Best Supporting Character Tournament: Groups C&D Finals

Man these pages are gonna get long. I'll say more in the coming rounds. Let's get this thing going.

Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

Maes Hughes

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Eri Ninamori

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

Itoko Osakabe

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Nabuca

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Kazukio Yoshiyama

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Genkai

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Olivier Mira Armstrong

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

Lt. Yamamoto

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Lyuze

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Kimura

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Edel

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Alex Rowe

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Jung Freud

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story

Ushio Okazaki

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Nabeshin
 
To make this thread shorter I am just going to post the group # and winner.
Group A-1 Maes Hughes.

Group A-2 Naru Osaka

Group A-3 Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus

Group A-4 Toki

Group A-5 Nabuca

Group A-6 Kazuko Yoshiyama,

Group A-7 Rick Thunderbolt, Oban Star-Racers

Group A-8 Olivier Mira Armstrong

Group A-9 Lt. Yamamoto

Group A-10 Christopher Armalite

Group A-11 Kimura

Group A-12 Oji-san

Group A-13 Alex Rowe

Group A-14 Jung Freud,

Group A-15 Ushio Okazaki

Group A-16 Nabeshin,
 
Group A-1
Maes Hughes, Fullmetal Alchemisthttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2960 franchise
vs.
Yue Ayase, Negimahttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4380 franchise

Yue's a decent character for being in this tournament, but Maes Hughes just overpowers him. He should be hard to beat for at the least the first few rounds.

Group A-2
Eri Ninamori, FLCLhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=277
vs.
Naru Osaka, Sailor Moonhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=363

Although she deserves to be here, I never saw Eri has having long-term competitive potential. Naru is a good enough candidate to knock her out.

Group A-3
Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus, Sailor Moonhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=363
vs.
Setsuna, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Warshttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1009

I have seen only a little of Shingu and none of the SM eps involving Sailor Uranus, so I'm going completely on the Guide entries here. Sailor Uranus impressed me much more.

Group A-4
Itoko Osakabe, School Rumblehttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4114 franchise
vs.
Toki, Princess Mononokehttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=197

Toki is a good enough character to be competitive here, but I don't see her having long-term potential, either.

Group A-5
Nabuca, Now and Then, Here and Therehttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=287
vs.
Neya, Infinite Ryviushttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=411

Not a shred of doubt here. Nabuca is, at worst, one of the two strongest candidates on this side of the group. What he symbolizes in NTHT (see my comments in the Guide entry) is vital to the quality and play-out of that series.

Group A-6
Kazuko Yoshiyama, The Girl Who Leapt Through Timehttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6733
vs.
Mendoza, The Mysterious Cities of Goldhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=385

Not familiar with either - and I don't see either beating Nabuca next round anyway - but I've seen slightly better arguments for Mendoza so far.

Group A-7
Genkai, Yu Yu Hakushohttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=311
vs.
Rick Thunderbolt, Oban Star-Racershttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=3633

Again, not familiar with either. Both of them seem like they play fairly similar roles, so picking between them is hard. I went with Genkai because I had to pick somebody.

Group A-8
Nana, Elfen Liedhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4148
vs.
Olivier Mira Armstrong, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10216

Olivier sounds like an interesting character, but I know Nana (haven't seen that far yet into Brotherhood) and agree that her serving as the proof that Diclonius are not inherently evil is a critical contribution to EL. That's enough to win here.

Group A-9
Lt. Yamamoto The Irresponsible Captain Tylorhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=160
vs.
Tetsu, SaiKanohttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=914

This is a tough one, as Lt. Yamamoto sounds like a competitor, but I wouldn't have nominated Tetsu if I didn't think he was capable of winning a round or two.

Group A-10
Christopher Armalite, Scrapped Princesshttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2083
vs.
Lyuze, Casshern Sinshttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9702

No question for me here. Christopher Armalite is the most important character in SP after the Casull siblings, as his story impact is both extensive and varies as the series progresses. Seeing him gradually modify his views and thinking over the course of the series is quite refreshing.

Group A-11
Kimura, Azumanga Daiohhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=799
vs.
Satoshi Miwa, Marmalade Boyhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=461

I'm giving Kimura the benefit of the doubt here, as I know he's a popular pick, but he's one of the high-vote-getters who I don't expect to see around in the later stages.

