Tale 1: Our Top 5 Anime Characters Who Helped Define Streetwear

When we were coming up with our purpose, we decided that we wanted a store where we could find really good clothes and action figures but not have to break the bank.  I think that we've done a pretty good job so far, but there's always going to be some adjustments, whether it's what products we offer to even the cost. 

That's the cool thing about The Den; it doesn't really have a set definition or plan.  Instead, we kind of play it day by day and listen to you guys, fans of the genre just like us.  So, to get to know us a little bit better, we put together a list of our top anime characters who bring the energy, attitude, and aesthetic to leave the biggest mark and impact.

5th - Monkey D. Luffy, The "Straw Hat"

Luffy doesn't follow trends. He sets them. His red vest, straw hat, and carefree confidence are the blueprint for anyone who dresses for themselves, not for the crowd. One Piece fans know: the fit hits different when you're chasing your own Grand Line.  However, he's not our top character.

4th - Ryuk, The Dark Horse

Death Note's Ryuk brought gothic anime energy into the mainstream long before it was cool. Black on black, dramatic silhouettes, and an aura that commands attention — Ryuk is the spirit animal of anyone who gravitates toward the darker side of streetwear.  Now, even though he's got some cool abilities and power, he falls at number 4 because we think there' more noteworthy characters to talk about. 

3rd - Naruto Uzumaki – The 7th Hokage

Naruto's orange-and-black color palette, headband, and never-give-up spirit are pure streetwear energy. He came from nothing, built his own legacy, and stayed true to his style the whole way. From just being a shinobi . . . to becoming one of the Hokage, Naruto showed what hard work, dedication, and never giving up can do for you.  Which made putting him at number three hard.

2nd - Captain Levi Ackerman (Need We Say More?)

Levi's Survey Corps uniform is the original clean aesthetic. Neutral tones, functional design, no excess. In a world of loud graphics, Levi reminds us that restraint is its own kind of power. However, this is also a man that you don't want to show why he's called Captain Levi.  So, when we thought about our top five characters, Levi had to go on the list.  But . . . he falls just short of being number 1, for one particular reason.

1st - Goku x Vegeta 

Okay, so we won't lie . . . this is sort of a cheat to be honest.  But, in fairness, Goku and Vegeta are not only the primary protectors of Earth, but they are also each other's better half.  Goku, often naive to what's going around, is just a Saiyan Warrior looking for the next big fight.  However, with time (and some help from Vegeta), he's learned that sometimes you have to go to another place briefly in order to protect those around you, earning his name Kakarot.  Meanwhile, the Prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta, often times approaches things without having a detailed plan, which can sometime get him into some tough situations.  However, his Saiyan Pride and ambition to surpass Kakarot leads him into battle with ferociousness but agility to make him 2nd (but don't tell him we said that) to Goku.

So, what did you think of our list? To be honest, we probably have some questionable decisions.

The biggest thing is these characters have had big impacts on our childhood (even adulthood) and inspire us all in different ways.

Wanna pick up any of our gear above? Click each picture to purchase!