Line #82 Expy/AnimeAndManga


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3	%% This page has been alphabetized. Please add new examples in the correct order. Thanks!
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7	%% Before adding examples, check the guidelines in the Expy cleanup thread (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=13983140170A37263400) and make sure your example fits the criteria to qualify as an Expy.
8	%% Don't just list minor or coincidental similarities. Also, explain why the character is an Expy - don't just say "X is an expy of Y" and leave it at that.
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11	[[quoteright:350:[[Anime/VividredOperation https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nanohomu_2181.jpg]]]]
12	[[caption-width-right:350:''Anime/VividredOperation'': NotQuiteStarring [[Franchise/LyricalNanoha Nanoha Takamachi]] and [[Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica Homura Akemi]].]]
13	!!The following have their own pages:
14	[[index]]
15	* ''Expy/DragonBall''
16	* ''Expy/{{Gundam}}''
17	[[/index]]
18
19	{{Expy}} in Anime & Manga.
20	----
21	[[AC:Others]]
22	* ''Franchise/DotHack'': Justified example (as similar player-characters in actual games often have the same base model), but it doesn't stop the trope from being lampshaded and played with; for example, [=BlackRose=] and Mimiru actually argue over this in a SIGN {{omake}} episode, accusing the other of being a copycat; in the same episode, Bear is killed by Orca but everyone assumes one is the other. A similar incident occurs in Roots and the G.U. games, where Haseo finds himself being befriended by a character who's nearly identical to a close friend of his, who was [=PKed=] and put into a coma. Mistral and Mirelle are an interesting example as [[spoiler:Mistral and Mirelle are the same The World character, but Mirelle is played by Mistral's player's four year-old daughter. (She changed the character's name to Mirelle at an event.)]]
23	%%** The character of both Kite and [=BlackRose=] has been used many times, particularly Kite. Aside from Kite himself, there's Shugo (Legend of The Twilight Bracelet), Azure Flame Kite (G.U.) and Azure Flame Knight (LINK). Oh and, Kite (Sora) in LINK as well as Sakuya in Quantum (both being played by females, incidentally).
24	%%*** On another note, some has noted the physical similarity of Kite's X-Form with [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Kaworu]]. Hey, Sadamoto ''is'' the character designer after all...
25	* Several characters from ''Manga/TwentiethCenturyBoys'' bears many resemblance to the cast from Creator/NaokiUrasawa's previous work, ''Manga/{{Monster}}''.
26	** [[BigBad "Friend"]] to Johan Liebert. Both are demented sociopaths whose outward charms allow them to influence other people's perceptions and actions, even attracting a dedicated cult following. Then, they manage to frame the heroes for their horrific deeds. Their basic character designs are quite similar as well, though one being Caucasian and the other Japanese gives them distinct appearances.
27	** Kanna Endo to Anna Liebert. Both women share a familial connection with the main antagonist of their respective works, but although they both share the charisma and determination of their evil relative, they use their abilities for good and even play an active part in hunting down the Big Bads.
28	* Gaku Namikiri of ''Manga/AbsoluteBoyfriend'' is basically Tasuki from Creator/YuuWatase's earlier work ''Manga/FushigiYuugi'', reincarnated as a supernatual low-ranking salesman. Though Gaku is slightly less HotBlooded, he's got the same [[TheIdiotFromOsaka Idiot from Osaka]] tendencies, the same [[LovableRogue loveably roguish]] demeanor, the same gift for [[NoSocialSkills socially incorrect remarks]], and the same ability to show up whenever the plot conveniently needs to be moved along.
29	%%* Sora Hasegawa from ''Manga/AhMyGoddess'' strongly resembles Yoriko Nikaido from the same mangaka's earlier series ''Manga/YoureUnderArrest''.
30	* ''Manga/{{Area 88}}'': Kitori in the TV series is an expy of Sela Bernard from manga issues that did not make it stateside. Both have long black hair, perform the role of [[TheSquadette squadette]], and serve as Kim's best friend.
31	%%** Makoto Shinjou from the TV series is also an expy of Goh "Rocky" Mutsuki from the manga.
32	* ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'':
33	** The Attack Titan's design and behavior in its initial appearance seems to be based on [[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Unit 01]].
34	** Erwin Smith is one for [[ComicBook/{{Watchmen}} Adrian Veidt]]. The physical similarity was [[http://blog.livedoor.jp/isayamahazime/archives/7964052.html outright stated]] by WordOfGod, but the two also have the same [[WellIntentionedExtremist motivations]].
35	** According to WordOfGod, Levi's design takes heavy inspiration from [[Manga/YuYuHakusho Hiei]], however, Levi as a character is heavily based on [[ComicBook/{{Watchmen}} Rorschach]], being the SonOfAWhore of average height, but also an incredible fighter.
36	** [[spoiler:Falco Grice is stated by WordOfGod to be based on [[Series/BreakingBad Jesse Pinkman]]]].
37	* Elfin from ''Anime/{{Bakugan}}'' is very unsubtly based on the title character of ''Franchise/SailorMoon'', with the only major difference being that she's a frog-like [[{{Mon}} Bakugan]]. She has her iconic long, blond twintails and odango hair combo and invokes the MagicalGirl trope with her TransformationSequence taking longer than that of other Bakugans (on a blue shiny background, no less) and uses InTheNameOfTheMoon speech before doing one of Sailor Moon's iconic poses.
38	-->Sun, wind and rain combined! InTheNameOfTheMoon! Behold Aquos/Ventus/Darkus (depending on her chosen attribute) Elfin!
39	* In Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's ''Manga/{{Bakuman}}'', several of the main characters physically resemble ones from their previous series ''Manga/DeathNote''. Moritaka resembles Near, Takagi resembles Light, Kosugi resembles Mikami, Miho resembles Misa, Aiko resembles Kiyomi Takada, and Hiramaru resembles Matsuda. Niizuma's character of Crow also shares some visual traits with Ryuk. Hattori also resembles Ryuk, and both appear to have been based at least partially on a real life ''Magazine/ShonenJump'' editor.
40	* There are a number of these throughout the ''[[TabletopGame/BattleSpirits Battle Spirits franchise]]'':
41	** In ''Anime/BattleSpiritsShonenGekihaDan'', Dan Bashin is one to [[Anime/BattleSpiritsShonenToppaBashin Toppa Bashin]]. Both are red-using redheads, and chosen ones who are magnetic heroes. Even their last name is the same. However, in the sequel Brave season, Dan's personality changes sharply enough to make the two less comparable.
42	*** From the same season, Mai Viole is an expy of Suiren. Aside from aesthetic similarities, they're both idols, and both purple-using Action Girls with a tendency to come off as scary even to their allies.
43	*** Yuuki Momose is one to J Sawaragi. They are both TheRival, both use white, and both have a little sister they're protective of. [[spoiler: Both spend some time working with the villains, but only to further their own objectives.]] In a milder sense, Yuuki's sister Kajitsu is in a similar position to J's sister, Kyokya.
44	*** Youth Glynnhorn from the Brave season is aethetically Suzuri 2.0, but personality-wise, there's so much season 1 Dan in him.
45	*** Also in Brave, Stella Korabelishchikov is an expy of Gekiha Dan's Magisa. The both of them have the same dynamic with Kenzo, and are voiced by Creator/SatsukiYukino.
46	*** Barone is in the same position as both the afforementioned J and Yuuki, as a white-using rival with a cold and prideful personality.
47	*** At first glance, Flora seemed to be an expy to Kajitsu, down to having flower motifs, a similar deck and the same seiyuu. This is actually explained when [[spoiler: she's revealed to be so similar because she's Kajitsu's {{Reincarnation}}.]]
48	** In ''Anime/BattleSpiritsSwordEyes'', Bringer is one to Pantera in Gekiha Dan. Both are droids who have trouble understanding human emotions, but bond with the hero. Both are also voiced by Creator/JunichiSuwabe.
49	*** Grenada is one to Gilfam in Brave. Both are queens, both have a close female protector with a relationship full of LesYay subtext. Both [[spoiler: have magical powers]]. Both are voiced by Creator/MichikoNeya.
50	** In ''Anime/BattleSpiritsSaikyoGingaUltimateZero'' Miroku is one to Zazie in Brave. The both of them are masked [[WhiteHairBlackHeart white-haired villains]] with an alter-ego, and both tend to be massive trolls. Both try to summon an Ophiuchus card [[spoiler: and the process involves sacrificing their own supposed allies.]] Miroku's deck and battle style are even an imitation of Zazie's.
51	** Okuni Midoriyama of ''Anime/BattleSpiritsBurningSoul'' is a DistaffCounterpart to Hagakure Shido in Sword Eyes. Both are ditzy green ninjas who use bird decks.
