It's funny how certain tropes stick around in storytelling, especially in anime and manga. The 'hot older brother' archetype is everywhere—from 'Fruits Basket' with Shigure to 'Attack on Titan' with Levi (okay, he’s technically an uncle, but same energy). I think it’s partly because older siblings often carry this aura of responsibility and mystery. They’ve been around longer, seen more, and that worldly experience translates into charisma. Writers love playing with that dynamic—older brothers are either the cool, aloof types or the overprotective softies hiding behind a tough exterior. It’s a formula that works because it taps into that universal fascination with the 'untouchable' yet deeply caring figure.
Plus, let’s be real, visual media loves a good contrast. If the protagonist is the scrappy underdog, the older brother becomes this polished, almost unattainable ideal. It creates tension and gives the audience something to swoon over. Even in Western shows like 'Supernatural,' Dean Winchester fits this mold perfectly. The older brother isn’t just hot—he’s a narrative device, a benchmark for growth, and let’s not underestimate the appeal of a character who’s got their life together (or at least seems to).