Hump Day Husbandos: Squalo Superbia (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! has always been an anime and manga that are very important to me and close to my heart. Having covered it only once before here on Rice Digital for the sole purpose of explaining the origins of my bio, I feel like we’re long overdue another look at this gem — and one of its best characters, Squalo Superbia.
The series has a lot more going for it than just presenting to me one of the earliest examples of the lovably flawed tsundere archetype during my youth. But since the majority of Katekyo Hitman Reborn! presents an overwhelming abundance of delightful characters here’s another one for you today.
Who is Squalo Superbia?
Squalo makes his first appearance in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! when things really start heating up for this once long-running series. Squalo is not only a member of the Varia but the very first one to make an appearance. The Varia, Vongola Famiglia’s elite independent assassination squad, pose a massive threat against Tsunayoshi and co.
More specifically, this group as a whole function as the series’ second major antagonists, as indicated by the arc that they are introduced in spanning a tournament-like scenario, consisting of battles for the obtaining of the Vongola Rings that are to be worn by the Vongola Boss and Guardians. The series comes a long way from this initial conflict between the two groups.
Squalo, who is not only second-in-command within the Varia but also one of only two holders of the Sword Emperor title later on down the line, always means serious business. But you wouldn’t really expect that when his annoyingly loud catchphrase makes quite the first impression – being nothing but vexing. Then again, that’s a massive reason as to why he is so damn lovable and entertaining.
Why we love him
What could you possibly mention about Squalo first and foremost other than when he says he is loyal, he means it. Squalo’s signature hairstyle being on the long side better illustrates this deal of his since he has said to only be willing to cut it when Xanxus, leader of the Varia, becomes the Vongola boss. Squalo also happens to be more than serious with his style of fighting, having told Takeshi, who he would later take under his wing to train up, that he chopped off his own dominant hand and attached a sword to it to further hone his skills in sword fighting.
With all that being said, to call him passionate is a massive understatement. This chaotic swordsman constantly makes us wonder how exactly he is a top tier assassin when he is so aggressively over-the-top. It’s very easy to tip him over the edge due to his hot-headedness and tendency to run his mouth. His particular quirks, as one could expect from such an explosive personality, are better suggested by his design being themed after a shark. He may very well look imposing enough, but he has a big ol’ chip on his shoulder.
Why you will love him
Squalo tends to be a lot of talk. That’s not to say that he does not pack a mean bite, but his whole disposition is cover for himself. Firstly, he more or less acts as the mum of the Varia, especially when Lussuria isn’t already fulfilling the role at the time. And secondly, he not only keeps the Varia members in line but ends up being the brains of the group years later whilst tending to be the only one in the team to talk back to their imposing, aggressive and way too prone to violence leader. He is one delightful shark husbando really.
At the same time Squalo also was close friends with the wholesome, good guy Dino, especially during their childhood. You know Dino, one part of the iconic duo of the series alongside our other best boy and fan favourite Hibari.
Finally, as the representation of the sin of Pride within the Varia, Squalo’s actions speak louder than words here. The man cannot be put down. By the final fight of the entire series, Squalo has repeatedly denied going out for good by miraculously escaping death numerous times. The man is a machine.
See for yourself over at Crunchyroll.
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