| 1 | !This trope is [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=17116107400.72958400 under discussion]] in the Administrivia/TropeRepairShop. |
| 2 | |
| 3 | [[quoteright:348:[[Franchise/{{Gundam}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/char_clones.png]]]] |
| 4 | [-[[caption-width-right:348:[[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Char Aznable]] (bottom left) and some of his "clones" throughout the franchise. From top: [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam00 Mr. Bushido]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny Neo Roanoke]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Rau Le Creuset]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Zechs Merquise]], [[Anime/TurnAGundam Harry Ord]], [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Schwartz Bruder]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamUnicorn Full Frontal]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamF91 Carozzo "Iron Mask" Ronah]], [[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam Cronicle Asher]].[[note]]Not pictured: [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE Zeheart Galette]], [[Anime/GundamReconguistaInG Luin Lee/Captain Mask]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamNarrative Zoltan Akkanen]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans McGillis Fareed/Montag]], [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamTheWitchFromMercury Elnora Samaya/Prospera Mercury]][[/note]]]]-] |
| 5 | |
| 6 | ->'''Narrator:''' Anyway, he must use this seizure-inducing machine to save the world! And/or space colonies.\ |
| 7 | '''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeedDestiny Neo Roanoke]]:''' But to do so he has to get through me, the conflicted villain who also serves as his main rival. Also, I have a cool mask.\ |
| 8 | '''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeed Rau Le Creuset]]:''' Hey, wait a second, you're just copying me.\ |
| 9 | '''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Zechs Merquise]]:''' No, you're copying me.\ |
| 10 | '''[[Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam Cronicle Asher]]:''' No, both of you are copying me.\ |
| 11 | '''[[Characters/GundamCharAznable Char Aznable]]:''' No, '''all''' of you are copying '''me'''! |
| 12 | -->-- ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q1YIses7z0 Gundam: A Summary]]'' |
| 13 | |
| 14 | A Char Clone is a character who is based on Char Aznable from the ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' franchise, a FountainOfExpies. The ''Gundam'' series was (and is) wildly popular in Japan, with a cultural impact comparable to ''Franchise/StarTrek'' or ''Series/DoctorWho'' in the West. Char, an antagonist in the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'', became the most iconic character of the series, outpacing even the main characters and the BigBad in popularity. Given the sheer number of characters that [[ShoutOut reference]], {{homage}}, or flat out ''[[{{Expy}} are]]'' Char with a different name, they eventually [[FanNickname became known as]] Char clones. |
| 15 | |
| 16 | A brief history of the original Char: in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'', he was TheRival to the main character. A mysterious [[CoolMask masked man]] with distinctive blond hair, he was an AcePilot called the [[RedBaron Red Comet]] with a penchant for piloting AceCustom mecha painted red (which was said to be [[Memes/{{Gundam}} three times as fast]] as its mundane counterpart, despite the only visual difference being its [[RedOnesGoFaster color]]). Over the course of the series, it is revealed that Char has a [[HiddenAgendaVillain hidden agenda]] -- avenging his father, who was allegedly assassinated by the series BigBad -- and that his [[LongLostRelative estranged sister]] is part of the heroes' crew. The first indication of these goals came from leading Garma Zabi, who seemed to be a long time friend, into an enemy ambush where he was killed, and this was the start of him systematically targeting the Zabi family. In the sequel series, ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'', he [[HeelFaceTurn joins the good guys]] under the PaperThinDisguise of "Quattro" to act as TheMentor for the new generation; his presence solidifies the twist in the series that [[YourTerroristsAreOurFreedomFighters the heroic Federation of the original series had turned into the villains]]. His final appearance comes in the appropriately-named ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack'', where he's [[HeelFaceRevolvingDoor a villain again]], attempting to [[ColonyDrop drop a giant asteroid]] onto Earth [[WellIntentionedExtremist for the good of mankind]]. His self-righteous campaign involved leaking new technology to the heroes in the belief that he needed a WorthyOpponent at the top of their game to make his actions justified. |
