Every anime season we’re given even more characters and stories to fall in love with, and there’s no question that every season there are several characters who shine brighter than others to us. The truly special ones, though, earn a permanent place in our hearts as our waifu or husbando! With the Summer 2018 anime season on the horizon, there’s definitely been enough time to reflect on the Winter 2018 season and its best characters. Let’s start with the top 10 for female fans!
10. Noelle Silva, Black Clover
The list is starting off strong with a modest 7 votes for Noelle Silva of Black Clover, earning her a comfortable spot in 10th place. Despite her somewhat arrogant exterior, we get to see another side to Noelle as time passes. She works harder than anyone else in order to overcome an inferiority complex, and we can’t help but fall in love with that determination!
9. Ichigo, Darling in the FranXX
Next up in 9th is Ichigo of Darling in the FranXX with 8 votes! We may have to fight with Goro or Ikuno or somehow find a way to compete with her feelings for Hiro, but Ichigo is worth it. Seeing her growth throughout the series, fans all over the world have had their hearts stolen with her maturity, honesty, and kindness. Her empathy towards others and her determination in combat make her a phenomenal choice, as well!
Landing in 8th with 9 votes is the playful and dangerous Aihara Yuzu of Citrus! The bold and daring high school student may not look like it, but she can be capable of great things. Not to . mention, you can’t help but adore that softer side she slowly reveals!
7. Shima Rin, Yuru Camp△
Following up in 7th with 11 votes is the adorable Rin Shima from Yuru Camp△! The charming, sweet, and hilarious high school camper never ceases to impress us with her skills and knowledge.
6. Kagamihara Nadeshiko, Yuru Camp△
Edging out Rin, though, is none other than Nadeshiko of Yuru Camp△ who took 6th place with 14 votes. Nadeshiko is sweet and energetic (although a bit airheaded), and she lights up any room she walks into with that smile and charm of hers!
5. Saber, Fate/Extra Last Encore
Of course, it was only a matter of time until Saber made it onto the list, taking 5th place with 17 votes. The iconic Servant’s honor and determination paired with her kindness makes her a remarkable waifu!
5th place is followed with a tie for 3rd, beginning with Albedo of Overlord II! There were 21 votes for this amazing beauty. Her passion may edge to extremes, but this particular quality was no obstacle for her ranking high on the list.
3. Takagi, Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san
Also tied for 3rd with 21 votes is the sweet Takagi of Karakai Jozu no Takagi-san. Despite being in an entirely different world, Takagi is vocal and playful like Albedo. Her cute personality would definitely make her an enjoyable person to spend time around!
2. Violet Evergarden, Violet Evergarden
The numbers take quite a jump for 2nd place with an impressive 49 votes going to the titular character of Violet Evergarden! Violet spends the series trying desperately to understand others, and the glimpses into her willingness and determination to help those along her path make her a true standout. Who managed to beat her, though…?!
1. Zero Two, Darling in the FranXX
And the winner is the incredible Zero Two of Darling in the FranXX, with a whopping 126 votes! It’s impossible to not fall in love with Zero Two’s skills and charm, although it doesn’t seem likely that we could compete with Hiro for the role of her Darling… Still, it comes as no surprising that Zero Two took 1st place, considering how much of a hit the series has been!
How do these compare to the top 10 for the female fans, though? Get ready for a top lineup of husbandos!
10. Sakata Gintoki, Gintama.: Shirogane no Tamashii-hen
First up in 10th place is our hero Gintoki of Gintama with 25 votes. Fans have had many years of material to fall in love with the hilarious, silly, and reliable Gintoki, but he was truly at his peak with this season dedicated to the closing arc!
9. Kamitani Hayato, Gakuen Babysitters
Following up in 9th with 26 votes is the handsome Hayato Kamitani of Gakuen Babysitters. Hayato consistently shows himself to be level-headed, reliable, and even domestic as both a member of the babysitting club and the baseball club, and what more could you ask for in a husbando?
8. Yaotome Gaku, IDOLiSH7
Just barely edging out Gintoki and Hayato with 27 votes is the brilliant idol Gaku of IDOLiSH7. Gaku certainly has a bad boy vibe that we can’t help but love, but what really sells fans on him is how honest and dedicated he is deep down!
7. Elias Ainsworth, The Ancient Magus’ Bride
With an abrupt change to the fantasy world of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, next up is Elias Ainsworth in 7th with 31 votes! Although a bit scary at first sight, we slowly get to see his considerate side throughout the series, and it’s no wonder that we’ve all fallen in love with him.
6. Li Syaoran, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen
Moving forward into 6th place is Li Syaoran of the long-awaited Cardcaptor Sakura sequel, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen! We’ve seen all sorts of sides of Syaoran, from his sweet initial crush on Sakura to the fully developed and loving relationship it’s grown into. No matter what happens, he’s sure to be a reliable and lovable partner. (Good luck competing with Sakura, though!)
4. Ban, The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments
Syaoran’s sweet and dedicated personality is traded for passion and playfulness with the entry of Ban from The Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments who is tied for 4th place with 38 votes! Ban is guaranteed to constantly make you laugh, and while he often acts selfish and greedy, he’s truly caring about those who are important to him, as well.
4. Gilbert Bougainvillea, Violet Evergarden
The admirable Colonel Gilbert Bougainvillea of Violet Evergarden managed to tie Ban with 38 votes for 4th place. His words of “I love you” to Violet not only set the whole story in motion, but also jump-started fans’ hearts!
3. Violet Evergarden, Violet Evergarden
Surpassing Colonel with an impressive 58 votes is Violet herself! Violet managed to score more votes from female fans than male fans, serving as solid proof of her appeal all around.
2. Kashima Ryuichi, Gakuen Babysitters
Coming in 2nd with a notable 73 votes is Kashima Ryuichi of Gakuen Babysitters. Ryuichi is far more gentle and easygoing than Hayato, and the thought of coming home everyday to him is a warm and relaxing one.
1. Zero Two, Darling in the FranXX
Taking 1st place with 80 votes is once again Zero Two of Darling in the FranXX! It’s no easy feat to take 1st for both polls, but if anyone can do it, it’s definitely Zero Two. Here’s to seeing more of her in the future!
Did your favorite waifu or husbando from the Winter 2018 season make the list? Let us know what you thought!
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article.