Bald characters in cartoons and manga have left an indelible mark on popular culture, transcending their physical appearance to become beloved and iconic figures.
From wisdom to humor, each character offers a unique perspective. Here are 25 memorable and influential bald characters across these mediums:
Saitama from One Punch Man
Saitama is an overpowered superhero who can defeat any foe with a single punch. Though incredibly strong, he became bald from a rigorous training regimen rather than natural hair loss.
An iconic underdog, Saitama remains bored and seeking a worthy battle despite his abilities. He’s certainly the most popular bald character of all the manga characters of this list.
Krillin from Dragon Ball
One of the most beloved characters in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball universe, Krillin provides comic relief with his trademark bald head and six dots on his forehead.
He’s Goku’s best friend and a powerful martial artist who relies on cunning rather than strength. Krillin was actually the strongest human at one point of the Dragon Ball universe thanks to his intense training.
It should be noted that Krillin is not naturally bald. Due to his original monastic training, he merely shaves his head.
Kame Sennin from Dragon Ball
Goku’s lecherous old martial arts master is goofily bald and bearded. Despite his elderly appearance, Roshi is remarkably old. He’s over 300 years old due to his consumption of the Immortality Elixir, which slowed down his aging.
Piccolo from Dragon Ball
Initially a fierce enemy, Piccolo evolves into a protector of Earth, recognized for his green complexion and iconic bald head.
Piccolo doesn’t have a last name. As a Namekian, his name is simply his birth name.
Ikkaku Madarame from Bleach
As a militant member of the Gotei 13, Ikkaku Madarame of Bleach conceals his baldness under a bandana due to his squad’s prejudice against hairless soldiers. Though he seems rough around the edges, he has an eccentric, fun-loving side.
Superalloy Darkshine from One Punch Man
Super Alloy Darkshine from the One-Punch Man manga/anime, I can say he is a hero characterized by his very muscular physique and shiny black skin. He is considered one of the physically strongest heroes in the series.
Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai from Bleach
Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, often referred to as Genryusai Yamamoto, is a central and commanding figure in the anime and manga series “Bleach.” He is the captain of the 1st Division in the Gotei 13, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and the founder of the Soul Society’s Shinigami Academy.
Yamamoto is a character marked by his extraordinary leadership, formidable power, and traditional values. He is depicted as an elder statesman with a stern, disciplined demeanor and a commanding presence, reflecting his role as a seasoned and powerful warrior.
Dot Pixis from Attack on Titan
The Garrison Regiment commander Dot Pixis guides the remaining forces defending humanity from giant Titans. His bald head, bushy mustache, and unflappable leadership make him a memorable mentor figure.
Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender
The young and bald Airbender, Aang, is the epitome of balance and wisdom. His adventures to bring harmony to the world captivated audiences globally.
Keith Shadis from Attack On Titan
Keith Shadis, a character from the popular anime and manga series “Attack on Titan,” serves as an instructor in the Training Corps. He is known for his strict and rigid training methods. He pushes the trainees to their limits, believing that it’s necessary for survival against the Titans.
Jet Black from Cowboy Bebop
Jet Black’s character is multifaceted, blending his past as a law enforcer with his present life as a bounty hunter, making him one of the most memorable and beloved characters in “Cowboy Bebop.”
Alex Louis Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist
Armstrong is recognized for his incredible physical strength and combat skills. He’s an adept hand-to-hand combatant, able to take down opponents using alchemy-free fighting techniques.
One of Armstrong’s distinctive traits is his tendency to strike elaborate and dramatic poses. He often flexes his muscles, accompanied by a sparkling effect, making for a comical yet imposing presence.
Isaac Netero from Hunter X Hunter
Netero held the prestigious position of being the Chairman of the Hunter Association, which signifies his exceptional skills and leadership abilities.
Netero was considered one of the most powerful Nen users in the world. His strength was so immense that he was sought out by many as a target for battles and challenges.
Nappa from Dragon Ball Z
The bald Saiyan warrior and Vegeta’s partner. Known for his mustache and brute strength.
Hellboy
The famous comic book demon with a giant stone hand. His filed-down horns give him a bald appearance.
Read Also: Why Are Zombies Bald?
Professor X from X-men
Professor Charles Xavier is the founder of the X-Men. He is one of the world’s most powerful telepaths. Professor X frequently appears bald when not wearing his iconic wheelchair helmet.
Homer Simpson from The Simpsons
Homer Simpson is the bumbling father figure and main protagonist of the long-running series The Simpsons. Homer is best known for his bald head with two hairs sticking up. Homer’s catchphrase “D’oh!” is included in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Caillou
Caillou is the main character from the children’s TV series who navigates life as a 4-year old. His signature look is his bald head. Caillou’s name means “pebble” in French.
Stanley Ipkiss from The Mask
Stanley Ipkiss finds an ancient mask that transforms him into a zoot-suited, bald, green-faced cartoon character in the film The Mask.
In the live-action movie, Jim Carrey’s rubber Mask makeup took 8 hours to apply during filming.
Lex Luthor from DC Comics
Lex Luthor is Superman’s archenemy and one of the most brilliant bald villains in comic books. He is a power-mad businessman bent on destroying Superman.
The Ancient One (Doctor Strange)
The Ancient One is Doctor Strange’s mentor in the mystic arts. He is a bald Celtic mystic who can conjure magic.
Tilda Swinton controversially portrays the traditionally Asian character in the MCU.
Gru from Despicable Me
Gru, a reformed supervillain turned doting father, is known for his humorous and caring side.
Gru, a reformed supervillain turned doting father, is known for his humorous and caring side.His baldness adds to his distinctive appearance and serious demeanor.
Squidward Tentacles
Squidward is an anthropomorphic octopus with a large, bulbous bald head, a big droopy nose, and dark blue-green skin. He has six tentacle limbs and suction cups on his hands and feet. Squidward is tall and skinny with a sour, bored expression.
His full name is Squidward Q. Tentacles. The “Q” stands for “Quincy”.
Elmer Fudd
Elmer Fudd is the hapless hunter – a bumbling, insecure foil for the witty and quick-thinking Bugs Bunny who is maybe the cause of his hair given all the trouble he’s caused him. His own shortcomings make failure inevitable.
Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown is the main character of the Peanuts comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz. He is depicted as a kind but perpetually downtrodden boy with a round head that appears bald.
His baldness is never fully explained in the Peanuts universe, but is part of his iconic image as an awkward, melancholy “everyman” character that many readers could relate to.
