Sorry, there was a bit of a break between this and the last list. Schoolwork caught up to me and I had to recover a bit before I could go on a computer again.
Hope you enjoy it!
30. Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Bungo Stray Dogs
What makes them stand out?
I don’t understand him or his true motivations. This may not seem like a winning factor but for me its a big deal. Villains with easily discerned agendas are boring! Since I’m an avid fan of Agatha Christie novels, I’m constantly on the look out for stories and CHARACTERS who subvert my expectations.
Fyodor as a character slips in and out of the main story kind of like a ghost. No one knows what his ability is. No one understands what he wants. The scenes I’ve seen him in are some of my favorites so far because he controls the stage, so to speak.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I do like his design partially because he dresses like a Russian. Like I said before too, I find male characters with long torsos and lean builds attractive. (Darn, I’m predictable.)
Did they teach me any life lessons?
. . . Learn to memorize all the cards in the deck. It will be useful if you want to escape slavery to stupid side characters.
Have I always liked them?
Once I realized he was more of a main villain, I paid more attention to him in every scene. Before long I looked for him everywhere.
What is my favorite scene with them?
So far, it’s his battle of wits with Ace. There is nothing like a good mystery and seeing cocky manipulators fail in the face of true intellectuals. (Kind of like Vizzini from The Princess Bride)
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes. Yes yes yes. He is one of the most interesting villain characters I’ve come across in a long time.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes. Since I have no special abilities I’m pretty sure sitting and chatting with him in Russian would be harmless and informative.
29. Ling, Fullmetal Alchemist
What makes them stand out?
Don’t get me wrong, all of Arakawa’s characters from Fullmetal Alchemist are multilayered and evolve throughout the series. All of them feel like people, even the side characters. Ling stands out for me because of what he stands for. For someone aspiring to become an emperor, he’s incredibly humble.
Ling also is incredibly loyal to his friends. He doesn’t abandon them or throw them away even in times of stress or peril. He also KNOWS who he is and is able to retain his sense of self even when Greed takes over his body.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
. . . I’ve never thought about it but yes. I probably like his design best when his eyes are open or when he’s being a dork.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
When aspiring for power, remember to center your aspirations on others’ needs NOT on yourself. It’s like the political quarrel he had with King Bradley on the nature of Kings. Ling truly believes the role of a king is to care for the people.
Have I always liked them?
He grew on me. In the beginning, I didn’t pay attention to him because I hadn’t had the chance to see what his core beliefs or aspirations were.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Definitely the chase scene between him and King Bradley.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes, he gives the manga and anime a needed push in the right direction. He was one of the biggest things missing from the first anime.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would if it meant I could see the good he had done. I have always wanted to know what he accomplished after becoming emperor.
28. Saitama, One Punch Man
What makes them stand out?
Some characters stand out for me because of what they stand for. Others it’s their goals. Saitama is an example of a character who stands out for me because he’s hilarious.
I literally watch One Punch Man just to see him punch things. Ultimate power is attractive especially when it’s in the hands of someone who has inadvertently changed the world.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I like both sides of Saitama, whether it be the overpowered version or egg head version.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Honestly, it’s working hard and learning to value simple pleasures like savings at the supermarket or reading manga for fun.
Have I always liked them?
The moment I set eyes on him.
What is my favorite scene with them?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . hmmm. . . . . . . I have two. First, when he takes the physical exam to join the hero association. Second, when he literally bites a sword in half.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Do I need to answer this question? Obviously! I only watch/ read it so I can see him punch things and be adorkable.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Of course!
27. Gojou, Jujutsu Kaisen (TV)
What makes them stand out?
HIS EYES. Also, how he uses his power. Some characters who have ultimate power like Saitama lose their sense of accomplishment because they have nowhere to grow. I think Gojou is an example of a character who NEVER STOPS GROWING.
He gives the show a different dynamic. There isn’t a character who NEEDS to become stronger to defeat an almost undefeatable villain. Gojou already fills the role. What defines him is how he chooses to use his talents. He’s a teacher with ulterior motives not yet apparent.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Oh yes. A lot can be said about a character just by looking at their eyes.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Not yet. But there is still time.
Have I always liked them?
By the time the third episode rolled by, yes. He almost instantly became my favorite character. I have a thing for talented characters whose powers and movements are animated interestingly.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Domain expansion or the short fight he had with Sakuna.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
For me yes. But the story as a whole could be another matter. So far I have no reason to think otherwise.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes and no. I don’t think I could have a genuine conversation with him.
26. Orihime, Bleach
What makes them stand out?
Her compassion and simple goals. I don’t think people are nice to her because they’re bitter about the fact Rukia doesn’t get with Ichigo. Just because it looks like she is in a “damsel in distress” role doesn’t mean that defines her whole character.
I’ve always liked Orihime because she isn’t whiney like other main girl characters in anime. In fact, she rarely has opportunities where she can genuinely talk about how she truly feels. She’s more of a quiet people pleaser.
I’ll just say this now. I think she and Ichigo were a good fit, especially later on, because she needed someone who didn’t see her for her physical appearance. She stands out as a heroine for me because she develops profound relationships with people around her.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
The only thing I don’t like about her design is her chest. Why Tite Kubo did that to her is beyond me. (I actually think it’s for fan service money but. . . eh)
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Don’t be ashamed of having simple goals and aspirations.
Have I always liked them?
Not always. It took me time to really notice her.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Probably any scene with her and Ulquiorra. Not because I wanted them to get together, but because of the nature of their conversations.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
I think yes. A lot of people will disagree with me but I would fight for Orihime as a character if it ever came up.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I feel we could be good friends. But, I don’t absolutely have to meet her.
