History TheLancer / AnimeAndManga

* Kai of ''Anime/{{Beyblade}}'' switched between TheLancer and TheRival. Rei/Ray also had his moments.

* ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'': Nicholas D. Wolfwood to Vash the Stampede. Wolfwood and Vash work incredibly well together and often appear to be two of a kind when goofing around or actively engaged in combat, but have deep philosophical differences. Wolfwood is dark: a killer and KnightInSourArmor with a secret agenda. Vash is a TechnicalPacifist and AllLovingHero. They're keeping huge secrets from one another, and they know it. They're still the best friends either has ever had. Their color scheme contributes.\\

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They get extra bonuses in the manga, with {{Foil}} elements like the fact that, even though they look the same age, Vash is [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld Really Nearly Two Hundred]] and Wolfwood has accelerated aging from the experiments the Eye of Michael did on him, and based on his former orphanage-mates can't possibly be even eighteen. Also, he ''joined up with Vash because the BigBad told him to.''

* ''Anime/MazingerZ'': Sayaka was TheLancer and LoveInterest from TheHero Kouji Kabuto. Given that Kouji was an carefree, impulsive, {{Hotblooded}} IdiotHero, she was TheReliableOne type, and both of them formed a BattleCouple.
** ''Anime/GreatMazinger'': Jun Hono was TheLancer from TheHero Tetsuya Tsurugi, and Kouji when he returned to the end of the series. Given that Tetsuya was a bad-tempered BrokenAce [[InferioritySuperiorityComplex and hid a huge inferiority complex under tons of arrogance and pride and anger]], they had to be TheReliableOne type he could depend on. Since [[HeroesPreferSwords Tetsuya indeed preferred swords]], Jun's HumongousMecha mainly used laser beams and missiles.
** ''Anime/UFORoboGrendizer'': Duke was TheHero and Kouji TheLancer. Since Duke was fairly competent, Kouji played the role of bumbling sidekick and GeniusDitz.
* In ''Manga/ShamanKing'' Ren Tao is the [[TheLancer Lancer]] in every way to [[BrilliantButLazy Yoh Asakura's]] hero.
* ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'': "Condor" Joe Asakura, a.k.a. G-2. In the beginning, he's a SociopathicHero constantly undermining [[TheHero Ken's]] authority because he wouldn't let Joe go on the attack. But by the second half of the first series, Joe's the only one who's able to [[GetAHoldOfYourselfMan talk Ken down]] when he [[FreakOut MAJORLY Freaks Out]] after [[spoiler: Red Impulse, Ken's long-absent father, is killed]], showing they have a Ryu And Ken (the Capcom ones) style respect for each other. From the beginning, he has a serious vendetta against the antagonists of the series since [[ParentalAbandonment ''his parents are Deeaaad!'']] thanks to them, which drives his AntiHero tendencies, [[spoiler: and true to his role, he's the member that ends up dramatically dying in sacrifice at the end.]] [[spoiler: of the first series at least, subverted in the sequels.]]
* In the 90s ''Manga/SailorMoon'' anime, Rei[=/=]Sailor Mars is TheLancer of the team. The Creator/DiC English dub [[CharacterExaggeration exaggerated this]] into a running subplot of her trying to subvert Usagi's leadership. In the manga, however, the Lancer is Minako/Sailor Venus, the leader of the Senshi in the Silver Millenium and the most seasoned warrior of the group. In some ways, manga Minako is an example of TheHero unto herself, with Rei being ''her'' Lancer rather than Usagi's.
* ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'': Nicholas D. Wolfwood to Vash the Stampede. Wolfwood and Vash work incredibly well together and often appear to be two of a kind when goofing around or actively engaged in combat, but have deep philosophical differences. Wolfwood is dark: a killer and KnightInSourArmor with a secret agenda. Vash is a TechnicalPacifist and AllLovingHero. They're keeping huge secrets from one another, and they know it. They're still the best friends either has ever had. Their color scheme contributes.\\
