Top 10 Tickling Heroes

In the vast worlds of comics, anime, and games, we’ve seen heroes punch, blast, zap, and slash their way through villains of every kind. But some characters fight their battles in ways that are far stranger — and far funnier. From wizards who trap foes in ticklish spells to thieves who use laughter as a distraction, these are the heroes who turn tickling into a tactic.

Let’s dive into the odd, delightful world of tickle-powered heroes!

Contents

1 10) Diamondback (“Captain America”)
2 9) Magik (“New Mutants”)
3 8) Natsu (“Fairy Tail”)
4 Nightcrawler (“X-Men”)
5 Son Goku (“Dragon Ball”)
6 Rescue (“Corrector Yui”)
7 Harley Quinn (“Batman”)
8 3) Dai (Dragon Quest)
9 2)Lupin III (“Lupin III)
10 1) Nico Robin (“One Piece”)

10) Diamondback (“Captain America”)

Rachel Leighton, alias Diamondback, is a Marvel Comics character introduced in Captain America #310 (1985). Initially a member of the Serpent Society, she later becomes an ally and romantic interest of Captain America. Trained in hand-to-hand combat and skilled in throwing diamond-shaped projectiles, Diamondback is known for her agility and combat prowess.

While Diamondback’s primary combat techniques involve her diamond-tipped weapons and martial arts, in “Captain America” #342 she demonstrates a certain familiarity with tickling when, during a wrestling training session with her colleague D-Man, she tickles his sides to force him to let her go, to which he replies that tickling is not a valid wrestling move.

In the same episode, while trying to prevent the villain Black Racer from kidnapping Jarvis, Diamond tickles her under the armpits while pushing a stretcher at superhuman speed. Taken by surprise, the woman ends up on the ground, losing consciousness, and Diamond points out that tickling is a useful move.

9) Magik (“New Mutants”)

Illyana Rasputina, known as Magik, is a prominent character in Marvel Comics, debuting in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975). As the younger sister of Colossus (Piotr Rasputin), she possesses mutant abilities that allow her to teleport through “stepping discs” and wield powerful sorcery. Her time spent in the demonic dimension of Limbo has also granted her the Soulsword, a mystical weapon that enhances her magical prowess.

While Magik is primarily depicted as a serious and formidable character, there are instances where her interactions with other characters include playful or lighthearted moments. For example, in New Mutants #63, there is a scene where Kitty Pryde, also known as Shadowcat, playfully tickles Magik. This moment showcases a rare, softer side of Magik, highlighting the camaraderie and bond between the two characters.

In “New Mutants Annual” #3 , Magik teleports herself aboard the mechanical vehicle driven by Black Knight. She maliciously asks him if he is ticklish and starts tickling him under the armpits (which is incredible, he notes, since he is wearing chain mail!). The tickling is so effective that Black Knight loses control of the vehicle while laughing and ends up in the water.

Magik - New Mutants Annual #3 — New Mutants Annual #3

8) Natsu (“Fairy Tail”)

Natsu Dragneel, the fiery protagonist of Fairy Tail, is renowned for his fiery magic and impulsive nature. While primarily depicted as a serious and powerful mage, there are instances in the series where his interactions with fellow guild members include playful or lighthearted moments, including scenes involving tickling.

In Fairy Tail Episode 39, there is a notable scene where Natsu tickles Erza, showcasing a rare, humorous side of his character. This moment is often highlighted by fans as an example of the show’s occasional departure from its usual intense action to include comedic relief.

Additionally, in Fairy Tail Episode 100, Natsu and Happy engage in a playful tickling interaction with Lucy, further emphasizing the camaraderie and lighter moments within the guild.

Nightcrawler (“X-Men”)

Kurt Wagner, also known as Nightcrawler, is a member of the X-Men known for his agility, teleportation powers, and a mischievous sense of humor. While primarily a skilled combatant, he also has a playful side that occasionally manifests through tickling interactions with teammates.

In Uncanny X-Men #192, Nightcrawler is shown tickling Rogue, highlighting his lighthearted and affectionate personality within the team. Later, in Uncanny X-Men #201, he playfully tickles Rachel, reinforcing his role as a character who uses humor and physical play to bond with others.

Among fans, Nightcrawler has gained a reputation as the X-Men’s “tickle trickster,” known for initiating tickle games with characters like Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine. These moments, while comedic, underscore his dual nature as both a formidable hero and a source of levity in tense situations.