52	** ''Battle Spirits Double Drive'' has Kengou, who is a palette-swapped Barone, as well as Wabii and Sabii, who are zodiac-using fat twins just like Hide and Hideji in ''Anime/BattleSpiritsHeroes''.
53	* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'':
54	** Design-wise, WordOfGod has stated that Guts' physical appearance takes inspiration from a number of sources, namely, characters played by Creator/RutgerHauer, [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]], and [[Manga/CyberBlue Blue]]. His outfit, meanwhile seems to take inspiration from the title character of one of Miura's previous works, ''Noa'', such as the BadassCape and ArmCannon.
55	** Griffith very clearly takes inspiration from [[Franchise/{{Devilman}} Ryo Asuka]], the {{bishounen}} best friend of the hero whose interest in him [[AmbiguouslyBi seems to go beyond a simple friendship]], only to tragically end up betraying the hero. His appearance also seems to be based on [[Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles Oscar François de Jarjayes]], and given Miura's love for the manga, it's very likely.
56	** WordOfGod has stated that Serpico was specifically to embody a certain kind of "dream man", and in doing this, specifically took inspiration from [[Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles André Grandier]] in writing him.
57	** The [[DemonLordsAndArchdevils Godhand]] are likely based on the [[Franchise/{{Hellraiser}} Cenobites]], being [[WasOnceAMan former humans]] [[DemonOfHumanOrigin turned demons]] who can be summoned via an ArtifactOfDoom, and have an interest in turning humans into monsters. For a specific member, Slan is most likely based on [[TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}} Slaanesh]], being a [[SuccubiAndIncubi Succubi-themed demon]] who believes that SexIsViolence.
58	** The Unnamed Female Apostle Guts kills in the opening scene of the manga is likely based on the [[Film/ConanTheBarbarian1982 Wolf Witch]], a beautiful woman who transforms into a monster during sex and attempts to devour the hero, only to end up getting killed.
59	** The Great Goat is clearly supposed to be based on {{Baphomet}}.
60	* ''Anime/TheBigO'''s creators previously worked on ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', and many characters have clear counterparts in the Batman franchise, but most are changed enough by the change in setting to avoid being true expies. The exception is Norman, the main character's DeadpanSnarker BattleButler sidekick, who basically ''is'' Alfred Pennyworth with the serial numbers filed off.
61	* Ciel Phantomhive of ''Manga/BlackButler'' is incredibly similar to Literature/ArtemisFowl, with both characters being [[TeenGenius rather shrewd and cunning young boys]] heavily involved in unethical activities.
62	* ''Manga/BlackClover'':
63	** Sylph is one of [[WesternAnimation/PeterPan Tinker Bell]]. She's nicknamed "Bell", has a sassy personality, and is a small fairy with insect wings who wears a green minidress.
64	** Jack the Ripper to [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Nnoitra Gilga]] as Tabata has stated that he was inspired by ''Bleach''. Both are similar in appearance with thin builds and medium-length black hair, and delight in combat and bloodshed. They each have a praying mantis motif and powers that let them form scythe blades to fight.
65	* ''Manga/BlackLagoon'': Hansel and Gretel are a pair of blond-haired, mentally unstable CreepyTwins, the boy wearing a shirt and shorts while the girl wears a long dress, who are [[EnfantTerrible hitmen for hire despite their young ages]] -- just like Danny and Demi from ''VideoGame/TheOutfoxies''.
66	* ''Manga/BusoRenkin'': Creator/NobuhiroWatsuki freely admits in the chapter notes that the series protagonist, Kazuki Muto, is a gender-swapped expy of Misao Makimachi from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''. In addition, he notes (to his apparent surprise) that one of the minor villains is a thinly recast Enishi, and theorizes that he wanted to give Enishi a happier ending through his expy. Many of the other character bios also admit that they are also expies of characters from that series, such as Tokiko being a GenderFlip of Kenshin (or mostly his [[SuperPoweredEvilSide "Hitokiri Battousai" mode]]), Studant Council President Oka Hayasaka is one of EeriePaleSkinnedBrunette Tomoe, and an Alchemist Warrior from later in the series looks like Hiko Seijuro just forgot to shave for a few days.
67	* ''Anime/CaptainEarth'' introduced a character named Eiji Arashi in episode 5, who seemed pretty familiar to Studio Bones regulars: With his purple hair and eyes, voiced by Creator/AkiraIshida and [[spoiler:being one of the main characters' father]], he's quite a dead ringer for Head, the BigBad of Takuya Igarashi, Youji Enokido and Studio Bones's previous work, ''Anime/StarDriver''. Heck, even his first name (Eiji) sounds similar to the [[spoiler:pen]]name Head has (Reiji) and his criminal record sounds much like what one could have put Head to court for [[spoiler:([[KarmaHoudini not that it actually happened...]])]] after the end of Star Driver.
68	* Sharnid Elipton from ''Literature/ChromeShelledRegios'' is a pretty much a copy of ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'''s Kurz Weber: a sniper, whose skill is matched only by his laid-backness, with long blond hair and a propensity for womanizing.
69	* Fuuko Ibuki from ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}}'' is an obvious expy of Ayu Tsukimiya from ''VisualNovel/{{Kanon}}'', as both of them are from visual novels created by Creator/KeyVisualArts. Both of them are {{Genki Girl}}s, {{Cloudcuckoolander}}s and OlderThanTheyLook. [[spoiler:They're also both revealed to be comatose, and they use AstralProjection to interact with the other characters.]]
70	* ''Manga/{{Claymore}}'':
71	** Clare is an almost perfect expy of Ikuno from ''Manga/AngelDensetsu''. Down to her behavior. (And she's attracted to Raki/Yuji too). For some added expiness read the episode in which Kitano dreams during math lesson just after reading Claymore, and notice his sword and the oni's eyes. Many also see Clare as a genderswapped [[{{Manga/Berserk}} Guts]], given both characters' {{Dark And Troubled Past}}s, penchant for [[{{BFS}} giant swords]] and [[DemonSlaying general calling]].
72	** Cynthia is an expy of Ryoko, the main female lead of ''Angel Densetsu''. Could explain how she's avoided cashing in the numerous death flags she's collected to date.
73	* Continuing on from the ''Gundam'' listing above, ''Anime/CodeGeass'' has plenty of its own:
74	** Lelouch is a main character version of Zechs marquise from Gundam Wing (many say he's a Char clone, but due to Code Geass overtly performing homage to Gundam Wing, that's at best inaccurate), what with both being exiled members of (more or less) royalty, suffering from having their beloved parent murdered, having a sister, planning for revenge, and not allowing that sister to be part of it, or even knowing about it. And when she does find out, they have a showdown, and she gets in his way, etc, etc. They also fight an internal battle between revenge, and wanting to join with the "nice guys" and be a real hero, but the outcomes of the conflict and the betrayals they experience eventually forcing them to play the part of a Genocidal monster and Martyr themselves in order to bring peace to the world.
75	** Suzaku at one point was fairly regularly compared to Kira Yamato. He's a brunette with a super mecha, opposed to violence, has a best friend for a [[TheRival Rival]], a romance with a pink-haired pacifist princess... The problem with the comparison is Suzaku is frequently lying to himself to excuse his own actions and uses what powers he has to enforce oppression onto others as opposed to fighting against all sides to find better solutions people had blinded themselves to as Kira did, as Suzaku never fought to ''protect'' anything. As time as moved on and both CG and Seed been re-evaluated the comparison has died a slow death to bearing only superficial similarities. Comparisons to Suzaku being an ''Amuro Ray'' Expy however, have risen immensely; due to renewed analysis of the original Gundam series finding that Amuro fought to maintain an oppressive status quo from an Authoritarian Government which the Colonies (Area's in Code Geass) sought liberation from.
76	** Don't forget Kallen: HotBlooded hairdo, propensity for tight pilot suits, and her mecha equipped with a FacepalmOfDoom? [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Definitely inspired by Domon Kasshu]]. Not to mention her mother and Rain Mikamura share [[Creator/YuriAmano the same voice actress]].
77	*** The grand majority of Code Geass Sidestories focused on other characters inevitably recreate the same protagonist-Deuteragonist-Tritagonist Dynamic seen of Lelouch, Kallen and Suzaku. In Akito the Exiled, this Dynamic is seen of Leila Malcal (Lelouch), Akito Hyuga (Kallen) and Shin Hyuga Shang (Suzaku). In Oz the Reflection, it is Marybell Mel Britannia (a 'stayed with the family' version of Lelouch, even having her own puppetry geass and being brainwashed by their father), Marybell's Knight/Lover Oldrin Zevron (Kallen) and their central foe Orpheus (Suzaku). The case for them being Expies is especially large in Oz, due to Marybell's own grief at the consequences of her actions while brainwashed have her take part in Lelouch's Zero Requiem plan just so Oldrin will kill her.
