Why do people hate "Mary Sue" for American franchise (Rey [Star Wars Sequel Trilogy], Bella [Twilight], Captain Marvel, etc.), yet mostly acceptable for Japanese tokusatsu franchise (Kamen Rider, Sentai, etc.)?
In recent years, American franchise has been faced with issues of "Mary Sue", which has gained quite amount of criticism from audience and fan.
The most notably, Rey from Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, is the example of Mary Sue that has been heavily criticized, even after decade since her introduction. The Mary Sue has been often criticized one of the main issues with American franchise in recent years (past decade). It appears to be reason why American movie franchise is suffering.
On the contrast, Japanese tokusatsu franchise (Kamen Rider and Super Sentai) also has Mary Sue character, such as Souji Tendo/Kamen Rider Kabuto and Taro Momoi/Don Momotaro (Avataro Sentai DonBrothers), yet most audience doesn't have issues with them. In fact, the popular tokusatsu in recent years (Kamen Rider Geats, DonBrothers, etc.), tend to have Mary Sue character, where audience idolize and worship that character. Mary Sue seems to be hot ticket for successful tokusatsu (I guess).
For example, Kamen Rider Kabuto is one of the most beloved (albeit overrated) series, people praised and hailed Tendo as one of the greatest Kamen Rider ever in the franchise. People love Tendo and it's one of the reason (or main reason) why Kabuto is so beloved and has devoted fan.
I'm neutral regards to Mary Sue; I don't love it or hate it. It's just there and I accept for what it is. It doesn't necessarily bother me too much per-se and doesn't affect the quality of the show and movie.
I'm curious why certain type of Mary Sue works better in one media than another.
Why do people hate Rey yet has no issue with Tendo?
Why do people despise Captain Marvel but completely fine with Daigo/KyoryuRed?
Why do people has issue with Bella (Twilight) but fine with Taro/Don Momotaro?
Is it because of cultural difference between West (USA) and East (Japan)?
Do people in Japan are more acceptable to Mary Sue character?
It's so weird how Mary Sue are view different between culture and country.
I know I'm comparing movie franchises with weekly TV shows (tokusatsu), but it's the same principle of the matter. The form of media does not matter whatsoever, whether it's TV shows, movies, video games, comic books, etc.
Any thoughts?
Posted Aug 14, 2026, 6:01 AM UTC