particular, some Naruto fans appeared to celebrate the outcome, sharing memes and posts joking about how their preferred series had avoided being “deleted.”
This reaction further fueled the debate, as it played into a longstanding rivalry between Naruto and Bleach fans. Historically, both series have been compared frequently due to their similarities as long-running shonen titles featuring ninja and soul-reaper themes, respectively. The poll reignited those comparisons, with fans dissecting storylines, characters, and battles to defend their favorites.
MrBeast, A popular Youtuber
MrBeast’s Anime Poll Sparks Controversy as Bleach Tops “Delete Forever” Votes
The response to the poll was not entirely playful. Many fans expressed frustration, arguing that the idea of “deleting” a beloved series was disrespectful to the hard work of the creators and the memories of fans who grew up with these shows.
Critics noted that anime often carries emotional significance, and polls like this can feel dismissive of the effort and impact of the stories. For some, the poll seemed to trivialize decades of manga, animation, and fandom culture, prompting serious discussions about how entertainment content is valued and remembered.
At the same time, some viewers approached the poll as an opportunity for humor. Social media was filled with memes depicting imaginary scenarios in which certain anime characters or worlds disappeared entirely. These posts often exaggerated the rivalry between fanbases and poked fun at the intensity of the debates.
The mix of humor and heated reactions reflected the dual nature of the internet’s response: while many found the poll amusing, others saw it as a provocation that threatened to spark unnecessary arguments.
MrBeast, known for his attention-grabbing challenges and interactive content, has a history of creating polls and contests that go viral, often drawing participation from millions of users. His audience spans a wide range of interests, and the anime poll demonstrated the ability of his platform to influence and mobilize fandoms on a global scale.
While the poll may have been intended simply as entertainment, it revealed the depth of passion that exists within anime communities and how even playful questions can trigger strong reactions.
Naruto Fans Celebrate While Anime Community Reacts to MrBeast’s Controversial Poll
The poll also prompted broader conversations about anime culture and the ways in which fans engage with content. Many discussions centered on the subjective nature of opinions, what one viewer dislikes, another might consider a masterpiece.
The strong reactions to Bleach receiving the most votes highlighted how deeply fans connect to their favorite series, with debates often extending beyond simple preferences to include character development, storytelling quality, and personal nostalgia. It also showed how playful rivalries can quickly turn into heated debates when a public figure with a large platform is involved.
Despite the controversy, the poll succeeded in generating widespread engagement and conversation about popular anime. Fans revisited old series, compared notes with others, and reflected on the impact of their favorite shows.
MrBeast, A popular Youtuber
The discussion extended to online forums, social media threads, and video comment sections, with debates ranging from serious critiques to lighthearted banter. In this sense, the poll became more than a question of which anime should be “deleted”; it became a reflection of the enduring influence of these stories and the intensity of their fanbases.
Ultimately, MrBeast’s anime poll sparked both humor and controversy, demonstrating the passion and intensity of global anime fandoms. The fact that Bleach received the most votes and that some Naruto fans cheered the outcome illustrates how rivalries between fandoms remain strong decades after these series debuted.
While opinions about the poll vary, it has undeniably led to lively discussion and engagement, showing how even a simple question can ignite debates, nostalgia, and reflection in the anime community. Whether viewed as playful entertainment or a controversial provocation, the poll has left its mark on fans and demonstrated the enduring cultural significance of beloved anime series.
Ichigo Kurosaki is a seemingly ordinary high schooler, except for one crucial detail, he can see ghosts. One night, his life changes forever when a mysterious woman named Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper (shinigami), crashes into his room while hunting a monstrous spirit called a Hollow.
One Piece is one of the most popular and longest-running manga and anime series in the world. Created by Eiichiro Oda, it has entertained fans for more than two decades with its adventurous story, colorful characters, and themes of freedom and friendship.
However, despite its massive success, the series has recently faced criticism from fans over how it handles representation, particularly when it comes to dark-skinned characters. Many believe that Oda has not given enough positive attention to these characters, and instead has leaned into stereotypes that make the problem more noticeable.
The debate around representation in One Piece has been building for years, but it became louder as fans compared the series to other popular works such as Naruto and Bleach. Both of those titles also feature fantasy settings, but they are seen as doing a slightly better job in portraying diverse characters with dignity and individuality.
In contrast, One Piece has been accused of reducing some of its darker-skinned characters to exaggerated designs, unusual speech patterns, or backgrounds that feel less carefully developed compared to its lighter-skinned characters.
One of the key criticisms is that dark-skinned characters often fall into stereotypical roles, either as villains, background figures, or comic relief. For a story as grand and far-reaching as One Piece, fans feel that this imbalance stands out.
With a world so vast, filled with dozens of islands, cultures, and races, the limited variety in meaningful dark-skinned characters feels like a missed opportunity. Many argue that this issue clashes with the main theme of the series, which celebrates individuality, freedom, and unity among different people.
One Piece Franchise (Creidts: Eichiro Oda)
One Piece Faces Backlash Over Dark-Skinned Character Portrayals
Another concern comes from how certain designs rely heavily on exaggerated features. While One Piece is known for Oda’s wild and cartoonish art style, which applies to almost all characters, critics argue that when those exaggerations are applied to darker-skinned characters, they often resemble outdated or harmful imagery.
This is especially sensitive in a global context, since One Piece is not just a Japanese hit but a worldwide cultural phenomenon with millions of fans from diverse backgrounds.
Supporters of Oda often argue that his intention is not to stereotype but to create a wide range of appearances that show the diversity of the world. They point out that the series features giants, fish-men, cyborgs, and all sorts of unique beings, so exaggerated designs are part of the charm.
However, critics respond that intention does not erase impact. What may seem like simple artistic choices to some can feel insulting or dismissive to others who see their identity reflected in those designs.
This controversy has opened up larger discussions about representation in anime and manga as a whole. Historically, Japanese media has been shaped by a culture that is not as racially diverse as other parts of the world, which sometimes leads to blind spots when stories are shared internationally.
As anime has grown into a global industry, these blind spots are being noticed more often. One Piece, as one of the most visible franchises, is naturally at the center of these conversations.
Fans Criticize Eiichiro Oda for Leaning on Harmful Stereotypes
It is important to note that many fans still deeply love the series despite its flaws. The criticism does not come from a place of hate but from a desire to see the series live up to its own message of inclusivity. One Piece has always been about challenging injustice, standing up for those who are different, and bringing together people from all walks of life.
Fans who raise concerns about representation believe that addressing these issues would make the series even stronger, more meaningful, and more respectful to its worldwide audience.
As the series continues toward its final saga, fans wonder if Oda will make changes in how he introduces new characters. Some remain hopeful that he might use the story’s remaining arcs to highlight more diverse characters in positive, respectful ways.
One Piece Franchise (Creidts: Eichiro Oda)
Others are less optimistic, believing that the art style and approach are too deeply rooted to change significantly at this stage. Still, the conversation itself shows how much fans care, not only about the adventure of the Straw Hat Pirates but also about how the world of One Piece reflects the world we live in today.
The debate over representation in One Piece will likely continue, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling. When a series is as influential and beloved as One Piece, its choices resonate far beyond the page or screen. For many, this is not just about criticism but about holding a beloved story to a higher standard, one that truly matches its themes of freedom, unity, and respect for all.
“One Piece” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series that chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. Luffy, imbued with rubber powers from a mystical fruit Hito Hito no Mi, aspires to become the Pirate King. To achieve this, he seeks the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” hidden at the Grand Line’s end. Along the journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew, confronts formidable foes, and uncovers world-altering secrets, all while promoting themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure.
