Nearing the halfway mark on the countdown of my 100 favorite anime characters, here are characters 60 to 51. Still second guessing myself a bit but that will get better as I approach the final half of the list…
60. Renton Thurston (from Eureka 7)
One thing that makes Eureka 7 such a fantastic series is having two protagonists who are great both as a couple and individually. Although I like Renton and Eureka better as a pairing than by themselves, their individual character development throughout the series is amazing. Renton starts out as a hapless, immature boy with a childish dream and eventually grows into a truly respectable, courageous young man. Unlike a lot of boys his age, he is consistently true in his love for Eureka and never tries to deny it. Despite being clumsy and easily manipulated, he remains determined and always tries to do the right thing.
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59. Eureka (from Eureka 7)
Like Renton, Eureka’s character development is outstanding. She starts off as a naive, distant girl with a one-track-mind, and through her relationship with Renton, she learns how to open up her mind and emotions, and of course, to fall in love. Throughout the series, the two of them suffer great pain, sadness, and happiness together. They constantly learn from each other and grow strong together.
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58. Azusa Nakano (from K-ON!)
I’m really not sure why I like Azusa the best out of all the K-ON! girls. Maybe I found her initial bewilderment with and then eventual acceptance of the other band members amusing. Or maybe she’s just cute =P
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57. Ashitaka (from Princess Mononoke)
Princess Mononoke was the very first Ghibli movie I ever saw, and is still my favorite, and Ashitaka is still my favorite Ghibli protagonist. His gentleness, altruism, and desire for peace between man and nature has always touched me. He’s almost like a male version of Nausicaa except I felt the relationship he forms with San made him a little more interesting.
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56. Chii (from Chobits)
Talking computers that take on human attributes are not too uncommon in anime or other fiction, but you won’t find any as sweet as Chii =) Chii’s story and character development in Chobits seriously makes you question the validity of a machine ever acquiring feelings, or if love could ever exist between human and machine. Chii has enough machine qualities to make us believe she is one, and yet she gradually reveals human actions and emotions to put us in doubt. Chii will keep me forever pondering the question of whether a machine could ever feel and love.
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55. Tsubaki (from Soul Eater)
Tsubaki is probably the most “normal” character in Soul Eater. She’s nice, forgiving, and always tries to stay cheerful and keep the peace among the others. Of course, that doesn’t mean she’s not a determined fighter. However, I don’t know what a gentle soul like her sees in an obnoxious, egomaniac like Black Star.
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54. Erin (from Kemono no Souja Erin)
Throughout Kemono no Souja Erin, we see Erin grow from a naive yet inquisitive child playing around in her hometown to a strong, knowledgeable young woman who is kind but determined to rebel for what she believes in. Even at a young age, Erin was sensitive beyond her years to the feelings of the touda and other creatures around her, and her sensitivity developed into a true understanding and passion as she grew up.
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53. Usagi Tsukino “Sailor Moon” (from Sailor Moon)
Years before I even found out what anime was, Sailor Moon was the very first anime I ever watched, so this lovable heroine will always hold a special place in my heart. Although she appears air-headed and clumsy, throughout the numerous episodes and movies of the series, we see her sides of fear, anger, happiness, despair, selflessness, love, mischievousness, and many other emotions.
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52. Yin (from Darker than Black)
Yin may seem like your stereotypical quiet, stoic character, but the emotions she displays are beautifully subtle. Even though she’s a “doll” and barely changes her expression, she plainly shows fear, sadness, and concern throughout the series.
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51. Haruka Nogizaka (from Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu)
Most otaku in anime are portrayed as nerdy or eccentric, but Haruka is unique because she’s your average polite and academically excelling female student with this one amusing twist of also being a secret anime/manga geek. I’m really not sure why I find the idea of an otaku moe blob so lovable, I just do XD
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Well, I’m finally halfway through the list. Thanks to everyone who’s been following so far ^_^ As we move closer to the top of the list, my favorite characters are more concrete so I shouldn’t have to second guess myself as much =P
Click here for characters 70 to 61.
Click here for characters 50 to 41.
Woot exciting. I would say its surprising to see a long-time female anime watcher put sailor moon out so early. Makes me that much more interested to see what’s next!
@ Predator675
I’ve watched only scattered episodes of Sailor Moon over the years and have yet to watch the entire series. But c’mon, even though I’m a girl you know I typically lean more towards the anime that guys like ;)
I love you so much <3 Renton, Eureka, Tsubaki… all such great characters! I love to see them appreciated!
Now that I know you are a girl, that ‘I love you so much _<
@ digitalboy
No worries, with the way I write it can be hard to tell =P
Now dammit, I just clicked on the about the blogger page and saw the pic with you and the giant pikachu and I KNOW I’ve seen that image before recently, so I don’t know how I forgot >_<
@ digitalboy
LOL, it’s no problem. It’s not just my writing style that can be deceiving but also the fact that I’m usually more interested in anime that guys tend to like.
Rinton and Eureka. best characters ever.