| 17 | |
| 18 | Expect to see these traits in a Char clone: |
| 19 | |
| 20 | * Blond or otherwise pale hair. In cases where his hair is dark, it will rarely be shown. |
| 21 | * An AceCustom HumongousMecha (or [[CoolPlane plane]]/[[CoolCar car]]/[[CoolBike motorcycle]]/whatever), [[LawOfChromaticSuperiority usually red]] (but occasionally gold, from Char's ''[[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Zeta Gundam]]'' mecha). May be referenced as being three times better ([[RedOnesGoFaster especially faster]]) than normal. |
| 22 | * A CoolMask, or at the very least face-covering CoolShades. This may be part of a CoolHelmet. |
| 23 | * A RedBaron title, usually referencing their color of choice. |
| 24 | * Lacks access to whatever [[TechnologyMarchesOn bleeding-edge technologies]] or [[UniqueProtagonistAsset superhuman abilities]] that TheProtagonist usually [[UnskilledButStrong relies on to carry them to victory]], but [[WeakButSkilled manages to compensate for his lesser raw power through superior skill]]. This need not stay true for the entirety of the series, and can create an arms race as the hero [[BoxingLessonsForSuperman grows in experience]] but their rival [[EmpoweredBadassNormal gradually closes the technology gap]]. |
| 25 | * Being an EnigmaticMinion or a HiddenAgendaVillain. |
| 26 | * A LongLostRelative (usually a younger sister) among the heroes, allowing for TheReveal at a dramatically appropriate time. Frequently an AloofBigBrother as well. |
| 27 | * A close friend who [[EtTuBrute he ends up betraying]] while on the path to fulfill his secret goals. |
| 28 | * Tends more towards the "Steamroller" style of AcePilot than TheHero does, favoring aggressive short-range and melee attacks (including a fondness for DynamicEntry) while still being competent at other ranges. |
| 29 | |
| 30 | Other than those universal aspects, these characters tend to fall into one of three aspects, which could be roughly aligned with the three works Char appeared in: ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'', ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'', and ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack''. The '''bolded''' parts are mainly the defining role of that character. When two or more of these types of Char Clone appear in a story, they need not be the same character at different points in the timeline; it's perfectly acceptable to [[DecompositeCharacter split up Char's three primary roles into multiple clones]], and indeed this is what's more often done so as to help the clones distinguish themselves from the original. |
| 31 | * A ''Mobile Suit Gundam''-style Char clone will be an AntiHero, '''TheRival''' to the main character, a HiddenAgendaVillain and/or a DragonWithAnAgenda and will probably make many changes between [[HeelFaceRevolvingDoor the heroes side and the villains' side]]. |
| 32 | * A ''Zeta Gundam''-style Char clone (aka Quattro clone) will be '''TheMentor''' to the main character, OlderAndWiser with a BigBrotherMentor vibe, but still a mysterious figure with a violent past. |
| 33 | * A ''Char's Counterattack''-style Char clone will be a KnightTemplar, WellIntentionedExtremist or even a DarkMessiah, and maybe a FallenHero as well. The most likely type of the three to be the '''BigBad'''. |
| 34 | |
| 35 | Incidentally, Char himself is based off Manfred von Richthofen, ''the'' RedBaron (at least in terms of characterization). His visual design was based on Prince Sharkin of ''Anime/{{Raideen}}'', while his name is a reference to famous French singer Charles Aznavour). |
| 36 | |
| 37 | Char Clone is a character-specific subtrope of FountainOfExpies. Compare StockShonenRival, and ReiAyanamiExpy. As mentioned above, one of the typical traits of a Char Clone is having an estranged family member on the enemy side, which frequently leads to ProdigalFamily situations. See also RedplicaBaron; Char being an expy of Richthofen makes this whole trope an expy of an expy of the original RedBaron. |
| 38 | |
| 39 | [[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant Not to be confused]] with expies of [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard]]. |
| 40 | |
| 41 | ---- |
| 42 | !!Examples: |
| 43 | %% |
| 44 | %% |
| 45 | %% |
| 46 | %% Note: only list an example if the character is a deliberate Char expy! A character with one or two vague similarities doesn't count. |
| 47 | %% Characters that came ''before'' Char also don't count, as they obviously couldn't be based on him if they predate him. |
| 48 | %% |
| 49 | %% |
| 50 | %% |
| 51 | [[index]] |
| 52 | * ''CharClone/{{Gundam}}'' |
| 53 | [[/index]] |
| 54 | |
| 55 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 56 | |
| 57 | [[folder:Anime & Manga]] |