Son Goku (“Dragon Ball”)

Son Goku, the protagonist of Dragon Ball, is primarily known for his incredible martial arts skills, Saiyan strength, and cheerful, carefree personality. While Goku is usually focused on training and fighting powerful opponents, the series occasionally shows his playful and mischievous side, including humorous interactions that involve tickling.

In Dragon Ball episode 45, Goku cleverly uses tickling under the armpits to force the thief Husky, who stole the dragon balls, to spread her arms and drop them.

In the Dragon Ball episode 82, Goku uses the tickling technique on a seemingly dead boar to prove that it was still alive.

Rescue (“Corrector Yui”)

Rescue is one of the eight Correctors in the anime Corrector Yui, serving as the fifth member known as “The Protector.” Her primary abilities include healing damage, repairing Elemental Suits, and detecting traps. Rescue’s combat style is characterized by non-lethal methods, often employing various gadgets and traps. Notably, she is recognized among the Correctors as the “Trap Princess” due to her expertise in setting and identifying traps. Her personality is sweet, innocent, and somewhat naive, which contrasts with her resourceful and strategic approach to challenges.

In Episode 8 of Corrector Yui, Rescue utilizes a device known as the “Tickle Machine” to subdue enemies. This machine is equipped with six mechanical hands designed to tickle the victim, accompanied by a laughing or smiling face that emits sounds during the process.

The tickling serves as a non-violent method to incapacitate adversaries, aligning with Rescue’s preference for non-lethal force in combat situations. This scene highlights her ingenuity and commitment to using inventive means to achieve her objectives without causing harm.

Harley Quinn (“Batman”)

Harley Quinn, originally introduced in Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and later integrated into DC Comics, is primarily known as a villain-turned-antihero with a chaotic, unpredictable personality. While she is often depicted using conventional weapons like mallets, guns, and explosives, Harley has occasionally employed tickling as a playful or psychological tactic in both comics and animated adaptations.

For instance, in Harley Quinn (2021 comic series) #49, Harley uses tickling to incapacitate Amygdala.

In “Batman: Caped Crusader” Harley Quinn (as the antagonist) tortures a prisoner dressed as a clown with a feather to completely subdue him, ignoring his pleas for mercy.

Though tickling is not a core combat strategy for Harley, these moments emphasize her whimsical and chaotic nature, making her interactions both humorous and unsettling, which fits her signature style as an antihero who blurs the line between danger and comedy.

3) Dai (Dragon Quest)

In Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, the protagonist Dai employs tickling as a strategic method of interrogation. In the first episode of the anime, Dai captures the fake priestess Zurbon (also known as Zulpon) and uses an Antnibbler—a mechanical device resembling a pair of pincers—to tickle her feet after removing her boots and pants. This unconventional technique compels Zurbon to reveal crucial information about the whereabouts of his friend Gome and the weaknesses of the fake heroes.

This scene is notable for its blend of humor and strategy, showcasing Dai’s resourcefulness and the series’ occasional use of lighthearted tactics in otherwise serious contexts.

2)Lupin III (“Lupin III)

Arsène Lupin III, the titular character of Lupin III, is a master thief known for his cunning, charm, and playful antics. While his primary skills involve stealth, disguise, and high-stakes heists, certain episodes and manga chapters showcase his use of unconventional and humorous tactics, including tickling, to manipulate or distract targets.

Tickling, in Lupin’s case, aligns with his overall style: a combination of wit, unpredictability, and playful subversion rather than direct confrontation or violence.

Lupin frequently uses tickling as a nonviolent way to get rid of his opponents.

In episode #16, he tickles Fujiko under the armpits with mechanical pliers while she is suspended from a tree, forcing her to drop a couple of briefcases.

Several times in the classic series, Lupin tickles Inspector Zenigata under the armpits to force him to let go and get rid of him, rather than using violence against him.

1) Nico Robin (“One Piece”)

Nico Robin, from One Piece, is the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates, known for her calm demeanor, intelligence, and the powers of the Hana Hana no Mi (Flower-Flower Fruit), which allow her to sprout extra limbs anywhere.

While Robin primarily uses her abilities for combat, espionage, and restraint of enemies, there are a few playful or humorous instances in both manga and anime where her powers are used in lighthearted ways, including tickling.

For example, in the anime adaptation, there are comedic filler scenes in which Robin extends her hands to playfully tickle fellow Straw Hats, usually Luffy or Usopp, during moments of downtime in the crew’s adventures. These instances are rare, not part of her fighting style, but they highlight her subtle sense of humor and the crew’s camaraderie.