Jan6

2011 Year-Ender: Lead Female Character

By , posted under Featured, Year-Ender

Ninth in line:  Lead Female Character nominations for 2011. Vote Away~

——————————————————————-

I would look forward to a year when we have stronger female leads. I mean seriously, girls are not all about being moe, looking cutesie and flirting with the boys. Sure, this shows their playfulness but I for one always identify with the BAMF ones who can take care of themselves. I guess, you already know who I would vote for in the below list.
COME ON LADIES, SHOW ‘EM WHATCHU GOT! Sadly, there aren’t too many interesting female leads this year. Still, we searched far and wide for the best of the best, the sassiest of the sassy, and the tsundere-est of tsunderes.
For every leading male we need a amazing female lead to go along with them, or to take charge when the time calls for it. Like our males we have all kinds of girls to vote for, ranging from very cool scientists, magical girls, vampire ninjas, necromancers and a few comical girls with wooden cubes in their hair. So go forth readers and vote for your favorite ladies of anime! Or they will kick your ass…seriously just watch out…
Alright, so we had our awesome lead dudes, and now it’s time for the LADIES. Cuz who run the world?! GIRLS! …Ahem. Beyonce aside, this particular array of female leads has been pretty frickin’ awesome, even if they aren’t the biggest group we’ve seen in a while. So let’s hear it for the ladies of 2011! YOU GO GURLZ!!!
I agree with Overcooled on this one, there aren’t too many interesting female leads this year. How sad is that? But we can make do with what is there and I’m sure there’s some hidden treasure. As well, there’s a good variety (as always) of different types of female leads to go with. Maybe it all comes down to who is either the cutest, most intelligent, bad-ass, sexy or even funny. So, it will be all up to you viewers to decide which female meets your standards of characteristics in a lead person that is the focus, control and what keeps you into that anime series.

As an update, so far the following Year-Ender posts are out and voting is still open:

The list is in no particular order. So check out these cute & gorgeous ladies and vote for the best~!

——————————————————————-

[ 01 ] [ Makise Kurisu ] Steins;Gate
She’s got the smarts AND the looks! What else could you want?! She is not your typical tsundere, that’s for sure. She has actual emotions aside from just tsun and dere, and watching her bicker with Okarin was one of my favourite parts of Stines;Gate.

//.overcooled
VA [ Imai Asami ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 02 ] [ Shiro ] Deadman Wonderland
Oh hey there, another HanaKana voiced character. She was like a kid rolling in the park even when she has been the resident of a very special kind of prison from a time unknown. However, there’s a deep and dark secret about her, which her friend doesn’t know of. Wait till Ganta actually finds out that she’s the Red Man he’s been searching for. Her personality switches were done well and DAT SMILE was almost a killer in between the bloodbath that ensued.

//.kyokai
VA [ Hanazawa Kana ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 03 ] [ Akemi Homura & Kaname Madoka ] Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
I’m sure that nobody is surprised to see this duo nomination of Homura and Madoka. I admire the story of this anime in general and along with that are these two female leads that need each other to make the anime what it is. Homura befriending Madoka (or vice-verse) has changed each girls path in life. Homura treasures their friendship so much that she has time traveled countless times and relived painful moments in hopes of saving Madoka. In turn, Madoka in (almost) every scenario has sacrificed herself for others and touched the lives of the people around her. These two girls are strong and put being a Mahou Shoujou to another level.

//.ness
VA [ Saito Chiwa ] VA [ Yuuki Aoi ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 04 ] [ Mikazuki “Sora” Yozora ] Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai
Ah the magical power of Yozora… and no she is not a magical girl! I could describe her more as a bully type. She is always messing around and making fun of Sena calling her meat. While that is more of a jealous stab at Sena’s boobs, Yozora is one of the co-founders of the neighbors club. Without Yozora, the neighbors club would not lively without her and Kodaka working together.

//.foshizzel
VA [ Inoue Marina ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 05 ] [ Yune ] Ikoku Meiro no Croisée
It’s gotta be tough going all by yourself from one country to an entirely different one with a culture that is almost the exact opposite to your own. However, that’s exactly what Yune did, going from Japan to France, and she did quite well, all things considered. She managed to work her way into everybody’s heart, making friends, like Alice, and helping Claude come to terms with his own past. Through her we also got to learn more about differences between the two cultures as well. Not to mention she’s the cutest loli EVER.