| 58 | * ''Anime/AldnoahZero'': Slaine Troyard is the blonde rival to TheHero. While initially lacking the typical skill and charisma characteristic, he does have traits similar to those of Harry Ord from ''Anime/TurnAGundam'' -- specifically, loyalty to the princess. [[spoiler:Later, as the series progresses, he gradually becomes the BigBad and only goes short of Vers becoming a full Zeon clone.]] |
| 59 | %%* ''Anime/ArmoredTrooperVotoms'': Ypsilon is this series' Char clone. |
| 60 | * ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'': Reiner Braun is a highly talented, blond soldier who just so happens to [[spoiler:be a psychologically damaged double agent. He takes the form of the gold and red Armored Titan.]] |
| 61 | * ''Anime/AuraBattlerDunbine'': Bern Bunnings is TheRival, uses a fake moniker, wears a mask, has extreme respect from his underlings, and grudging respect from his superiors. |
| 62 | * ''Anime/{{Bakugan}}'': |
| 63 | ** Spectra Phantom wears mostly red (including a mask), is blond, is TheRival, and [[spoiler:is actually named Keith Fermin, the older brother of Mira Fermin]]. Also, Masquerade doesn't have a thing for red nor does he [[spoiler:(err, she)]] have a younger sister, but he is mostly this trope. |
| 64 | ** Emperor Barodius and Dharakinoid in ''Gundalian Invaders'' are Chars of themselves in ''Mechtogan Surge'', now [[spoiler:Mag Mel and Razenoid]]. They've been so warped by evil, they've cast off their old identities. |
| 65 | * ''Franchise/{{Beyblade}}'': |
| 66 | ** ''Anime/BakutenShootBeyblade'': Hitoshi Kinomiya wears a mask at the start while he goes by the name Jin of the Gale and later switches to shades during the final arc. He plays TheMentor to the protagonist, who is his little brother and has much darker hair than him, and later to the ostensibly strongest Blader of all. His Bit-Beast Metal Driger is basically an AceCustom of the original Driger. |
| 67 | ** ''Anime/MetalFightBeyblade'': Phoenix wears red, a blond wig, and a silver mask. He has an [[AceCustom unusual and very powerful Beyblade]] and is [[spoiler:the protagonist's father, thought to be dead]]. |
| 68 | * ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': |
| 69 | ** Griffith is the BigBad, wears a cool silver helmet, has white hair, is an [[TheAce ace swordsman]] and TheRival to [[TheHero Guts]], and acts as both the DarkMessiah and the FallenHero. |
| 70 | ** Samson Corbowitz is specifically mentioned to have armour three times thicker than normal and is a minor antagonist to Guts and Casca. |
| 71 | * ''Anime/TheBigO'': Schwartzwald is a masked character with his own agenda, consistent rival to the lead, pilots three red mechs that are more maneuverable. |
| 72 | * William Vangeance from ''Manga/BlackClover'' is the masked, white-haired captain of the highest-ranked Magic Knights squad. He serves a {{Foil}} to Yami, and betrays Julius when he reveals that he's been the host of Licht, and lets him fully take over his body when he cannot bear to choose between Julius and his old friend. |
| 73 | %%* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': Findor. |
| 74 | * ''Manga/BoardingSchoolJuliet'': PlayedForLaughs with Chartreux Westia. Despite being the princess of the Principality of the West and [[spoiler:being in love with Persia herself]], she assists Romio in his relationship with Persia. She's even called Char as a nickname by almost every other character. |
| 75 | * ''Anime/BrainPowerd'': |
| 76 | ** Baron Maximilian is a political force with a mask. |
| 77 | ** Quincy İssa is Protaginst's Older Sister and also She Piloting Red Mecha |
| 78 | ** Johnathan Glen in a blond [[TheRival rival]] AcePilot. |
| 79 | * ''Manga/CaseClosed'': |
| 80 | ** Shuuichi Akai is named after Char's voice actor, Shuuichi Ikeda (who incidentally also voices him), and Char's nick name "Akai Suisei" (The Red Comet). His fake name Dai Moroboshi is also a reference, as he gets called Dai-kun, which sounds exactly like "Deikun", and Moroboshi can mean "falling star", aka a comet. He always wears a knit cap and lately drives a red sports car. His LongLostRelative is [[spoiler: his little sister Masumi Sera.]] She describes his martial arts skills as being "three times stronger than her". |
| 81 | ** Subaru Okiya is blond at least for his keyhole, drives a red car (white in some instances) with suicide doors, wears glasses and squints most of the time. His name is a reference as well [[spoiler: as 'Okiya Subaru' (オキヤ スバル) is basically 'Casval' (キャスバル)]]. |
| 82 | * ''Anime/CodeGeass'': |
| 83 | ** Lelouch is the estranged son of nobility, works under a fake name and wears a mask, has a younger sister who doesn't realize who he is, seeks revenge for his mother's murder. WordOfGod indicates Lelouch was initially going to have [[WhiteHairBlackHeart white hair]] and thus would have looked the part even more. In fact, co-creator and head writer Ichiro Okouchi himself said that Zero was designed specifically to wear a mask because he felt that it wouldn't be a Sunrise show otherwise. |
