Originally a manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, this story has unstoppable action and suspense. Light Yagami became the owner of a mysterious notebook that can kill, releasing a wave of terror in the world. He is pursued by a team of detectives which include the eccentric L, and is being supervised by Ryuk, a God of Death. Who hasn’t dreamt of having a detective as father? Souichirou aims for justice and truth, always, making him a sort of hero closer to real life than other anime dads. Unfortunately, his son Light turned out to be intelligent but morally twisted. And that was Souichirou’s ultimate doom. It’s so sad when the battle between darkness and light reaches a family...

Yoshito Usui is the genius behind the creation of Shin-chan, a mischievous and adventurous boy who uses language without the minimum respect for the adult world. Hiroshi’s first act of responsibility as a father was to marry Misae when they found out she was pregnant. He is lovable towards his two children, and if there was a prize for paternal patience, we should give it to him. Living under the same room as Shin-chan, sharing everyday life and trying to be the best father possible for him, deserve recognition. Hiroshi also provides a contrast to his rather violent and punishment lover wife.

Lucky Star is the brainchild of Kagami Yoshimizu. Originally a four panel comic, it shows the everyday life of the lazy Konata Izumi and her three High-school friends. How great it would be to have a dad who understands your anime cravings? Someone you can watch your favorite programs with, play your favorite games, and even cosplay together (there are some real life dads who do just that). Soujirou also teaches Konata that love should go beyond appearances, and to respect individual tastes when they discuss her former mother. Unfortunately, we have to put him low in the list because his daughter pretty much doesn’t do anything else but being a faithful image of him.

Tadatoshi Fujimaki’s original story centers on various children who played Basketball together in Junior High, and become rivals when they spread to different schools later. Kagetora could be considered the opposite to easy going Soujirou from Lucky Star. He works as a coach, so we can expect him to be an active, sporty type of dad. Kagetora’s daughter Riko inherited some of his abilities, but nevertheless, he is loving and protective towards her. Although strict when training, Kagetora also has a cool attitude, giving nicknames to people. So, basketball fans, here we have the perfect father for you!

This time we have to travel to a fictional Spain during the times of the Inquisition. Yuichirou Hayashi directed the chronicles of Leon, a Golden Knight to be. Germán Luis combines the roles of father of a hero and hero with a dab of comedy. A Makai Knight with the title of Zoro the Shadow Cutting Knight, he also is a womanizer, cooky and slightly rueful, apparently not taking life seriously. Nevertheless, when things look ugly, Germán is a great warrior and a support for his son Leon. He even had to rescue him when his sweetheart Anna was burned in a stake while giving birth!

This anime directed by Keiichi Satou takes place in the city of New York of an alternate universe. Heroes with super-human abilities work to protect the city, and their adventures are broadcasted on live TV, while aiming to become the “King of heroes” at the end of the season. Our father this time is one of the protagonists, and a veteran superhero. Kotetsu even has a nickname, the “Crusher for Justice”, how cool is that? And when he finds out his abilities will disappear, he vows to continue being a hero for as long as he can. Kotetsu has a daughter named Kaede. She lives in another city, so that she can be safe until her own power awakens. Kotetsu works hard towards balancing his hero and father roles, an objective in which he eventually succeeds. For not giving up as a dad, we give him a spot in our Top Ten.

Part of the Blood franchise, this anime was a collaboration between Production I.G. and CLAMP. The story of Saya, the vampire, and her eternal fight with the creatures of the night that menace humanity comes back with stylized and cute designs, without leaving out the characteristical horror and gore of the franchise. After so many tribulations, and rather sad and lonely stories, it was about time that Saya got an enduring loving father figure in her endless quest to free the world from dark beings. The results of such relationship are evident. We never had such a cheerful Saya before, and whenever she has to fight, Tadayoshi is the most supporting and composed being ever. For raising a vampire girl the right way, he has a spot in our Top Ten.

CLAMP scores again with one of the most memorable fathers in anime history. We met Professor Fujitaka in the sweet and happy adventure of his daughter, Card Captor Sakura, on her quest to hunt the magical Clow Cards. Who doesn’t love him? He is the perfect combination between a working dad and a loving, supporting dad. He raised two responsible and marvellous kids despite his wife’s death. We later revisited these characters in the parallel universe of Tsubasa Chronicles, where Fujitaka is an archeologist and the foster father of Li Shaoran, a mysterious boy who has a crush on Sakura, the princess of Clow country. Fujitaka is still a lovable guy with a passion for knowledge, and a primary positive influence for Li Shaoran, who was cold and distant when they met. Fujitaka really knows how to raise kids well!

Originally a manga by Kazue Sato, this is the story of the twins Rin and Yukio Okumura, the sons of Satan. Shirou is a charismatic character, with a past of hate towards demons. He gradually changed and one of the important factors for this change, was a certain baby who smiled at him: his future foster son Rin. Shirou ended up being a caring, responsible father, and even dies for the sake of his children. This prompts Rin to become an exorcist just like his father, quite the contrary of what could be expected from his demonic genes. For being the perfect combination between fatherhood, eccentricity and bravery, we give Shirou a high spot in this top ten. But my friends, the number one post goes to the coolest anime dad ever...

Fairy Tail was originally a manga by Hiro Mashima. The wonderful world of Earth-land populated with fantastic creatures and magic guilds, is the background for the adventures of Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfilia, members of one of these guilds. How cool it would be to have a dragon as dad? Natsu Dragneel has that privilege, and he turned out well. Although reckless, Igneel is fiercely loyal towards his friends and a rightful warrior. Besides that, Igneel knows when the time is right to let his child live and take his own decisions without stopping to care for him. That is parenting at its best! For being the most balanced and powerful looking father, he has the first place in our top ten.