Poll: IGN Ranks 25 Best Anime Characters Of All Time

[Gigano]

Light Yagami and L should rank much higher, and Goku much lower - infinite power does not make for compelling stories, whereas a good old battle of wits is always interesting.

 

[Armored Prayer]

Wait, Pikachu was from some hentai?

If thats true than what the hell have I've been watching? (don't have to answer that)

Edit: Oooo one more post and I'll have 2000 posts. I'm off to write a review.

 

[MortisLegio]

I agree "mostly"
why is Naruto a higher number than L?

 

[RavingPenguin]

I quite agree with this list. It doesnt just cater to anime fans, but rather tries to give an honest opinion on which characters (and series by extension) did the most to further the anime cause. Astro Boy and Speed Racer have no doubt been huge influences on the anime world and so has Dragon Ball. Even rare characters like D and Jubei get there spot in the limelight. My point is that the list tries do make an honest and non-biased opinion, something which is more difficult than just constantly catering to fans.

 

[Frank_Sinatra_]

each character's lasting fame, the impact they had on the medium and their particular genre at the time, the depth and quality of their realization on screen,

What the fuck? No one from Gundam? Go to Japan and ask someone who Amuro Ray is or Char and they will most likely tell you exactly.
Shit Japan built a mother [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/92322-Japan-Finishes-Life-Size-Gundam] fucking [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94190-Couple-Gets-Married-Beneath-Life-Size-Gundam] life-size [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09hr6Jj2cz4] Gundam! [http://im5dja.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pmqlNlO0yas5XuQ1Ert6OfUHRKZhqJR2n4YmrHwTZQ1-m-4ZzLVMht3z8kgsNRi2dds26b2zvcjz8KRzJahx0SS3nXUh7VDQ6/life%20size%20gundam%201.jpg]

Maybe I'm getting a bit worked up about this but Char or Amuro needs to be on that list.
I do approve of having Totoro on there.
*sings Totoro theme*

 

[RavingPenguin]

What the fuck? No one from Gundam? Go to Japan and ask someone who Amuro Ray is or Char and they will most likely tell you exactly.
Shit Japan built a mother [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/92322-Japan-Finishes-Life-Size-Gundam] fucking [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94190-Couple-Gets-Married-Beneath-Life-Size-Gundam] life-size [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09hr6Jj2cz4] Gundam! [http://im5dja.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pmqlNlO0yas5XuQ1Ert6OfUHRKZhqJR2n4YmrHwTZQ1-m-4ZzLVMht3z8kgsNRi2dds26b2zvcjz8KRzJahx0SS3nXUh7VDQ6/life%20size%20gundam%201.jpg]

Maybe I'm getting a bit worked up about this but Char or Amuro needs to be on that list.
I do approve of having Totoro on there.
*sings Totoro theme*

I do believe it has to do with the impact on the American scene. Gundam really isnt that popular in america.

 

[Joens]

Well at least Luffy's on the list, though personally I'd like him to go higher

 

[Frank_Sinatra_]

I do believe it has to do with the impact on the American scene. Gundam really isnt that popular in america.

In my humble opinion the reception was bad probably because:
A.) They showed Gundam Wing first
B.) They showed them with the english dubs *shudder*
C.) They never showed all of the series that took place in the Universal Century

 

[John Funk]

each character's lasting fame, the impact they had on the medium and their particular genre at the time, the depth and quality of their realization on screen,

What the fuck? No one from Gundam? Go to Japan and ask someone who Amuro Ray is or Char and they will most likely tell you exactly.
Shit Japan built a mother [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/92322-Japan-Finishes-Life-Size-Gundam] fucking [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94190-Couple-Gets-Married-Beneath-Life-Size-Gundam] life-size [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09hr6Jj2cz4] Gundam! [http://im5dja.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pmqlNlO0yas5XuQ1Ert6OfUHRKZhqJR2n4YmrHwTZQ1-m-4ZzLVMht3z8kgsNRi2dds26b2zvcjz8KRzJahx0SS3nXUh7VDQ6/life%20size%20gundam%201.jpg]

Maybe I'm getting a bit worked up about this but Char or Amuro needs to be on that list.
I do approve of having Totoro on there.
*sings Totoro theme*

What he said. Char is one of the most iconic anime characters of... pretty much all time.

