Dream Con 's National Brothers' Day 2025: Best Bros in Anime

There is an old saying that blood is thicker than water. A phrase which expresses family should always be first one should support more than friends. However, there are bonds within those parameters that extend outside of the scope of blood: Brothers.  Whether they are biological siblings, brotherly figures like close friends, or enemies with respect for one another, Dream Con would like to recognize the most significant bonds for National Brothers Day!

Edward and Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

What better way to start off than the most recognizable sibling duo in anime! Ed and Al’s relationship is one founded upon the seed planted of trauma. After a failed attempt in trying to bring their Mother back to life, Ed lost an arm and a leg, while his young brother Al, lost his entire body and had his soul fused to a suit of armor. Their journey to get their bodies back tested them harshly physically, philosophically, and morally. The friends they made along the way was a testament to their connection. 

Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)

While these two are not biologically related, their rivalry is one that is highly relatable. Izuku (Deku) and Bakugo started off as childhood friends with mutual admiration for their hero, All Might. In no time at all, Bakugo began bullying Deku due to him being quirkless. Bakugo’s sense of superiority by initially having a quirk created tension amongst the both of them. Deku’s ambition to become the #1 hero was always tested by Bakugo as he felt threatened by his perseverance. Altogether, there was always an underlying sense of respect for each other disguised with their intense rivalry. 

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Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)

These blood brothers' relationship was no different than the average sibling connection we are familiar with as children. Itachi was an overly successful ninja and Sasuke wanted nothing more than to be like his older brother. That all changed when Sasuke came home to the sight of his entire clan, mother and father included, murdered by his very own loving brother. The dynamic between the brothers phenomenally changed. As the sole survivor of his clan, Sasuke made it his life’s mission to get revenge for what Itachi did to his clan. 

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Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck (Hunter X Hunter)

Gon and Killua are not blood brothers. However, their connection is an exemplary example of what brothers should strive to be. Gon’s innocent nature and Killua’s assassin upbringing contrast each other’s personalities and yet, compliments one another like two perfectly connected puzzle pieces. They train together and push each other to be the best they can while also having each other’s back, no matter the situation. The perfect representation of the analogy, “iron sharpens iron”. 

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Monkey D. Luffy and Portgas D. Ace (One Piece)

Despite both of these brothers having the “D” in their name, they are not biologically related. Luffy and Ace grew up together as children, with Luffy always tailing behind Ace like all annoying younger brothers do. As much as a crybaby Luffy was, Ace’s influence on him is what sparked the dream for him to become the King of the Pirates. They solidified their brotherhood as sworn brothers over a shared cup of sake, swearing to become pirates and live freely. But there was another brother amongst them as well…

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Inuyasha and Sesshomaru (Inuyasha)

These two brothers share blood. Well. Half-brothers. They have the same father but different mothers. Inuyasha is despised by his older brother due to being a half-demon unlike him, who is a full-blooded demon. In addition, Sesshomaru resents his brother due to their father leaving behind a sword called Tetsusaiga, for his brother. At almost every interaction between them results in a blood-thirsty battle that leaves one if not both greatly wounded. Yet despite their hatred, they can come together against their mutual enemy, Naraku. Competitively that is…

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There are many others who could have easily made the list as brotherly duos. Rivalries. Camaraderie. Shared experiences. These are all factors that can create a union which can challenge any obstacle that stands in the way of brotherhood. Happy National Brother’s Day from Dream Con!

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