Anime protagonists get love all the time, but what about their faithful sidekicks? Though these companions aren’t always the ones taking center stage, we don’t give them enough credit for coming to the rescue at just the right time, as well as playing vital roles in a main character’s evolution. Even better, they’re usually cute, lovable little critters we can’t help but shriek with glee whenever we see them.

Just because they’re cute, doesn’t mean they’re not mighty. We all know Ash’s Pikachu comes through like an absolute badass when he saves the young Pokémon trainer by the skin of his teeth. Same goes for Akamaru, Kiba from “Naruto”’s trusty partner who looks like a cute pupper but can also transform into a ferocious and terrifying wolf-dog. Jiji, Kiki’s loyal feline assistant in “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” sticks by her side throughout her tumultuous journey of growth, and Luna, Usagi/Sailor Moon’s black-purple cat continually guides her in the right direction and brings the Sailor Senshi together throughout the series.

Anime sidekicks also succeed in being much-needed comedic relief and fool-proof comfort characters, too. After a hero’s long day of battle, they can always count on their adorable friend to cheer them up, and remind them that they can get through any conflict together. As a matter of fact, these fuzzy friends can remind you that you don’t have to go through life alone either once you ink them on your skin. After a hard day’s battle of working that debilitating 9-5, your little friend will be there to comfort you at the end of the day.

HAPPY (FAIRY TAIL)

JIJI (KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE)

KIRARA (INUYASHA)

AKAMARU (NARUTO)

LUNA (SAILOR MOON)

TONY TONY CHOPPER (ONE PIECE)

PIKACHU (POKÉMON)

EIN (COWBOY BEBOP)

POCHITA (CHAINSAW MAN)

ALPHONSE (FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST)

SADAHARU (GINTAMA)

KON (BLEACH)

HAWK (SEVEN DEADLY SINS)

CERBERUS (CARDCAPTOR SAKURA)