//.zabobinator
VA [ Touyama Nao ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 06 ] [ Saber/Arturia Pendragon & Irisviel von Einzbern ] Fate/Zero
The beautiful duo, who are ready to do everything for Kiritsugu to achieve his goal. Though, there’s a big contrast in their motivation because Iri being his wife has more devotion towards him, while Saber questions his every move and sometimes even detests them; she still thinks his reason to want the Grail is noble. They also share a great bond unlike Kiritsugu/Saber and are true partners. Though the greatest thing is that both can stand their ground and even if many men bully them, they can take care of themselves.

//.kyokai
VA [ Kawasumi Ayako ] VA [ Ohara Sayaka ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 07 ] [ Aioi Yuuko/ Naganohara Mio/ Minakami Mai ] Nichijou
Whenever this trio of girls appear together on screen, you really never ever know what to expect! Take Yuuko for instance, she loves to be the center of attention, doing anything and everything just to try and make her friends laugh at her dumb jokes. While Mio tries her best to survive the day and avoid any headaches provided by Mai and Yuuko’s constant trolling, or her older sisters practical jokes. Mai on the other hand is quiet and super sneaky. She is one girl you have to pay close attention to or you might find yourself confused and lost. But give Mai the crown for biggest troll of Nichijou.

//.foshizzel
VA [ Honda Mariko ] VA [ Aizawa Mai ] VA [ Togashi Misuzu ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 08 ] [ Moriyama Shiemi ] Ao no Exorcist
Oh HanaKana…. Anyways, she’s the lovable character who seems clueless at first but wins everyone’s heart with her righteousness and healing powers. There are times, you are almost at the end of the line with her because she’s just TOO NICE. Though, she plays an important role whenever someone’s in trouble and at least tries to be useful. Being liked by both Okumura brothers is a pinch but you can carry the shipping boat because nothing’s certain yet.

//.kyokai
VA [ Hanazawa Kana ]

——————————————————————-

[ 09 ] [ Haruna/ Seraphim/ Eucliwood “Yuu” Hellscythe ] Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?
Take one crazy genius magical girl, a busty vampire ninja and an adorable little necromancer… and you have the main female cast of Kore wa zombie desu ka! These three girls end up living with Ayumu and they all cause him a few headaches. Yet, all of them slowly begin to get attached to him in their own unique ways.

//.foshizzel
VA [ Nomizu Iori ] VA [ Hikasa Youko ] VA [ Various ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 10 ] [ Honma Meiko & Anjou Naruko ] Ano Hana
Oh Menma. I realize that a lot of people probably found her kind of over the top but I found her to be an amazing lead. I can’t imagine that it would be easy to come back from the dead as a ghost and only be able to see one of your childhood friends. However, she still managed to bring together all her friends who had been torn apart by her death and helped them get over their regrets and move on. It was heartbreaking to see her admit that she didn’t want to go, but I respect her for being able to pass on in peace. Anaru on the other hand was the changed teen, who was still haunted by Menma’s passing. The big reason for her was her crush towards Jintan and of course blaming herself for everything. She grows up to be a strong girl, though she still needs some guidance.

//.zabobinator + //.kyokai
VA [ Kayano Ai ] VA [ Tomatsu Haruka ]

——————————————————————-

[ 11 ] [ Merry “Yumekui” Nightmare ] Yumekui Merry
The first thought that pops into my head when I think of Merry are THOSE ABS OF STEEL! Err… wait… I mean her cute personality and a amazing choice in unique clothing! Yeah that… Whenever Merry got her first taste of the human world she becomes curious about everything, like discovering the sweet taste of doughnuts for the first time and an instant dislike for soda. Merry can kick some serious ass all day long if she wanted, but in the end, Merry really wants friends and she wants to learn more about her past.

//.foshizzel
VA [ Sakura Ayane ]

——————————————————————-

[ 12 ] [ Agemaki Wako ] Star Driver
Poor Wako is pretty much forced to live on a small island for the rest of her life because her whole life is centered around being the important south maiden who holds the secret to zero time. Sounds like she was dealt a very bad hand in life. Thankfully she is not alone and she gets engaged to her childhood friend Sugata. However, her emotions are torn when she starts to have feelings for Takuto. So who do you think she deserves to be with?! IT’S A PINCH!!!