Group A-12
Edel, Princess Tutuhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1267
vs.
Oji-san, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikouhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1156

While not my favorite supporting character from that series, Edel unquestionably has an important part in its first half. That's enough for a win here. (And I'll see what I can do about Oji-san's pic, which looked fine last night. . .)

Group A-13
Alex Rowe, Last Exilehttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2294
vs.
Reiko Natsume, Natsume’s Book of Friendshttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9419

Going with Alex Rowe for the moment, though I'm able to be convinced otherwise here.

Group A-14
Renge Hoshakuji, Ouran High School Host Clubhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6122
vs.
Jung Freud, Gunbusterhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=466

Seen both, and honestly, I thought Jung was a weak choice for the tournament. Renge has a bigger impact (even though she doesn't appear nude, unlike Jung), so she gets my vote.

Group A-15
Lory Takarada, Skip Beat!http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10091
vs.
Ushio Okazaki, Clannad After Storyhttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9701

This seems to be one of the bigger battles so far, but for me, the choice is clear. Ushio was integrally involved in one of the most powerfully emotional scenes I've ever seen in anime, and really, it's not an exaggeration to say that her birth in the anime changes everything from that point out. Can't have a bigger story impact than that without actually becoming the main character.

Group A-16
Nabeshin, Excel Sagahttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=398, et al.
vs.
Takumi Ichinose, Nanahttp://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6115

Takumi is an intriguing choice that I might have voted for over 90% of the rest of the competition in this round, but Nabeshin is just too effective in what he does in his appearances for him to be denied this early.
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

Maes Hughes has a strong presence and makes a strong contribution to the plot.

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Feeling tepid about both, but I will give the nod to Eri for leaving a more dramatic impression as a supporting character, and has the edge in spunk and style. Please don't blindly vote for characters that happen to belong to very iconic series as I see her as far weaker than the other Sailor Moon contender in this tournament.

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

The guide entry for Sailor Uranus really sealed the deal for me.

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

---Vote Change---

Itoko Recent arguments, but I still only consider Itoko to be average at best. From the comments, Toki appears to be weaker than this.

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Nabuca gets my vote, but I honestly never thought that the depth of the characters was NTHT's strength. Also while Nabuca is a perfect counter for the lead, I felt that he was rather for flat for character that comes close to being a semi-main character in the show, while I admit a case be made that he is supporting and definitely not the central lead, but I don't plan on voting for him in the long term.

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Her ability to mentor and guide the lead made a lasting impression one me when I watched the movie. Kazuko also makes a very important contribution that unravels around the final climax of the movie while coming off as natural and not at all melodramatic. While the support for Nabuca seems solid, I believe she will at the very least give him a run for his money.

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Going with Rick based on what I heard during the nominations phase, but I think that both are doomed in the long term unless a compelling argument is made.

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Honestly, Nana's character rubbed me the wrong way, and her character served more as plot point and a message that all of her kind are not evil than as a stand alone strong supporting character. The way emotional subtlety was addressed in that series also prevents me from giving her my support. From what Abunai wrote, Oliver Miria Armstrong seems to be a worthy choice as well. From what I have seen Nana is almost more of symbol that proves that all of her kind are not evil than an actual three-dimensional character, which is ironic because the series tries to make her seem human even though she is not.

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

Have seen and loved both series, but I can say without a doubt that Lt. Yamamoto is the superior choice. His presence is tremendous and his impact ends up reversing the horrible morale of the crew. He is also one of the few supporting characters that has considerable growth, especially given his comic relief role. He ends making a difference by bettering his team, the Soyokaze crew. He may hail from an obscure series, but I honestly don't see him going anywhere soon, and he might just have what it takes to take a down a titan of a character who has about 20 times more popularity than him, Maes Hughes himself. I am also happy to report that he has a very well written guide entry that represents his strengths nicely. I do admit it's a shame his foe is Testu who plays a good inspirational role and deserves to win a one to two rounds against average competition, but against Yamamoto he sadly must go.

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Convinced by Key that Christopher Armalite is the way to go. He appears to play a very important role despite being a supporting character, which is shame because the votes thus far don't seem to reflect that.

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Kimura for now, but I acknowledge that he is much weaker than the number of nominations that he earned indicate.

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Edel plays an essential role on Duck's quest, and has a strange and mechanical presence that is quite strong for an unfeeling doll.

