What is this? Number Five already? Of course! We are trying to keep up with the Spring season! Number five is actually the first number past the half-way point. From here on out, HSA bloggers are allowed to have the images as big as possible (unless it hits the widgets of course ) so a number of our bloggers are taking advantage of that already! Number five picks are very important because they are the start of the upper half of our favorites. Will your favorite female or male character show up? Click to find out~

Minnie’s Picks:

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Tamaki Suoh
Series: Ouran High School Host Club
Reason Behind Pick: C’mon! He’s Tamaki! That should be convincing enough. No? I guess not? Okay then. I’ll continue. I know this line applies to real life people, but I think it applies to fictional characters too. Some people just got ‘it’. Depending on the person/character, that ‘it’ might be something different. There is no doubt that Tamaki got the ‘it’ factor. People just want to be around him and in this case, people just want to watch him. He makes even the smallest things incredible and he makes people happy all the time. I’m not talking about him cracking a joke or two. That’s old school. I’m talking about how he can just be there without saying anything and it puts a smile on people’s faces just to see him. That’s magical in my opinion. There’s already a smile on my face while typing up this paragraph for Tamaki. And yes, I know he’s a big idiot but he’s one hell of a lovable idiot… you know the idiot that you don’t want to punch in the face but to snuggle and protect? Yeah, that’s Tamaki the snuggle bear for you <3

Megumi “Nodame” Noda
Series: Nodame Contabile and Nodame Cantabile Paris-Hen
Reason Behind Pick: A few weeks ago, back when K-ON was all everyone was talking about, I stumbled upon this post comparing Nodame and Yui from K-ON. I was beyond outraged before I read the post. How can they compare a moe blob to a three-dimensional character like Nodame? The fiend! However, after reading the post, I realize something… a very important lesson out of it. Nodame is moe. Heck, she’s super moe. There’s nothing IMO more moe than Nodame. I totally didn’t notice it before that post! Best of all, there’s something else to Nodame besides that moe factor. Guess what that is? She’s a moe character… that actually has personality, talent, quirks, background, etc. How can that be possible? Yes, it is possible because Nodame made it possible. Nodame proves that besides her moe noises, she can be an outstanding heroine in every way possible.

There’s more though~ Nodame is the first heroine who chases after a man blindly by love that I adore and approve of. Clingy, lovestruck girls in anime are the worst and yet, Nodame made it perfectly fine and hilarious. Heck, she caused the whole Nodame Cantabile fandom to cheer for her in her conquest for Chiaki’s heart. I haven’t met a single person who is anti-Nodame/Chiaki from the fandom. Actually, I haven’t met a single person who is anti-Nodame period, even though she’s not gorgeous (average girl really), tsundere, etc. If a girl that is moe (which I usually hate), lovestruck (which I also usually hate), universally loved by her fandom, and does not possess the usual characteristics of an outstanding heroine, can’t make my list of the top 12 characters of all time, I don’t know who else can. Go Nodame! Go on representing the Josei demographic!

Garrick’s Picks:

Takasu Ryuuji
Series: ToraDora!
Reason behind Pick: Scary eyes, pure heart. Awesome cook. Always clean. I think that sums it up, hm?

Sakagami Tomoyo
Series: Clannad and Clannad: After Story
Reason behind Pick: She’s just awesome. In the storyline of Clannad, she becomes the student council president of the school. Not that she needs that title to get what she wants. She COULD just beat any objectors to a pulp. It’s just that…. she’s civilized.

Ric’s Picks:

Watanuki Kimihiro
Series: xxxHolic
Reason Behind Pick: Watanuki is, as some may know; one of my favourite CLAMP characters for his kind (but believably so!) and entertaining personality and his interactions with the other characters of xxxHolic and Tsubasa Chronicles which are in fact, superb. Throughout the manga especially, his character continues goes from strength to strength, making him more than worthy of a spot on this list.

Sakura Kinomoto
Series: Cardcaptor Sakura
Reason Behind Pick: Yes, another CLAMP character. But c’mon, t’is Sakura; The girl who single-handedly (Kinda…) caused the boom in Magical Girl anime series, inspiring countless clones and imitators, although never really being beaten out by any of them (Sorry, Nanoha. =[ ). As a result, she deserves respect; Granted, she does get a lot of it even now, but for a character this cute, kind and entertaining to watch, she certainly deserves it! (Because she has that Erase card after all…)

Katt’s Picks:

Sorata Arisugawa
Series: X/1999
Reason Behind Pick: Sorata comes off pretty strong with his, “Aw yeah, you’re going to be the girl I’ll give my life for!”, but oh wow. He is such. a . nice. guy. I really have a weak spot for nice guys in anime series, and Sorata fits the bill perfectly. He proves himself to be a true and loyal friend as well as a completely selfless sweetheart when it comes to Arashi. So he is not the best-looking guy when placed next to the likes of Kamui and Subaru–but, in my opinion, his desirable and intriguing personality more than makes up for that.

Re-l Mayer
Series: Ergo Proxy
Reason Behind Pick: I just finished watching Ergo Proxy a couple of days ago, and yet as soon as I started watching it I knew that I had to leave room for Re-l on my top characters list. I don’t like judging characters by their appearances, but I just love Re-l’s looks! More anime characters need to wear eye shadow. Her personality didn’t disappoint me, either; the fact that she has the idea embedded in her mind that it isn’t human to show emotions is really twisted, and watching her overcome that belief completely engaged me. The episode in which we got to see into Re-l’s mind was my favourite because it shows just how conflicted she is and how little she acknowledges that. Bit by bit, though, she grows into a stable character that matches the strong front she puts on from the beginning.

