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I was star-struck the first time I watched the dubbed and edited version of Outlaw Star on Toonami as a kid.  I couldn’t imagine how the show could be even more amazing than the Americanized version I was stuck with, but after buying the complete show, including unaired episode twenty-three, due to nudity, I fell completely in love.  Over eight years have passed and despite new anime being introduced to my life, Outlaw Star still remains among my top five favorite shows of all time and I have come to realize one of the biggest factors for this undying affection is the show’s female characters.

I have always had trouble enjoying all the female characters presented in a particular anime, often because I feel they either are too weak, not physically but mentally, or they seem to be trying so hard to either impress their male counterparts or the actual audience that they are written off.  Outlaw Star has a serious number of female leads, both protagonists, antagonists and even those that walk the fine, gray line of good and evil and all of them are fully formed and unique.

Outlaw Star isn’t afraid to have women fill roles that traditionally, are portrayed by men in anime.  Perhaps the greatest female in the show is an outlaw, and one of the most dangerous and notorious in the galaxy.  Hilda’s a character that embraces her career to its fullest.  An outlaw willing to do anything for the greater good of herself but Hilda is also capable of sticking to a moral code that makes her enjoyable and sympathetic.  She a fierce fighter, passionate and does not let her gender hold her back, gaining the upper hand over chauvinist outlaws and even the show’s main character, Gene Starwind.

Hilda is able to manipulate Gene for her own needs as well as inspire him to face his greatest fear, space, and follow his own heart and dreams.  She’s able to admit when she needs help but also remain stoic and strong in the face of a threat.  While able to motivate Gene, she protects Melfina and is able to get Jim Hawking’s courage to flourish in situations that would otherwise terrify an eleven year old.  Hilda is an incredible balance of fiery power and carefulness, which I think every female character should be given the chance to express but often is not.

Hilda is not the only woman in Outlaw Star worth mentioning, though she is, by far, my favorite.  When Hilda is no longer a recurring cast member, the other women together create an impressive triangle of emotion and talent, critical to the humanity in the show, while all each retain just enough mystery about themselves to make it interesting.  Melfina, the bio-android, functions as the heart and love, Aisha Clanclan is the courage and zeal and Twilight Suzuka is the danger that keeps all of the characters at attention.

Each woman brings humor, sadness and adventure, keeping this show action-packed from beginning to end.  I know amongst many fans there is a divide between either liking Cowboy Bebop or liking Outlaw Star and very rarely enjoying both.  However, I can only say these well written and sculpted female leads are enough reason to at least give Outlaw Star a chance, even if you swore against it!