In a recent viral debate that set social network X on fire and that had already generated debate in redditwas proposed to the community of anime a tortuous question: from a list made up of nine of the most despicable and “most unforgivable” characters in history, they had to choose only one to grant absolute forgiveness. Against all odds, and despite his history of galactic genocide, the majority of votes leaned towards the Evil Emperor: Frieza. The choice has sparked a fascinating discussion about morality in anime and how a pragmatic redemption arc can change the perception of a villain.
The Weight of the Tournament of Power
The community's decision is not unfounded, and highlights the authority narrative that Dragon Ball Super has granted to Frieza in recent years. Although Frieza is responsible for the destruction of Planet Vegeta and countless atrocities on Namek, fans argue that he “technically” helped save the entire Universe 7 during the Tournament of Power. His collaboration with Goku to defeat Jiren gave him a positive balance on the karmic scales of many viewers.
Unlike others on the list who act out of pure sadistic malice or personal betrayal, Frieza He is a conqueror. His evil has an imperial purpose, and when the situation called for it, he was able to be a crucial ally, making him “more forgivable” than the rest.
A Nightmare Competition

To understand why Frieza won, you have to look at the experience trauma that the other candidates have left in the fans. The competition list was brutal: The lineup included Griffith (Berserk), Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist), malty (The Rising of the Shield Hero), Danzo (naruto), Rachel (Tower of God), Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen), Bondrewd (Made in Abyss) and Spandam (one piece).
Characters like Shou Tucker (who experimented on his own daughter) or Griffith (whose betrayal is emotionally devastating) generate visceral and personal rejection. In comparison, the crimes of Frieza They are large-scale and “comic book” in style, making them paradoxically easier to digest than Tucker's intimate cruelty or Rachel's manipulative betrayal.
The Charisma of the Villain

The reliability of Frieza as a charismatic character he also played a key role. Unlike Spandam or Malty, who are hated for being cowards or pathological liars, Frieza He is respected for his power and his brutal honesty about who he is. Fans would rather forgive an honest tyrant who saved the universe than an abusive father or a false friend.
The Lesser Evil is the Emperor
The choice of Frieza shows that in the world of animeusefulness and charisma can trump pure morality. Having saved the universe gave Frieza a “free pass” that more realistic and disturbing villains like Shou Tucker will never get.
The result is logical. Frieza He's a villain we love to hate, while the others on the list just make us sick to our stomachs. His participation in the Tournament of Power was a crowning moment that redefined his legacy, allowing fans to look beyond his past crimes, at least for a moment.
Do you agree with the majority? If you had to forgive someone on that infernal list, would it be Frieza or would you find justification for another? We want to read your opinion!
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