25. Ichigo, Bleach
What makes them stand out?
His big sword? Just kidding. I have a soft spot for characters who are undyingly loyal. They are the Gryffindor-type characters who see problems and stand up to fight them without thinking twice. Ichigo is that kind of guy. In his heart of hearts, he just really cares about people.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Tite Kubo is a GREAT character designer. Ichigo’s design stands out for me because of his hair and varied wonderful facial expressions.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
If you commit yourself to something, stick to it.
Have I always liked them?
From the get-go.
What is my favorite scene with them?
My gosh, that is a hard question to answer. Possibly when he finally achieves his Bankai. That second design with his outfit and sword and how he fights Rukia’s brother always gets me pumped up.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
I think Ichigo gives the story DRIVE. He is a character who motivates others around him to fight and change. That means he’s needed.
Would I like to meet them in person?
No. His personality is too much for me.
24. Ageha, Psyren
What makes them stand out?
Much like Ichigo, Ageha is a guy who sees a problem and injustice and runs to meet it. Unlike Ichigo, he’s also a thinker who works well with others. He also goes out of his way to create meaningful relationships and learn from his friends.
He stands out as a protagonist because he isn’t the strongest. He has a unique power but he works in a team to meet their goals. So often with main characters, THEY are the solution. It’s rare to see someone like Ageha who is just part of the solution.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
His facial expressions and teeth are really interesting to see. All other aspects of his design are okay for me.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Sometimes the best solution is to find a way to save the villain. In the end, Ageha doesn’t destroy them in a wonderful explosion. He identifies the source of the problem and completely prevents the would-be villain from going down the wrong path.
Have I always liked them?
Yep. I have a weak spot for characters like him.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he sits down and talks to Amamiya about his feelings. I do like his fight scenes but it was good for me to see a protagonist settle down and acknowledge his feelings.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Like always, yep.
Would I like to meet them in person?
No. His personality is too much for me as well.
23. Hohenheim, Fullmetal Alchemist
What makes them stand out?
His heart. He’s the only father-like figure I have listed here. I remember the moment I realized what an incredible man he was. His future got snatched away, yet he decided to look inward and personally get to know those who suffered because of those he knew.
I can’t say too much because there are probably people who haven’t watched the anime or read the manga. But he may seem like a selfish coward and a bad father and husband. But he is exactly the opposite. He is one of the most selfless people I’ve come across.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
It’s good, but I probably like the design for his younger self.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
So so so many. 1. Wait for the right person when you want to fall in love, 2. do everything you can to fight against evil if it is in your power, 3. Don’t be afraid to chase after what you love or cherish what you have.
The list could go on.
Have I always liked them?
No. He is one of those rare characters I hated until I knew his whole story. The reason why is because I watched the first anime and thought he was a ninny and a coward. But then I actually read the manga and realized everything I thought about him wasn’t true.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he uses himself as a shield against Father’s power or when he takes a family picture with his wife and children.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Definitely. Without him, everything would have fallen to pieces.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes. I would love to have an intellectual conversation with him.
22. Hisoka, Hunter x Hunter (2011)
What makes them stand out?
The short answer is he commands every episode he’s in. His technique is fascinating to watch, he’s incredibly intelligent, and he’s an absolute mystery.
He’s also a psychopath and super creepy. I mean REALLY creepy. It baffles me I like him. Every time I watch Hunter x Hunter I think to myself “I wonder when Hisoka will show up again.”
This is one of those rare cases where I like a character because they add an unexpected flavor to the story. His motives interest me as well as his appearance. As a rule, he always seems to hide behind some guise that usually should be seen as playful or merely mischievous.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I once upon a time wrote an article about my favorite animated character designs and Hisoka was number 9 out of 50. What I said then about his design applies to now.
He is a character, much like those in the Alice in Wonderland spinoff Pandora Hearts whose guises denote the innocence of childhood but are dark and twisted, who hides his calculating and evil nature through playful makeup and costumes. Everything about him is meant to trick and manipulate. Trying to understand the man underneath such an appearance is utterly fascinating to me.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
No. I don’t want to model my life after him. He’s a freak, albeit an interesting one to study.
Have I always liked them?
From the episode he meets Gon for the first time.
What is my favorite scene with them?
I have two scenes that immediately come to mind. 1. His confrontation with Gon, who takes his badge during the Hunter exams. 2. His first REAL fight with Gon in the tower arena.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Such a hard question. I’d say no. Like I said HE’S A FREAK!
Would I like to meet them in person?
Heck no. He would either ignore me or kill me.
21. Takane, Takane to Hana
What makes them stand out?
Takane comes off in the manga in the first 5 volumes as somewhat of an airheaded, rich, narcissist. It’s hilarious but you don’t learn much about his character. It’s once the series throws him into a bin of poverty his true strengths come forth.
What I like about him is he learns from his mistakes and is incredibly honest. He eventually marries a girl ten years younger than him. But, he goes about it the right way. He straightforwardly courts her, her parents know, and he learns to open himself up to a vulnerable relationship.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
He’s a handsome thing. I’m not going to lie. And not just in the sense I’m supposed to know he’s handsome because the characters in the story say so.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Seize the morning, seize the day! I changed from being a night owl to an early riser because of him.
Have I always liked them?
At first, I just liked him because his bantering with Hana made me roll on the floor laughing. But as time went on he stood out for me as an individual character.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he stops beating around the bush and finally talks to Hana about what he really feels.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yep. He and Hana make the manga worth reading.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would if I could see Hana making fun of him.
That ends this next list! See you next time.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 
This is all so cool.
Thanks!