78	* ''Manga/ConvenientSemiFriend'': Suuna is obviously inspired by the protagonist of ''Manga/BocchiTheRock'', another ''Manga Time Kirara'' series with a shy, blubbering, insular nervous wreck. Bocchi's anime adaptation aired six months before the ''Convenient Semi-Friend'' manga debuted and was an enormous success for ''Kirara'', after the less than stellar reception to some of their contemporary releases, so it seems like they've decided to chase after what works.
79	* According to WordOfGod, Hayashida from ''Manga/CromartieHighSchool'' is a [[YoungerAndHipper teenage]] version of one of the characters from ''Kachou Baka Ichidachi'', an earlier work by Eiji Nonaka.
80	* The three main monster characters from Creator/AkiraToriyama's ''Manga/{{Cowa}}'' share similarities with his ''Dragon Ball Z'' characters:
81	** Paifu the half-vampire is similar to Goku and the Saiyan in that he turns into a hairy feral beast (a were-koala) whenever he sees a round shape, much like the Saiyan turning into Great Apes thanks to the moon.
82	** Arpon the fishman has Piccolo's cocky arrogant attitude and limbs that are stretchy much like the Namekians'.
83	** José the ghost is an expy of Majin Buu in that he's a goofy, optimistic rotund character who can shapeshift and is somewhat of a comic relief.
84	* ''Anime/CrossAnge'''s protagonist Ange is Character and Story Arc-wise, according to Series Director Mitsuo Fukada, she is intended to be an expy "daughter" of Lelouch vi Britannia and Kallen Kozuki, with their character traits and even the abilities of the mecha they pilot being an overt crossing of the two. The parallels increase when the commonalities of an incompetent brother ([[TheEvilPrince Clovis and Julio]]), a sister they have a need to protect but inevitably end up at odds with ([[WheelchairWoobie Nunnally]] and [[RoyalBrat Sylvia]]), their lives being shattered by a man playing God ([[AGodAmI Schneizel and Embryo]]), and the interpersonal conflicts with their allies are all taken into account. Even the nature of their paramour relationships applies here. Design-wise, she is based on Fate Testarosa from ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' due to her voice actress Nana Mizuki having previously portrayed the character. This allusion is made greater, as Ange's rival (and later one of her potential [[LoveInterest love interests]]) [[LovableAlphaBitch Hilda]] is voiced by Nanoha herself, Yukari Tamura. She also bears similarities to some of the girls of ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Gundam SEED]]''; she carries the blonde hair, magenta eyes, and [[AcePilot piloting skills]] of [[TykeBomb Stella Loussier]], the [[HotBlooded tomboyish attitude]] and [[WarriorPrince royal heritage]] relating her to [[LadyOfWar Cagalli Yula Athha]], and a BeautifulSingingVoice to match that of [[IdolSinger Lacus Clyne]].
85	** [[BadassNormal Tusk]], who becomes Ange's primary LoveInterest, is something of an expy to SEED's Kira Yamato, being an AcePilot of his own right, a strong desire to protect someone ([[BodyguardCrush namely Ange]]), and [[PlotArmor the penchant to survive an experience that should've killed him.]]
86	* Eva Marie Parallels/Cyborg 0015 from ''Anime/Cyborg009VsDevilman'' is an Expy of Rina Hirokoji from Creator/ShotaroIshinomori's earlier series ''Blue Zone''.
87	* Mina Tepes from ''Manga/DanceInTheVampireBund'' is an obvious expy of Evangeline from ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi''. They're both blonde vampire girls with hot adult [[OlderAlterEgo forms]], both are very powerful, and both are often shown in [[{{Fanservice}} skimpy clothing and in various states of undress]].
88	* Zero Two of ''Anime/DarlingInTheFranxx'' is another expy of Lum Invader. Both sport horns, fangs and eyeliner. Both are romantically obsessed with a boy who they always call "Darling", who they would go to great lengths to be with. ''Darling in the Franxx'' also has some references to ''Urusei Yatsura''. The number 002 is once read as "o-ni"; Lum's alien species is the Oni.
89	* ''Manga/TheDaughterOfTwentyFaces'' gives us a character known only as "the white-haired demon" so far, who is an expy of Suigintou from ''Manga/RozenMaiden''. She shares Suigintou's long white hair, purple eyes, and psychotic creases under the eyes as well as a jealous, obsessive cruelty towards the main character. [[spoiler: While she looks human most of the time, her body is actually some kind of animated marionette, complete with Manga/RozenMaiden-like doll joints.]]
90	* ''Manga/KiteretsuDaihyakka'': All of the five main characters are clearly based on the main Doraemon cast:
91	%%** Eiichi - Nobita
92	%%** Korosuke - Doraemon
93	%%** Tongari - Suneo
94	%%** Buta Gorilla - Gian
95	%%** Miyoko - Shizuka
96	** The roles are switched with Eiichi and Korosuke, with Eiichi being the genius and Korosuke being the dim-witted ButtMonkey.
97	** In Spain, ''Kiteretsu'' was retitled "Kiteretsu, Nobita's Smart Cousin", and the dub stated that Eiichi was loosely related to the Nobi family, making it part of a SharedUniverse with ''Doraemon''.
98	* Max Taylor of the anime series ''VideoGame/DinosaurKing'' is very much an Expy of [[Anime/PokemonTheSeries Ash Ketchum]]. The similarities include their weird hair, both being comical protagonists, yet serious about their fighting, having a pet with lighting attacks and both having the same (English) voice. The connection is helped in that Creator/VeronicaTaylor uses the ''exact same'' voice she used for Ash.
99	* This is quite a staple in Creator/HiroMashima works:
100	** Jellal from ''Manga/FairyTail'' not only looks exactly like another magic user, Sieg Hart from Mashima's previous manga ''Manga/RaveMaster'', he goes under the alias Siegrain for a while and has some spells with the same name.
101	** ''Manga/EdensZero'' has multiple {{Expies}} from ''Manga/FairyTail'', such as Happy down to the name (the difference being that the newer Happy is a robotic cat, not a flying magic cat like the older), Elsie Crimson for Erza Scarlet (being a SpacePirate compared to a KnightInShiningArmor) and finally Justice for Jellal and by extension Sieg Hart (although the {{Expy}} status doesn't become obvious until he activates his Ether Gear with his hair color change and eye tattoo forming). A more subtle one is Homura Kogetsu for Kagura Mikazuchi (while not exact design-wise, they're both black-haired Japanese-styled swordswomen who occasionally wears a kimono), which is {{lampshaded}} in the crossover ''Manga/MashimaHeros'' when the ''Fairy Tail'' cast note the similarities upon hearing Homura's description.
102	* In ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'', Kenshiro is based on [[Film/MadMax Max Rockatansky]], Jagi is based on [[Film/TheRoadWarrior Lord Humungus]], and Zeed is based on [[Film/TheRoadWarrior Wez]].
103	* Several characters and mecha from Mamoru Nagano's ''Manga/TheFiveStarStories'' are expies of ones from an anime he had earlier worked on with Creator/YoshiyukiTomino called ''Anime/HeavyMetalLGaim'', not the least of which were the HumongousMecha Junchoon & its pilot Colus VI who are expies of L-Gaim's titular mecha and series protagonist Daba Myroad. Infact, the story arc in the manga focusing on Colus VI retaking his throne is an almost exact retelling of the plot of L-Gaim. Interestingly, L-Gaim features an expy of its own Lilith Fau, a tinkerbell-esque fairy who bears an uncanny resemblance to Cham Huau from a previous Tomino series, ''Anime/AuraBattlerDunbine''. They even become best friends in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars4'' and ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsCompact''.
104	* Rei Ryugazaki from ''{{Anime/Free}}'' resembles Joe Kido from ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'', both are blue-haired glasses-wearers, love studying, and prone to passionate rants about things. They both also have a happy-go-lucky sidekick (Nagisa/Gomamon).
105	* Gengo Aoi in ''Manga/{{Freezing}}'' is an expy of Gendo Ikari from ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion''. Aside from the similar first name, they are older male relatives to the protagonist (though Gengo is a grandfather while Gendo is a father) who manipulate them for their own ends, they lead organisations that fight {{Kaiju}} in defense of humanity, and [[spoiler:are devoted to one particular woman.]]
106	* By WordOfGod Ritsu's mother in ''Manga/FruitsBasket'' is very much based on a ghost character from one of Natsuki Takaya's earlier works.