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They get extra bonuses in the manga, with {{Foil}} elements like the fact that, even though they look the same age, Vash is [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld Really Nearly Two Hundred]] and Wolfwood has accelerated aging from the experiments the Eye of Michael did on him, and based on his former orphanage-mates can't possibly be even eighteen. Also, he ''joined up with Vash because the BigBad told him to.''
* ''Anime/PrettySammy'': Pixy Misa becomes this in near the end of the series.
* ''Manga/{{Gantz}}'': Kei Kurono was undoubtedly TheLancer to TheHero Masaru Katou, his old friend. [[spoiler:Until Katou died and Kurono became TheHero instead, whereupon Izumi becomes his Lancer. Who (plural) at some point got killed off by alien vampires, around the time Katou got revived (the incredibly awesome Osaka arc followed). That lasted till Kei got revived AGAIN, TWICE, so now three heroes are running around, with one of the Kei's and Katou leading a (probably) suicide commando against an alien invasion and another leading humans being held captive by said aliens into freedom.]]
** In a story arc that focused on Katou action girl/the chick Reika got to spend time as his lancer
* Rina/Green Pearl Voice from ''Manga/MermaidMelodyPichiPichiPitch'' and Caren.
* Minto Aizawa/Mew Mint from ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'' is TheLancer to Ichigo Momomiya/Mew Ichigo.
* ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'':
** ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'': Yuuno Scrya is this to Nanoha Takamachi, as he's the WeakButSkilled BarrierWarrior to UnskilledButStrong [[BeamSpam Beam Spamming]] Nanoha.
** ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs'' Fate Testarossa, indeed an ex-DarkMagicalGirl, is the Lancer to Nanoha, being the {{Foil}} to her in terms of their personalities, appearances, powers and fighting styles.
** In ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'', Vita and Signum become Lancers to Nanoha and Fate, respectively. Vita is the CynicalMentor while Nanoha is the CoolTeacher. Signum is the LightningBruiser, Fate is the FragileSpeedster.
*** Subaru Nakajima and Teana Lanster are Lancers to each other. Subaru is TheHeroine of the ''[=StrikerS=]'' cast, while Teana is TheLeader of the Forwards. Both are RedOniBlueOni, respectively, and display the BrainsAndBrawn trope.
** In ''Manga/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaVivid'', Einhard Stratos is TheLancer to Vivio Takamachi. Aside of the RedOniBlueOni trope, Einhard is proud of being the descendant of her WarriorPrince heritage, while Vivio tries to live normally as possible despite being a CloneJesus.
** In ''Manga/MagicalRecordLyricalNanohaForce'', Isis Egret is TheLancer to Thoma Avenir. Thoma is the UnskilledButStrong AllLovingHero and a TechnicalPacifist, while the [[WeakButSkilled "Weak", but Skilled]] Isis is the cynical explosive user with a rather aggressive battle persona. Also, Isis is still human, while Thoma is [[TechnicallyLivingZombie not]], yet Isis is far more competent than him.
* ''Anime/CorrectorYui'': [[spoiler:Haruna Kisaragi/Corrector Haruna]][[spoiler:who was also a DarkMagicalGirl for a time.]] In the second season anime, Control and Synchro/War Wolf are Yui's Lancers when they form a FiveManBand IR and Rescue. Also, Ai Shinozaki/Corrector Ai is often Lancer-like towards Yui.
* In ''Anime/StrainStrategicArmoredInfantry'', Lottie considers Sara her Lancer up until [[spoiler:she realizes Sara's identity. She finally admits that maybe it's the other way around.]]
* Natsumi aka Shiro Loli in ''Saint October''.
* ''Anime/SaintSeiyaOmega'' features a female example in Yuna, who serves as [[IdiotHero Kouga]]'s main [[TheReliableOne partner]] in both combat and journeying.