| 84 | ** [[ActionGirl Kallen]] is an AcePilot with speedy red mecha and TheRival of Suzaku on the battlefield. Although her Guren relies more on power than speed, the opposite of Suzaku's Lancelot. |
| 85 | ** Schneizel shares Char's disgust for mankind and extremism for the best of the world, shares the same hair color scheme and serves as an Evil Mentor to Nina and Suzaku. |
| 86 | ** ''Anime/CodeGeassAkitoTheExiled'': |
| 87 | *** Shin Hyūga Shaing serves as the BigBad with a [[spoiler:noble but misguided goal of saving people from the cruelty of life by killing them]]. |
| 88 | *** Ashley Ashra is a Britannian ace who pilots an upgraded red Gloucester during the battle of Slonim and later pilots [[spoiler:the latest version of the EU's Alexander knightmares, even having it painted red as well]]. |
| 89 | * ''Anime/CrossAnge'': Salamandinay is a DRAGON that rides the red Ryuushinki Enryugo (a SuperPrototype of the Paramails that preceded it) and is very much not just a DRAGON princess, but their top AcePilot, being TheRival of Ange (which eventually became [[FriendlyRival a friendly one]]), generally representing the more benevolent side of Char (as Quattro). And since Ange already took Char's hair color (Blond), Sala had to take the contrasting hair color (black hair). Her 'mask' was actually this trope being played around: Sala doesn't wear mask (her piloting head piece doesn't even cover her face), but for the first half of the series, she's only seen full face in the opening, her face was mostly shrouded in her debut episode until the last moment where she's only there to give cryptic small exposition. So the show went out of the way to allude that she's a Char-like rival while not giving her any masks, something that Sala complained at an episode preview, thinking that she's been fooled into thinking that she's actually an AdvertisedExtra (which she's not). |
| 90 | %%* ''Anime/DancougarNova'': A masked blonde woman who pilots the red mecha R-Daigun against Dancougar. She turns out to be [[spoiler:the IdolSinger Eida]]. |
| 91 | |
| 92 | * ''Anime/EurekaSevenAO'': Parodied. In episode 20, Elena starts wearing a mask after [[spoiler:defecting to the United States]]. Early in episode 21, she decides it's irritating to wear it and throws it away. |
| 93 | * ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'': [[RivalTurnedEvil Shin]] and [[TroubledAbuser Souther]] are blond, members of a rival martial arts school of the protagonist, and rely on speed rather than brute force in combat. |
| 94 | * ''Manga/TheFiveStarStories'': Vralgo "[[RedBaron Testarossa]]" Kentauri wears a mask while posing as the mercenary knight "Boowray Red". He only lasts a single story arc before his final battle with his own arch-rival, King Colus, comes to a mutually fatal conclusion similar to the original's. Interestingly, his and Colus' descendants become allies in a later story arc. |
| 95 | * ''Manga/FushigiYuugi'': Nakago is a ManipulativeBastard, who wishes to become a god so he can get revenge on the world. Oh, and he's blond and has a cool helmet, and also has a VillainousCrush on the male lead. |
| 96 | * ''Anime/FutureGPXCyberFormula'': |
| 97 | ** [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed Knight Shoemach]]/Osamu Sugo is TheAce, TheRival, has CoolShades, has a long-lost younger sister who is in love with the hero, and drives a white and red formula car in the TV series. |
| 98 | %%** ''Saga'': Naoki Shinjyo. The plan which [[NeverRecycleYourSchemes even the mastermind behind this failed himself]], failed in front of everyone (as Hero is able to see through who is behind the glasses). |
| 99 | * ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'': Soldat J is blond, wears a face obscuring helmet, is rival to main character, is faster than the main character on foot and in his smaller mecha, [[EnsembleDarkhorse and is incredibly popular.]] |
| 100 | * ''Anime/GearFighterDendoh'': |
| 101 | ** Altair is a masked bad guy, the brother of one of the main characters, and TheRival of the protagonists (though [[BrainwashedAndCrazy not by choice]]). He uses a palette-swap of Dendoh, the Knight Gear Ogre. |
| 102 | ** Vega is a mysterious mentor with blonde hair and a mask. [[spoiler:She is secretly the mother of one of Dendoh's pilots and Altair's sister.]] |
| 103 | %%* ''Anime/GenesisOfAquarion'' has Sirius de Alisia. |
| 104 | * ''Literature/TheHeroicLegendOfArslan'': Silver Mask wears a silver mask to hide the burn on his face, a result from a tragic incident in his youth. He is introduced as a DragonWithAnAgenda, then it is revealed that he is a LongLostRelative of Parsian's royal family, and he eventually becomes a member of BigBadEnsemble. He is even voiced by Creator/ShuichiIkeda in an OVA adaptation. |
