Every anime needs a strong main character that draws fans in. This is the character who fans will be following through multiple episodes, seasons and series over the years. It has to be a character who can become iconic from moment one.
Naruto, that main character was Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who wanted to lead and protect his village. Both were warriors with very different journeys ahead of them but only one could lay claim to being the more powerful of the two.
EREN YEAGER: Motivated By A Loss
Every hero has an origin story, a core motivation that drives them to do what they do. And in a surprising number of cases that motivation relates directly to the death of the hero's parents. Batman has been sorting that pain out in the most unhealthy way possible for years.
In the case of Eren Yeager, the death of his mother at the hands of the Titans drove him to the Survey Corps. That tragedy has dogged him for his entire life, but such a strong impetus really pushed him to become one of the best warriors in his unit.
NARUTO UZUMAKI: Watching Him Grow
Watching Naruto grow throughout the run of the series is an incredible experience. It's still incredibly engaging even when being re-watched for the third or fourth time.
Naruto wasn't a powerful ninja right off the bat. The talent and potential was always there but it took a lot of time, training, and frequently falling flat on his face to get even close to being a hokage. This dedication makes him an incredibly strong force to be reckoned with.
EREN YEAGER: Unrelenting In His Mission
Being a member of the Survey Corps requires someone who is devoted to the cause. Being willing to stare down a hungry giant whose only goal seems to be the destruction of humanity is daunting. It's even worse when there are dozens of them attacking at the same time.
Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Eren does not give up on the battle. He keeps working until he finds a way to win. That being said, being able to turn into a Titan doesn't hurt his situation.
NARUTO UZUMAKI: Contains The Nine-Tailed Demon Fox
Living in a world of constant pressure and stress can be a lot to deal with, especially for a kid who is training to be a ninja. As if that's not bad enough, sharing a body with a demonic fox being could only make things worse.
At a young age, Naruto was bonded with Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Having access to that level power gives him an edge in almost every fight, though trying to keep Kurama on the straight and narrow would not be easy.
EREN YEAGER: A Born Warrior
Fighting the Titans as a member of the Survey Corps takes a lot of ongoing training, not to mention nerves of steel. Swinging around a monster that's trying to eat people while trying to cut a very specific spot on the back of the neck isn't for everyone.
But there's something to doing that job that requires more than training. Eren was born to be a member of the Corps. Those aforementioned nerves of steel cannot be trained. The number of his team who have crumbled under the pressure is high. Eren does not.
NARUTO UZUMAKI: Constantly Training And Upgrading
The path Naruto chose was not easy but it was doable. He fought with a drive that few people could match, which was difficult given his young age. He would often get easily distracted.
But what Naruto eventually realized was that the process of training never ends. There's always a way to upgrade his abilities and take things to another level. Naruto understands that and pursues his training with greater focus.
EREN YEAGER: A Member Of The Survey Corps
Taking on a force as devastating as the Titans is not a task for the weak of heart. Keeping in mind that they have an extremely specific weak spot, trying to kill one is an impressive and death-defying feat.
That's the task the Survey Corps has taken on. And Eren being a member of it says everything that needs to be known about him. The fact that he devoted his life to this elite military unit makes him someone who should not be taken lightly. He also has a whole team of like-minded individuals at his back.
NARUTO UZUMAKI: He's A Highly Trained Ninja
When it comes right down to it, Naruto's greatest advantage in any fight is the fact that he's a powerful ninja. Sharing his body with a powerful demon fox certainly doesn't hurt but that sometimes does more harm than good.
Even without the Nine-Tails, Naruto is still an impressive fighter who can take on almost any challenge. And he still has Kurama in his back pocket if the need ever comes up.
EREN YEAGER: Can Become The Attack Titan
Being a member of the Survey Corps is impressive, without question. Those skills combined with the weapons that come with working with that unit certainly make Eren dangerous. But that's not what gives him the most edge.
Eren has the ability to transform into the Attack Titan. He still fights to protect humanity in his alternate form, which has saved his team on more than one occasion.
NARUTO UZUMAKI: Becomes A Full-Fledged Hokage
In the world of Naruto, being a hokage is an important position. A hokage is a community leader, a role that Naruto aspired to as a young orphan who was mocked for being bonded to the Nine-Tails.
Eventually, Naruto finishes his training and becomes a hokage. That comes with a level of skill and training that few have, making him an even more impressive fighter.