* Kai of ''Anime/{{Beyblade}}'' switched between TheLancer and TheRival. Rei/Ray also had his moments.
* [[{{Deuteragonist}} Barnaby]] from ''Anime/TigerAndBunny'' plays this role where his partner [[HeroProtagonist Kotetsu]] is concerned. He is the [[RedOniBlueOni Blue Oni to Kotetsu's Red]], and the IneffectualLoner to his partner's AllLovingHero / [[TheCape Cape]].

* The title [[EquippableAlly character]] of ''Manga/SoulEater'' is Maka's Lancer.
** Almost all the characters in Soul Eater have a tendency to play off of eachother, switching from Hero to Lancer when the plot calls for it.
* Sanosuke Sagara in ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''. He starts out as Kenshin's rival before quickly becoming [[HeelFaceTurn his best friend]], spent the gap between the revolution and the start of the series as a glory-seeking street fighter rather than an atoning wanderer, and prefers hand-to-hand combat over disciplined sword fighting (although he was skilled with his {{BFS}}, which he lamentably only used twice).
* Until his departure, Brock played TheLancer to Ash in the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' anime, though not the games (which are a different universe entirely).
* ''Anime/GoLion'' did an interesting bit on this trope. While Isamu Kurogane was named LANCE by Anime/{{Voltron}} fans, he was not the original Lancer of the team. . . that job was temporarily held by Takashi Shirogane (Sven).

* Natsuki Kuga is Mai's Lancer in ''Anime/MaiHime'', being both her {{Foil}} (Mai is very strait-laced, while Natsuki's willing to break a few rules to meet her personal objective) and opposite number in the ElementalPowers department (Mai uses [[PlayingWithFire fire]], and Natsuki uses [[AnIcePerson ice]]).
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': Sasuke Uchiha fits this in almost every possible sense [[spoiler: until his FaceHeelTurn]]. [[spoiler:Replaced later by [[EmotionlessGirl Emotionless Guy]] Sai.]]
** [[spoiler:In the current war, Killer Bee is definitely this as he specifically promised Iruka he'd watch Naruto's back.]]
** [[spoiler:And now, with his HeelFaceTurn, Sasuke has reclaimed the role]]
* ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'' plays with this, in that the Lancer, Kyon, is in fact both the narrator and the main character... with a little dash of TheHero, something that the flighty and childish Haruhi is definitely ''not''. Really, Haruhi got the FiveManBand wrong; [[EmotionlessGirl Yuki Nagato]] is more TheLancer than Kyon, who is more of TheHero.
* Jet Link aka 002 is Joe Shimamura aka 009's Lancer in ''Manga/{{Cyborg 009}}''. Albert Heinrich aka 004 and Francoise Arnoul aka 003 sometimes fits in, too.
* Guts filled this role for Griffith in ''{{Manga/Berserk}}'' when he was still part of the Band of the Hawk.
** After The Eclipse, Guts became the head of his own travel group and Serpico now fills this role for him and displays the typical antagonism of this archetype, at least until Guts definitively defeats him in Vritannis. Serpico then learns to trust his de facto leader and to work effectively alongside him.
* Snagglebit in the obscure 1990s anime ''The Littl' Bits'' fit this trope to a T.

* Roronoa Zoro in ''Manga/OnePiece''. Not only is he [[RedOniBlueOni the straight man to all of Luffy's antics]], he is the NumberTwo as [[TheCaptain Luffy's]] swordsman. Given the relative specialties of the two and the outcomes of the times they fight in the series, Zoro and Luffy are very nearly evenly matched.
** One could also make a case for Sanji being the Lancer: a similarly [[RedOniBlueOni cool]] personality, like Zoro's, contrasted with [[IdiotHero Luffy's]], but also, as per the "He's the one who sneaks off on his own to advance the team's goals independently" bit in the description, Sanji has done just that on at least four occasions (Little Garden, Alabasta, Water 7 and Enies Lobby). Sanji also fits as lancer for his [[ChivalrousPervert perv]] status in contrast to Luffy's {{Chaste Hero}} status.