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Alex Rowe, but I am not completely convinced that he is not a main character. He plays a much more substantial role than Lavie even though most would consider her a main. I also don't like the fact that he is most remembered for one crowning moment of awesomeness when his character is so well known for being brooding and unwilling to do what is necessary at a moment's notice.

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Renge has the clear edge in impact and the ability to grab the spotlight. However, I honestly found her humor grating, and she seemed to be just as much of an annoyance as she was a contribution to her respective series.

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story

Lory is nice as eccentric comic relief characters go, but in terms of ability to impact the story and evoke emotions Ushio is hard to beat. She serves as an inspiration, and motivation to the central leads even though her origins are drenched with heart-felt tragedy. Unfortunately, detailed arguments for her are very prone to contain spoilers since she is such a pivotal part of her series.

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Nabeshin is great at grabbing attention, and he certainly has his epic moments. Sadly, his character lacks depth to back up his tremendous impact as a supporting character.
 
To make this thread shorter I am just going to post the group # and winner.
Group A-1 Maes Hughes.

Group A-2 Naru Osaka

Group A-3 Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus

Group A-4 Toki

Group A-5 Nabuca

Group A-6 Kazuko Yoshiyama,

Group A-7 Rick Thunderbolt, Oban Star-Racers

Group A-8 Olivier Mira Armstrong

Group A-9 Lt. Yamamoto

Group A-10 Christopher Armalite

Group A-11 Kimura

Group A-12 Oji-san

Group A-13 Alex Rowe

Group A-14 Jung Freud,

Group A-15 Ushio Okazaki

Group A-16 Nabeshin,
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

Voting for: Maes Hughes

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Voting for: Eri Ninamori

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

Voting for: Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

Voting for: Itoko Osakabe

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Voting for: Nabuca

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Voting for: Kazuko Yoshiyama

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Voting for: Rick Thunderbolt

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Voting for: Nana

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

Voting for: Lt. Yamamoto

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Voting for: Christopher Armalite

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Voting for: Kimura

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Voting for: Edel

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Voting for: Alex Rowe

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Voting for: Renge Hoshakuji

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story

Voting for: Ushio Okazaki

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Voting for: Takumi Ichinose
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

As far as I am concerned Maes Hughes is the clear statistical favorite for this group, which easily enough to score him a first round win.

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Was planning on voting for her foe, but I really don't feel like I can vote for a Sailor Moon character when a well-known avid fans of the show like Marie-Antoinette even admits she is not the best.Eri for now.

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

The stronger of the two Sailor Moon supporting characters; the edge goes to Sailor Uranus.

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

Itoko

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Nabuca seems to be the general consensus, but I personally disliked his character despite knowing that his role was a needed one. I also feel that he may be a main character. While far from an authoritative source, MyAnimeList has him listed as a main, and I would agree after watching the series.


http://myanimelist.net/character/1667/Nabuca

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Kazuko is an easy choice for me, and I like how well integrated her character is a part of the story, and I found her character to be apart of a clever nod back to other source material.

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Voting for Rick based on arguments despite being from the far more obscure series.

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

While I hate to use personal preference as a judge I really didn't like Nana's character. Oliver Miria Armstrong seems to have great guide and the support to match -- seems like a solid choice.

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

I nominated Lt. Yamamoto, and it should be no surprise that I think he should win in a blowout even against above average first round competition like Tetsu. His presence shapes the attitudes of the whole crew, and he instantly likable and has a lot of depth for an anally retentive by the rules military man. I also found him to overshadow the main, Tylor, in many ways including the ability to be unintentionally funny and carry the series as a whole.

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Lyzue based on what was said earlier during the nominations.

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Kimura has presence, but I really don't think he has much depth or complexity.

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

I like how Edel plays the role as the cryptic, but still helpful guide to Princess Tutu.

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Like Alex Rowe's character, but I think he could be considered at least a borderline main character, again MyAnimeList agrees with me.

http://myanimelist.net/character/2507/Alex_Rowe

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Annoying as hell, but I admit Renge has an ability the steal the scene right away. Only problem is that whenever she appears I want her to go away.

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story


Vote Change

Thinking back, Ushio character seems like the catalyst that
forced a happy ending.
She is good at evoking some viewers emotions though. Lory acts as a good mentor, and his eccentric business man style isn't bad at generating laughs either.

