Ask John: What Are the Best Girls With Swords Anime?

Question:
What is your opinion of girls with swords titles? (Obligatory question since girls with guns was asked.)

Answer:
I have a fondness for swordswomen so I’ve long made an attempt to watch anime that feature them. Some difficulty arises in recommending particular titles, however, for two reasons. There are more swordswomen in anime than anime about swordswomen. And a number of the anime productions that may be called “swordswoman anime” either aren’t exceptionally good or don’t deserve recommendation on the strength of their swordplay action. Furthermore, I’ll have to apologize to readers who are familiar with my articles because most of the titles I’ll nominate are ones which I’ve discussed before in other context.

Anime series including Maburaho, Love Hina, X, Sakura Taisen, Yugen Kaisha, Outlanders, Tenjho Tenge, Mai Hime, Hanaukyo Maid Tai, Kanon, and Fate/stay night include female swordsman characters but aren’t predominantly anime about swordplay. Productions including Shoujo Kakumei Utena, Mamono Hunter Yoko, Nin x Nin ga Shinobuden, Injuu Gakuen La Blue Girl, Legend of Superdimension Rall, Leda, Bamboo Blade, Dream Hunter Rem, Claymore, Princess Lover, Yotoden, Kaitouranma, and Kaidomaru prominently feature swordswomen. But while many of these titles certainly demand to be watched, swordplay action isn’t their primary theme. Anime revolving around swordswomen like Utena, Devil Hunter Yoko, Shakugan no Shana, La Blue Girl, and Bamboo Blade may be good shows, but they’re not likely to satisfy viewers specifically seeking anime about swordswomen because these titles prioritize other things, like relationship drama, supernatural action, comedy, or sex. Finally, certain anime that do heavily revolve around female swordsmanship, including Samurai Girl: Real Bout High School, Hayou no Tsurugi, Eien no Felina, Princess Minerva, Murder Princess, and Kotetsu no Daiboken either aren’t very good or just aren’t highly commendable. So in order to compose a useful list I’m going to cheat just a little bit and include anime that are conceptually, but not necessarily literally, anime featuring swordswomen.

The 1989 Legend of Lemnear OVA is frequently dismissed by American anime fans for being superficial and insignificant. I’ve always had a fondness for it because I don’t think there’s any shame in an exploitive sword & sorcery anime having no higher aspirations than presenting a whirlwind of exhilarating action. This is an unabashed short action movie that’s well animated, gorgeous looking, and filled with surprising and even shocking action. Although Lemnear doesn’t use a sword very often during the OVA, the anime should still satisfy fans looking for an anime featuring an aggressive swordswoman.

1999’s Jubei-chan: Secret of the Lovely Eyepatch TV series is a goofy, playful comedy with periodic bouts of swordplay. Its sequel series, Jubei-Chan 2: Counter Attack of Siberia Yagyu takes a slightly different tack, placing a bit more emphasis on drama and action. The J2 series is especially highlighted by a number of simply amazing swordplay action sequences that have to be seen because description can’t adequately express them. This is not remotely realistic or even believable swordplay action. However, it’s animated with such verve that realism immediately becomes irrelevant and even uninvited. The action scenes in Jubei-chan 2 epitomize the hyper-stylized excess that makes anime so creative and thrilling.

Kazemakase Tsukikage Ran was a successful attempt to resurrect the concept of vintage live action wandering samurai TV shows like Mito Komon, Oshi Samurai, and Zatoichi in anime form, with a female protagonist. Viewers craving the fast paced and highly stylized swordplay of conventional action anime may be bored by “Carried by the Wind.” But viewers used to the measured pace of classic Japanese samurai films will find this show’s updating of tradition very accessible and enjoyable. This is a show literally about a swordswoman, not about swordplay.

The rather little known four episode Kage ~ Shadow OVA series from 2004 isn’t flawless, but it is exceptional. This sexually charged story about rival female ninja features exceptional character design, stylish atmosphere, and an abundance of brutally graphic edged weapon fighting and gore. Although it’s not literally an erotic anime, Shadow certainly isn’t suitable for delicate or young viewers. Adult viewers interested in cool and ruthless kunoichi that employ a variety of short swords should find Shadow very satisfying.

Seirei no Moribito technically isn’t a female swordsman show because protagonist Balsa uses a spear rather than a sword. But in the spirit of female weapon arts, this show should be considered a must watch. Apart from the series’ compelling story, exceptional world building, and lush visual tapestry, the show features a number of deftly animated fight and action sequences. I’m sure that any fan of female swordsmen will be equally pleased to watch the spear fighting in Seirei no Moribito.

Likewise, the Kara no Kyoukai movie series features a heroine whose weapon of choice is a fixed blade knife rather than sword proper. The action scenes in the Kara no Kyoukai movie series are relatively infrequent, but they’re consistently a visual highlight. Particularly the knife versus supernatural fight scenes in movies 1, 3, and 5 are spectacular.

Garei Zero is an uneven, arguably even flawed show. It’s so schizophrenic that it has trouble developing a consistent rapport with its viewers. And it manages to feel unfulfilled at the same time it delivers so much outstanding action. The swordplay in Garei Zero is uniquely creative and especially brutal, both physically and emotionally. Viewers demanding an absolutely unique and creative masterpiece may be disappointed that Garei Zero fails to live up to such lofty expectations. Viewers interested in a slick and stylish anime with plenty of female swordsmanship will find a lot to like in the show.

The Queen’s Blade TV anime takes a lot of criticism from American anime fans for the same reason that Legend of Lemnear does. Like Legend of Lemnear, the purpose of Queen’s Blade is to be entertaining, not intellectual, psychological, or artistic. So viewers able to be satisfied with a show that’s only aim is silly fun should enjoy it. The first Queen’s Blade TV series “Ruro no Senshi,” has plenty of scantily clad girls swinging big swords. The second series, “Gyokuza no Tsugumono,” delivers even more concentrated dueling and action.

The Seiken no Blacksmith television series is still ongoing and relatively new. With the few episodes that have aired so far the show hasn’t especially impressed, but it’s also not especially bad. Disregarding its narrative strength, viewers strictly looking for anime prominently about swordswomen should give this show a shot because not only does Seiken no Blacksmith star a female knight, it co-stars a magic sword that literally transforms herself into a beautiful woman.