Character design is an important part of any good anime. If a character is bland and lacks any unique features, it'll be easy to forget them. Hair color, facial features, and build are the elements that create a great character. However, a character can be just as distinctive if they cover up those features.
Every anime has at least one character that hides their face. Whether it's to cover a person's identity, hide facial scaring, or contain a secret power, there is a mystery to these characters that makes fans want to know more about them. Revealing their face is an especially big moment that can completely change how fans see that character.
10 Hotaru Haganezuka (Demon Slayer)
Haganezuka is a hot-blooded blacksmith. It enrages him when Tanjiro breaks the sword he makes, which usually results in Haganezuka flying into a rage. Considering how obnoxious Haganezuka's personality is, Demon Slayer fans didn't expect a hot guy to be hidden underneath his goofy mask.
During the Swordsmith Village Arc, Haganezuka's mask is destroyed when a demon attacks him. Fans were shocked by his beautifully long hair and striking face. He's even prettier than Inosuke, which is hard to believe, considering the way Haganezuka carries himself. Then again, the prettiest people in Demon Slayer have the wildest personalities.
9 Suika (Dr. Stone)
Suika from Dr. Stone is a lovable kid who does her best to help her friends. She likes to wear a watermelon on her head, which she often gets made fun of for. When her face is revealed, Suika's face is just as fans expected.
Suika's a cute little girl with similar features to the other villagers. However, Suika is really hiding the ugly face she makes because she can't see very well. Thanks to Senku inventing glasses, Suika is able to see, which fans appreciate because of how creepy Suika's face is when she doesn't have her glasses on.
8 William Vangeance (Black Clover)
It's no surprise new Black Clover fans immediately see the resemblance between the leader of the Eye of the Midnight Son and the leader of the Golden Dawn, William Vangeance. When Yami demanded Vangeance remove his mask, most fans expected his face reveal to confirm their suspicions.
However, Vangeance isn't using the mask to hide his identity but to cover up the terrible burns that take up most of his face. People despised Vangeance for his appearance, which resulted in him being ostracized by everyone. His tragic backstory makes it easy for people to trust him. No one sees the story's twist coming because his face reveal made Black Clover fans believe they were wrong about him.
7 Annie (Attack On Titan)
Most eagle-eyed Attack on Titan fans are able to see the resemblance between Annie and the Female Titan, but that doesn't make the reveal any less exciting. The Female Titan kills dozens of Scouts, so no one wanted to believe one of their own was capable of that.
The confrontation between Armin, Mikasa, and Eren is tense, and it all comes to a head when Annie finally drops the act. The fact that most fans see this coming and are still shocked by it is a testament to how well-written this face reveal is. It isn't just about revealing who the Female Titan is but showing Annie finally dropping the facade she's been holding on to the entire time.
6 Obito (Naruto Shippuden)
Obito's identity is one of the biggest mysteries in Naruto Shippuden. Even the members of the Akatsuki don't truly understand who he is. As Tobi, Obito flips back and forth between a lovable idiot and an evil genius. As the story unveils, fans are left with more questions about who Tobi is.
When Obito finally reveals his face, the hints of his true identity become obvious. Tobi is an anagram for Obito, and Tobi's mask covers the same eye Obito lost when he saved Kakashi. Knowing there were so many hints to this face reveal makes it ten times better, but it's the drama of the moment that fans really love.
5 Yoruichi (Bleach)
Some of the best face reveals are one's fans didn't even know they needed. When Yoruichi from Bleach is introduced, fans and the characters easily accept she is a male cat. However, after saving Ichigo from Byakuya, Yoruichi finally reveals her true form.
Yoruichi's not a cat but a powerful Soul Reaper and the head of the noble Shihoin Clan. Ichigo's reaction to Yoruichi's face reveal is comedy gold, and fans can't help but feel just as foolish as he did that they accepted a talking cat so easily. With giant hollows eating people's souls, it's easy to believe a talking cat would exist.
4 Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Most of Gojo's face isn't covered, but considering how important a character's eyes are to their design, it makes sense that so many fans questioned what was underneath his eye mask. Before he reveals his face, Gojo is a popular character for his personality, but fans fell in love with him even more when he revealed the gorgeous face under his blindfold.
The reveal isn't a significant moment in Jujutsu Kaisen, but Gojo's features are so striking fans were driven wild by the moment. The face reveal has even become a popular moment for new fans to react to because of how shocking Gojo's good looks are.
3 Ozai (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Avatar: The Last Airbender is the master of the face reveal. Ozai's face is hidden in shadow for the entire series, leaving fans to question what kind of horrific face this man might have. To everyone's shock, Ozai's face doesn't match his evil personality since he is actually good-looking.
The fact that a man who has done such evil deeds looks just like everyone else showcases how fantastic Avatar is at dodging stereotypes. Ozai isn't obviously evil like most cartoon villains tend to be. He's a reflection of how everyone is capable of good and bad deeds, which is a mature take for a kids' show.
2 Rescue Hero 13 (My Hero Academia)
My Hero Academia fans never thought they would get a face reveal for rescue hero Thirteen. Most people weren't even sure what her gender was. Not only did fans get to see her face, but the reveal completely lacks buildup, making it even more shocking.
After the dramatic fight between Class 1-A and Midoriya, Midoriya is brought back to U.A., where he is greeted by the heroes, including Thirteen. She removes her helmet in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment that had some fans questioning if it really happened. Thirteen's face reveal is understated, which is why fans find it so shocking.
1 Kakashi (Naruto)
Kakashi has been a prominent character in Naruto since the beginning, and he's worn a mask the entire time. There was so much interest in what might be under his mask the anime even made several episodes joking about it.
When Naruto was coming to a close, fans lost hope they would ever get to see Kakashi's face. However, Naruto revisits the Kakashi mask episode and finally reveals his face in the final moments. The episode is a clear nod to the fans who stuck with the series for so many years. There isn't anything shocking about Kakashi's face reveal. Still, his character is so beloved, and fans waited so long for it to happen it makes sense this face reveal is one of the best.
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