Anime and manga publications have mostly praised Gaara's character. IGN noted that Gaara was an "anti-Naruto", possessing a "dark, solemn character" as opposed to Naruto's continuous cheer and excitement... Gaara is a major character in the Naruto anime/manga series. While starting as a villain, he later becomes a fully redeemed hero for the rest of the franchise. He is voiced by Akira Ishida in Japanese and Liam O'Brien in English.