Long post incoming. Okay, ten anime characters that I like, in no particular order:
Friday Monday (Madlax) - I always love a great villain. To me, what makes a great villain is a level of intrigue, mystery, scheme, and level of threat. Friday is one of those really mysterious villains with an odd name that could easily be an alias and an unusual design (red monocles are in fashion for villains). His plan is really out there and he poses a very legitimate threat, being indirectly responsible for the deaths of several main characters and being directly responsible for the connection between Margaret and Madlax (which was ultimately his downfall but still). I dunno, he always stood out to me as anime villains go. Plus, he's got a great evil laugh and that's always A+ villain material.
Sora (.hack//SIGN) - More of an anti-villain, Sora was always fascinating and hilarious to me. His neutral status in the story made him a wild card and he virtually became the enemy of every major character in the show before the ending. Of course, the major thing that endeared the character to me was Dave Wittenberg’s performance. I loved the way he delivered his lines, and I really felt like he could become one with the character; I would say he really brought Sora to life in a way. And his weapons are awesome.
Narrator (Sgt. Frog) - I love this guy, I honestly consider him a real character because he pretty much has his own identity. He’s not afraid to argue with the other characters or complain about his job or things like that, and Bruce Elliot has so much fun bringing this narrator to life. There’s one moment in an episode where he starts off explaining the climax, but then gets bored because of how convoluted it is before eventually trailing off and recommending the new Diet Vanilla Coke to viewers.
Osaka (Azumanga Daioh) - Easy favorite from this show. I love her personality, her mannerisms, her blank expressions, and all her quirks. She steals every scene she’s in, and a lot of the show’s most quotable lines come from her. Great character.
Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin) - This is probably one of the most likable protagonists I’ve seen in any anime (admittedly, I haven’t seen a whole lot but still). I love the fact that he’s so friendly and caring and sometimes goofy when he’s with his friends, but still badass and serious when the need arises. And when the going gets tough and someone he cherishes is threatened, he becomes an unstoppable whirlwind of sword strikes. Richard Cansino’s voicework helps Kenshin’s likability tremendously.
Sanosuke Sagara (Rurouni Kenshin) - Speaking of badass, Kenshin’s friend and fighting partner Sano is probably my second favorite character in the show, and again a lot of it comes from Lex Lang’s voicework. Like Kenshin, he can be very goofy when with his friends but badass when the fighting starts. In fact, I’ve always felt that if they ever made an episode or two with just the four main characters interacting, without even any conflict or fighting, that would be entertaining enough.
Penny (Shin-Chan) - Again, this has a lot to do with the voice; in this case, Carrie Savage. I admit that the big reason why I like this character is because it is Carrie Savage, since her innocent child-like voice contrasts so hilariously with Penny’s nasty attitude and vulgar vocabulary. I gotta admit, it’s downright surreal to hear Carrie Savage drop several F-bombs in a single sentence. But as for the character herself, she is really funny and I love her vocabulary and mannerisms even though she’s only a kindergartner.
Shin (Shin-Chan) – Always getting into trouble, always giving everyone a headache, always making bad situations worse, but he’s just so lovable that you can’t help but laugh. Highlights include the ass dance and whenever he watches Action Bastard.
Goku (Dragon Ball Z) – Like Kenshin, Goku is that likable protagonist who can be both goofy and serious to fit the situation. And when he gets serious, he
really gets serious. Not much to say really, I just really enjoy his personality.
Stephan (Pokemon) – One of my favorite new characters, Stephan is one of Ash’s many rivals in the BW season. Unlike most of Ash’s regular rivals, he’s not snotty or arrogant or unlikable in any way. He’s really just a nice guy who has a competitive edge, much like Ash himself. Whenever Stephan and Ash have a battle, it’s always very well-natured and out of fun. Both respect each other, and it’s just a very enjoyable foil. I’m quite glad they’ve been giving him more screentime, including him winning the second club tournament.
Truth or dare?