107	* Because of their many similaries ([[TheStoic Stoic]] ChildSoldiers who [[CharacterDevelopment grow more human]] after meeting and [[BodyguardCrush protecting]] an {{Ojou}}, have CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass goofball [[TheLancer Lancers]], and pilot HumongousMecha with dangerous but powerful technology), Sousuke Sagara from ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'' is often considered an Expy of Heero Yuy from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing''. When the two finally met in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'', their similarities were [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]], and Heero actually mentors Sousuke in an attempt to do something about his FishOutOfWater-ness. In addition to this, Sousuke shares some chracter stylings from both Sanousuke and Kenshin from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''.
108	%%* ''Anime/TwinPrincessOfWonderPlanet'': The vice principal and his two henchmen from season 2 are the spitting images of the Moon Kingdom's [[spoiler:former and late]] chancellor and his two henchmen from season 1.
109	* The protagonists of ''Anime/FutariWaPrettyCureSplashStar'', Saki and Mai, are pretty clear expies of Nagisa and Honoka from [[Anime/FutariWaPrettyCure the previous season]]. Saki and Nagisa are both orange-haired BookDumb tomboys who love food and play a particular sport (softball for Saki, lacrosse for Nagisa), while Mai and Honoka are both dark-haired, intelligent introverts with a passion for science. They have other minor quirks setting them apart, such as Mai's interest in drawing, and the show gives them further DivergentCharacterEvolution as it progresses. For the most part, however, they are similar to the point that non-fans often conflate them. This was deliberate on the part of the showrunners, who were testing the waters to see if the ''Anime/PrettyCure'' franchise could expand into new territory beyond the tried-and-true Nagisa and Honoka; the next season, ''Anime/YesPrettyCure5'', takes the series in an entirely different direction.
110	* ''Anime/FutureGPXCyberFormula'': Osamu Sugo/Knight Shoemach. Let's see, he has a SecretIdentity, he's a [[TheAce really fast driver]], he has a little sister who's in love with the main character, also being the [[LongLostRelative long lost brother]] of said little sister, he's TheRival of the hero, he has a cool accessory covering his face ([[CoolShades his sunglasses]]), he's [[EnsembleDarkhorse really popular with the fans]] and he drives a white and red machine (in his case a race car)...does this [[CharClone remind you]] [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam of somebody?]]
111	* While being an InNameOnly adaptation with little to tie it back to ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'', ''Anime/GatchamanCrowds'' has an androgynous villain named "Berg Katse" as the original series had. Both Katses are masters of disguise, although the original was a GenderBender who otherwise wore elaborate disguises to mimic others, while the newer Katse shapeshifts into his targets by using bodily contact (mostly a kiss) to assume their form. The original Katse was also not an alien, although his newer counterpart is stated to be one (as well as a former Gatchaman gone bad).
112	** The teams in both series have a "bad boy" type member named Joe. Joe Asakura[[note]]birth name George Asakura[[/note]] is a jaded and hot-blooded race car driver who wants revenge on Galactor for killing his parents (who were revealed to be members that wanted to defect), and that uses feather shuriken as his signature weapon. ''Crowds'' has Joe Hibiki, a jaded government employee who has a nihilistic view of the world, acts as a "bad boy" when night falls, and that uses feather darts in a similar manner to the original Joe. He also smokes, as the '90s OVA version of Joe Asakura had. Both Joes have a friend named Alan, and both wear racing gloves (even though the modern one isn't a racer). However, one notable difference is that the original Joe is Sicilian (and the only non-Asian member of the Science Ninja Team), while the one in ''Crowds'' is clearly Japanese.
113	* ''Webcomic/TheGodOfHighSchool'' has Mori Jin, A.K.A Son Wukong.
114	* ''Manga/GhostHunt'' - Naru's assistant, Lin Koujo has the same hairstyle and pretty much the same stoic mannerisms as ''Manga/FruitsBasket'''s Hatori Sohma.
115	* ''Anime/GunXSword'': Michael Garrett looks a ''lot'' like Kira Yamato, they both dislike violence, and they both have sex with a love interest who is a part of an organization they joined in an unorthodox way. When the two meet in a ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' game, this tends to be {{lampshade\|Hanging}}d. "Stop Fighting!" "No, you stop fighting!"
116	* Goldie from ''Manga/GunsmithCats'' is an Expy of Semmerling, one of the villains from the earlier ''Anime/RidingBean'' OVA. Both women are {{Psycho Lesbian}}s with [[AllGaysArePedophiles unhealthy predilections for young girls]], and even have similar designs.
117	%%* ''Anime/HighSchoolStarMusical'''s main characters have shocking resemblances to the boys of ''Franchise/UtaNoPrinceSama''.
118	* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'': Chie-sensei is an ''authorized'' expy of [[VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}} Ciel-senpai]], down to the curry, [[Creator/FumikoOrikasa seiyuu]] and Black Keys (well, wooden T-squares, in her case).
119	* ''Manga/HunterXHunter'': Upon arriving to an unknown land, two main characters run into a female martial artist who puts them through days-long TrainingFromHell to hone their skills, has trained one of the characters' mentors, and [[spoiler:can conceal her true age through manipulation of said martial art.]] Is this Biscuit or [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureBattleTendency Lisa Lisa]]? She also draws many parallels with [[Manga/YuYuHakusho Genkai]] from Togashi's previous work, ''Yu Yu Hakusho''.
120	* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'':
121	** Jonathan Joestar from ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventurePhantomBlood Phantom Blood]]'' is this to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]], being a [[HeroicBuild muscle-bound]] AllLovingHero who can make his enemies explode.
122	** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStardustCrusaders Stardust Crusaders]]'':
123	*** Joseph Joestar is one to Franchise/IndianaJones, wearing a [[AdventurerOutfit similar outfit]] (right down to the fedora) and being able to use his [[FightingSpirit Stand]], Hermit Purple, as a whip.
124	*** Like Jonathan, Jotaro Kujo's appearance can make him seem like one to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]]. However, [[WordOfGod Araki has stated]] that he based [[TheStoic Jotaro]] on characters played by Creator/ClintEastwood.
125	*** Let's see, a skilled fencer who [[HeelFaceTurn initially opposes the heroes before siding with them]], currently on a quest for {{Revenge}} [[YouKilledMyFather for the death of a family member]] who was murdered by a man with a [[RedRightHand deformed left hand]]. The question is, are we talking about Jean-Pierre Polnareff, or [[Film/ThePrincessBride Inigo Montoya]]?
126	*** Ebony Devil, Devo's Stand, is a {{sadist}}ic, foul-mouthed, blade-wielding CreepyDoll who [[LaughingMad laughs like a maniac]] as it kills its victims. It's very clearly meant to be a homage to [[Franchise/ChildsPlay Chucky]].
127	** [[WordOfGod According to Araki]], Yukako Yamagishi from ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable Diamond is Unbreakable]]'' was inspired by [[Literature/{{Misery}} Annie Wilkes]], both being {{Yandere}}s who kidnap their crush and trap them in an isolated house.
128	* Tomoe from ''Manga/KamisamaKiss'' has more than a few things in common with Manga/InuYasha. Not only do you have a physical resemblance (both are LittleBitBeastly White-Haired Pretty Boys with HellishPupils and UnusualEars) they also have similar mannerisms ([[PrefersGoingBarefoot both don't like shoes]], both are [[DeadpanSnarker Deadpan Snarkers]] and both are [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Jerks with Hearts of Gold]]). Then you have the fact that both are forced against their will into being bodyguards and servants to a Type B TsunDere OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent who is afflicted with ChronicHeroSyndrome and both eventually fall in love with said student.
129	%%* The three main characters of ''Manga/DestinyOfTheShrineMaiden'' were all upgrade expies from an earlier Kaishaku work called ''Cross Triangle''. (Kurusugawa Himeko and Oogami Souma even shared partial names with their predecessors -- Kurusu and Oogami.)
130	* ''Manga/KomiCantCommunicate'': As shown in flashbacks, Masayoshi Komi during his high school years takes traits from both [[Manga/MyNeighborSeki Toshinari Seki]] (spending his time in class playing games and building things on the spot) and [[Manga/HaventYouHeardImSakamoto Sakamoto]] (being improbably good at everything he does while using items he seems to pull out of nowhere).
131	%%* The title character of ''Manga/{{Kurohime}}'' is a [[DistaffCounterpart gender-flip]] of [[Manga/Bastard1988 Dark Schneider]].
