There are a plethora of Kingdom hearts characters in the series but none stands out so boldly as Axel/Lea. Since his introduction, he has been a fan favorite and honestly, what’s not to like about this wise-cracking, fire wielding nobody/somebody? There are plenty of moments when other characters get their shine in the spotlight, Riku being a major character whose storyline stands as one of the most developed, but Axel has some of the most iconic moments.
Every time he is on the screen he creates a memorable moment for the player. There are so many best moments concerning Axel, but here are a few that really stand out.
10 Best Introduction
Luckily for the fans, the conglomeration of the series has been put together for all to experience on the Playstation 4. But, playing Kingdom Hearts Chain Of Memories for the first time on Gameboy Advanced was an experience of its own and no one could forget that memorable scene when Axel walked into the Kingdom Hearts world for the first time.
Not to mention Quinton Flynn is an amazing voice actor who really sells the character. That first “Hello” hooked fans from the start.
9 Playing The Double Agent
Not only did Axel win fans over with this snarky attitude and piercing green eyes, but come to find the guy is a spy. Who doesn’t love a good spy to shake up the story? Axel is dark, sinister, and manipulative. He easily infiltrates Marluxia’s plan to take over the organization, making him a true assassin.
And, let’s not forget that scene when he does away with Vexan. Truly brutal and all a part of the play. Axel really was a dark character in Chain of Memories and, though that was later put aside for affection, it’s still apart of who he is capable of being.
8 Taking The Newbies Under His Wing
Getting into this less sinister side, Axel wins everyone over in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 when he shows off his soft side. Taking in Roxas first and then welcoming Xion to the group was a move players might not have expected but loved all the same. Instead of all the snarky, manipulative attitude fans got in Chain of Memories, 358/2 provided more character development for Axel.
No one could forget the image of the sea salt trio sitting on the clock tower, looking out over the sunset. That picture just isn’t complete without Axel which meant, at that point in the series, he was climbing the ladder of most beloved characters.
7 That Moment He Brought Xion Back To The Organization
Axel’s relationship with Roxas is heartwarming and it’s easy to forget in the heat of their drama that Axel cared a great deal for Xion as well. Though Roxas feels a deep loss when Xion goes back to Sora, Axel’s heartbreak and confusion over Xion’s motives are evident in the scene when he tries to bring her back.
His frustration over having to fight his friend bleeds through his words. It’s a moment no Axel fan could forget. Whoever didn’t tear-up during this scene needs some serious emotional fixing.
6 Reuniting With Roxas
When Roxas walks away from the organization, Axel’s feelings on the matter are pretty obvious. But, the weight of that decision isn’t felt until Kingdom Hearts II when Axel is forced to once again bring back another rouge, organization member. This time, it’s Roxas but without his memories.
As someone whose catchphrase is “Got it memorized,” this is salt in the wound for Axel. There is a lot of history in this fight, more than just beating up a random boss or villain. It is made all the more personal as Axel, by this point, is a favorite and the emotions he feels during this confrontation just pulls at the heartstrings.
5 Teaming Up With Sora To Fight Nobodies
By the end of Kingdom Hearts II, Axel is able to finally get out of the shadow of the organization. His motive all along was to bring Roxas back (as no one, not even Xemnas remembers Xion). He had done some questionable things, like kidnapping Kairi, along the way but in the end, he pulls through. Teaming up with Sora to fight the nobodies in the world between was one of the best moments in the game.
When he died it was one of the saddest. To see him go, not expecting him to return was a sob inducing moment. At least he went out in style.
4 Saving Sora From Xehanort
Fans didn’t a chance to weep for the loss of Axel too long, and that was a relief. With Dream Drop Distance, the entire organization (sans Roxas and Xion) were brought back whole and with hearts. Axel came back as his original self, Lea, and sided with the guardians of light.
His best moment in all the games by far is showing up at the last minute just in time to save Sora from being taken over by Xehanort. He keeps to his iconic, snarky attitude but fans now fans knew he was one of the good guys. And, he had more to add to the story than before.
3 Becoming a Blessed Keyblade Wielder
More surprising than his timely rescue, Axel brought fans to the height of their devotion when he accidentally summoned a Keyblade. Although not an experienced Keyblade wielder, it was exciting to know that Axel would play a major role in the war between light and darkness.
For this once assassin to climb all the way to hero status is awe-inspiring as is. Summoning a Keyblade, however, gave Axel yet another epic reason to love him and it carried over into Kingdom Hearts III. And, sorry to say, but the surprise of him having a Keyblade was definitely more powerful than Kairi randomly having one in Kingdom Hearts II.
2 Breaking the 4th Wall Like A Boss
Axel came pretty close to breaking the 4th wall if not exactly in Kingdom Hearts III. His exasperated questioning during the gathering at Yen Sid’s tower was on the nose what fans were asking, so much that it felt like Nomura had just inserted the entire fanbase into Axel for that one moment.
Like, no one was wondering for the longest time why Roxas took Ven’s appearance instead of Sora which only leads to the million-dollar question of why Vanitas looks like Sora. That wasn’t really explained either. Good things the fans have Axel on their side, asking the important questions.
1 Knowing He Is The Best Character
The big 4th wall break came when Axel called himself out in front of Xemnas during the Keyblade war. He knows he has “loads of people rooting” for him, so shove it Xemnas! Even if his Keyblade isn’t the strongest, fans love Axel and he is all too aware of it. Kinda creepy but also amazing that Nomura was willing to have a bit more fun with this character.
Of all the shining moments Axel has had up until this point, his snarky comeback to Xemnas sealed him as a continuing character for games to come. He’s right, after all. Fan’s will not stand to see this red-head, fire -commanding, now Keyblade wielder takes the sidelines as Nomura moves into the next saga.
NEXT: Kingdom Hearts: 10 Amazing Cosplays That Look Just Like The Games