 

[Souplex]

There have been only five animes I have ever enjoyed. Full Metal Alchemist, Digimon, Afro Samurai, Code Geass and Death note. As such they are the only ones with characters deserving to be on the list.

 

[wewontdie11]

Well I don't think Ichigo and Luffy should be on there at all, and Lulu, L and Motoko should all be higher, but I can't fault that list too much. I generally agree with most of them.

 

[laura3lizab3th]

I'm neither happy or annoyed at the results, but Goku at number 1? seriously? oh dear

 

[NeutralDrow]

Who's Char?

I quite agree with this list. It doesnt just cater to anime fans, but rather tries to give an honest opinion on which characters (and series by extension) did the most to further the anime cause. Astro Boy and Speed Racer have no doubt been huge influences on the anime world and so has Dragon Ball. Even rare characters like D and Jubei get there spot in the limelight. My point is that the list tries do make an honest and non-biased opinion, something which is more difficult than just constantly catering to fans.

Agreed. Hence why most of the comments on it seem to devolve into "why isn't my favorite character on that list?!"

Seriously people, Lucy from Elfen Lied? Why?

#10 Rei
Uninteresting character laden with angst. It might just be because of my hatred for angst, but I really don't understand the appeal of NGE at all. But that's a topic for another time. Cut her. Crap, I was suppose to throw a flame warning in here... ah well, bring the hate NGE lovers.

...I find it rather strange that you could pick a series so laden with angst and pick out the least angsty character on the entire show.

That's not even hate, I'm honestly confused. You pick out the archetypal soulless, emotionless girl and call her angsty?

 

[speedcoreXdandy]

1. TETSUO!
2. KENEDA!
3. TETSUO!
4. KENEDA!
5. TETSUO!
6. KENEDA!


That is the correct ranking.

 

[John Funk]

Who's Char?

Every "masked character" in a Gundam show since the original is pretty much just an Expy of Char. It's been 30 years since Mobile Suit Gundam, and Char STILL tops the "favorite character" polls in Japan.

 

[Baby Tea]

#25 Shinji
He's a whiney little ***** who almost gets likable for an episode or two, and then drops back into his angst bucket. Cut him from the list.

Isn't that the truth!
I couldn't stand his character. UGH! He was so awful. I mean, sure he piloted a huge ass cool bio-robot thing, but seriously: Kid. Stop listening to My Chemical Romance and grow up. Sheesh!

Good to see Spike on there, though! Easily my favourite anime character.

 

[You_have_a_name]

Yes because Goku won and vegita was also on the list and dragonball is the only Anime i have ever watched

 

[NeutralDrow]

Who's Char?

Spoiler

Every "masked character" in a Gundam show since the original is pretty much just an Expy of Char. It's been 30 years since Mobile Suit Gundam, and Char STILL tops the "favorite character" polls in Japan.

Ah, didn't know that. My mecha watching was limited to Robotech (and I immediately think of fish when I hear that name).

I think my immediate "masked character" thought is still limited to this guy:

Spoiler

 

[rainman2203]

I'm slightly embarrassed with how many of these characters I actually know. I don't know about Goku on top, but everyone and their mom does know dragon ball, whether they want to or not. Since the list has Vash the Stampede and one of the Erlics, I find it satisfactory.

 

[Slycne]

I quite agree with this list. It doesnt just cater to anime fans, but rather tries to give an honest opinion on which characters (and series by extension) did the most to further the anime cause. Astro Boy and Speed Racer have no doubt been huge influences on the anime world and so has Dragon Ball. Even rare characters like D and Jubei get there spot in the limelight. My point is that the list tries do make an honest and non-biased opinion, something which is more difficult than just constantly catering to fans.

Agreed. Hence why most of the comments on it seem to devolve into "why isn't my favorite character on that list?!"

Too add a third, I think this list largely accomplishes itself within the parameters of their decision making. This is not a favorite, most powerful or deepest characterization list. They heavily weighted it to brand image and impression. Like it or not more people will recognize and remember Goku and Naruto then .