132	* ''Literature/KyouranKazokuNikki'' gives us Himemiya Senka, another expy of Suigintou from ''Manga/RozenMaiden''. When first introduced, she shared Suigintou's white hair (intended to resemble silver), unnatural eye color, and creases under the eyes showing her disturbed mentality, and even remarkably reminiscent dress as well as obsessive jealousy and hatred towards a main character. She's even referred to as a "Solitary Doll," though in this case it refers to her replacement role as her family's shared abuse victim. [[spoiler: Like Gin, though, you eventually learn to empathize with her a bit once you know her background.]]
133	* ''Anime/LastExile'''s creators admit that the character Alex Row was heavily based on Anime/CaptainHarlock.
134	%%* D'Eon from ''Anime/LeChevalierDEon'' is pretty obviously a [[GenderFlip genderflipped]] Expy of Oscar from ''Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles''.
135	* ''Franchise/LittleWitchAcademia'':
136	** Akko is an Expy of [[Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann Simon the Digger]], as both characters have two legendary items which are useful against much more bigger foes, they are also both the determinator which helps them becoming stronger as they contain lots of potential and also follow an idol that ends up being a mentor. It's notable that the show worked on is by the same people.
137	** Amanda, the rough-and-tumble, fanservice-y tomboy with a bright red streak in her short hair makes her a mirror to [[Anime/KillLaKill Ryuko]]. It certainly helps that ''Little Witch Academia'' was also made by Creator/StudioTrigger.
138	** Wangari is based on Lee Jordan from the ''Franchise/HarryPotter'' franchise, being a black LargeHamAnnouncer who provides colorful commentary for her WizardingSchool's sporting events. The key difference is that Wangari is [[GenderFlip a girl]].
139	* ''Manga/LostBrain'' has Rei Hiyama, a top student, bored with the world who comes upon a power of some kind and uses it to control and kill people in order to create what he considers an Utopia, where his will is the law. Also ends up playing XanatosSpeedChess against an opposing [[TheChessmaster Chessmaster]] who is leading the effort to catch him. Very similar to ''Manga/DeathNote'''s Light Yagami.
140	* ''Anime/MischievousTwinsTheTalesOfStClares'': Madeleine is based on Angela Favorleigh from the book, who is also a snobby AlphaBitch with many admirers, most prominently Allison. Both are also extreme narcissists and attention whores.
141	* In ''Literature/GoblinSlayer'', Heavy Warrior is a dead ringer for [[Manga/{{Berserk}} Guts]] -- a daunting warrior with a hidden soft side, charges into battle clad in ScaryImpracticalArmour with a massive, thick sword in his hands and a face decorated with {{Rugged Scar}}s and an audacious grin.
142	* Nana-sempai of ''Literature/GoldenTime'' dresses and acts exactly (though with more ComedicSociopathy) like Nana Osaki of ''{{Manga/Nana}}''.
143	* The cast of ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' is an odd case in which they are expies of not only some characters, but also of HumongousMecha.
144	** Nanoha is long considered to be "Magical Girl RX-78-2 Gundam" as she bears the same color motif, and the franchise exists at it is today because somebody in the staff commented about her design resemblance to the aforementioned mobile suit. This comes full circle when Nanoha gains [[AttackDrones Blaster Bits]] as an adult, now making her "Magical Girl RX- 93 Nu Gundam." She's also Amuro Ray's expy, having similar origins and talents,[[note]]While Nanoha is no GadgeteerGenius like Amuro, she's able to acclimate herself to being a magical girl at an extremely fast rate, similar to Amuro's talent of being able to improve at a fast rate as the pilot of the RX-78-2[[/note]]. Both characters also become legendary figures of their respective universes as time went on.
145	* Ozma Lee in ''Anime/MacrossFrontier'' is pretty clearly meant to be the [[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross Roy Fokker]] expy. Older ace pilot, leader of "Skull Squadron" and pilots a Valkyrie with a black and yellow color scheme? [[spoiler:He even mentions pineapples before being injured, just as Roy did before he was killed (Though Ozma does not die) This even happens in episode 17 of the series, while Roy Fokker died in episode 18 of the original.]]
146	* Shun Mitaka of ''Manga/MaisonIkkoku'' is suave, rich, and has a silly uncontrollable phobia. Just like Shutaro Mendou of Creator/RumikoTakahashi's earlier work ''Manga/UruseiYatsura'' (they even have [[Creator/AkiraKamiya the same voice actor]]).
147	* Yui and Takeo Sasaki from ''Anime/MarvelAnimeXMen'' are Expies of Moira and Kevin [=MacTaggert=]/Proteus from the comics, right down to Yui being a famous researcher and Xavier's old flame [[spoiler:and Takeo being Xavier's bastard son, much like [[Comicbook/UltimateXMen Ultimate]] Proteus]].
148	* ''Anime/MegaloBox'' was made to celebrate ''Manga/TomorrowsJoe'''s 50th anniversary and re-tells the essential story, updated for a modern audience. Needless to say, most of the major characters are expies of characters from the original show and ''Megalo Box'' makes no attempt to even pretend otherwise. For instance, Yukiko Shirato is the reimagined Yoko Shiraki, Nanbu is Danpei, Yuri is Rikishii and Joe is well...Joe.
149	* ''Manga/MonsterMusume'' has Centorea Shianus who is often compared to ''Fate Stay Night'''s Saber in appearance and general attitude, but a much more blatant expy would be Miia the snake girl, who is based on Lum Invader from ''Manga/UruseiYatsura''. Both Miia and Lum appear one day in the life of a regular average Joe, fall for him and become incredibly clingy and somewhat bitchy towards other girls. Both are sweet and affectionate but still have no problem hurting the object of their affection (by crushing him in her spires or electrocuting him respectively). Both are unable to cook something that is fit for human stomachs (Lum is an alien, Miia has a snake's taste receptors and can't cook). Both have an UnlimitedWardrobe with the most fashionable outfits but spend half of their time half-naked. Both have CuteLittleFangs and pointy ears (which a snake woman logically shouldn't need). Finally, both call their loved one "Darling" in GratuitousEnglish. One story drawn by another artist even lampshades this by putting Miia in a Lum cosplay.
150	* ''Manga/MyHeroAcademia'':
151	** Izuku Midoriya is one for ComicBook/SpiderMan. It helps that Horikoshi has said that Spider-Man is his favorite American superhero.
152	*** Both begin as a [[UnSorcerer powerless]], [[NerdActionHero nerdy]], [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer social pariahs]] who suddenly gain amazing powers that put them on the path to becoming a great hero through a [[ItBeganWithATwistOfFate twist of fate.]]
153	*** Both are {{Humble Hero}}es who grapple with their [[HeroicSelfDeprecation insecurities]] and [[ChronicHeroSyndrome feel a crushing responsibility to help everyone they can]] at the [[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished cost of their own well-being.]]
154	*** They both share a close relationship to their mother figure (Inko for Izuku and Aunt May for Peter) that greatly influences their behavior because [[DisappearedDad their father figure is absent from their lives]].
155	*** In combat, they both boast SuperStrength and are highly mobile and acrobatic, [[WallJump bouncing off walls]] and generally overtaking their foes through unusual tactics.
156	*** They're both very bright teenagers who [[AwesomeByAnalysis can pick apart the mechanics of others' abilities]] to exploit weaknesses and formulate battle plans.
157	*** [[spoiler:It's later revealed that One For All gives Izuku ''all'' of the Quirks of the previous bearers, not just the core SuperStrength, SuperSpeed and Super Agility. Two of those Quirks are Black Whip (which among other things allow him to BuildingSwing) and [[SpiderSense Danger Sense]], bringing him even closer to replicating Spidey's style.]]
158	** Shouto Todoroki is a mild one for [[Franchise/AvatarTheLastAirbender Prince Zuko]]:
159	*** Both have fire powers (Though Shouto also has [[AnIcePerson ice powers as well,]] which he prefers)
160	*** Both suffered under [[AbusiveParents abusive fathers]] and were close to their mothers [[MissingMom before they vanished for years]]
161	*** Both were permanently scarred around the eye by a parent [[spoiler: (Zuko’s father for defying him; Shouto’s mother during a psychotic break)]]
162	*** Both were born to [[ArrangedMarriage parents of an arranged marriage]] brought together in the hopes of producing superior offspring. To put it mildly [[DomesticAbuse neither marriage ended well.]]
163	*** Both have a mentally unstable sibling with a more powerful version of their powers. In [[spoiler: Dabi/Touya]]'s case, he can only control blue fire. In Azula's case, she's able to manipulate both blue fire and lightning.
164	*** [[spoiler: Or so it seems. It's later revealed in chapter 387 of Manga/MyHeroAcademia that Dabi/Touya has a more powerful version of Shouto's ice quirk as well.]]
