Welcome once again as I continue forward with my nerdy list! Just like the other lists, I’ll talk about more of my favorite anime/manga characters. So far, it’s been an interesting journey.
As always, feel free to click the provided links for the manga and anime I have listed. Also, I have two number 11’s. I couldn’t decide between them.
Hope you enjoy it!
20. Hana, Takane to Hana
What makes them stand out?
So, if you have never read Takane and Hana, Hana is a total savage. Every egotistic comment or idea Takane has, she always has a beautifully sarcastic cutting response. No matter if Takane buys her an ugly golden camel from Dubai, which she later uses to press pickles, or he shows off his fancy privileges she shoots him down with wit and . . . SASS.
Hana is also a very practical character who doesn’t just fall in love with him because he’s handsome and rich. (When she gives him a chance to kiss her back, she tricks him into kissing a sea cucumber instead. Ah. . . young love. )
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I like her eyes and how expressive they are. Her hair loopy at the top of her head bothers me, but that design is weird to me no matter what character it is.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
If you want to win any argument, work on wit rather than smarts. No matter how intelligent a person is, they can be beaten by pure dry wit.
Have I always liked them?
I’ve always thought she was hilarious! But, I also admired her for being forthcoming and practical about her feelings.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Either her receiving the ugly golden camel in the first volume or her discovering her feelings for Takane. I would choose the second scene because once she realizes her feelings she looks at him and tells him to not look at her because his stupidity will rub off onto her.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes. She is the witty ying to Takane’s narcissistic yang.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would if it meant we could go get takoyaki.
19. Lavi Bookman, D.Gray-man
What makes them stand out?
At first, I thought he was just funny and sort of there. But as the manga moved forward I realized what kind of character he was. He is designed to be a fence-sitter who starts creating relationships with those he’s not supposed to have emotional attachments to.
He’s supposed to just record history but he decides to actively fight for a better world. I admire him for his desire to make a difference. It’s easy to sit on the side I watch. It’s hard to jump off the fence and stand for what’s right.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Of those on this list, his design is one of my favorites. There’s just something about his eyepatch, earings, and weapon I think is cool.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
I can’t think of any! Most of the time I just think he’s funny or cool when he fights. I’d have to read the manga again before I could answer.
Have I always liked them?
Pretty much.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Tough question. I’ll get back to you on that!
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
That’s a tough question. The story would move forward without him, but my heart couldn’t take it if he wasn’t there. So it’s a dilemma mostly to do with how much I like him.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes! Let’s talk history and books till the early morn!
18. Dazai, Bungou Stray Dogs
What makes them stand out?
Eyes. Eyes. Eyes. His eyes are so expressive! It is said the soul shines through the eyes. I’d believe it with Dazai. He’s somewhat of an enigma. I understand where his allegiance is but not his heart. Much like Fyodor, Dazai is a big mystery to me and I love trying to figure out what makes him tick.
I’m thinking there is still a lot we don’t know about him. Mostly the answer to the question “why does he want to die so badly?” Luckily for me, most of the characters go out of their way to make sure he does not stupidly commit suicide.
His journey is heart-wrenching but also incredibly hopeful.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Harukawa35 is the genius behind the art in Bungo Stray Dogs and their character designs are fantastic! For Dazai in particular I like how they gave him such big eyes, that have soft edges. His build is also my taste so that’s another win along with his hair and the way it shapes his face.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
It’s never too late to walk on the correct path. Sometimes, like with Dazai, one just needs a good friend who can push them in the right direction.
Have I always liked them?
When I started watching the anime he instantly became my favorite character. Kaiji Tang does a great job voicing him in the English dub.
What is my favorite scene with them?
All of them. I’m not joking. He’s funny and enthralling whenever he’s on screen.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Oh yeah.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would but not to become his partner in a double suicide.
17. Ginko, Mushishi
What makes them stand out?
If you haven’t seen Mushishi before, the best way to describe Ginko is the man through whose eyes we experience an ethereal world. I appreciate Ginko because he strives to keep the balance between the natural world and the human world. He values human life and strives to save as many as he can.
But, he’s not perfect. Part of my love for Mushishi lies with him, how he moves among people and Mushi, and the kind of life he lives despite the sorrow he’s seen and experienced.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I admire his design. His hair is white and his colors are plain, not because HE is boring as a character but so anyone in an audience can feel like they are experiencing the strange stories through him.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Balance. Find a way to balance one’s life through living in the world and helping others.
Have I always liked them?
I can’t think of a time I haven’t.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he goes into the cave and finds the AH Mushi or his encounter with the young man with the mark upon his hand. I also really like the episode when he’s stuck on the mountain.