* In ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'', depending on your point of view either Simon is Kamina's Lancer, or Kamina is Simon's. Upon [[spoiler:Kamina's death]] Kittan gradually qualifes for the role, showing a strong grasp of Kamina's ideals, but lacking the gift with words he and Simon have to express it.
** Rossiu is certainly Simon's Lancer after the timeskip. At least until [[spoiler: Viral's HeelFaceTurn, at which point Rossiu gradually takes upon a more passive role]].

* In sports manga/anime, the sub-captain of the team is likely to be TheLancer to the captain. Either that, or TheRival within the team plays this role for TheHero (who isn ''not'' necessarily the captain). Examples:
** ''Manga/ThePrinceOfTennis'':
*** Seigaku: Oishi and/or Fuji, to Tezuka. Momoshiro, to Echizen [[spoiler: and later, to Kaidoh]]
*** Fudomine: Kamio, to Tachibana.
*** Saint Rudolph: Kaneda, to Akazawa. Mizuki, to Yuuta (as a good example of a sneaky Lancer who uses less-than-ethic methods).
*** Hyoutei: Shishido, to Atobe; he actually [[HeroicSacrifice took one for the team]] during the yakiniku battle (sacrificing himself by drinking Inui juice so his team could go on). Ohtori, on the other hand, is Shishido's own Lancer (which makes them also a ''very'' popular HoYay subject, even lampshaded once or twice in the {{Dating Sim}}s).
*** Isn't Oshitari more of a lancer to Atobe? Besides Kabaji, Atobe is probably closest with him, often leaving important duties with him. They are also both All-rounders, coincidentally.
*** Yamabuki: Sengoku and/or Dan, to AntiHero Akutsu.
*** Rokkaku: Saeki, to Aoi.
*** Jyousei: Wakato, to Kajimoto.
*** Rikkaidai: Sanada, to Yukimura. Also, Renji to Sanada
*** Higa: Rin, to Kite.
*** Shitenhouji: Chitose (also SixthRanger), to Shiraishi. Koishikawa was ''supposed'' to be TheLancer, but Chitose's appearance shot that to Hell.
*** If we count the {{Tagalong Kid}}s, Tomoka is TheLancer to [[TheChick chicky]] [[TheHero heroine]] Sakuno.
** ''Manga/CaptainTsubasa'':
*** Depending on the team he's playing, Tsubasa can hace ''several'' Lancers. Up to date: Ishizaki, Misaki, Wakabayashi, Hyuga, Pepe and/or Rivaul.
*** Wakashimazu and Takeshi, to Hyuga.
*** Oda, to Matsuyama.
*** Müller, to Schneider. Sometimes Schester too, though he's more of TheSmartGuy [[spoiler: A small subplot in ''Road to 2002'' had Schneider trying to personally recruit Wakabayashi as his Lancer, too.]]
*** Napoleon, to Pierre.
*** Pascal, to Juan Diaz
*** Kaltz, to Wakabayashi (in the Hamburg team).
*** Leo (and briefly, Natourezza), to Santana
** Subverted in ''Manga/SlamDunk'', where the vice-captain of the Shohoku team (Kogure) hardly gets any time on the court. Therefore, since we have Sakuragi as TheHero (from story-wise perspective, as he is the main character), he gets Rukawa as his Lancer.
** ''Manga/{{Eyeshield 21}}'' has many of these.
*** Kurita and Musashi are both Lancers for Hiruma.
*** Monta (and later on Riku) is easily Sena's Lancer.
