Angels in anime are diverse and multifaceted characters that often go beyond traditional depictions. They can be guardians, warriors, or even comedic figures, each adding a unique flavor to their stories—from the ethereal and divine Kanade Tachibana in Angel Beats! to the playful troublemaker Raphiel in Gabriel Dropout.
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These characters are a testament to the creative and often unconventional ways angels are portrayed in anime. Some are pure and benevolent, while others may be naughty or rebellious. The following list explores some of the best angels in anime, diving into their complexities and what makes each one stand out.
10Misha - Pita-Ten
Misha from the anime Pita-Ten takes on the role of a cheerful and somewhat clumsy angel. With her vibrant pink hair and innocent personality, she often brings humor and warmth. She lives next door to the main character, Kotarou, and is determined to make others happy but often gets things hilariously wrong.
Her endearing mishaps and childlike wonder at the human world are key to the show’s charm. Despite her misunderstandings of human life, Misha’s pure-hearted attempts to spread joy make her a beloved angel.
9Raphael - I’m Gonna Be An Angel!
Raphael is an inspirational character from the anime I’m Gonna Be An Angel! Presented as a male angel, Raphael is tasked with guiding the main character, Noelle, on her journey to become an angel. Unlike traditional angelic figures, Raphael often displays a mischievous and playful side.
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His ambiguous nature and guidance are crucial in Noelle’s transformation. With a distinctive visual appearance that includes a monocle and an often indifferent expression, Raphael’s character contrasts with common angelic archetypes. His unique personality plays an important role in the narrative.
8Lind - Ah! My Goddess
Lind is a character from the romanticcomedy animeand manga series Ah! My Goddess. She’s one of the Valkyries known for her stoic and serious demeanor. As a warrior angel, Lind is skilled in combat and has a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
Her appearance is marked by her striking one-winged angel form, reflecting her unique status among celestial beings. Unlike other gentle characters in the series, Lind’s tough personality sets her apart. Her dedication to her heavenly duties contributes to her role as a guardian and protector.
7Nanael - Queen’s Blade
Nanael from the Queen’s Blade series is depicted as an angel from the celestial realms. She is known for her playful, mischievous personality, adding a humorous twist to the story. She is easily recognizable with her iconic winged appearance and carrying a bottle of holy milk.
Nanael is assigned to watch over the Queen’s Blade tournament but often ends up causing more trouble than she prevents. Her behavior contrasts sharply with the traditional angelic demeanor. Nanael’s antics and combat abilities make her a standout character.
6Michael - High School DxD
Michael is a key character from theecchi anime seriesHigh School DxD, where he serves as the leader of Heaven’s forces and one of the Four Great Seraphs. Portrayed with traditional angelic features, he plays a vital role in the complex interplay between angels, demons, and other supernatural beings within the series.
Michael is committed to maintaining peace and order, guided by wisdom and a strong sense of justice. Though he operates in a world filled with ecchi and comedic elements, his character adds a serious and dignified aspect to the plot.
5Usagi Tsukino - Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino, the protagonist in Sailor Moon, takes on an angelic form in certain parts of the series. This transformation amplifies her magical powers and aligns her with purity and divinity, representing a heightened state of her Sailor Moon persona.
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With elegant wings and an ethereal appearance, Usagi’s angel form is not only visually stunning but symbolizes her ultimate commitment to love, justice, and protecting others. Her transformation transcends beyond ordinary human limits and often comes at climactic moments, underscoring her role as a savior.
4Alexiel - Angel Sanctuary
Alexiel is a central character in the anime Angel Sanctuary. As one of the most powerful angels in Heaven, she’s revered and feared for her combat abilities. However, her complex personality reveals compassion and defiance as she rebels against Heaven’s laws to follow her sense of justice.
Punished for her rebellion and love for a demon, she’s reincarnated as a human with no memory of her angelic existence. Her struggles with identity and morality, and her connection to both celestial and infernal realms, make her an interesting character.
3Kanade Tachibana - Angel Beats!
Kanade Tachibana, also known as Tenshi (Angel), is a character from the anime Angel Beats! She serves as the Student Council President in the afterlife school and is initially perceived as an antagonist. Kanade’s angelic appearance is paired with supernatural abilities, which she uses to keep order.
Her true nature and intentions become clearer as the story unfolds, revealing a complex and empathetic character. Kanade’s character explores themes of life, death, and redemption, and her role as an angel is central to the philosophical questions raised by the series.
2Whis - Dragon Ball Super
Whis is apowerful characterfromDragon Ball Super. He is an Angel and the martial arts teacher of Beerus, the God of Destruction of Universe 7. With an elegant appearance and a calm, often playful demeanor, Whis is revealed to possess tremendous power, far surpassing those he mentors.
Whis’s character is enriched with humor and wisdom, making him a unique and engaging angel tasked with maintaining the balance of the universe. His abilities and the mystery surrounding his true potential add to his appeal as a fan favorite.
1Raphiel - Gabriel Dropout
Raphiel is a high-ranking angel from the anime series Gabriel Dropout who becomes mischievous and sadistic after arriving on Earth. Despite her angelic appearance, complete with halo and wings, her behavior is often contrary to what one might expect from an angel.
She particularly enjoys teasing and manipulating those around her, often with humorous results. Her actions contrast sharply with her initially pure and innocent appearance, providing a comedic twist on the typical portrayal of angelic characters. Raphiel’s playful nature and unexpected character quirks make her a memorable angel.
