Angelic figures appear in anime through many different avenues. However, they often look similar and are immediately recognized. Some bear halos atop their heads, but they can almost always be seen with white wings stretching from their back and draped in white clothes in varying degrees of modesty. Angels are often beings of wisdom that may bestow knowledge or help great heroes in their quest, others are clumsy beings that were rejected from heaven. This variety in angelic figures allows us to analyze a handful of angels that make the top of our charts. The reasons for these rankings vary because of the variance in their personalities and beings. Just as no two human characters are alike, no two angels are either, which is why we have chosen to show you the best of the best from the past five years.
5. Lucifer from Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai (Seven Mortal Sins)
- Episodes: 12
- Air Date: April 2017 - July 2017
Humans fall victim to many sins, the most prominent being the seven deadly sins. When these malicious sins come to life, they are more troublesome than you have ever seen them before. Sin: Nanatsu no Taizai is an inside look into personified sins that will stop at nothing to achieve their darkest desires.
As an archangel that has been cast out, it’s no wonder that Lucifer is having some difficulty in life. However, she stands strong and doesn’t let her past get her down. She is extremely confident in who she is and what she stands for. Her beauty is considered to be unparalleled and this makes her quite vain. Despite her apparent flaws, she is a woman who stands up for what she believes in and won’t back down for anyone.
4. Manami Mitama from Centaur no Nayami (A Centaur’s Life)
- Episodes: 12
- Air Date: July 2017 - September 2017
Supernatural creatures inhabit the world in Centaur no Nayami. This anime is centered around protagonist Himeno who goes to school with a variety of interesting creatures. This is a slice of life anime that focuses on friendship, loyalty and responsibility.
With the stereotypical appearance of an angel, Manami Mitama’s wings and halo are a symbol of her duty to her family. After the death of her grandfather, Manami takes the care of the rest of her family very seriously as well as her schooling and future. Manami is an excellent example of someone who inherits the angel gene from her family and has grown up in the world. She is hardworking and exceptional in everything that she does and an excellent example for any young girl looking for inspiration to become a more responsible woman.
3. Gabriel from Gabriel DropOut
- Episodes: 12
- Air Date: January 2017 - March 2017
In order to relate to humans, Heaven sends their angels to live among them for a short time. This does not exclude top of the class student, Gabriel White Tenma. However, the darker sides of the world start to tempt Gabriel and her status as the top student quickly falls. Whether Gabriel will be able to achieve her previous status or succumb to the darkness of video games is unknown.
As a very relatable angel, Gabriel has fallen due to her addiction to video games. Her evolution from the perfect angel with the ideal personality had fallen drastically changing to lazy and cynical. Her addiction becomes worse as she continuously lies in order to pursue her bad habits. Her attitude is still loyal and friendly to those she cares about despite being a fallen angel. She is what we all are in terms of our best and worst qualities. Video games and anime fill our free time and we change into obsessed creatures with a passion for the arts and a sardonic disposition towards those who challenge our views.
2. Sofiel from Shingeki no Bahamut: Virgin Soul
- Episodes: 24
- Air Date: April 2017 - September 2017
In a sin-filled world, the top races prosper and those who are seen as less must bear the grunt work and live in slavery. With the threat of discord in the kingdom, humans, gods and demons alike must learn to work together or risk losing the kingdom that they all hold dear.
Sofiel is a prominent angel that is high ranking in serving Gabriel. Her hard work pays off as she becomes a candidate to become one of the four archangels. This is no mistake though, Sofiel is extremely quick witted and is alert to any changes that occur around her. Her title is hard-earned and she is a character that we can all aspire to be. Though this is not to say she is without her flaws, Sofiel is often loyal to a fault when it comes to confronting others, but she balances this by questioning whether her actions are the right path to take.
1. Jibril from No Game No Life
- Episodes: 12
- Air Date: April 2014 - June 2014
As NEET siblings, Sora and Shira are complete shut-ins that rarely leave their apartment in Japan. However, one fateful day they are transported through their screen to a completely new world where they have all the rules and know how to win. With the friends and foes they meet along the way, the two must play games to unite the world and save themselves.
While Jibril is powerful, she can be somewhat of an airhead. Her powers are chaotic and often cause trouble but since she is an angel she sees herself above many of the other characters. Death is often at the forefront of Jibril’s mind as she sees it as a solution to many obstacles. Despite her lack of value for human life, she does value knowledge above all else making her a valuable ally to both Sora and Shiro.
Final Thoughts
Angels are a mythological being that can be seen in many ways. We feel as though we often see the more childish side of angels throughout anime and it can be relatively uncertain in terms of their future path. These angels are still coming into their own and deciding what their fate holds which is part of what makes them so fascinating. We have put together this list because of the fascination that resonates with us. If there are any angels that you feel should be added to this list we would love to hear your picks in the comments section below.
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