Reviews by Kyle Ellis

Anime: Hellsing

Everyone’s favorite policewoman vampire.

Seras is introduced when Alucard shoots her attacker through his chest. And her chest.

This would have killed her instantly, were it not for the fact Alucard is an immortal vampire offering her a place as his new minion.

Originally resenting her new form, she gradually accepts [Link removed - login to see], eventually becoming something more than her or Alucard had ever expected.

[Link removed - login to see] is a wonderful reimagining of the cult horror classic, with Studio Madhouse yet again revitalizing an outdated show to all-new heights.

I wasn’t a fan of Seras when I watched the first adaptation, but Ultimate firmly secured her as an A+ demonic powerhouse.

Anime: Cowboy Bebop

How can this man not be one of the best gunmen in anime history when “Bang!” is his most iconic line?

Look, when I think about my favorite gunslingers, it’s not always about sheer power.

But to be fair, Spike is undoubtedly skilled in marksmanship because of his time with the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate. Combined with his tall and lean appearance, he’s amazingly perceptive, sharp-witted, and even [Link removed - login to see] and hand-to-hand combat.

But I love his overall character and how Shinichiro Watanabe (and the rest of his team) presented him with each passing episode, slowly but surely telling viewers he’s one of the best-designed characters in all of anime.

Spike is a bounty hunter that seemingly prefers sleeping and being a lazy bum than looking for the next target — and he’s fairly impatient.

Yet he’s a good man.

He says he dislikes dogs, kids, and certain women. But the Bebop welcomes Ein, Edward, and Faye. And Spike eventually learns that they aren’t so bad after all.

He also says that people shouldn’t get stuck in the past — even though he has trouble letting go of his own. And I love that dilemma about Spike.

He doesn’t have to continue living a life of chasing and shooting. But the seemingly inconsequential events throughout his life have led to where he is and the way he is now:

He’s someone who must face his past for one last time, with guns blazing, ready to conquer not just [Link removed - login to see], but perhaps Death as well.

In doing so, perhaps he’ll feel alive again. Fully in the present for once.

Anime: Hellsing Ultimate

I did say that seinen isn’t always about dark, violent stories.

But Hellsing Ultimate has such an amazing MC. In a world where evil runs rampant and is adamant about the decimation of humanity, a vampire becomes the main weapon of hope.

Alucard isn’t your ordinary vampire (or evil-looking protagonist):

Also known as The Impaler and Son of the Devil, he’s considered the strongest living vampire — and no one in the show can match his power level.

He’s cruel, but there’s also a more vulnerable side to him.

Lastly, his character design is iconic to the point that an MMORPG I play has custom equipment inspired by his look, particularly his orange sunglasses.

Anime: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

As one of the most outrageously fun anime of all time, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is home to many iconic [Link removed - login to see] and [Link removed - login to see] — and Yoko Littner is easily one of them.

Sure, the 14-year-old girl doesn’t have Kamina’s pointy shades or Simon’s goggles (that also become his sunglasses). But you know what she does have?

A very long and powerful Barrett M82-esque sniper.

It doesn’t make sense that someone like her can easily run while holding her huge weapon. But realism is far from what TTGL goes for anyway.

Yoko is an amazing gunslinger and a highly valuable part of the Dai-Gurren Bridge.

She can just recklessly enter the battlefield with her top-tier marksmanship. But Yoko’s a thinker as well, identifying her foes’ weak points to better protect herself and her beloved allies.

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

That thing that makes Ed so iconic is the fact that everything he does, and everything that happens to him, seems earned and logical.

He doesn’t have a demon fox inside of his belly. Nor is he some sort of super alien.

He’s just smart and eager to constantly learn.

When he messes up, it isn’t brushed off. And when he fights, he isn’t enjoying the whole ordeal.

We seem to forget that fighting for your life isn’t all that fun nor enjoyable.

Ed just feels like a genuine dude that’s trying to right a terrible wrong that he himself created, avoiding any bloodshed when possible.

Plus, he’s [Link removed - login to see], so bonus points.

Anime: The Seven Deadly Sins

As a fellow short king, I just have to love my boy Meliodas.

His character is very lovable overall, with a mix of demonic badassery and a perverted hilarity.

But what really sold me on this guy was his backstory.

Like holy hell, that is some Subaru level torture that he has gone through.

And yet he still manages to keep an optimistic outlook on life and bears very few negative emotions.

I mean, he literally won’t even get mad if a friend wants to kill him to achieve their goal.

Anime: Your Lie in April

Kaori is a certified meme nowadays. But it was a far different time when Your Life in April was still airing.

People didn’t expect A-1 Pictures to deliver a well-animated drama featuring musical prodigies.

The final moments of the series weren’t that affecting. But I appreciate the journey of Kaori, Kousei, Tsubaki, and Ryouta.

Kaori’s perseverance and excitement were infectious, and it’s something you and I can all learn from.

To say that Kaori is full of heart and love for life is an understatement.

Anime: Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend

I know, you’re asking why I’m putting someone like Eriri above the likes of Saber, Riza, and Shinobu.

But remember this is my ranking, and Eriri was a long-time best girl contender for me.

Although admittedly I wasn’t impressed with her at first.

She seemed like just another childhood friend who’ll never go up the harem rankings.

Then I got to know her more. She illustrates [Link removed - login to see].

Her long blonde hair paired with ribbons, along with her light blue eyes and small fangs capture my attention with ease.

But hear me out: Eriri Spencer’s best look is when she’s wearing her glasses and green tracksuit at home.

I love that look and I wish someone would give me the figurine (since overseas shipping is expensive).

Anime: Fate/stay night

Saber is like Shinobu because she can take many forms.

The anime only shows the classic Saber, but the humongous FSN franchise has the typical Saber along with Saber Alter and Saber Lily.

In a way, she feels like the stronger version of SAO’s Asuna.

She becomes less like the heroic warrior she is (again, no spoiler) and more of an adorable girlfriend when she’s resting with Shirou Emiya.

And thanks to Ufotable’s well-known animation skills, I’ve witnessed so many sakuga moments of Saber.

Particularly during Unlimited Blade Works.

Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist

Riza is another blonde anime girl who doesn’t need any lengthy introductions.

She’s part of the beloved Fullmetal Alchemist series which I hope everyone knows about.

Yeah I’d think it’s safe to say millions of people know why she belongs on the list.

Aside from her well-established badassery, Riza is a cool-headed woman who also happens to have a thing for dry humor. But you don’t witness this as much.

She’s one of the coolest women in fiction ever, animated or not.

And she doesn’t need to carry a weapon to be an awesome blonde chick (although she looks admittedly fierce with a sniper rifle or two handguns).