Counting Down the 20 Coolest Characters in Anime - #1 Spike Spiegel, Cowboy Bebop

"Bang"

Let's be real here; was there ever really another contender for the number one spot on this list? I mean, sure this is completely cliche, but theres no character that comes close to matching the level of cool that Spike Spiegel has. Pretty much every scene he's in he is the definition of cool. The detached personality, the ability to glide through a world of lawlessness and chaos as if he didn't have a care in the world. Yes, Spike Spiegel is the coolest anime character of all time and theres a reason why he tops many lists like this one. The best anime character in history from the greatest and most influential anime of all time.

Boss status

Spike really requires no introduction, seeing as he's one of the most beloved anime characters of his time. His influence as the main character of the show that introduced anime to western audiences is undeniable. He's the quintessential ace of the Bebop crew, well versed in martial arts and gunskill. He also has the ability to make everything he does effortless and without a care in the world. Seriously, no character is as cool as Spike Spiegel. From the numerous ass-kickings he give out to the badass lines he spits on a regular basis, there can only be one character suitable for the top of this list. While I've written this list I have mentioned that there is more to being a character than simply being cool and or badass. A character should have layers underneath how many feats of badassitude they perform. Spike is the perfect depiction of this. I mean, just look at how smooth this scene is. I think what makes Spike such a great character is that he's the definitive Western protagonist. He has an aura of cool that just relates to his demographic. He glides through the lawless world of Cowboy Bebop in the same way one would glide to jazz or blues, one of the series' main motifs. However, Spike's level of cool never comes off in that he's uncaring or just simply distant from the world. He just possesses this ability to take on any situation, no matter how dangerous and never bat an eye. Sure, there are many protagonists who have this same ability, but none do it nearly as well as Spike does. He's the original, a badass in all aspects of the word. He's the kind of hero that Western audiences want, the kind who does everything with that don't care attitude that shrugs his shoulders in the face of danger. Spike redefined how protagonists in anime are shaped, with a western audience in mind. Not much more really needs to be said here.

So that's it, I've finally finished the list and it's been a pretty fun (and long ride). I hope that I've opened up some readers eyes to some really awesome and many times unappreciated characters. I've noticed that I often gravitate to supporting characters rather than main characters. I think this is because many times supporting characters add such different and vibrant personalities to the mix. Either way, in terms of protagonists you really can't get much better than Spike Spiegel. Anyways, if you missed the list, here's it in entirety:

20.) Kittan, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
19.) Gohan, Dragonball Z
18.) Amane Suzuha, Steins;Gate
17.) Balalaika, Black Lagoon
16.) Misato Katsuragi, Neon Genesis Evangelion
15.) Mugen, Samurai Champloo
14.) Isaac & Miria, Baccano!
13.) Haruko Haruhara, FLCL
12.) Claire Stanfeld, Baccano!
11.) Alucard, Hellsing
10.) Sousuke Sagara, Full Metal Panic!
9.) Utena Tenjou, Revolutionary Girl Utena
8.) Seras Victoria, Hellsing
7.) Yusuke Urameshi, Yu Yu Hakusho
6.) Kamina, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
5.) Shinobu Sensui, Yu Yu Hakusho
4.) Kallen Stadtfeld, Code Geass
3.) Simon, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
2.) Asuka Langley Soryu, Neon Genesis Evangelion
1.) Spike Spiegel, Cowboy Bebop