//.foshizzel
VA [ Hayami Saori ]

——————————————————————-

[ 13 ] [ Kaga Rin ] Usagi Drop
Rin is not your typical 6 year old. After going through the things that she did, you would not expect her to. For someone her age, she is incredibly mature and unlike most brats her age, you actually respect her rather than loathe her. Her relationship with Daikichi is a thing of beauty, as you get to witness her blossoming from a shy introvert into a multi-faceted character. But honestly, the fact that she’s such a mature cutie pie is enough to warrant your vote, as she is not your typical lead. I mean seriously, look at her *pinches cheeks*

//.zabobinator
VA [ Matsuura Ayu ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 14 ] [ Matsumae Ohana ] Hanasaku Iroha
Flowers in hair, fun personality, and a cute character design… I would say Ohana has a few things working for her. Ohana’s life is turned upside down when she gets thrown into the country side after she spent most of her time living in the city with her mother. Ohana is suddenly forced out and she has to live with her grandma and work at her inn. Talk about a dramatic change. Then again, Ohana did wish for something to change in her life and boy did it.

//.foshizzel
VA [ Itou Kanae ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 15 ] [ Takakura Himari ] Mawaru Penguindrum
Poor Himari. Such a sweet and pure-hearted girl having to go through her terminal illness and dying a couple times. Himari was sweet when she was herself, but possessed was a totally opposite story; who knew she was such a foul mouth? I always felt for Himari as she was lying in a hospital bed, and her background episode was one of the series’ finest.

//.jrow
VA [ Arakawa Miho ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 16 ] [ Ika-Musume ] Shinryaku!? Ika Musume
You gotta be squidding me! How I could forget to mention this tentacular girl? The little invader Ika returns to bring us countless hours of squid puns and ocean related jokes. Of all the main characters on this amazing list I would like to see any of them try and compete against Ika for most unusual way of speaking! You better bet your sweet squid on that de geso!

//.foshizzel
VA [ Kanemoto Hisako ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 17 ] [ Inami Mahiru/ Taneshima Popura/ Todoroki Yachiyo/ Yamada Aoi ] Working’!!
These girls deserve all the attention and if you aren’t watching Working’!!, you are definitely missing out. In the world of Wagnaria, these four make the life around the restaurant interesting. They have different obsessions that drive them: Inami’s androphobia, Popura’s height, Yamada’s getting adopted to Yachiyo’s Tenchou fixation. They thrive with their interest and are hella funny in the process.

//.kyokai
VA [ Fujita Saki ] VA [ Asumi Kana ] VA [ Kitamura Eri ] VA [ Hirohashi Ryou ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

[ 18 ] [ Yarizui Sen & Shaga Ayame ] Ben-To
I can understand why Sato has a big crush on this senpai of his. Her short hair has a charm in its own, and her red eyes are striking. She is oblivious when it comes to herself but very understanding about others. Her tsun side and her Zettai Ryouki automatically makes her a Grade A+ character *nosebleeds* However, She’s attractive not only physically but also mentally. She’s an upright character who is able to obey her own code of chivalry, something that’s actually very hard to do. Her pride as a ben-to brawler somehow makes her more appealing. But what’s best is her “clumsy” + “innocent” + “fighter” combo. Yum.

//.anaaga
VA [ Ise Mariya ]
[ EXTRA ] Spoiler Video: Show ▼

——————————————————————-

Honorable Mentions:Show ▼

——————————————————————-

As mentioned in previous posts, the characters that these animes were chosen from are featured in the Winter ’11 to Fall ’11 anime series. This does not include animes that will continue on into the Winter ’12 season that are 20+ episodes. As well, don’t forget to check out the other Year-Ender posts and vote for the best~!

You may select 7 characters. So vote for the best Lead Female Character of 2011.