Steve’s Picks:

Kamina
Series: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Reason Behind Pick: GAR.

Suigintou
Series: Rozen Maidens
Reason Behind Pick: Suigintou has one of the most powerful and memorable back stories I have ever seen in a female anime character. Aside from her superiority complex and her strong sense of independence which makes her deserving to be on this list, she is a doll that manages to come to life by herself without the help of anything but her will to live and love for her creator. Even though she’s not human, she wants to exist and by existing, she will stop at nothing to make it possible. By wanting to live, that is strong in and of itself.

Taan’s Picks:

Light Yagami
Series: Death Note
Reasoning: Best evil genius who’s a “normal” human ever.

Saya Otonashi
Series: Blood+
Reasoning: Saya belongs in the group of the few characters who had to struggle between being a monster and a human and chose humanity that I like. She’s not weak, but she’s not overly powerful either. Even after becoming an engine of destruction, she maintains her emotions and humanity, even though they torment her. That takes real strength.

Marissa’s Picks:

Fay D. Flourite aka “Fai”
Series: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
Reason Behind Pick: MY LOVE~~~~~!!!!!! Fai is SOOOOOOOOOOOO cute….. whenever he SMILES, I want to melt into a pile of goo………… and my heart POUNDS for him <333333333333 But yeah!!!!!! He is really happy-go-lucky and he is ALWAYS carefree about everything~~~~~~~~ His relationship with Kurogane is <3333333333 He’s one sexy bishie with a dark past and he might seem happy but yeah………… ;________; HIS FACADE >_________< GAH I love Fai that lovable hunk of a blonde bishie~~~~~~~~~~~

Sheryl Nome
Series: Macross Frontier
Reason Behind Pick: I had to put Sheryl on my list or else Minnie will KILL me. I didn’t like Macross Frontier very much ;_______; BUT I loved Sheryl~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sheryl is SEXY HOT!!!!!!! Forget all the BULLSHIT about anime girls only being cute AND innocent AND flat-chested (UGH IT’S SO STUPID!!!!!!!!!!) because Sheryl is ANYTHING BUT THAT~! Like I said, she’s SEXY and she oozes with FEMININITY if that’s possible……. and just LOOK at HER, she’s SOOO seductive and gorgeous and super duper amazing……….. OH, she’s playful too! UGHHHH I don’t want to sound too lez over Sheryl but yeah………… you get the idea ;_______;

Duke’s Picks:

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Tai Kamiya
Series: Digimon series
Reason Behind Pick: First, Tai has hair that defies gravity. That is awesome. Second, Tai is cool, determined, and simple-minded. Last, he is a responsible older brother figure. Enough?

Sora Takenouchi
Series: Digimon series
Reason Behind Pick: I love birds and I love her pink Digimon Biyoman. I like Sora’s tomboy personality and I love her love-hate relationship with Tai.

Miken’s Picks:

Hayato Gokudera
Series: Katekyoshi Hitman Reborn
Reason Behind Pick: I swear the first time I saw his character, what drew me to him was his unconventional use of bombs/dynamite as weapons. Even in the TYL arc, with his departure from his usual form of offense, he shows that he’s pretty clever despite his outward gruffness and delivers a pretty fun fight against Gamma.

Anemone
Series: Eureka Seven
Reason Behind Pick: To be honest, I didn’t really pay much attention the the Renton x Eureka pairing of the series. Rather, I was more intent on following Anemone and her relationship with Dominic. Even though she first shows up with a few screws loose, her development as a character and the development of their relationship make her really memorable for me.

Angel’s Picks:

Mariya Shidou
Series: Maria†Holic
Reason Behind Pick: I watched Maria Holic to see Mariya, yep. I wasn’t very interested in Kanako’s lovely adventures, but Mariya made up for that. Mariya is cruel in an awesome way. C’mon, he blackmails Kanako, teases her, and becomes roommates with her pretty much in the first episode. Mariya’s probably done more, but I haven’t finished the show, shh~ His maid, Matsurika, is awesome too, which gives him bonus points. Also, Mariya’s a very convincing cross dresser even though that shouldn’t be a good quality..

Tear Grants
Series: Tales of the Abyss
Reason Behind Pick: Besides being well endowed incredibly beautiful (and actually modest about it), Tear is strong willed and dedicated to her duties. As a result, she appears to be cold and serious, but deep down, she has an adorable weakness to well, adorable things. On the other hand, it takes guts to face off with a relative, so the sibling rivalry between Tear and Van was interesting to watch (I need to finish this series anyways). Tear’s VA also does C.C., which is instant love~

Miina-Ni’s Picks:

Akihiko Usami
Series: Junjou Romantica
Reason Behind Pick: Usami is totally wonderful not only because he has such a childlike side to him, but also because of his power when it comes to Misaki. When they’re having sex O_O OMG its just so breath-taking <3 <3 <3 and his love for the boy brings tears to my eyes T^T He acts so tough and tries desperately to cling onto his past but Misaki totally intoxicates him and when they’re together my heart pounds <3

Yuuki Cross
Series: Vampire Knight and Vampire Knight Guilty
Reason Behind Pick: Okay, I simply love Yuuki for her kick-ass attitude!!! She’s always being picked on and beaten up by Vampires and yet she just doesn’t care lol She fights for what she believes in and defends her friends right till the very end even if it puts herself in mortal danger. Go Yuuki go!!!!

To go back and see our Number Six picks, click HERE.

To go on and see our Number Four picks, click HERE.