So while I am mulling over how to begin my next article, I thought I'd share what I think are the best character designs in the history of cartoons. For this post, I'll be covering both American and Japanese characters - just because both genres of animation have a lot of great concepts.
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#10. Animaniacs - Yakko, Wakko, and Dot
I didn't watch Animaniacs much, but these three zany characters belong on the list. What is great about these particular designs is how WB kept that Looney Tune appearance (and demeanor). These three are kind of memorable, and in a good way. Not sure what kind of animals they are - cats, maybe? - so that's why they're number 10.
#9. Duck Dodgers - Queen Tyr'anhee
Even though she is a bit sexualized, this character from Duck Dodgers is my absolute favorite. I liked the idea of the Martian characters' usual garb being Egyptian and Roman. (Very clever, WB. Very clever.) The color palette is simple, yet also quite royal. The stripe over her face almost gives off a tribal vibe, but still no less Egyptian.
#8. Dexter's Laboratory - Dexter
Okay, way to go, Genndy Tartakovsky! While totally unrealistic, which is fine, Dexter is one of the best and most memorable. There's something about this simplified design that I can't explain. It's just....funny. Again, no words to describe it!
#7. Justice League: War - Superman
Out of all the Justice League character designs, this version of Superman is by far the best! The facial design is more convincing than the JL series, and those muscles actually make him look powerful. If you haven't seen Justice League: War, you totally should!
#6. Samurai Jack
Another round of applause for Genndy Tartakovsky! If there's one designer who can pull off abstract characters really well, it's Genndy. And if there's one thing I like to see in a character, it's idealization. Very few human characters with realistic design - like Superman from JL: War - strike me as memorable. Samurai Jack is a great example of abstract character design done right!
#5. Steven Universe - Garnet
Who doesn't love Garnet from Steven Universe? While her design is simple, it's still strong. Who says character design has to be complex? Oh wait....Japanese anime!
#5. Gundam Wing - Duo Maxwell
Don't kill me - Japanese anime to me is a little more superior when it comes to character design. From Duo's droopy eyes to his amazing braid and "bangs," this anime character is one of the best! The Japanese take idealized human drawings to the next level.
#4. Gundam Unicorn - Marida Cruz
Few (realistic) female characters are as memorable as Marida Cruz. The first thing I remember about an anime character is the hair. And every time I think of Marida, I'm like, "Oh yeah, the fuzzy-haired gal!"
#3. Sonic X - Shadow the Hedgehog
How is it that Japan managed to pull off a character that isn't inherently evil, yet still has a color palette that includes red? If there's one thing you shouldn't make obvious in a character's design, that's if the personality is supposed to be evil. When you look at characters like Jafar from Aladdin, it's so obvious he's evil. In Sonic X, it's hard to tell if Shadow has malicious intentions, or if he's just a troubled soul that's going about things all wrong.
#2. Rurouni Kenshin
While Kenshin's design tends to be a bit more on the realistic side, I put it higher up because of his amazing hair and purple eyes - and the fact that his clothing is a dull pink/rose and white.
And finally, the overall best character design is:
#1. Mobile Suit G Gundam - Domon Kasshu
This is the one anime character that has both the realism and idealization combined into a pretty awesome result! What I love about Domon is his crazy stylized hair; the eyes are super unrealistic; and his body structure is impressive. (If you haven't seen G Gundam, you should! It takes the cheesiness of the 80s and 90s and makes it all epic!)
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Well, that's it for my Top 10 Best Character Design list! Be sure to follow this blog for more updates on artsy stuff.
Until next time!
~Gigi
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All images have been found on Google. I do not own any of them, and they are solely used for the purpose of discussion on this blog.
