New season, new shows, and I find myself, out of all the other fine series, watching episodes of Space Dandy twice (in English, even). I had to stop and ask myself ‘why’? I keep coming back to the conclusion that I like Dandy’s character. His unfounded confidence, zany movements and unabashed old-school styling draw me back to a time when I thought it was okay to accept someone as ‘cool for coolness sake’ Stupid as that sounds (and is), it got me thinking about the impact that truly charismatic characters have in pulling me back to my favorite anime. In my personal top X, I can think of at least a single character in each that I really enjoyed/admired and desired to watch and experience years later.
A quick snip from Wikipedia to insure I am using the phrase “charismatic” correctly:
“The term charisma (/kəˈrɪzmə/; pl. charismata, adj. charismatic) has two senses: (1) compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others, (2) a divinely conferred power or talent.[2] For some theological usages the term is rendered charism, with a meaning the same as sense 2.[3] Since the 1950s, the term has become widely used, with varying meanings, in religion, the social sciences, the media, and throughout Western societies. This article describes the theological and personality senses of the definition of charisma, the history of the term, and 21st century uses of both senses in particular sectors of society.”
Followed by:
“The English term charisma is from the Greek χάρισμα khárisma, which means "favor freely given" or "gift of grace". The term and its plural χαρίσματα (charismata) derive from χάρις (charis), which means "grace". Some derivatives from that root (including "grace") have similar meanings to the modern sense of personality charisma, such as "filled with attractiveness or charm", "kindness", "to bestow a favor or service", or "to be favored or blessed".[4][5] Moreover, the ancient Greek dialectwidely used in Roman times employed these terms without the connotations found in modern religious usage.[6] Ancient Greeks applied personality charisma to their gods; for example, attributing charm, beauty, nature, human creativity or fertility to goddesses they called Charites (Χάριτες).”
Fluff aside, I simply find the magic formula that might elevate a fictional character above pandering or annoying to favor freely given fascinating.
Obviously, I expect most studios to be attempting to capture this in their characters and character designs, especially if their stories call for it, but most contemporary anime leads come off to me as fairly bland or… uninspired. I can see why in things like Visual Novels, but not anime, it being the visual and bombastic medium it is.
Do you have any specific characters that inspire you or generally give off a special vibe due to their features? I don’t specifically mean to ask about ‘favorite’ characters, but ones that have impacted you in a meaningful way that may have lasted after you finished watching; a smirk at a person with a similar hairstyle IRL; muttering a catchphrase under your breath after a personal achievement; striking a pose for any reason, if any of that makes any sense.
Thoughts certainly welcome before this sinks to the bowels of the GW forums.