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Another classic scene stealer Nabeshin is a worthy pick.
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

Maes Hughes has a strong presence and makes a strong contribution to the plot.

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Feeling tepid about both, but I will give the nod to Eri for leaving a more dramatic impression as a supporting character, and has the edge in spunk and style. Please don't blindly vote for characters that happen to belong to very iconic series as I see her as far weaker than the other Sailor Moon contender in this tournament.

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

The guide entry for Sailor Uranus really sealed the deal for me.

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

---Vote Change---

Itoko Recent arguments, but I still only consider Itoko to be average at best. From the comments, Toki appears to be weaker than this.

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Nabuca gets my vote, but I honestly never thought that the depth of the characters was NTHT's strength. Also while Nabuca is a perfect counter for the lead, I felt that he was rather for flat for character that comes close to being a semi-main character in the show, while I admit a case be made that he is supporting and definitely not the central lead, but I don't plan on voting for him in the long term.

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Her ability to mentor and guide the lead made a lasting impression one me when I watched the movie. Kazuko also makes a very important contribution that unravels around the final climax of the movie while coming off as natural and not at all melodramatic. While the support for Nabuca seems solid, I believe she will at the very least give him a run for his money.

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Going with Rick based on what I heard during the nominations phase, but I think that both are doomed in the long term unless a compelling argument is made.

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Honestly, Nana's character rubbed me the wrong way, and her character served more as plot point and a message that all of her kind are not evil than as a stand alone strong supporting character. The way emotional subtlety was addressed in that series also prevents me from giving her my support. From what Abunai wrote, Oliver Miria Armstrong seems to be a worthy choice as well. From what I have seen Nana is almost more of symbol that proves that all of her kind are not evil than an actual three-dimensional character, which is ironic because the series tries to make her seem human even though she is not.

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

Have seen and loved both series, but I can say without a doubt that Lt. Yamamoto is the superior choice. His presence is tremendous and his impact ends up reversing the horrible morale of the crew. He is also one of the few supporting characters that has considerable growth, especially given his comic relief role. He ends making a difference by bettering his team, the Soyokaze crew. He may hail from an obscure series, but I honestly don't see him going anywhere soon, and he might just have what it takes to take a down a titan of a character who has about 20 times more popularity than him, Maes Hughes himself. I am also happy to report that he has a very well written guide entry that represents his strengths nicely. I do admit it's a shame his foe is Testu who plays a good inspirational role and deserves to win a one to two rounds against average competition, but against Yamamoto he sadly must go.

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Convinced by Key that Christopher Armalite is the way to go. He appears to play a very important role despite being a supporting character, which is shame because the votes thus far don't seem to reflect that.

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Kimura for now, but I acknowledge that he is much weaker than the number of nominations that he earned indicate.

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Edel plays an essential role on Duck's quest, and has a strange and mechanical presence that is quite strong for an unfeeling doll.

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Alex Rowe, but I am not completely convinced that he is not a main character. He plays a much more substantial role than Lavie even though most would consider her a main. I also don't like the fact that he is most remembered for one crowning moment of awesomeness when his character is so well known for being brooding and unwilling to do what is necessary at a moment's notice.

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Renge has the clear edge in impact and the ability to grab the spotlight. However, I honestly found her humor grating, and she seemed to be just as much of an annoyance as she was a contribution to her respective series.

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story

Lory is nice as eccentric comic relief characters go, but in terms of ability to impact the story and evoke emotions Ushio is hard to beat. She serves as an inspiration, and motivation to the central leads even though her origins are drenched with heart-felt tragedy. Unfortunately, detailed arguments for her are very prone to contain spoilers since she is such a pivotal part of her series.

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Nabeshin is great at grabbing attention, and he certainly has his epic moments. Sadly, his character lacks depth to back up his tremendous impact as a supporting character.
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

Voting for: Maes Hughes

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Voting for: Eri Ninamori

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

Voting for: Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

Voting for: Itoko Osakabe

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Voting for: Nabuca

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Voting for: Kazuko Yoshiyama

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Voting for: Rick Thunderbolt

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Voting for: Nana

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

Voting for: Lt. Yamamoto

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Voting for: Christopher Armalite

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Voting for: Kimura

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Voting for: Edel

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Voting for: Alex Rowe

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Voting for: Renge Hoshakuji

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story

Voting for: Ushio Okazaki

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Voting for: Takumi Ichinose
 
Group A-1
[b]Maes Hughes[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
vs.
[b]Yue Ayase[/b], Negima franchise

As far as I am concerned Maes Hughes is the clear statistical favorite for this group, which easily enough to score him a first round win.

