I think we might have done this before, but if we did the thread is no longer here. I would like to list some of my favorite robot and android anime characters, in no particular order. Maybe later I will rank them, and maybe add some of yours to my list.
What I am looking for are robots or androids who are actually characters. They are free thinking, and able to act on their own. So no mecha. And no cyborgs either because they are part human. I want machines only who somehow become more than just machines.
Pino from Ergo Proxy. Re’L is a tough minded, independent cop – or so she thinks. It takes a monster and a little girl robot to teach her about humanity. Pino was created to be a substitute child for a couple who had no kids of their own. But a virus effects Pino’s programming and she gains self-realization. Her question, “Is Pino Pino?” is one of the deepest lines in anime. Watch the series and you will see what I mean.
Casshern from Casshern Sins. An indestructible battle robot, Casshern was created with on goal in mind – kill Luna. But is Luna really dead? And why, Casshern asks, did he have to kill her? In a world dominated by doomed robots, Casshern seeks the answers. This is a thinking man’s action anime.
Conti from FLCL. This is the original FLCL, and not the sorry-azz sequels. Although, sadly, Conti does show up in one of the sequels as discarded junk. He doesn’t speak, although we do see him trying, badly, to be more human. Mostly what he is good for is ingesting Naota so the two of them can become one fighting machine.
Melfina from Outlaw Star. Sweet Melfina is an android trying to find her place in the universe. That just might be achievable when she is befriended by outlaw bounty and fortune hunter Gene Starwind and his young sidekick, and caretaker, Jim Hawkins. Look out for some sweet adventure.
Android 16 from Dragonball Z. I pick Android 16 over 17 and 18 because he is a more rounded and deeper character. Programmed for killing Goku, he refuses to fight anyone else. Basically peaceful, he does enter the fight and gives his life to stop Cell.
QT from Space Dandy. Formerly a vacuum cleaner, he gets a promotion to ship’s computer once he joins up with Dandy. Dumb, but fun.
Tima from Metropolis. Poor doomed Tima. She doesn’t realize she’s an android. Nor does she realize anything about herself. Can Kenichi save her? Or save herself? Not to be confused with the Fritz Lang classic silent sci-fi, but I do remember the anime having a few visual references to the old film.
Mahoro from Mahoromatic. Formerly an indestructible war machine fighting the enemy, Maharo now fights a horny teacher and porno mags. She is now a maid taking care of Suguru, her late commander’s son. This is basically a comedy, but with some darkness. Each episode ends with a countdown to when Mahoro ceases to function.
Solty Rei from Solty Rei. This one goes back a ways. I don’t remember all the details, but Solty is an android without a memory. She is adopted by bounty-hunter Roy, and together they fight the bad guys.
Your turn.
Bookmarks