T5W#82-Top 5 Bad Ass Women in Anime (who arent’ my Waifus)

So today is International Women’s Day.  Lest we forget, Anime is far from just a mans world, it’s the home to some awesome women as well.  They kick ass, save the day and look good doing it all in no time flat, hmmmm just like a guy can (go figure).  So, I know it’s coming in a little late (I have my reasons), but this weeks T5W is going to my Top 5 Bad Ass Women in Anime (who arent’ my Waifus).  Yes, that subtitle means, to make this a bit more fresh, my top three waifu’s: Sailor Mars, Misato Katsuragi and Rin Tohsaka, will be sitting this one out.  I love them though.  But todays list is about the other ladies who make the world of Anime so much fun with their looks, skills and general likeability.

 

#5-Queen Emeraldas (The Leji Matsumoto-Verse)

While I haven’t seen too many of her adventures, the few times that Emeraldas has popped into the Galaxy Express 999 series has left a nice impression.  The woman is queen of space for a reason: cross her and she’ll blow you out of the stars without a second glance.  Emeraldas is a powerful woman, no doubts about that.  And yet even she has time for romance with Captain Harlock’s best friend, Tochiro.  It’s almost surprising but adds a bit of humanity to her you wouldn’t expect to see.  Still, best hope you cross this star angels path and hope she’s in a good mood.

 

#4-Mari (Neon Genesis Evangelion: Rebuild of Evangelion Series)

While still sort of new to the franchise…who am I kidding it’s been 10 years since Evangelion 1.11 started the Rebuild saga, Mari continues to be an enigma but a seriously enjoyable one.  I know everyone loves Asuka and so do I.  Mari though, she’s a lot more fun.  She sings like a mad woman while fighting the Angels, she generally does what she wants and never loses her cool in battle.  Also she’s very aware of how nice that plugsuit looks on her.  To me, Mari is the breathe of fresh air that Neon Genesis Evangelion has always needed.  Hell, she even convinced Shinji to man up and save a friend…no ones been able to do that, not even Misato.  Here’s to more Mari badassery when and if we ever see Evangelion 4.44.

 

#3-Revy (Black Lagoon)

Smokes cigars, drinks and curses like a sailor and kills thugs for breakfast.  Revy is def not the kind of girl you take home to momma.  And yet that makes me admire her all the more.  Not only is Revy rocking the daisy dukes while mowing down dozens of opponents with twin guns, she’s just living life as free as she can possibly be.  Her past might be dark as hell but she’s working through it and might actually be starting to better herself for it…though more often than not it’s just fun to watch this girl who gives zero fraks about everything just go on a killing spree for money.  Sometimes it’s the simple things in life.

 

#2-Major Motoko Kusinagi (Ghost in the Shell Franchise)

One of Anime’s most definitive heroines in all of Anime, Motoko is the perfect mix of beauty, brains, brawns and existensialism (I’m sure some guy finds that hot).  From her hacking skills, to her kung fu, to her incredibly impressive wardrobe across every iteration.  If I had to choose my favorite version of her so far, I will have to risk fan ire and choose the Motoko from Ghost in the Shell Arise.  I like this Motoko in that she’s starting off her legend and has a bit more of a sassy streak to her.  I do like her Stand Alone Complex version but she was always way too serious about, well everything.  Arise Motoko knows how to joke and make Batou punch himself (or make him nude in her online chat room) when he steps out of line.  She may seem as undateable as her other counterparts, but Arise Motoko will always have my heart.  Also, sorry, but the red jacket and pants look is something she pulls off nicely.

 

#1-Mineava Zabi (Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn)

No child should have to go through everything Mineva has gone through in her short lifetime.  She was born the same day as the Battle of Solomon during the One Year War, where she lost her father.  She was used as a puppet by Haman and her Neo Zeon cronies.  And she soon found herself competing for leadership of Zeon against a Char poser, Full Frontal.  Throughout it all, Mineva remains a strong as Gundam girl.  She knows how the world works and how to play by its rules while inspiring people in a way not many (outside of maybe Char Aznable) have been able to do for the citizens of the Universal Century.  Mineva is the true leader Zeon deserves and, who knows, were she born back before the One Year War started, maybe it wouldntve happened.  Food for thought.  Oh and she’s already breaking hearts left right and center in Gundam Unicorn, but wow is she going to crush them when she becomes an adult.