ANIME: White-Haired Bad Asses
Rurouni Kenshin has one. Yu Yu Hakusho has one. Naruto has a few. Bleach has a bunch. Inuyasha is one.
There is something about white haired male characters. Perhaps it is the fact that it is such an unnatural hair color. Perhaps it is because tend to be rather pretty. (Don’t judge me. I can feel you judging me.) Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because these characters are kick ass on a whole other level. Whether they be demon or swordsman, shingami or vampiric priest, the mere presence of these characters captivates the audience.
Sessshomaru and Inuyasha (Inuyasha)
When Inu no Taisho died in that ill-fated battle with Ryūkotsusei, he left behind two of the most formidable warriors in the Sengoku Jidai. Left with no instruction, just a legacy to protect, Sesshomaru watches begrudgingly as Inuyahsa tries to rise above his station. And by begrudgingly, this Diva means frequently trying to kill him until a common enemy forces an uneasy peace.
Yoko Kurama (Yu Yu Hakusho)
When a silver-haired fox demon thief was knocking on death’s door, he found salvation in the form of the infant Minamino Shuuichi. Don’t let his demeanor fool you. Yoko Kurama is a predator. He’s not standing still; he’s lying in wait.
Yukishiro Enishi (Rurouni Kenshin)
Hell hath no fury like a brother scorned. Ever since Enishi lost his sister, Tomoe, at the hands of Himura Kenshin, he has been on the long road to vengeance. He spent a lifetime contemplating the effects of Kenshin’s life on his. Though his grievance was legitimate, he wanted Kenshin to answer the accusations laid at his feet. In this respect, he reminds this Diva of a viper of a brother hell-bent on vengeance. It didn’t go that well for him either.
Larva (Vampire Princess Miyu)
This Western Shinma has the honor to be the obedient servant of the vampire princess Miyu. The beauty of Larva is hidden behind a mask as a condition of his punishment for failing to kill Miyu (long story – watch the show), but he more lethal than most.
Hitsugaya Toushirou (Bleach)
As the youngest captain of the Gotei 13, Hitsugaya spends a lot of time trying to prove to himself and everyone else that his appointment was duly deserved. His intellect (and a very nifty ice dragon) often is the difference when the Gotei 13 is outgunned, outmanned, outnumbered and out-planned.
Ukitake Jūshirō (Bleach)
The captain of the 13th division of the Gotei 13 is the best friend of the current Captain Commander Kyoraku Shunsui…RIP Yama-jiji. Soul Society has been under attack and has taken devastating losses. And in order for the Gotei 13 to get their land back, they will need the Soul King’s right hand back. No, seriously. Ukitake becomes the new right hand of the Soul King.
Jiraiya (Naruto)
Student of the Third Hokage. Teacher of the Fourth (and Seventh) Hokage. Legendary Sannin. Even though he is a ninja of great renown, he isn’t that reliable with the ladies. Just ask Tsunade. When Jiraiya fell in his battle with Pain the effects of his loss were felt across the entire the ninja world…and fandom.
Scar (Full Metal Alchemist)
Scar definitely had a mind at work as he picked up his dead brother’s research. He finished up his brother’s studies because no one was in the room when he deciphered the constructive and destructive natures of alchemy. However, the slaughter of his people during the Ishval Civil War set Scar on a bloody path of vengeance.
The Undertaker (Kuroshitsuji)
He is fixated on the Queen’s favorite subjects, her (not so) sweet submissive subjects, her loyal, royal adjacent subjects, Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler Sebastian Michaelis. As a Grim reaper who deserted his duties, The Undertaker is an informant to the Phantomhive family, which gives him quite a bit of access to the young Earl of Phantomhive. The Undertaker kept his plans close to his chest, waiting to see which way the wind would blow. The extent of his machinations was not seen in the anime. So, if you don’t read, then you won’t know what we know.
Abel Nightroad (Trinity Blood)
At first glance, Abel Nightroad seems like nothing to fear. He’s an affable priest with poor money management skills and an unhealthy sugar habit. However, underneath the self-depreciation is a one of the AX’s most lethal agents, a Crusnik – a genetically enhanced test tube vampire infused with nanomachines that feeds on other vampires. Abel couldn’t seem to die and this priest is non-stop…when it comes to avenging his lost love who just so happened to be killed by his brother Cain. So biblical.
Bonus: Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
This Deadly Diva cares not if this isn’t an anime series. He is the S-E-P-H-I-R-O-T-H and Final Fantasy VII is one of the greatest RPGs of all time. You will deal.
This list is nowhere near exhaustive. How could it be when Near from Death Note isn’t here and neither is Beyond the Grave from Gungrave or Killua from Hunter x Hunter? So now that this Diva as has acknowledged her shortcoming, who are some of your favorite white haired characters?
