>>282128219
Many have, but this scene in Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken holds a special place in my heart for many reasons.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
>grow up watching the original anime in the early 90's
>Avan's selfless sacrifice is one of the first of its kind that I witnessed, impacting me greatly
>still think of it from time to time as I grow up
>eventually find out there was a manga circa 2012, and read through it since the anime stopped less than halfway through the story
>get to the part where Hadlar, Avan's killer who is on the verge of death after an honorable battle with Dai, tries to save Popp, only for both of them to fall into a death trap
>Hadlar prays for a miracle to spare Popp
>they are rescued by none other than Avan, who it turns out didn't die
>Hadlar, using the last of his strength, fends off a sneak attack on Avan from one of the bad guys, then proceeds to evaporate in Avan's arms as he thanks the gods for letting him die in his former enemy's arms
>fast-forward to the new anime
>older brother also grew up with the original show, but he didn't read the manga
>we make it a point to watch every single episode together, even through video call so we can react to everything together
>we get to this scene
>he is in utter disbelief at first, then starts tearing up toward the end
>he asks if I knew, and I confirm
>sniffling, he thanks me for showing him this
I cannot rewatch this without tearing up myself now. Yes, there is a big asspull involved here, but I don't give a fuck. The payoff was masterful, and I struggle to think of a better way to send off a former villain.