*** Sakuraba serves as a Lancer to both Takami and Shin, although in some cases Shin could be his lancer (like in the Sagittarius).
*** Tetsuma is definitely Kid's Lancer, and a damn good one at that.
*** In a twisted sense of the trope, Agon could be concieved as Unsui's Lancer or [[TheDragon Dragon]], although a better case could be made for Ikkiyu and Agon switching off as Lancer and Hero[=/=]Dragon and BigBad as well.
*** Gaou is certainly a Lancer for Marco.
*** Taka for Yamato, given the fact that the latter is Teikoku's primary ace, but they could be switched without much difficulty
* ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato'' (also known as ''Star Blazers'') had two slightly different Lancers.
** The very proper and by the book Daiuske Shima (Mark Venture) was a polar opposiste to Susumu Kodai (Derek Wildstar) who was originally more [[HotBlooded impulsive and devil-may-care]]. Both were also rival for the heart of [[TheChick Yuki Mori]] (Nova), although Shima quickly conceded, [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy loving Yuki enough to let her go]]. The rivalry dissapeared completely with the maturing of Kodai and his inheriting leadership as the Acting Captain Yamato (Argo).
** Although only slightly older than most of the rest of the crew, [[TheSmartGuy chief technician Shiro Sanada]] (Sandor) was Yamato's elder figure after the deaths of [[TheCaptain Captain Okita (Avatar)]] and [[MrFixit Engineer Tokugawa (Orion)]]. Sadly, Shima makes the ultimate sacrifice that many anime Lancers are known for. However, interestingly enough, in ''Yamato:Rebirth'' anime, Sanada actually becomes EDF Supreme Commander, in effect becoming Captain Kodai's superior officer; the rare case where the Lancer eventually gets promoted to outrank the Hero (even if it took 25 years).
* Kuwabara from ''Manga/YuYuHakusho''. He's Yusuke's school rival-turned-best friend, frequently teams up with him for tag-team battles, and leads the Team Urameshi almost as often as Yusuke does in the Dark Tournament saga.
* Daisy from ''VideoGame/DragonQuest: [[Anime/DragonQuestLegendOfTheHeroAbel Legend of the Hero Abel]]'' (a.k.a. the ''Dragon Warrior'' anime broadcast in English in TheNineties) is a good example of a female Lancer: a mercenary adventurer who started out more skilled than TheHero, and who seemed to [[{{UST}} have a crush on him]] (which got sublimated into her helping rescue the DistressedDamsel).
* If you view the Allied Forces from ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'' as a FiveManBand, then [[TeamDad England]] is TheLancer to [[LoveFreak America's]] IdiotHero.
** Fandom tends to see the East Asian nations as a FiveManBand as well, and in such an environment Japan plays Lancer to TheHero China.
*** They also apply these dynamics to the Nordic group, with Sweden as TheLancer to TheHero Finland. Back in the days of their commonwealth, Lithuania was TheLancer to TheHero Poland.