Group A-2
[b]Eri Ninamori[/b], FLCL
vs.
[b]Naru Osaka[/b], Sailor Moon

Was planning on voting for her foe, but I really don't feel like I can vote for a Sailor Moon character when a well-known avid fans of the show like Marie-Antoinette even admits she is not the best.Eri for now.

Group A-3
[b]Haruka Tenoh/Sailor Uranus[/b], Sailor Moon
vs.
[b]Setsuna[/b], Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

The stronger of the two Sailor Moon supporting characters; the edge goes to Sailor Uranus.

Group A-4
[b]Itoko Osakabe[/b], School Rumble franchise
vs.
[b]Toki[/b], Princess Mononoke

Itoko

Group A-5
[b]Nabuca[/b], Now and Then, Here and There
vs.
[b]Neya[/b], Infinite Ryvius

Nabuca seems to be the general consensus, but I personally disliked his character despite knowing that his role was a needed one. I also feel that he may be a main character. While far from an authoritative source, MyAnimeList has him listed as a main, and I would agree after watching the series.


http://myanimelist.net/character/1667/Nabuca

Group A-6
[b]Kazuko Yoshiyama[/b], The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
vs.
[b]Mendoza[/b], The Mysterious Cities of Gold

Kazuko is an easy choice for me, and I like how well integrated her character is a part of the story, and I found her character to be apart of a clever nod back to other source material.

Group A-7
[b]Genkai[/b], Yu Yu Hakusho
vs.
[b]Rick Thunderbolt[/b], Oban Star-Racers

Voting for Rick based on arguments despite being from the far more obscure series.

Group A-8
[b]Nana[/b], Elfen Lied
vs.
[b]Olivier Mira Armstrong[/b], Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

While I hate to use personal preference as a judge I really didn't like Nana's character. Oliver Miria Armstrong seems to have great guide and the support to match -- seems like a solid choice.

Group A-9
[b]Lt. Yamamoto[/b] The Irresponsible Captain Tylor
vs.
[b]Tetsu[/b], SaiKano

I nominated Lt. Yamamoto, and it should be no surprise that I think he should win in a blowout even against above average first round competition like Tetsu. His presence shapes the attitudes of the whole crew, and he instantly likable and has a lot of depth for an anally retentive by the rules military man. I also found him to overshadow the main, Tylor, in many ways including the ability to be unintentionally funny and carry the series as a whole.

Group A-10
[b]Christopher Armalite[/b], Scrapped Princess
vs.
[b]Lyuze[/b], Casshern Sins

Lyzue based on what was said earlier during the nominations.

Group A-11
[b]Kimura[/b], Azumanga Daioh
vs.
[b]Satoshi Miwa[/b], Marmalade Boy

Kimura has presence, but I really don't think he has much depth or complexity.

Group A-12
[b]Edel[/b], Princess Tutu
vs.
[b]Oji-san[/b], Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

I like how Edel plays the role as the cryptic, but still helpful guide to Princess Tutu.

Group A-13
[b]Alex Rowe[/b], Last Exile
vs.
[b]Reiko Natsume[/b], Natsume’s Book of Friends

Like Alex Rowe's character, but I think he could be considered at least a borderline main character, again MyAnimeList agrees with me.

http://myanimelist.net/character/2507/Alex_Rowe

Group A-14
[b]Renge Hoshakuji[/b], Ouran High School Host Club
vs.
[b]Jung Freud[/b], Gunbuster

Annoying as hell, but I admit Renge has an ability the steal the scene right away. Only problem is that whenever she appears I want her to go away.

Group A-15
[b]Lory Takarada[/b], Skip Beat!
vs.
[b]Ushio Okazaki[/b], Clannad After Story


Vote Change

Thinking back, Ushio character seems like the catalyst that
forced a happy ending.
She is good at evoking some viewers emotions though. Lory acts as a good mentor, and his eccentric business man style isn't bad at generating laughs either.

Group A-16
[b]Nabeshin[/b], Excel Saga, et al.
vs.
[b]Takumi Ichinose[/b], Nana

Another classic scene stealer Nabeshin is a worthy pick.
 
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