2011 Year-Ender Fan Favorites: Lead Female Character (Select 7)

  • Makise Kurisu - Steins;Gate (10%, 178 Votes)
  • Shiro - Deadman Wonderland (4%, 72 Votes)
  • Homura/Madoka - Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (10%, 189 Votes)
  • Mikazuki Yozora - Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukuna (3%, 64 Votes)
  • Yune - Ikoku Meiro no Croisée (4%, 80 Votes)
  • Saber/Irisviel - Fate/Zero (8%, 151 Votes)
  • Yuuko/Mio/Mai - Nichijou (4%, 79 Votes)
  • Moriyama Shiemi - Ao no Exorcist (4%, 80 Votes)
  • Haruna/Seraphim/Hellscythe - Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? (3%, 55 Votes)
  • Honma Meiko/Anjou Naruko - Ano Hana (8%, 148 Votes)
  • Merry "Yumekui" Nightmare - Yumekui Merry (3%, 59 Votes)
  • Agemaki Wako - Star Driver (3%, 54 Votes)
  • Kaga Rin - Usagi Drop (8%, 141 Votes)
  • Matsumae Ohana - Hanasaku Iroha (7%, 123 Votes)
  • Takakura Himari - Mawaru Penguindrum (8%, 155 Votes)
  • Ika-Musume - Shinryaku!? Ika Musume (3%, 50 Votes)
  • Mahiru/Popura/Yachiyo/Aoi - Working'!! (7%, 122 Votes)
  • Yarizui Sen - Ben-To (3%, 61 Votes)

Total Votes: 1,861

Loading ... Loading ...

About

We are the deadly team of Metanorn. When together, we usually come up with long, informative reviews and commentary. After all, we take fangirling seriously!
Blinklist BlogMarks Delicious Digg Diigo FaceBook Google MySpace Netvibes Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Twitter

20 Responses to “2011 Year-Ender: Lead Female Character”

  1. BlackBriar says:
    January 6, 2012 at 4:05 pm
    POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments

    Whoa!! What a list!! I might die happy.

    Haruna/Seraphim/”Yuu” Hellscythe: Gotta steady my breathing for this trio because they’re just so awesome despite the fact they’re total freeloaders. Each girl has something that makes them so likeable. I hope Sera “kisses” someone again. LOL.

    Yarizui Sen: The beautiful, honorable “Ice Witch” who upholds the rules of “Ben-To Kombat”. LOL. I can totally understand why Sato wants her so much. She’s hot, intelligent and has a fierce hunger that seems to make her severely strong in a fight.

    Mikazuki Yozora: Usually someone this tsun wouldn’t pique my interest but I think Yozora’s bully/Dominatrix-like attitude is just a front to hide her insecurites and anti-social tendencies which she takes out on Sena. But seeing her sweet side towards Kodaka and friendliness to Kobato makes it bearable.

    Saber/Irisviel: These two make an ideal master/servant relationship even though the female servant is a “king”. They’re my favorite team.

    Shiro: Shiro’s the biggest yandere in Deadman Wonderland and doesn’t even know it. How sick in the head can you be to wipe out an entire classroom of students, destroy public property and make a false incrimination just to bring your friend/lover closer to you? I love it when she uses her Branch of Sin powers and does that awesome Red Man/Wretched Egg smile. She’s pretty sadistic and looks great with white hair.

    Moriyama Shiemi: She is kind and has an abiding love of gardening, but often lacks confidence in herself. I don’t think anyone could possibly dislike her, but she can be a little TOO nice and not notice when she’s being used. She’s the poster girl for damsel in distress and she cares for Rin and Yukio even though she knows they’re half demon. Overall, she’s a great female lead.

    Reply
  2. Renn says:
    January 6, 2012 at 4:56 pm
    POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 99 comments

    Put in my votes for CHRISTINAA, Saber/Iri, Madoka/Homura, Himari, Menma/Anaru, Himari, Yarizui and Ohana. I think that covers everyone. Good job on the list, Meta team. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Amutofan123 says:
    January 6, 2012 at 6:53 pm
    POWUH: Lovely-pyon~ with 304 comments

    Yeah! Go Homura and Madoka~

    Reply
  4. Hawthorne says:
    January 6, 2012 at 7:04 pm
    POWUH: 700-799 and Horror Expert with 701 comments

    It was so hard to pick, there are so many great characters on the list. D:

    I ended up voting for Kurisu, Wako, the Madoka duo, the Nichijou trio, Ika, Sen, and Himari. ^^’

    Reply
  5. Gecko says:
    January 6, 2012 at 7:06 pm
    POWUH: 500-599 with 543 comments

    Go! Homura and Madoka!

