The realm of anime is wonderfully diverse, populated with characters that range from the mundane to the utterly fantastical. As Halloween approaches, the spooky season naturally draws attention to anime series steeped in the supernatural, horror, and just plain eerie vibes, think classics like Another or the action-packed Soul Eater. Within these shows, you’ll often encounter iconic figures of fright and mystery: zombies, vampires, restless spirits, and, of course, the enigmatic black cat.
Black cats have long been associated with myth, magic, and a touch of the uncanny. In anime, this translates into a fascinating array of feline characters. Some are simply adorable pets, while others are integral to the plot, possessing surprising depth, magical abilities, or even the power of human speech. Whether they’re serving as spooky season mascots or complex characters in their own right, black cats in anime are always captivating. Let’s explore some of the most memorable black cat appearances in anime series.
1. Bleach: The Mysterious Transformation of Yoruichi Shihoin
The initial seasons of Bleach were marked by a sense of playful eccentricity, and one of the most memorable examples is the introduction of Yoruichi Shihoin in her black cat form. By this point in the narrative, Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions had already encountered the bizarre – from spectral Hollows to a talking parakeet. Therefore, a talking black cat, while unusual, didn’t entirely shatter their perception of the world.
However, this feline guise was merely a clever deception. Yoruichi Shihoin is, in truth, a powerful and seasoned woman, a former Captain in the Soul Society, boasting formidable martial arts prowess and extensive knowledge of the Soul Society’s inner workings. Even when she assumes her human form, subtle feline characteristics hint at her hidden nature, a testament to her enduring connection to her cat identity.
2. Kiki’s Delivery Service: Jiji, The Snarky and Loyal Companion
Studio Ghibli, renowned for its heartwarming and imaginative animated films, gifted audiences with Kiki’s Delivery Service in 1989. This enchanting fantasy series centers on Kiki, a young witch embarking on her journey of independence, aiming to establish herself as a flying delivery service and bring joy to others. Alongside her broom and kind spirit, Kiki is accompanied by Jiji, her black cat familiar, a staple for witches in many tales.
Jiji embodies the classic witch’s black cat companion. Especially in the English dub, he’s portrayed with a witty, sometimes sarcastic personality, yet his loyalty and affection for Kiki are undeniable. His story expands as he encounters Lily, a graceful white cat, leading to a heartwarming feline romance and the pitter-patter of little paws with the arrival of their kittens.
3. Soul Eater: Blair, The Mischievous Cat Girl of Misunderstanding
Yoruichi Shihoin isn’t the only anime character adept at seamlessly transitioning between feline and human forms. Early in the Soul Eater narrative, the spirited heroine Maka Albarn crosses paths with Blair, an intelligent black cat possessing the magical ability to shapeshift into a human, typically appearing as a young girl dressed in witch-like attire.
Despite her witch-like appearance, Blair is not actually a witch, a crucial detail Soul Eater Evans discovers in a rather dramatic fashion. Believing Blair to be a witch, Soul attempts to consume her soul, only to realize his mistake. He had sought a witch’s soul for power, but Blair’s soul, while potent, was distinctly feline, sending Soul back to square one in his witch-soul-collecting quest.
4. Nichijou: Sakamoto, The Formally Polite Talking Cat
Nichijou, translating to “My Ordinary Life,” is anything but ordinary. This anime series is a whirlwind of eccentric humor and surreal situations set against the backdrop of high school life. Fans of Azumanga Daioh! will find a similar comedic sensibility in Nichijou, and both feature endearing feline characters. However, Nichijou boasts Sakamoto, a black cat perfectly suited to the Halloween spirit. Remarkably, Sakamoto can converse with humans.
Sakamoto’s ability to speak is directly linked to his red bandana; when he wears it, he gains human-like speech. His personality is as distinct as his ability to talk. Sakamoto often takes on a parental or older brotherly role towards the young Professor, gently scolding her for her outlandish experiments and lack of responsibility. The Professor, however, often remains blissfully oblivious to Sakamoto’s well-intentioned fussing.
5. Konosuba: Chomusuke, The Adorable and Mysterious Familiar
Konosuba introduces Megumin, a character embodying the “cute witch” archetype. This explosion magic enthusiast sports a classic witch’s hat, wields a magical staff, and is fiercely dedicated to mastering explosion magic above all else. Yet, amidst her explosive ambitions, Megumin cherishes her companions, including her feline familiar, Chomusuke.