Honestly. . . . I like him in every episode. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact scene.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Well, yes.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Of all the characters on this list, I feel I could learn the most from him. He’s seen so much of the world and has a peaceful understanding of life. I’d love to meet him in a deep green forest, sipping tea and listening to a river.
16. Mob/ Shigeo, Mob Psycho 100
What makes them stand out?
One of my favorite anime is Mob Psycho 100 because of Shigeo’s emotional journey. He’s super-powered but unable to safely feel his emotions outside of extremes. But, because of his experiences, he’s kind and treasures people. Unlike most Shonen heroes he’s soft-spoken and brings up legitimate issues with his life and power.
For example:
- If Mob turned evil, who could stop him?
- Is it right to fight if it means hitting women?
- Not fighting because he doesn’t want to hurt others.
- Trying to make his weaknesses strengths. even though he could possibly be the strongest person on earth.
Mob stands out to me because he’s an abnormal person living a normal life with struggles and insecurities.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I like his design best when he goes 100%.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Compassion is NOT a weakness. Nor is honestly applying lessons you learn from your role models.
Have I always liked them?
I’ve always liked him. He’s a sweet, honest soul.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Possibly. . . when he repairs the story a girl wrote that got torn up or when he reconciles with Reigen, telling him he always knew he was a good guy.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes, because we need more people like him who honestly live the phrase “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Would I like to meet them in person?
I definitely would! He’s one of those genuine souls I would love to be one of my best friends.
15. Yuki Souma, Fruits Basket
What makes them stand out?
I didn’t think Yuki stood out that much as a character ten or so years ago when I read this manga for the first time. I thought he was the somewhat cliqued prince character.
Obviously, I don’t think this anymore. He stands out to me now because of his gentle nature and his overall emotional journey. He learned to forge his own path and let go of his childhood trauma.
The moment I realized how amazing he really is is when he turned to Akito and tells him he’s done blaming others for his problems. Frankly, he forgave him and let go of emotions that would eventually destroy him.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
The new anime actually does a great job in his overall design, especially in his eyes and jawline. In the manga, I like his design best in volumes 7-12 or so.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Don’t be ashamed of the genuine feelings of love you develop. Also, it’s okay to break from the perfect mold and expectations people in our lives place on us.
Have I always liked them?
Like I stated above, I didn’t really. I think this was mostly because I didn’t want him to get with Tohru. 🙂
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he beats of Kyo at the end of the story and pushes him to move forward and find Tohru. I also really like the scene in volume 16 when he forgives Akito.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
He does. It’s good to have characters who develop a nonromantic relationship with the heroine. Not every relationship we have in life is romantic.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would just to see who he grew up to be.
14. Takashi Natsume, Natsume Yuujinchou
What makes them stand out?
He’s a lot like Yuki in the sense he forced himself to cut himself off his emotions. His relatives, who didn’t understand I’m or his random outbursts concerning creatures and spirits, frankly abused him most of his life.
From the beginning of the series to now he’s been on a steady journey, allowing himself to be emotionally vulnerable because he had people who could finally listen to him.
He also stands out because his foremost goal is to heal wrongs he comes across. Though his experiences should have made him bitter, he retains a gentle, and caring nature. He is a good listener and values the friends he gains.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I like his design more in the manga than in the anime. In the manga, he has almost silver hair and amber-colored eyes. Plus, I just like how Midorikawa draws him in a variety of outfits.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Use the trauma you’ve faced as a reminder of why it’s important to become a kind person. With so much violence and abuse in the world, we need to be part of the few who choose to be kind.
Have I always liked them?
He’s always intrigued me because of his withdrawn personality. He’s not a bro0dy recluse. He’s someone learning how to make connections with people.
What is my favorite scene with them?
Either when he cries and asks the Fujiwara’s to take him in or when he visits his father and mother’s house for the last time.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
He is the catalyst that heals a lot of harm going on where he lives. Plus, he’s the means we find out who his grandmother was and her motivations.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would, especially if it meant I could see the kind of man he grows up to be.
13. Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist
What makes them stand out?
He’s a good match for Edward’s hot temper. Where Edward is impulsive, Alphonse is cautious and a deep thinker. I’ve always marveled at how well Alphonse is able to keep himself from growing bitter in his circumstances. I don’t know how many people could fair as well as him if they lose their bodies.
He’s honest, a gentleman, and a hard worker. I’ve also thought it was interesting how he isn’t designed to be WEAKER than Edward. they walk together on equal footing.
He’s also such a cutie every time he finds an abandoned animal. . . or person (like when he found Ling almost dead on the side of the road).
