Despite Kimono being a creature most humans fear/hate, So I’m a Spider, So What? is one of the few times we will go "aww" when seeing a spider. After being reincarnated in another world as a spider, Kumoko found a new perspective on life quite quickly and while it wasn’t an easy pill to swallow, our young spider became tough as the series progressed. One could argue she didn’t exactly take well to being a spider—her reactions, though, are priceless—but we can’t deny becoming a spider wouldn’t make us all that thrilled. Nevertheless, Kumoko gives us strength as she dives into the unknown world she entered and began to realize if she wanted a successful new life—albeit as a spider—she would need to be tough and do what needed to be done! Now let’s hope she can grapple with her new form a bit better going into the future of So I’m a Spider, So What?

After dying to try to save a woman’s life, a young man finds himself reborn in newborn Rudeus Greyrat's body. Despite having memories from his prior life, Rudy now aims to be a better person and rid himself of his original weaknesses and failings with this new found lease on life. Even if Rudy can be a massive pervert—though we can’t blame him with the girls around him—this young boy is a character we truly adored this winter 2021 season. Filled with ambition, drive and perverted aspirations, Rudy is clearly destined for greatness and watching him head there has been a thrill!

The anime community has long been known for shipping characters with each other, despite how clearly those ships won’t actually happen within the series. Recently, one of the biggest ships of anime history goes to Reki Kyan and Langa Hasegawa from Sk8 the Infinity and we can understand why. These two should be the prime definition of anime friendship as they team up and help one another in the world of Sk8 the Infinity. Reki’s friend might not have skating experience but this powerhouse duo uses their combined talents to overcome various situations as best friends—and possibly more if our ship happens—should. Reki and Langa are peanut butter and jelly. One is amazing but both become a truly out of this world experience.

You would be forgiven if you couldn’t remember who Otto Suwen was from the first season of Re:Zero as he’s a pretty unimportant character when he’s first introduced. Now, in season 2, if you ask who Otto is you’d be attacked for your ignorance. Otto has propelled himself into one of the best characters in Re:Zero thanks in large part to how kind he’s been to Subaru and how he’s truly helped his friend with his minor abilities. Plus, Otto’s backstory is so sad that we still tear up when he appears in any scene.

Wrapping up our list is Ai Otto and, hands down, she is one of the most beautiful spirits to enter our lives in 2021. Ai has suffered due to her heterochromia and loss of her friend but that hasn’t stopped this 14-year old from standing tall against the world and trying to undo a massive life-changing event. Ai is quite ordinary but her bravery, strength, and willpower propel her above most characters from winter 2021 and make her a beacon of hope for those who know the pain of being bullied. We pray Ai finds her way within the world of Wonder Egg Priority and equally pray she’s given what she desires most!