Character design is one of those things that just makes anime, well, anime. From the multicolored hair to the unrealistic body proportions and the iconic spiky heads, if you can think of it, it’s probably already an anime character.
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you’re able to tell a lot from looking at an anime’s character design, or you can be fooled into believing the show is about something it’s not. When it comes to anime, complicated isn’t always better, and simple isn’t always favored. Character designs are a dime a dozen, but there are still some that can instantly get fans to check out a series.
10Akiho Senomiya
Robotics;Notes is probably an anime you’ve never heard of, but it comes from thecreators of Steins;Gate, and it even takes place in the same universe. Science Fiction fans, you’re going to love this one. Akiho is our main protagonist and an energetic robot enthusiast. She’s basically a mecha fan; what’s not to love?
Her character design stands out simply because of how she wears her hair. You may not believe this, but back when the Robotic;Notes anime first aired, she was able to stand out from the crowd. Of course, similar character designs are very common today, but you have to respect the blueprint.
9Ryoko Okami
A lesser-known tsundere, Okami has earned her spot here by turning the traditional sailor uniform into a hardcore fighting outfit! Okami is a fighter through and through in the anime Okami-san and Her Seven Companions, and her character design supports that claim even more.
Yes, she may look like an older Taiga from Toradora, but that’s only because both animes came from the same studio. Okami’s character design is living proof of why you should never mess with an anime girl in a uniform wearing boxing gloves.
8Eru Chitanda
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but for Chitanda, it led her to join the Classic Literature Club. If you don’t knowHyouka, it may seem like your typical school anime, but the series actually follows a mystery theme. Chitanda’s curiosity is the driving force that pushes the club, especially Oreki, to go around solving all sorts of strange occurrences.
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Chitanda is the anime staple for long, black-haired characters. Ever since Hyouka’s release in 2012, Chitanda’s design has gone on to inspire a multitude of long-haired schoolgirl characters, such as the most recent example ofTakina from Lycoris Recoil.
7Ryuko Matoi (Sailor Uniform)
When watchingKill La Kill, you may be taken aback by how “free” some of the character designs are, but from the nudist beach all the way to Honnoji Academy, Ryuko and Sengoku’s sailor uniform design stands as a fan favorite!
Another battle sailor uniform that screams “Watch what happens when you mess with Mako,” Ryuko’s character design tells you everything you need to know about her fiery yet kind personality.
6Gintoki Sakata
When it comes to anime samurai, you have a wide variety of options to choose from, but none stand out like the silver soul ofGintamahimself. Gintoki is very laid-back, often being the comic relief of his own series. He hardly ever takes anything seriously, but when he does, your eyes will be glued to the screen.
His character design portrays his personality perfectly. He doesn’t wear his kimono all the way, and he mixes the outfit with boots to represent the series' blend of the Edo period with modern-day Japan. Gintoki’s outfit shows that he is ready for anything, and being the main character of Gintama, he has to be.
“Iconic anime character design” doesn’t even begin to describe Revy from Black Lagoon. If you’ve been around the anime community long enough, you’ve seen Revy. Trust me when I say she is as cool as she looks. Revy is one of anime’s great gunslingers and the blueprint for many to follow.
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Her crop-top shirt, low-cut shorts, and combat boots scream that this woman isn’t here to play around. Add that to the two guns on her side, and you have a character design for the ages.
4Mikoto Suoh
Do I even need to describe this one? The Red King just oozes drip, and from his first appearance in the show, the K-Project fanbase was created. Mikoto is one of the coolest characters in K-Project and possibly the entirety of anime. He has this calm temper to him that keeps you invested throughout his entire character arc.
His design is reminiscent of a street gang leader because, well, he is one! Plus, he controls fire, making his cool factor go up by 100 percent.
3Lio Fotia
Speaking of fire, Lio, the leader of the organization Mad Burnish, has to be here. Promare is full of unique and bombastic character designs, but the one that stuck with fans the most was Lio. Ever since he took his seat on his fiery throne, the world has never been the same.
Like other gang leaders on this list, Lio wears mostly leather with an expensive cloth hanging from his neck to show class, of course. You have to look your best when you’re stopping your people from being falsely imprisoned.
2Amira (Demon Form)
A half-demon, half-angel hybrid, Amira’s demon form is a perfect example of the anime demon lord image. Although Amira herself is nothing like a ruthless demon, when she transforms, the air around her changes drastically.
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Being a glowing white entity with only one wing and large horns sticking out of her head may scare away a few enemies before she even starts attacking. Out of all the demons in anime, Amira is by far the one that stands out the most.
1Tsunayoshi Sawada (Hyper Dying Will Mode)
Katekyo Hitman Reborn is probably the most underrated action anime to come out of Weekly Shonen Jump, yet any anime fan can tell you what it is when asked. Why? Because Tsuna’s design is just that good!
From his iconic forehead flame to his emotionless glowing eyes, you may think Tsuna is more battle-hungry than he actually is. In reality, this iconic depiction is called “Hyper Dying Will Mode,” allowing Tsuna to fight more calmly. This gives him the chance to use a bunch more abilities, like “Zero Point Breakthrough: First Edition,” and, when he’s really geared up, “X-Burner.” Looking cool is an understatement when it comes to Tsuna’s design.
