The Rise of Badass Girls in Anime: A Look at the Evolution and Appeal

The intersection of moe, gun enthusiasm, and the action genre in animation has created a distinct vibe that evokes memories of other shows that satisfy a particular craving. Shows like Gunslinger Girl, Madoka Magica, Lycoris Recoil, and Black Lagoon featuring adult gunslingers with female leads all come to mind. Although these shows aren't numerous enough to be considered a genre, they provide anime enthusiasts with a unique feeling of excitement when they do appear. What exactly are the key elements of this type of show, and why does it captivate audiences so effectively? How has this genre evolved over the years?

Why Girls?

Gun action has become a popular theme in anime, often taking the place of swords or martial arts. What sets these shows apart is the intense focus on the mechanics of weaponry. Effort is clearly evident in the designs, animation, and tactical choreography of the guns used in these shows. While many anime feature young protagonists, the treatment of guns in these shows is particularly noteworthy.

In Japan, the popularity of airsoft can be attributed to strict gun laws and a fanbase that enjoys military fiction and weapons, known as otaku. This love for "tactic-cool" gunplay is often reflected in anime, although the dedication to realism can result in comical situations, such as a middle-school girl wielding a P90 and taking out a room full of grown men. The humor in these scenes has contributed to the lasting popularity of shows like Gunslinger Girl, Madoka, and Lycoris Recoil, all of which cater to a demand for gun-oriented action that is not as prevalent in other anime genres.

Why (NOT) Girls?

Revy from Black Lagoon is a prime example of a more mature portrayal of the gun girl trope in anime. Her character has become the gold standard, with other icons like Motoko Kusanagi not far behind. The anime series Canaan, directed by Masahiro Ando, also had moments of brilliance in its action scenes. It's worth noting that Ando was later entrusted with directing Under the Dog, which could be seen as the ultimate expression of this genre, despite its lack of success.

The combination of a young girl and a gun may seem like an odd pairing at first glance, but there is a deeper meaning behind it. Youth is often associated with innocence, and by placing a gun in the hands of a young girl, you challenge this preconception and create a powerful symbol of contradiction. This unexpected juxtaposition carries significant weight and makes a lasting impression on the viewer.

The concept of young female assassins is often used in storytelling, with emphasis on their training from birth as orphans, to blend into society as "average girls". However, this trope can sometimes be fetishized, as exemplified by 1998's Kite from Studio Arms. The anime, which portrays an orphan girl assassin targeting sexual predators, is marred by the distasteful depiction of the adult handler preying on the underage protagonist.

Thankfully, this poorly written story is not representative of the genre as a whole. While the potential for fetishization exists, most shows are able to avoid this pitfall and instead focus on the thrilling gunplay that draws fans in.

How The Niche Has Evolved

Shows of this nature never fail to leave an impact, although their appeal may be limited to a particular audience. However, it could be argued that their success is hindered by their inability to fully realize their potential. Unlike genres, only a handful of shows possess the ability to seamlessly incorporate these qualities into every aspect of their narratives.

The allure of cute girls and guns can only take an anime so far, and Madoka Magica's gunplay, while memorable, is just one aspect of the overall experience. Other examples, like Canaan, may have their own unique charm, but relying solely on a vibe isn't enough to create a truly engaging story.

This is where Lycoris Recoil shines, as it not only excels within this "Girl with a Gun" genre, but also stands out as one of the most acclaimed shows of 2022 and A1 Pictures' best original series in years. Its success is a testament to the importance of a strong narrative, and even more impressive considering it was the director's debut. The fact that an original anime can garner such acclaim is a true delight for fans of the medium.

Shingo Adachi's impressive career in the anime industry has led him to his first full TV series directorial debut with LycoReco. As a seasoned animator and designer, Adachi has worked on various projects, including serving as the chief animation director and character designer for almost every season of Sword Art Online, from the beginning of the series to the latest installment, War of Underworld, and even the film Ordinal Scale. His extensive experience and talent make him a valuable addition to the LycoReco team.

During a staff interview, Adachi shared how his unconventional approach to storytelling, coupled with years of experience as an animator, culminated in his opportunity to direct the series. Collaborating with the series' original creator, Asaura, Adachi emphasized his aim to create a story that would engage viewers beyond the surface level. Despite the challenges of creating a unique story in a genre that has been explored extensively, Adachi was committed to delivering a narrative with intense entertainment value that would captivate viewers until the very end.

Lycoris Recoil, with its successful blend of gun enthusiasts' satisfaction and a compelling narrative, stands out as a shining example of a niche within the anime genre. While other projects may have failed to take flight, this series proves that all it takes is one chance for a "Girl with a Gun" anime to make its mark. Just as John Wick shook up the action film world, this subgenre has the potential to continue to evolve and captivate audiences with even better offerings in the future.