100 Characters For 100 Otaku (Part Twelve: 45-41)

The twelfth post in “100 Characters For 100 Otaku”

Are you enjoying the time of “100 Characters For 100 Otaku?” We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot more to go! As we wind down, I reflect on shows that have had a character in the beginning, those who have had consistent characters in the list, and those that have yet to arrive. If you’re wondering where someone is, don’t worry – they may be on the way! Now, let’s see what 45 down through 41 have to offer!

45. Miyamura Miyako (from ef ~a tale of memories~)

Why I Like Her: Well, if it isn’t one of mai waifus! I’ve put it best in that post: ” Miya is great because she really understands herself and those around her. She isn’t lost or confused, she’s just hurt, and she knows exactly how to fix it. You could say that even in the fact that she finds someone to rely on, she is showing her independence, knowing exactly what she needs and being willing to reciprocate the needs of the other. Her relationship with Hiro was perfect to me, and spoke to me strongly at a time in my life where Hiro felt like the spitting image of myself. I feel like if I had a Miyako, I’d be able to do what I want out of myself in life.”

A Mirror For Otaku: Miyako is unbearably lonely and, more than anything, just wants someone to acknowledge her. It’s a shame that they don’t seem to have the internet where she comes from, because that’s what otaku have used to alleviate their loneliness for years! (Or maybe it’s the otaku who are unlucky…)

Reflecting My Otakudom: Miyako is very sure of herself. She goes into situations with her goal in sight and doesn’t settle for less. This could be seen as a method I incorporate into anime viewing. I dive into the greater pool of series with a direct ambition towards discovering an exact thing on my journey, whatever that may be at the time. (ex. “I need to see all the best 80s series to expand my knowledge!”)

The First Episode of Crest of the Stars: I would say that if nothing else at all, the Abh are DEFINITELY sure of themselves. You don’t just waltz in on a planet and apprehend it half-heartedly.

44. Isaac Dian and Miria Harvent (from Baccano!)

Why I Like Him and Her: It’s impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins – no doubt the greatest couple in anime history. I can’t imagine how soulless one would have to be not to adore this pair. They are fun condensed into it’s purest form. Silly, but brilliant and never ever boring. Great people, but dangerous criminals! Or something. Who cares, it’s all in the name of enjoyment~~~!

A Mirror For Otaku: Girls Otaku just wanna have fun sometimes – Throw away all the seriousness and just do something really delightful. Of course, to otaku, this probably constitutes something like watching Garzey’s Wing.

Reflecting My Otakudom: I LOVE watching Garzey’s Wing. I make a point to try and organize group watchings of it – it’s nothing but fun. I don’t watch it to discuss it, or to find some kind of meaning, or to write a review – it’s just pure fun.

The First Episode of Crest of the Stars: There is a huge time skip at the end of CotS ep 1 wherein we see that humanity is doing perfectly fine after the Abh take over. Likewise, we get to see some time skips to continually prove that Isaac and Miria are always doing alright – the lucky bastards!

43. Allenby Beardsley (from Mobile Fighter G Gundam)

Why I Like Her: Well well, another one of mai waifus! And another which I’ve already said great things about: “Allenby is a person with very specific goals that come first and foremost in her life, and she is extremely passionate about what she loves. In her interactions with Domon, Allenby shows that she would be a ton of fun to hang out with, especially if you could connect in the passion for fighting. I admit that as I am currently, I wouldn’t be able to connect with Allenby, but if I applied my personality to a love of fighting, or applied her personality to a love of anime, we might be a perfect match.”

A Mirror For Otaku: Allenby is nothing but a pure ball of passion. Her love of fighting is just about all-consuming. You could easily make the case that she is a ‘combat otaku’ – her obsession is easily on the level of an otaku’s towards anime.

Reflecting My Otakudom: As I said above, were I to apply my obsession to fighting or were Allenby to apply her obsession to anime, we’d be a perfect match. Neither of us wants anything more than to continue rising up in terms of our respective loves.

The First Episode of Crest of the Stars: When Allenby first appears in G Gundam, she is under the control of her scientist partners, and they force her into some bad situations. This lack of freedom is what the humans were afraid they’d have to face when the Abh took over.

42. Tendo Akane (from Ranma 1/2)

Why I Like Her: Bakabakabakabakabakabaka! Akane is a true blue tsundere by the classical definition, which is why you wouldn’t think I’d like her, but her dynamic with Ranma just works so well. When I watch Akane, I can’t help but feel like I’d have to let her get her way~ She’s so damn cute! Plus I admire her pure stubborn determination.

A Mirror For Otaku: Akane has a strong tendency to overreact to things before she understands the situation. This can be compared to otaku who drop shows within the first episode and make such regards as ‘this anime is a piece of shit’ and ‘worst show ever.’ My buddy No Name is usually pretty passive about anime, but he too overreacts when it comes to game trailers. You should have seen him and my other friend bitching about the lack of balance in Modern Warfare 2, which doesn’t come out for weeks.

Reflecting My Otakudom: Akane talks tough and acts like a tomboy, but she still has a definitively girly side to her that wants to wear a pretty dress and play Juliet in the school play. I can put up a pretty ‘anime cool guy’ look sometimes with my appreciation for artsy shows and so-called ‘greats’, but I still have a soft spot for the less loved and more silly anime out there (such as Kanokon or Strike Witches, both in my favorites).

The First Episode of Crest of the Stars: Akane talks tough and gets in people’s faces, often to the ridicule of her adversary. As said adversaries quickly learn, she can FULLY back her claims. Likewise, the Abh makes very big claims about their power, and I have no doubt that they could follow through with them.

41. Madarame Harunobu (from Genshiken)

Why I Like Him: A lot of what I like about Madarame can be seen in his most legendary moment. Aside from his being a raging pro-claimer of an otaku, though, what makes Madarame really great is what makes all of the Genshiken members great – he’s a real person, and a great guy if you get to know him. Of course, I still hold the most respect for his tenacity in collecting against all forces against him to the bitter end!

A Mirror For Otaku: Oh lawl. Madarame is not just an otaku, but an UBER-otaku. He’s a heavy consumer, fan of all types (favorites range from mech shows to magical girls) and will give you a long rant on the deep secrets of moe. He will even skip out on living expenses to buy doujinshi.

Reflecting My Otakudom: I’ve always considered myself to be a Madarame-type otaku. I’m a heavy pro-claimer, telling anyone who’ll listen everything they could possibly want to know about otakudom and why it is justified, normal behavior, and should be smiled upon (lol). Plus, I watch everything and am interested in all aspects of otakudom.

The First Episode of Crest of the Stars: Jinto falls in love with Lafiel – a cross-cultural and cross-racial pairing – which would not have been possible if Jinto were not made a count in the first episode. This can be in some ways considered similar to how Madarame falls in love with Saki Kasukabe, the anti-otaku, in spite of her practically being of an entirely different kind of being from those on the ‘inside.’

There’s 45-41, tune in tomorrow for the next five! We’ve got the original dere-tsun, a tragic hero, and who knows – maybe your favorite character!