* [[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Riza Hawkeye]] is the stern, cool-headed, and female Lancer serving under Roy Mustang. Maes Hughes could be considered [[ObfuscatingStupidity an even lazier one]].

* In ''Manga/FushigiYuugi'', Tamahome and Tasuki end up as a BlueOniRedOni patterned Hero and Lancer, respectively. Interestingly, they ''both'' have a BrainwashedAndCrazy incident where one nearly murders the other.
* In ''Manga/OuranHighSchoolHostClub'' Shadow King Kyouya is TheLancer to IdiotHero Tamaki, and secretly runs the club behind his back. Everyone else is aware of it, though; they don't call him the "Shadow King" for nothing.
* Chrono in ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'' serves as Rosette's lancer (particularly in the manga where Rosette is firmly the protagonist). While they usually seem eye-to-eye on moral issues, and they are in fact the OfficialCouple, they often clash and get into arguments--Rosette is {{hotblooded}} and determined, while Chrono ''appears'' to be calmer and also slips into despair much easier. Rosette is a nun, and Chrono is a demon. Rosette is very open with her emotions, while Chrono tends to try to hide when he's upset.
* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'' has an interesting example in [[spoiler:Keiichi]]. He starts off as a DecoyProtagonist, is a bit paranoid and actually steers into [[spoiler:VillainProtagonist]] territory. In later arcs, the spotlight switches to the actual [[TheHero hero]], [[spoiler:Rika]]. Another interesting thing about it is the reversal of the usual optimistic-Hero and cynical-Lancer. [[spoiler:Rika]] behaves cheerfully, but is secretly very cynical and has all but resigned [[spoiler:her]]self to die. [[spoiler:Keiichi]], after a number of screw-ups caused by not trusting his friends, is optimistic and tells [[spoiler:Rika]] that it ''is'' possible to [[ScrewDestiny beat the crap out of fate]]. He's arguably [[spoiler:Rika]]'s [[AllLovingHero savior]].
** [[spoiler:Rika]] even says something to a similar effect:
---> [[spoiler:"There have been two worlds in the last hundred years where you never transferred here. Those were sad, dead-end worlds."]]
* In ''Manga/KatekyoHitmanReborn'', Yamamoto and Gokudera combine to become this for Tsuna. And Squalo, for Xanxus.
** You could probably make a stronger argument for Hibari as the Lancer of the team. When he's actually ON the team, at least. He's extremely self-serving, unlike Tsuna who tends to get roped into helping others.
* Rei is this to Kenshiro in ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar''. Originally looking to kill Ken, Rei eventually becomes Ken's closest ally and greatest friend, fighting alongside him and helping him restore some hope to the CrapsackWorld they live in. Turns out someone was just trying to smear Ken's name through the mud anyway. [[spoiler:Upon Rei's death at Raoh's hand, Kenshiro called Rei "one of the greatest men that I have ever known."]]

* Judai of ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'' has two Lancers in the earlier seasons -- Sho, as the inseparable best friend, and Manjoume as TheRival, always trying to outshine him or be TheHero himself.
** And from ''Anime/YuGiOh'' Katsuya Jonouchi (Joey Wheeler) fits. Also Jack Atlas from ''Anime/YuGiOh5Ds'' falls into TheLancer eventually.
* Rei Miyamoto is the lancer to Takashi Komuro in ''Manga/HighSchoolOfTheDead''. Bonus points for being a member of the school's lancing club.
* Asuka from ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' likes to set up Shinji as her Lancer when in truth, she is the Lancer to him. While Asuka had formal training and has tons of self-confidence, Shinji has more natural talent and he eventually surpasses her in terms of synch ratio. Shinji always gets extra help from his mother's soul when he's in trouble. Asuka only gets the same once, right before her death. Jealousy towards the hero? '''Triple''' check.
** ''Anime/RebuildOfEvangelion'' played this straight: Asuka not only acknowledges that she can't do everything alone, she's also the one who [[spoiler:takes a bullet for the team and nearly dies in the process]].
* In ''Manga/HunterXHunter'', Killua fills this role perfectly. He even becomes aware of it himself.
* ''Anime/{{Doraemon}}'', despite the CharacterTitle issue, is this to [[TheHero Nobita Nobi.]]
* ''{{LightNovel/Slayers}}'' has both [[IdiotHero Gourry]] and [[TheSpock Zelgadis]] vouch between the Lancer and TheBigGuy roles depending on the situation. However, though [[TheHero Lina]] met Gourry first, Gourry is an aggressive and incredibly dumb swordsman, and Zelgadis is far more intelligent and tactile, thus Zelgadis is more or less this trope.

* In ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}}'', Sunohara often serves as an opposite to Tomoya, as he actively seeks out a girlfriend, is rather book stupid, but also is aware of the issues regarding Tomoya's relationship.
* ''Manga/MedakaBox'': Zenkichi Hitoyoshi, the more level-headed, down-to-earth friend of the protagonist. That's not to say he can't be a HotBlooded Determinator...

* ''Anime/LegendOfGalacticHeroes'': Siegfried Kircheis to Reinhard von Lohengramm, being the latter's best friend and moral compass. On the Alliance side, Walter von Schönkopf plays this role to reluctant hero Yang Wenli, often pointing out inconsistencies in the latter's moral and political outlook.
* ''Anime/BlueCometSPTLayzner'' gives us David Rutherford, who after getting over his bitterness over how TheHero Eiji Asuka wasn't able to save his friend Juno, becomes Eiji's fighting partner and one of his closest friends.