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
It’s rather ironic, to be frank. Personally, I prefer him as a grown man once all is said and done.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Watching him, I want to have an ounce of his courage. I realized what a remarkable soul he was when he said, “I’m not leaving. I’m tired of watching people die without be able to do anything.”
He makes me stop and wonder if I would have the strength to stand up against almost certain death.
Have I always liked them?
I have, but because I like Edward more sometimes I forget how much I love him as a character.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he defends Risa Hawkeye against Lust and when he talks to Mai, saying he was a complete gentleman, unlike Edward. One makes me proud, while the other makes me laugh.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
While Edward is one f the driving forces in the story, I’d say Alphonse carries its heart. He’s such a gentleman and it really shows as the story moves forward.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes! Honestly, though I would love to meet everyone in his family all at once and slip away to talk to him on the side.
12. Daiki Mamura, Hirunaka no Ryuusei
What makes them stand out?
When I first read the series, I shrugged my shoulders and assumed his feelings would not go anywhere, thinking it was a clique forbidden romance story. I dismissed Mamura because he seemed moody and uninteresting.
My opinion of him skyrocketed the more I read the series because of how he managed his feelings. As it progressed, I supported him more and more and waited anxiously to see if his kindness and sacrifice would be rewarded. Thankfully, it was.
He doesn’t talk about Suzume or treat her as his possession. When they started dating in the series he actually told her, “From now on, more than ever, I will cherish you. Please take care of me.”
I could talk forever about how much I love him, but it would be best if you read the series and saw for yourself the kind of person he became.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Yamamori is also a great character designer. For Mamura I love his long neck, hair, and eyes.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Look for a man who cherishes you, and puts your wants above his own. Good looks are all well and good, but if he doesn’t treat you with gentleness and care he’s not worth your time. (No matter how tall dark and mysterious he is.)
Have I always liked them?
I grew to like Mamura as a character. At times he was immature but I noticed how much he grew as the series progressed. I think it was because Suzume’s happiness was foremost in his mind.
At first, I was all for the teacher getting with Suzume. I figured that was the kind of story it was. But the more I read, the more I realized what a good person Mamura is.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he tells her uncle he has no plans to mistreat Suzume or make her do physical things she is not comfortable with. Through this scene, I could see how in tune he was with her feelings and limitations. It touched me the first time I read the story.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Without him, she would have ended up with someone who was not a good fit for her. He brought a well-needed balance to the story.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would, but he would most likely not want to talk to me. I don’t blame him. I am somewhat intimidating. 😉
11. Zen Wistalia, Akagami no Shirayuki-hime
What makes them stand out?
I’ve followed Snow White with the Red Hair for a long time. From the get-go, I admired what a genuine, kind, and proper young man he was. He’s honest, ambitious, hard-working, and loyal to a fault.
The way he treats Shirayuki is absolutely sweet. He’s respectful of her, sets boundaries so he doesn’t disrespect her and her needed space, and openly courts her with the intent to marry and care for her.
He also supports her dreams and listens. He’s not just there as a pretty face to get with her. He talks things out with her and enjoys being with her.
But he is like this with ALL of his relationships, whether it be his brother, friends, or colleagues.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I really like the variety of clothes he wears and their intricate designs. I also think the colors they chose for his anime character were well done. His eyes are such a beautiful shade of blue.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Keep your promises and become the kind of person who can stand next to honest, good people.
Have I always liked them?
Yes, and as the years have gone by I’ve grown to like him more.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When he tells Shirayuki for the first time his feelings. After he kisses her, he apologizes but changes his mind, wanting to face her head-on. The way they stage this is particularly beautiful in the anime.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
No need to answer! The answer is obviously yes.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would. He’s very intelligent and I think we could have a wonderful conversation.
11. Shirayuki, Akagami no Shirayuki-hime
What makes them stand out?
She has such ambition! I admire how stalwartly she works to fill her goals. She is not the type of character who likes to sit on the sidelines. She thinks of solutions and actively pushes herself to learn more. She desires to stand with Zen as an equal partner. And she does even if she doesn’t realize it.
I also loved how she repaired her relationship with Prince Raji. They become simple friends, and they both come out the better for it.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
She always looks so intently forward. She’s a girl with a well-balanced look about her, mostly because of her character.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Live a life dedicated to healing others and making life easier. Also, live a life close to nature.
Have I always liked them?
I’ve always appreciated how she isn’t a push-over. She’s inspired me multiple times to step forward and make something of myself and my talents.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When she first meets Zen and insists on giving him the antidote. The way she faced Prine Raji left quite the impression on me.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
She and Zen are equally important. They each bring drive and heart to this wonderful story.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Since I love plants, I would love to know what she knows about holistic medicine.
Thank you for reading!
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 
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