165	** Shota Aizawa is one of [[Manga/{{Naruto}} Kakashi Hatake]]:
166	*** Both are stern teachers with harsh training methods and are known to use threats of expulsion as a SecretTestOfCharacter for their students.
167	*** Both of their signature powers originate from their eyes and require visual contact to take full advantage of.
168	*** Both lack the CharlesAtlasSuperpower of their colleagues and contemporaries, relying on their skill, intellect, and clever use of tools/lesser techniques to compensate.
169	*** Both of them suffer from depression as a result of [[spoiler:losing their loved ones in the line of duty growing up, particularly Shirakumo for Aizawa and Rin for Kakashi]].
170	* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': Tazuna from the Land of Waves arc is one to Kuroda from the [[Manga/Naruto1997 1997 pilot manga]]. They're both jaded older men who drink a lot. They initially dislike Naruto but grow to be his friend by the end of their arcs.
171	** Sasuke clearly draws heavily from Kurapika of ''Manga/HunterXHunter'', being the revenge-obsessed SoleSurvivor of the massacre of a clan with red MagicalEyes.
172	* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'': Asuka is a DistaffCounterpart of Tetsuya Tsurugi from ''Anime/GreatMazinger'', sharing a lot of his traits. AcePilot? Check. HotBlooded? Check. Arrogant? Check. {{Tsundere}}? Check. ConvenientlyAnOrphan? Check. Huge abandonment and self-assuredness issues and a need to stand out due to this? Check. Huge amounts of InferioritySuperiorityComplex? Check. Breakdown due to their psychological trauma and personality issues? Definitely check. Fight against nine Mass Produced models of their own Mecha? Check.
173	** Akise Aru from ''Manga/FutureDiary'' is also very blatantly based on Kaworu. They are both light-haired anime boys with [[RedEyesTakeWarning red eyes]] and [[NiceGuy a calm demeanor]], are both angelic beings with feelings for their dark-haired protagonists, and die of [[OffWithHisHead decapitation]]. And in the anime version, they are both voiced by Creator/AkiraIshida with the same tone of voice.
174	* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
175	** As Monkey D. Luffy represents what "manliness" meant to Oda as a child, he is heavily based on [[Franchise/DragonBall Son Goku]], being a BookDumb BigEater but also a CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass.
176	** Tony Tony Chopper is one to [[Literature/RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer Rudolph]], a reindeer who was [[TheExile exiled]] from his herd for being different. Interestingly, he's also one to ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk, being a doctor whose powers are based around transforming.
177	** The original Seven Warlords of the Sea are this to the [[VideoGame/RomancingSaga2 Seven Heroes]], each one taking inspiration from a different member.
178	*** Dracule Mihawk is this to Noel, a MasterSwordsman with a [[NobleDemon code of honor]].
179	*** Sir Crocodile is this to Wagnus, a man searching for an ancient weapon that he plans to use to take over a country.
180	*** Bartholomew Kuma is this to Dantarg, a "tyrant" who modified his body to become stronger.
181	*** Donquixote Doflamingo is this to Bokhohn, a puppet master with an army of slaves at his bidding.
182	*** Gecko Moria is this to Kzinssie, a man with the ability to [[YourSoulIsMine steal souls]], and regularly butts heads with the other members of his group.
183	*** Boa Hancock is this to Rocbouquet, the [[TheSmurfettePrinciple sole female member of the group]] who's the queen of a tropical island [[LadyLand inhabited entirely by warrior women]].
184	*** Jimbei is this to Subier, a [[FishPeople Fish-man]] who controls the flow of the oceans.
185	** Zeff is this to [[Literature/TreasureIsland Long John Silver]], a peg-legged former pirate turned chef.
186	** Don Krieg is one to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Raoh]], a SocialDarwinist with a very similar design. However, Krieg is ''far less'' sympathetic than Raoh.
187	** Foxy is one to [[Anime/{{Yatterman}} Boyakky]] having a similarly shaped nose and a GiantMecha.
188	** Doctor Hogback is very obviously one to [[Literature/{{Frankenstein}} Dr. Frankenstein]], a MadDoctor who prepares corpses to be revived as zombies.
189	** Science Captain Sentomaru heavily resembles the Japanese folk hero, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintarō Kintarō]].
190	** The Pacifista are this to the [[Film/TheTerminator T-800]], being [[TheQuietOne quiet]] MechaMooks. One of them is even [[SquashedFlat defeated in a similar way to the T-800]].
191	** Rakuyo of the Whitebeard Pirates has a design very similar to that of [[Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean Jack Sparrow]], though much more muscular.
192	** Kingdew of the Whitebeard Pirates bears a great resemblance to [[Franchise/MastersOfTheUniverse He-Man]].
193	** While he's supposed to be based on Humpty Dumpty, Tamago of the Big Mom Pirates clearly takes after [[Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog Dr. Eggman]] in terms of design, with his long legs, egg-shaped body, and mustache.
194	** Pekoms of the Big Mom Pirates is likely meant to be based on the mythological [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarasque tarasque]].
195	** Lao G of the Donquixote Pirates is basically an evil [[Franchise/DragonBall Master Roshi]], even having an ability that [[HulkingOut makes his body muscular]].
196	** Admiral Fujitora is this to the title character of ''Franchise/{{Zatoichi}}'', being a [[HandicappedBadass blind but dangerous swordsman]].
197	** Cavendish is one to [[Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde]], a man with a good and evil SplitPersonality. To drive this even further, Cavendish Square is a location in the novel.
198	** Don Chinjao of the Happo Navy seems to be based on [[Manga/RurouniKenshin Senkaku]] given his [[spoiler:formally drill-like head]]. One can also make comparisons between him and the [[WesternAnimation/ThePoint King]].
199	** Ideo's name and design are clearly based on the titular mechs of ''Anime/SpaceRunawayIdeon''.
200	** Kaido bears a resemblance to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kiba Daio]], with his crew also following a similar animal theme.
201	** The Vinsmoke Family resemble two things:
202	*** They are ''Franchise/SuperSentai'''s Expies first and foremost: They are color-coded, have transformation sequence and enhanced powers from their supersuits. They also have five primary members and their team poses is straight out of ''Franchise/SuperSentai''.
203	*** The Vinsmoke children are heavily similar to [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha the Dolls]] - in that they were specifically bred, trained, altered to become weapons of death by the leader of a powerful organization (Judge, M. Bison), with only one member who is [[WhiteSheep good]] (Reiju, Cammy). [[spoiler:They also underwent psychological alterations; while the Dolls were made fanatically devoted to M. Bison to the point they literally couldn't ''live'' without him, the Vinsmoke boys were literally left without empathy with Reiju only being programmed to always follow her father's orders in some capacity, and both parties suffered]]. To drive the point home, the gloves of the Vinsmokes' raid suits heavily resemble the red gauntlets worn by the Dolls and Cammy [[spoiler:who, unlike Reiju, was able to escape the evil man who influenced her to kill people]].
204	** [[spoiler:Charlotte Praline seems to be one to [[Franchise/TheLittleMermaid Ariel]], a mermaid with a beautiful singing voice, who's often accompanied by Fish-men using instruments]].
205	** Randolph of the Big Mom Pirates is based on ''Literature/TheVelveteenRabbit'' a rabbit that was given a soul to turn it into something else, though the outfit it wears seems to be based on ''Literature/TheThreeMusketeers''.
206	** Design-wise, Charlotte Brûlée is based on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuchisake-onna Kuchisake-onna]], while her mirror theme and envy of attractive people are taken from the [[WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs Evil Queen]].
207	** Charlotte Perospero is this to [[Literature/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory Willy Wonka]], a sharp dressed man with a nice hat who runs a candy factory.
208	** Charlotte Katakuri's design seems to be based on [[Manga/{{Toriko}} Zebra]], while the way he predicts others actions and speech is very similar to what [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure Joseph Joestar]] does. He even shares the [[Creator/TomokazuSugita voice actor]] with the latter.
209	** "Big News" Morgans, in keeping with Whole Cake Island's AliceAllusion, is this to [[Literature/AliceInWonderland the dodo]], being a giant bird in a nice suit.
210	** Queen's clothing, eccentricities, and StoutStrength all make him a very obvious one for [[ComicBook/{{Asterix}} Obelix]].
211	** Daifugo of the Animal Kingdom Pirates is one to [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Jagi]], having a similar mask, clothing style, and the same [[GunsAkimbo signature weapon]].
212	** Raijin and Fuujin, two members of the Orochi Oniwabanshu, are this to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takemikazuchi Takemikazuchi]] the Japanese thunder god, as they ride on catfish and carry items Takemikazuchi is associated with on their backs.