* In ''Manga/HunterXHunter'', Killuah fills this role perfectly. He even becomes aware of it himself.

** You could probably make a stronger argument for Hibari as the Lancer of the team. When he's actually ON the team, at least. He's extremely self-serving, unlike Tsuna who tends to get roped into helping other.

** One could also make a case for Sanji being the Lancer: a similarly [[RedOniBlueOni cool]] personality, like Zoro's, contrasted with [[IdiotHero Luffy's]], but also, as per the "He's the one who sneaks off on his own to advance the team's goals independently" bit in the description, Sanji has done just that on at least four occasions (Little Garden, Alabasta, Water 7 and Enies Lobby). Sanji also fits as lancer for his [[ChivalrousPervert perv]] status in contrast to Luffy's CelibateHero status.

* Rei is this to Kenshiro, in ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar''.

* The ''Anime/PrettyCure'' franchise has Lancers who often double as [[SmartGuy Smart Girls]].

* ''SpaceBattleshipYamato'' (also known as ''Star Blazers'') had two slightly different Lancers.

** In ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'', Vita and Signum become Lancers to Nanoha and Fate, respectively. Vita is the CynicalMentor while Nanoha is the CoolTeacher. Signum is the LightningBruiser, Fate is the GlassCannon.

--> [[spoiler:"There have been two worlds in the last hundred years where you never transferred here. Those were sad, dead-end worlds."]]

* Rei Miyamoto is the lancer to Takashi Komuro in ''HighSchoolOfTheDead''. Bonus points for being a member of the school's lancing club.

* Lancer, from ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'', despite sharing the trope name, is a curious case, as he's less of a traditional Lancer and more of a mix of TheChick (uses his girly, "softer" looks and crossdresses to get the upper hand) and TheSmartGuy (is level-headed and sneaky, as well as an AcePilot). Arguably, Rand and Rook rake turns to fill in more as Scott's proper lancer.

** ''Rebuild'' played this straight: not only Asuka acknowledges that she can't do everything alone, she's also the one who [[spoiler:takes a bullet for the team and nearly dies in the process]].
* In HunterXHunter, Killuah fills this role perfectly. He even becomes aware of it himself.

* Chrono in ''ChronoCrusade'' serves as Rosette's lancer (particularly in the manga where Rosette is firmly the protagonist). While they usually seem eye-to-eye on moral issues, and they are in fact the OfficialCouple, they often clash and get into arguments--Rosette is {{hotblooded}} and determined, while Chrono ''appears'' to be calmer and also slips into despair much easier. Rosette is a nun, and Chrono is a demon. Rosette is very open with her emotions, while Chrono tends to try to hide when he's upset.

* ''Anime/GoLion'' did an interesting bit on this trope. While Isamu Kurogane was named LANCE by {{Voltron}} fans, he was not the original Lancer of the team. . . that job was temporarily held by Takashi Shirogane (Sven).

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* Jet Link aka 002 is Joe Shimamura aka 009's Lancer in ''{{Cyborg 009}}''. Albert Heinrich aka 004 and Francoise Arnoul aka 003 sometimes fits in, too.

** In ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS'', Vita and Signum become Lancers to Nanoha and Fate, respectively. Vita is the CynicalMentor while Nanoha is the CoolTeacher. Signum is the LightningBruiser, Fate is the GlassCannon.

** In ''Manga/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaViVid'', Einhard Stratos is TheLancer to Vivio Takamachi. Aside of the RedOniBlueOni trope, Einhard is proud of being the descendant of her WarriorPrince heritage, while Vivio tries to live normally as possible despite being a CloneJesus.

* {{Slayers}} has both [[IdiotHero Gourry]] and [[TheSpock Zelgadis]] vouch between the Lancer and TheBigGuy roles depending on the situation. However, though [[TheHero Lina]] met Gourry first, Gourry is an aggressive and incredibly dumb swordsman, and Zelgadis is far more intelligent and tactile, thus Zelgadis is more or less this trope.

