Idiot Hero

An "idiot hero" is a protagonist who makes up for the lack of brains with heart.

Why This Trope Rocks

 * 1) Similar to anti-heroes, idiot heroes are relatable.
 * 2) This trope adds comedic effect to the characters' personalities.
 * 3) They represent the fact that everyone has their own shortcomings and we can make up for them with our own positive qualities.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) It can be overused, especially in anime, specifically when it comes to shonen protagonists.
 * 2) Some idiot heroes can be unlikable, unfunny and/or unsympathetic.

Examples of well-written idiot heroes

 * Asta (Black Clover)
 * Crash Bandicoot (Crash Bandicoot)
 * Earthworm Jim (Earthworm Jim)
 * Homer Simpson (The Simpsons)
 * Jimmy Neutron (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron) [being an "Ditzy Genius"]
 * Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
 * Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
 * Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
 * Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
 * Po Ping (Kung Fu Panda) [being an goofball who can be insightful and wise rather than just a idiot]
 * Son Goku (Dragon Ball)
 * SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)
 * Timmy Turner (The Fairly OddParents) [not as much of a idiot but rather naive all things considered]
 * Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Examples of poorly-written idiot heroes

 * Bubsy T. Bobcat (Bubsy)
 * Coconut Fred (Coconut Fred's Fruit Salad Island)
 * Gord Brody (Freddy Got Fingered)
 * Johnny Test (Johnny Test)
 * Oscar the Sharkslayer (Shark Tale)
 * Sheen Estevez (Planet Sheen)