213	%%* Lots of people note how the ''Literature/No6'' characters Shion and Nezumi are similar to Kanda and Allen from ''Manga/DGrayMan''.
214	* Doesn't Chuck from ''Anime/PantyAndStockingWithGarterbelt'' remind you of another [[CloudCuckoolander hyperactive]], green [[TheDogIsAnAlien dog-like creature]]? GIR from ''WesternAnimation/InvaderZim'', anyone?
215	%%* ''Anime/PanzerWorldGalient'': [[TheDragon Hy Shaltat]] has the exact face of Chirico Cuvie, main character of ''Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS'' (another HumongousMecha anime from the creator of ''Galient'').
216	* Tsukiko Sagi from ''Anime/ParanoiaAgent'' is heavily based, design- and personality-wise, on Osaka from ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh''. It has elements of TakeThat as well, since she seems to be Satoshi Kon asking the question, "What would happen if Ayumu Kasuga had to ''grow up''?" (The answer is, at least at first, "Nothing good.")
217	* ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'':
218	** Ritchie is a expy to Ash (and Red from ''VideoGame/PokemonRedAndBlue''), who also has a few of the same Pokémon as Ash, these being Pikachu, Butterfree, and Charmander/Charmeleon.
219	** In the first movie, Dr. Fuji lost his daughter when she was still a child. Devastated by this, he tried to bring her back to life via cloning, exactly like Dr. Tenma from ''Manga/AstroBoy''. It's made even more obvious because of Fuji's resemblance to Tenma.
220	** James' Victreebel was well-known for its painful shows of affection by biting down on his head. His Cacnea and later Carnivine continued the tradition of James having a Grass-type Pokémon who show affection in a painful manner (Cacnea always hugs James, and it's a cactus Pokémon, and Carnivine is even more of an expy as it is a carnivorous plant Pokémon who bites down on James' head). This behavior eventually showed up in a later Pokemon of his that ''wasn't'' a Grass type, the Water/Poison Pokemon known as Mareanie.
221	** Jessie's Seviper was an expy of her Arbok, being a Poison-type snake Pokémon and her main battler.
222	** In ''Diamond and Pearl'', Ash's Torterra, as a Turtwig, was an expy of his Bulbasaur. They had similar builds and were both introduced as somewhat gruff, but likeable, peacekeepers and protectors of a Pokémon community. Like Bulbasaur, Turtwig also agreed to join Ash if he battled it first.
223	** Jessie's Dustox ended up being an expy of Ash's Butterfree, being released to breed with a different-colored member of its species after a tearful goodbye. Jesse's Dustox was female while Ash's Butterfree was male.
224	** Dawn's Mamoswine ended up being an expy of Ash's Charizard with its character development. It started out as a happy, obedient Swinub, but once it evolved into Piloswine it suddenly stopped listening to Dawn. It evolved again into Mamoswine only a couple episodes after its first evolution, and continued to be disobedient until getting injured in a later episode where Dawn nursed it back to health and it regained its respect for her.
225	** Bianca (in [[AdaptationalPersonalityChange the anime)]] was easily a girl version of Barry from ''Diamond and Pearl'', in that they are both hyperactive, impatient blondes who serve as recurring rivals to Ash. Ditto Ursula with Harley, in that they are both rude-mannered recurring rivals of the resident girl in Ash's group (Dawn for Ursula, May for Harley).
226	** Barry's original role as Dawn's childhood friend wound up being filled by original character Kenny until Barry himself was introduced later on, though he became Ash's rival instead as a result.
227	** Trip was kind of a failed expy for Paul due to their similar appearances, obsessions with strength, and abrasive personalities. The difference is, Trip ultimately had about a fraction of Paul's skills and while he wasn't cruel to his Pokémon the way Paul was, the condescending, obnoxious part of his personality made him unlikeable as a character.
228	** Ash's Pignite had a similar backstory to Ash's Charizard, being abandoned by a trainer that it initially thought still cared for it until finding out to its horror that said old trainer dumped it the first chance he got because he thought it was too weak. The old trainer then tried to take it back after seeing how strong it was with fake kindness, but got a Flamethrower to the face in response.
229	** In ''XY'', Clemont's Chespin is this of Ash's Oshawott. They are both gluttonous troublemakers who occasionally pop out of their PokéBalls on their own and sometimes get a little bit lecherous. They even have similar builds.
230	%%* It would be safe to say that every character in ''VisualNovel/PrincessLover'' has drawn inspiration from ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight''. Sylvia van Hossen is almost a complete clone of Saber, Charlotte is an Ilya clone, Yuu is heavily based on Sakura, and Seika is a copy of Rin.
231	* ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'':
232	** Despite the fact that they share little in appearance, Shampoo was a deliberate attempt by Creator/RumikoTakahashi to do a better job with the character of Lum from ''Manga/UruseiYatsura''.
233	** Ranma himself is this of Ryuunosuke, again from ''Manga/UruseiYatsura''. Both are strong teenagers that often fight with their abusive fathers and have problems with sexual identity.
234	** Nabiki Tendo is suspiciously similar to Akemi from ''Manga/MaisonIkkoku'', in their eyes and their seductive, jovial natures.
235	** Kuno Tatewaki is also comparable to Shutaro Mendou, also from ''Manga/UruseiYatsura''. Both are absurdly rich (although Mendou shows it a lot more), both always carry a sword, which Ranma/Ataru [[BareHandedBladeBlock catches]], they also want to kill/defeat the main character, for "stealing" their love.
236	* All over the place in ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'':
237	** UsefulNotes/TheShinsengumi: (Watsuki is a huge Shinsengumi fan) get them in Aoshi (Hijikata Toshizou), Sanosuke (Harada Sanosuke), Soujirou (Okita Souji), Kanryuu (Kanryuusai Takeda), and to some extent Shishio (Serizawa Kamo). Saito Hajime is just right out there.
238	** Tomoe and Kamatari are based on Rei Ayanami and Yui Ikari from ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion''.
239	** Watsuki is a huge fan of Creator/StanLee, so there are several Expies of Creator/MarvelComics characters: Jin-E and Shinomori Aoshi are both based on Comicbook/{{Gambit}}, Kujiranami Hyōgo on Comicbook/{{Apocalypse}}, Yatsume Mumyōi on Comicbook/{{Venom}}, Arundo Akamatsu on Omega Red and Sadojima Hōji on Forge.
240	** Tsubame Sanjō is based on Hotaru Tomoe/Sailor Saturn from ''Franchise/SailorMoon''.
241	** Misao is a partial Expy of Kaoru, as Watsuki felt he needed a GenkiGirl to lighten the DarkerAndEdgier Kyoto Arc.
242	** In the past before he got burned, Shishio was an Expy of Genjuro Kibagami from ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown''. You could tell was quite handsome and even had a dressing style similar to him.
243	** Watsuki is a big ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown'' fan, frequently writing about it in his manga notes. Kenshin himself even resembles Shizumaru from the same series as well.
244	* ''Franchise/SailorMoon'''s Usagi Tsukino is actually an Expy of her own teammate Minako Aino, since the manga ''Manga/CodenameSailorV'', in which Minako first appears, predates the series; this turned into ExpyCoexistence when Minako later made her debut in the ''Sailor Moon'' [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]]. This results in strange similarities with hair color, both having a magical talking cat, and both having a {{Magitek}} disguise device. They also have identical-looking ''parents'' (both based on the author's), although this was never alluded to in the later series. Oddly enough, Takeuchi stated, that she originally wanted to give Usagi ''silver'' hair, to make her less of an Expy. Her publisher, however, told her not to, since a mysterious, calm colour like that would have interfered with her being a LoserProtagonist.
245	* ''Manga/SallyTheWitch'': Sally is a mix of Samantha from ''Series/{{Bewitched}}'' and Sabrina from ''ComicBook/SabrinaTheTeenageWitch''. She has a hairstyle similar to Sabrina's and is a quirky young CuteWitch interested in humans. She gets into trouble like Samantha (and somewhat like Sabrina) and does magic when she blinks her eye (Samantha twitches her nose).
246	* Mutsumi Saburo/Mutsumi Hojo from ''Manga/SgtFrog'' is kind of a sendup to Kaworu Nagisa from ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'', to the point of having (decorative) [[spoiler:wings on his back]] for his first appearance in the manga, and his "introduction" scene in the anime mirroring [[spoiler: Kaworu's reveal as an angel]], complete with [[ShoutOut Beethoven's Ninth Symphony]] playing in the background.
247	%%* Chizuru from ''Manga/SquidGirl'' definitely rings a bell regarding Ryouko from ''Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya''.
