Top 10 Anime Badassses

Not proportional to the body-count

10. Scar (Full Metal Alchemist)

A tragic past hardened Scar to the world, leaving him with the power to avenge the wrongs done to his people and the lack of remorse for splatting people deftly. Although he doesn't fit the aloof characteristic of most badasses, his devotion to his cause will cause him to relentlessly pursue his goals at any cost. His relentless search and his willingness to go to any length makes him a force to be reckoned with.

9. Dias Flac (Star Ocean EX)

Dias follows the traditional badass mold to a T, aloof, unsociable, obscenely powerful, and often on a journey to learn about true strength or some such crap. A skilled swordsman, he won't take any crap from much of anybody, evil or otherwise. He even shuns the attention of a certain cute elf-chick, for which we thank him. The only thing keeping him this low is that he doesn't get any play.

8. Golgo 13 (Golgo 13: The Professional and Golgo 13: Queen Bee)

If James Bond was a bad guy, he'd be Golgo 13. Except he wouldn't be nearly as dangerous. Golgo 13 is so good at what he does-bringing swift death to the unsuspecting-that it's easy to forget he's a bad guy and start rooting for him. Apparently, however, killing isn't the only thing he's good at, as he gets laid more than Wilt Chamberlain at a nymphomaniac support group. Despite all the bedroom shenanigans, though, he's unmistakably a cold-hearted killing machine who would just as soon kill a woman as sleep with her. Move over, carbon monoxide; there's a new silent killer in town!

7. Vegeta (DBZ)

Despite the shortcomings of the rest of the series, one character stands out as the role-model for all badasses. Always available for a snide remark, confident in his abilities (sometimes to a fault), and aloof and unfriendly. Vegeta may serve as the best-known badass in all of anime. The sneer, the impure intentions, the ability to blow up a small planet at any time, he is a badass.

6. KOS-MOS (Xenosaga)

Hot chicks who can kick a lot of ass are very special creatures, but this one who can make a pair of giant machine guns materialize out of thin air might be on a whole other level. When given a mission, she does not stop until she completes it, even if it means destroying everything within reach of her massive arsenal of weapons. Friends, enemies, alien monsters; they're all the same to her. And if any get in her way, then the only thing left for them to do is die. Whether it is due to programming or to a natural penchant for bringing the pain, it would be wise not to cross this state-of-the-art siren who is even more deadly than she is beautiful.

5. Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell series)

The higher ranked of the two robotic women on this list, she always does what's needed to finish the job the right way. Her cybernetic body (which is very well-proportioned, I'd like to add) provides her with access to an unlimited wealth of knowledge and strength. Anyone who can punch through an armored tank with her bare hands deserves a place on this list. She's always on top of the situation, and always cool under fire.

4. Gatsu (Berserk)

If carrying a card is evidence of your trade, then carrying a sword as tall as you are is evidence of your badass status. Furthermore, if the nickname of the "Hundred Man Slayer" didn't give it away, then the remorseless blitz that he went on to slay those men, as well as many others, certainly would. His steely demeanor can only be broken by the most extreme of stimuli, but when it is, you'll want to stand clear. This man has braved armies of demons, armies of men, and the forces of fate, and stands tall in this company.

3. Akabane Kurodo / Dr. Jackal (Get Backers)

Normally it's hard to take an opponent seriously when he looks like he just stepped off the runway at a Giorgio Armani fashion show, but the good doctor proves that looks can be deceiving. How can someone who fights with surgical knives hidden inside his body not be considered one of the biggest badasses of all time? Not only are his attacks more than capable of slicing a whole city block to ribbons, but his subtly intense, sometimes frighteningly calm demeanor make him a most intimidating, nightmare-inducing foe. I believe Judas Priest said it best: "Beware the beast in black!"

2. Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)

A departure from the prototypical badass who hides behind a scowl and rarely speaks, this grinning bounty hunter will talk your ear off as he kicks your ass from here to Ganymede. Equally adept at shooting the pimiento out of an olive as he is at hand-to-hand combat, his versatility is the key to his success (however meager his bankroll makes that appear). His laid-back, devil-may-care attitude can shatter when he is pushed hard enough, making this already slick and stylish street warrior into an unstoppable juggernaut. Equal parts John Wayne and Bruce Lee, he is one hundred percent ass-kicker.

1. Alucard (Hellsing)

Any night-walking demon can strike fear into the hearts of mortals, but only the most horrifying, terrible demon can make others of his own kind cower in fear. The only thing bigger than his talk (and his guns) is the way he backs it up with immense power and a total disregard for morals and the value of life. Even without his immense sidearms that would shatter the wrist of an ordinary marksman, he can obliterate his enemies with nothing more than his gloved hands and an evil grin. Congratulations, Alucard. You are the unequivocal king of badasses. Now please, please don't kill us!