* Natsuki Kuga is Mai's Lancer in ''Anime/{{Mai-HiME}}'', being both her {{Foil}} (Mai is very strait-laced, while Natsuki's willing to break a few rules to meet her personal objective) and opposite number in the ElementalPowers department (Mai uses [[PlayingWithFire fire]], and Natsuki uses [[AnIcePerson ice]]).

* Rei is this to Kenshiro, in ''HokutoNoKen''.

* In ''SaintBeast'', Luca is very much the lancer. He is quiet, strong, [[TheConfidant always has good advice]], and stands by TheHero no matter what. Moreover, his powers of [[DarkIsNotEvil darkness]] contrast TheHero's powers of light. Amusingly, his LoveInterest is TheChick.

* Lancer, from ''{{Robotech}}'', despite sharing the trope name, is a curious case, as he's less of a traditional Lancer and more of a mix of TheChick (uses his girly, "softer" looks and crossdresses to get the upper hand) and TheSmartGuy (is level-headed and sneaky, as well as an AcePilot). Arguably, Rand and Rook rake turns to fill in more as Scott's proper lancer.

* ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' has either Asuna or Setsuna acting as Negi's lancer for the earlier arcs. Later [[TheRival Kotaro]] has taken the position. [[spoiler: Nodoka ''might'' have a good chance after she takes a level in badass.]]

* Erza of ''Manga/FairyTail'' is a stoic, badass MagicKnight and one of the top four mages in the guild. Has become very popular among fans since joining the group and has a rivalry with TheHero Natsu. However, given Natsu's [[BoisterousBruiser tendency to challenge anyone and everyone more powerful than him]], this may be debatable.
** Gray could also be considered a Lancer within the group, given his rivalry with Natsu and their complementary elemental magic (Fire and Ice).
** Gray is a better example, given the elements and his playing [[RedOniBlueOni blue oni to Natsu's red.]] He even used to be TheRival. Erza is more like TheBigGuy of their FiveManBand.

* ''MedakaBox'': Zenkichi Hitoyoshi, the more level-headed, down-to-earth friend of the protagonist. That's not to say he can't be a HotBlooded Determinator...

* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' has an interesting example in [[spoiler:Keiichi]]. He starts off as a DecoyProtagonist, is a bit paranoid and actually steers into [[spoiler:VillainProtagonist]] territory. In later arcs, the spotlight switches to the actual [[TheHero hero]], [[spoiler:Rika]]. Another interesting thing about it is the reversal of the usual optimistic-Hero and cynical-Lancer. [[spoiler:Rika]] behaves cheerfully, but is secretly very cynical and has all but resigned [[spoiler:her]]self to die. [[spoiler:Keiichi]], after a number of screw-ups caused by not trusting his friends, is optimistic and tells [[spoiler:Rika]] that it ''is'' possible to [[ScrewDestiny beat the crap out of fate]]. He's arguably [[spoiler:Rika]]'s [[AllLovingHero savior]].

** ''[[Manga/MobileSuitCrossboneGundam Crossbone Gundam]]'': Kincaido Nau aka [[GundamF91 Seabook Arno]], to Tobia Arronax. Also a BigBrotherMentor to him.

* In the ''Anime/SailorMoon'' {{anime}}, Rei[=/=]Sailor Mars is TheLancer of the team. The Creator/DiC English dub [[CharacterExaggeration exaggerated this]] into a running subplot of her trying to subvert Usagi's leadership. In the [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]], however, the Lancer is Minako/Sailor Venus, the leader of the Senshi in the Silver Millenium and the most seasoned warrior of the group. In some ways, manga Minako is an example of TheHero unto herself, with Rei being ''her'' [[TheLancer Lancer]] rather than Usagi's.

* In ''Anime/SoukouNoStrain'', Lottie considers Sara her Lancer up until [[spoiler:she realizes Sara's identity. She finally admits that maybe it's the other way around.]]