248	* Utau Hoshina from ''Manga/ShugoChara'' and Fate Testarossa from the ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' series share many traits. They are both [[DarkMagicalGirl Dark Magic Girls]] who aren't actually evil and are doing it for the sake of someone (Precia and Ikuto), both of them have long blonde pigtails, they [[DontYouDarePityMe refuse any peaceful or friendly attempt from the main character]] and both of them receive a HeelFaceTurn undergoing DefeatMeansFriendship. A rather long list of shared traits right? They are also voiced by the same [[Creator/NanaMizuki voice actress]].
249	* ''Anime/SonicX'': Dr. Eggman's [[BumblingHenchmenDuo robotic henchman]], [[http://i.imgur.com/oBN4EMQ.jpg Decoe and Bocoe]], are almost identical to [[http://i.imgur.com/hITm3Kp.jpg Epsilon and Omega]]--the lackeys of Dr. Bug from the obscure 1991 series ''Kinkyu Hasshin Saver Kids''. Both shows were animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, and Decoe is even voiced by the same voice actor (Ken Yamaguchi) as Epsilon, so this is almost certainly intentional.[[note]]Bocoe was instead voiced by Bin Shimada, as Omega's voice actor (Ginzo Matsuo) passed away in the interim between the two series.[[/note]]
250	* The unnamed husband and his wife in ''Manga/SpottedFlower'' were created as alternate universe versions of Harunobu Madarame and Saki Kasukabe from ''Manga/{{Genshiken}}''. Besides having similar appearances, the wife has an ex-boyfriend who is a friend of her husband's, just like Kousaka from Genshiken. The husband also mentions throwing away some S&M [=DVDs=] because he could not get into them, which Madarame also does. Since the setting is also similar, fans speculate that they are the same characters at different times.
251	* Ermina from ''Manga/TheSwordOfParos'' is a lesbian/transman version of Lady Oscar from ''Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles''. Both have blonde, way hair, both dress like men and prefer riding and fencing than activities considered "feminine". Also, both have fathers that want to force them into an ArrangedMarriage, although Ermina's father is more extreme than General Jarjayes (taking into account that he is the king of Paros and desperate for a male heir to the throne, is understandable). Besides, there's Yurias, Ermina's ChildhoodFriend, who is basically a straight-haired version of Andre; both love the protagonists, although Andre [[spoiler: and Oscar become a couple, while Ermina loves Fiona and refuses Yurias.]] Just to finish, Fiona is obviously inspired on Rosalie, although the latter is blonde and Fiona has dark, curly hair. But both are orphans, poor, fall in love with the protagonists and are very, very dramatic.
252	* Masataka Takayanagi from ''Manga/TenjhoTenge'' and Kazu from ''Manga/AirGear''. Both are Creator/OhGreat creations, and both are shy and reserved with untapped potential. Also, they both play second fiddle to hot headed leads Soichiro Nagi and Ikki, respectively.
253	* ''Anime/TenrouSiriusTheJaeger'' has these two examples:
254	** Kershner is an {{expy}} of [[Characters/JojosBizarreAdventureDIO DIO]] from Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure. Both of them are vampires with blonde hair, are the boss to some of the Vampires, are voiced by the [[Creator/TakehitoKoyasu same voice actor]] and [[SmugSnake look down on humans and consider them little more than animals]].
255	** Klarwein is an {{Expy}} of most of the {{mad scientist}}s in fiction, especially Frankenstein, considering that he is working on a monstrous weapon that looks like a FrankensteinMonster for the vampires.
256	* Azuma Rin from ''Literature/IsekaiCheatMagician'' is identical Inoue Ritsuko from ''Manga/ThoseWhoHuntElves''. Their personalities as tomboys match as their roles are very similar in their Isekai parties, that as they deal with most area of effect cleanup.
257	* ''Manga/ToLoveRu'':
258	** Kentaro Yabuki reused both the appearance and the powers of both Kyoko and Eve from ''Manga/BlackCat'' when designing Magical Flame Kyoko and Golden Darkness.
259	** Train Heartnet, ''the'' Black Cat, also gets an Expy in the form of a gun wielding killer called Black. He even has a gun that looks very much like Train's gun, Hades. he also seems to be based on Eraser!Train rather than Sweeper!Train.[[spoiler: Heck, there is even black cat wandering around in that arc (and it's implied that it actually ''is'' Black the assassin)...you know, in case you missed the reference ]]
260	** Lala is inspired from Lum of ''Manga/UruseiYatsura''. Both are beautiful alien princesses in love with a human boy. Both have all sorts of inventions that hardly work right or do not work at all. And they both love to cook food that is way too spicy or inedible for humans to eat.
261	** Yabuki also reused [[spoiler:Eve's mother]] Tearju Lunatique in the form of [[spoiler:Golden Darkness's mother Tearju Lunatique. He didn't even bother changing her name for the new version, and even had her reveal that Eve is Golden Darkness's real name]].
262	%%* Appearing only in the animated adaptation of ''Manga/TowardTheTerra'', Serge Starjon is the expy of Serge Batouille, the main character of ''Manga/KazeToKiNoUta''. Both are similar in appearance and personality.
263	* Midora from {{Manga/Toriko}} is an expy of major {{Manga/Naruto}} villain Madara Uchiha. They have very similar names, they both have long hair, both are from the generation before the heroes and are some of the strongest people in their verse, both can copy techniques by seeing them, both are reincarnations of another character (a Gourmet God and Indra Uchiha, respectively), and both run an organization of the world's strongest villains.
264	* Berkastel from ''VisualNovel/UminekoWhenTheyCry'' is an expy of Rika Furude of sister-series ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry''. It's hinted and later confirmed by WordOfGod that [[spoiler:they're essentially the same person, but Bernkastel is the totality of all of Rika's past lives that never made it past June of 1983]].
265	* A teenage boy who attracts ghosts like bees to honey, who mades a magic contract with a mysterious person to get rip of the ghosts but instead he turns into that person's assistant. Are we talking about Hayato from ''Manga/UndertakerRiddle'' or Watanuki of ''Manga/XxxHolic''?
266	* Yuu in ''Literature/UnlimitedFafnir'' is an expy of Kamito from ''Literature/BladedanceOfElementalers''. Both are child assassin with a supernatural power normally only possessed by girls, which causes them to be placed in an all-girls' school. Additionally, both of them are born with a unique legacy [[spoiler:to save the world.]]
267	* ''Manga/UQHolder'':
268	** Chapter 3 introduces a shy girl with short hair named Shinobu, an obvious expy of the character with the same name of ''Manga/LoveHina''.
269	** And then there is ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'''s Setsuna Sakurazaki expy, Kuroumaru, an easily flustered but overly serious shinmeiryuu master who is [[FreakinessShame ashamed to be less than human]] and [[HunterOfHisOwnKind hunts his own kind]], has been cast off from his family, and has an androgynous build with a black side ponytail. He even has ShipTease with a cheerful, careless Konoe, for god's sake!
270	* L-Elf from ''Anime/ValvraveTheLiberator'' is like Lelouch from ''Anime/CodeGeass''. Both are once part of TheEmpire which they are cast off, joined a rebellion group to take down that group, great strategists, and having a love life [[spoiler:who dies from TheEmpire's plans.]]
271	* Zero from ''Manga/VampireKnight'' is like Dante from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''. Hunts down other species because of his hatred on them for the loss of his relatives? Check. White-haired? Check. [[EtTuBrute Betrayed by the female lead]]? Check. Kills the mastermind behind the killing of his relatives? Check. [[EasilyForgiven Reconciles with the female lead]]? Check.
272	* ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'': Fujiwara Yuusuke is very much akin to Bakura Ryou, having lost his family (impiled in both cases to be by an accident, possibly a car crash), and having a definite affinity for the supernatural, along with making some level of a bargain with the final BigBad.
273	%%** The Season 2 BigBad, Saiou, is basically an {{Expy}} of Marik (with his sister Mizuchi an Expy of Isis), using the same strategy as Dartz.
274	%%** The Sacred Beasts are Expys of the God Cards.
275	%%* ''Anime/YuGiOh5Ds'': Jack Atlas in ''[=5D's=]'' is clearly Kaiba. The dub plays this aspect up.
276	* Michiru Kita from ''Manga/ZombieLoan'' is very similar to Lettuce Midorikawa from ''Manga/TokyoMewMew''. Both have [[{{Meganekko}} glasses]] and [[ShrinkingViolet shy personalities]], and in the beginning of ''Zombie Loan'', Michiru even has Lettuce's twin braids. Until she chops them off, of course.
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Context Expy / AnimeAndManga