    Reply
  6. Moni Chan says:
    January 6, 2012 at 7:27 pm
    POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments

    SHIRO AND IKA CHAN NEED MOAR LOVE.

    I had no idea Homura and Madoka would have so much of that love

    Reply
  7. Alynn says:
    January 6, 2012 at 7:52 pm
    POWUH: 400-499 with 406 comments

    My picks:
    Homura & Madoka
    Himari
    Kurisu
    Moriyama Shiemi
    Saber & Irisviel
    Shiro
    Working!! girls

    Reply
  8. skylion says:
    January 6, 2012 at 10:10 pm
    POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments

    Good call putting the chars in groups. Since so many of the programs feature ensemble casts it’s the best way to go.

    My picks. In no particular order:

    Madoka/Homerun-chan. For the power and the yuri subtext. Well mostly for the subtext.

    Himari. Cause she’s Himari. Why do I even have to explain?

    Ika-chan! She fits into a bag! Just like Taiga-chan!

    The girls from Wagneria. I’ve been a food service employee for quite some time. I’ve never got to work with girls like this. Well once we had a girl like Yamada. Well, if Yamada was an actual criminal. And really liked knives.

    Kaga Rin. She stole my heart away. Reminds me so much of my own little girl at that age.

    Anaru and Menma. I honestly don’t think Menma was that overplayed. She worked in the context of the character, and boy did she make me cry like a baby by the end. A manly overgrown baby.

    And in my number one spot. Yeah I lied.

    Ohana. I cannot really say why I favour her over the others. Perhaps it’s because I really am a sucker for the slice of life genre. It’s not far to the other characters, being in genres which are more fantasy or ecchi or comedy, but she is the most real to me. I could turn around an bump into her at any time. That makes it all the more magical. “I’ll be waiting” just moved me to that sad, happy wonderful place.

    Reply
  9. Black Gekikara says:
    January 7, 2012 at 2:33 am
    POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments

    HomuMado as a pair?!

    If they don’t has this, there is no justice in the world!

    Reply
  10. Bob from Accounting says:
    January 7, 2012 at 6:09 am
    POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 243 comments

    Wot no Nano? I’m withholding my Nichijou vote in protest of this gross injustice. The trio weren’t the leads! Nano was! It was her story! How could you think otherwise!

    Oh well, at least there’s CHRISTINAAAAA!

    Reply
  11. Yuki says:
    January 7, 2012 at 9:09 am
    POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 20 comments

    I swear I didn’t put in my vote for Shiemi and Shiro just because they are voiced by Hanazawa. I didn’t! …. Fine, I lied. (But I still love their characters!)

    lol, but anyway, my other votes went to Himari and Rin. I would have love to vote for Sawako and Saya though. But at least they are in the honorable mention~

    (And wait, what? Speaking of honorable mention, did you guys actually put Ritsu there…?? In the lead female character section?! lol.)

    Reply
  12. Caraniel says:
    January 7, 2012 at 9:59 am
    POWUH: iLurker with 5 comments

    This just highlights to me what a bad year it was for female characters, the majority of these girls where completely overshadowed by their leading men – hope 2012 is a better year for the women!

    Reply
  13. Overcooled says:
    January 7, 2012 at 1:20 pm
    POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments

    I’m starting to get really passionate with these awards…I REALLY, REALLY WANT KURISU TO WIN.

    Reply
  14. Yippy says:
    January 8, 2012 at 10:06 am
    POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 192 comments

    It’s gonna be a tight race, what with the HomuMado duo having a 16 vote lead.

    Anyway, I think you meant this instead of Kurisu: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-GqSWsISVs&feature=related

    Reply
  15. T.K. says:
    January 8, 2012 at 11:57 am
    POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 151 comments

    Oh wow, this is the first poll out of many that I had trouble with (not even the male leads). Most of them are impossible to do without but…sorry Iri, maybe 2012. XD

    Reply

Leave a Reply