Aside from a distinctive red marking on her forehead and small wings, Chomusuke appears to be a fairly typical cat. She doesn’t engage in much combat and is generally better off observing from a safe distance during the chaotic adventures of Kazuma’s party. Avoiding slime and other monstrous messes is definitely in Chomusuke’s best interest.
6. Code Geass: Arthur, The Stray Cat Who Finds a Home
Code Geass is a gripping sci-fi action anime centered around Lelouch vi Britannia and his rebellion against the Britannian Empire. While Lelouch often treads the line of antihero, the series balances its darker themes with lighter, more endearing characters like Arthur, a stray black cat who unexpectedly enters the story.
Arthur is a decidedly ordinary cat, lacking the magical abilities of Blair or the power of speech of Sakamoto. Euphemia Li Britannia discovers him as a stray, and he eventually becomes a resident of the Ashford Academy student council, serving as a charming mascot. He is frequently seen in Suzaku Kururugi’s company and is known for his playful, if sometimes nippy, interactions with Suzaku.
7. Sailor Moon: Luna, The Wise and Guiding Mentor
Luna is a magical black cat with the gift of human speech and a rich backstory connected to the Moon Kingdom. She and her companion cat Artemis once resided on the moon. Now, Luna dedicates herself to assisting Usagi Tsukino, also known as Sailor Moon, and the other Sailor Guardians in their fight against evil. Despite her ability to talk, Luna prefers to keep it a secret, aiming to be perceived as an ordinary feline by the general public.
Luna plays a pivotal role in the Sailor Moon series, guiding Usagi in her destiny and helping awaken the other Sailor Guardians, including Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, and Sailor Jupiter. It was Luna who provided Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury) with a supercomputer, and she is instrumental in locating the Dark Kingdom, proving herself to be an exceptionally helpful and intelligent feline companion.
8. Chi’s Sweet Home: Kuroiro, The Grumpy but Kind Mentor Cat
Chi’s Sweet Home offers a gentle and heartwarming viewing experience, chronicling the everyday adventures of Chi, an adorable and inquisitive kitten. Chi’s life changes when she is secretly adopted by the Yamada family, leading to a world of new experiences and friendships, not just with her human family, but also with the diverse cats in her neighborhood, including stray cats.
Among Chi’s feline acquaintances is Kuroiro, a large black cat whom Chi affectionately nicknames. Kuroiro is an older, somewhat grumpy cat, but beneath his gruff exterior lies a kind and well-meaning mentor. He patiently guides Chi in the ways of cat life, offering advice and sharing the unspoken rules of the feline world. Chi eagerly seeks out Kuroiro, always happy to learn from her seasoned mentor.
9. Trigun: Kuroneko, The Ubiquitous Feline Cameo
Trigun is celebrated for its unique blend of sci-fi and Wild West elements set on the desert planet Gunsmoke. Life for gunslingers on Gunsmoke is often precarious, but adventure is always around the corner for Vash the Stampede and his companions. Adding a touch of whimsy to this serious setting is Kuroneko, a black cat with a knack for appearing in every episode.
Kuroneko, literally meaning “black cat,” serves primarily as a running gag throughout Trigun. Her appearances are often brief and comedic, adding moments of levity to the often intense narrative. Kuroneko has a talent for inserting herself into comedic scenes, amplifying the humor with her unpredictable feline antics.
10. Fairy Tail: Panther Lily, The Powerful Exceed Warrior
In the Fairy Tail universe, cats are far more than just domestic animals. Exceeds are winged cats possessing human-level intelligence, and in their homeland of Edolas, they are revered as divine beings. Happy, the cheerful blue Exceed, is a prominent example, as are Carla and their formidable warrior companion, Panther Lily.
Panther Lily distinguishes himself with his ability to transform into a large, humanoid form, granting him significant combat prowess. In this form, he is a skilled swordsman, capable of overpowering most human opponents with ease. He is the loyal Exceed partner of Gajeel Redfox, the Iron Dragon Slayer, who was overjoyed to finally have a cat companion, fulfilling a long-held desire.
Black cats in anime are far from being just spooky symbols; they are diverse characters adding layers of charm, mystery, humor, and even power to their respective series. From magical mentors to comedic relief and powerful warriors, these feline figures prove that black cats are a lucky charm in the world of anime, especially as we embrace the Halloween season.