| 105 | %%* ''Anime/LastExile'': Tatiana Wisla is a blonde AcePilot with a red vanship. |
| 106 | * ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'': |
| 107 | ** Fate is a blonde whose fighting style is geared for speed, and who later gets {{Super Mode}}s that make her even faster ([[ShedArmorGainSpeed Sonic Form]] in ''[[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs A's]]'' and [[GlassCannon Shin Sonic Form]] in ''[[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS StrikerS]]''). She starts out as Nanoha's rival in the [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha original season]] (with Nanoha herself having {{Shout Out}}s to ''Gundam'' protagonist Amuro Ray), and afterwards becomes her closest ally. Unlike Nanoha whose MagicStaff is used almost exclusively to shoot beams, Fate's can also transform into various melee weapons. She has three nicknames: the "Ace of the Navy," "God of Speed," and "Golden Flash." She has an older brother among the good cast, though they weren't siblings before she was adopted by Chrono's mother. |
| 108 | ** Vita, the "Knight of the Iron Hammer" is a FieryRedhead completely clad in red, with a fighting style [[CloseRangeCombatant heavily focused on melee]]. She serves as Nanoha's rival in ''[[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs A's]]''; after her HeelFaceTurn, she is also one of the instructors of the Forwards in ''[[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS StrikerS]]''. Somewhat of an indirect example, in that she also has a number of references to Kyosuke Nanbu of ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' (who was himself inspired by Char). |
| 109 | ** Nove was initially designed to be Subaru's rival in ''[[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS StrikerS]]'', but somehow they don't end up as such, though the former is still antagonistic towards the latter. She's a FieryRedhead who is faster than Subaru thanks by having lighter [[RollerbladeGood rollerblades]]. She turns out to be the [[spoiler:a genetic clone of Quint like Subaru and Ginga]], being a biological younger sister to the latter two. After her HeelFaceTurn, she later becomes the trainer and BigSisterMentor of Team Nakajima (Vivio, Einhard, Rio and Corona) in ''[[Manga/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaViVid ViVid]]''. |
| 110 | * ''Anime/{{Macross}}'': |
| 111 | ** ''Anime/Macross7'': Gepelnitch is a masked blonde and leads from aboard the red Varauta Flagship. |
| 112 | ** ''Anime/MacrossFrontier'': Brera Sterne has blond hair, pilots a red jet fighter/mecha, is the rival to the protagonist and secretly the brother of one of the female leads. Ironically, he has the same voice actor as Amuro clone, Kira Yamato from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'', and his Amuro counterpart in Alto gets a primarily red jet fighter down the line and his voice actor also plays a Char clone in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00''. |
| 113 | * ''Anime/MartianSuccessorNadesico'': Nagare Akatsuki is a mysterious playboy pilot who serves as Akito's rival, and at times, even a sort of mentor figure. He pilots an upgraded Aestivalis mech and [[spoiler:is secretly the chairman of Nergal, even going so far as to betray the Nadesico for his own gain at one point]]. |
| 114 | * ''Anime/MetalArmorDragonar'': Meio Plato is the AcePilot rival with the nickname Blue Hawk. His character design resembles Char in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack'', his sister is a major character on the protagonists' side, and he has his own AceCustom Metal Armor. |
| 115 | %%* ''Anime/Naruto'': |
| 116 | %%** Pain has a disdain for humanity and is willing to go to extreme lengths to pass judgement on them. |
| 117 | %%** Tobi is a mentor, masked, and extremist but different from Nagato |
| 118 | %%** Sasuke wants to avenge his family. |
| 119 | %%** Char's mobile suit Zeong has inspired Kakuzu's moveset. |
| 120 | * ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'': Asuka Langley Soryuu wears red, pilots a red EVA unit, is TheRival to Shinji Ikari, and serves as the show's resident AcePilot. Her ''Anime/{{Rebuild|OfEvangelion}}'' counterpart takes this further, with her EVA unit having three forms and wearing an eyepatch as of '''3.33'''. |
| 121 | %%* ''Anime/{{Ozuma}}'': Gido Gairaa is an aloof villain with a white mask. |
| 122 | * Kray Forsight in ''Anime/{{Promare}}''. He's blonde, dresses in white, pilots a powerful mech, and sports a MaskOfSanity as a ReasonableAuthorityFigure while concealing his NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist designs as the real BigBad. Specifically he invokes [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeed Rau le Creuset]]. |
| 123 | |
| 124 | * ''Anime/RobotRomanceTrilogy'': (''Anime/CombattlerV'', ''Anime/VoltesV'', and ''{{Anime/Daimos}}''): Garuda and his successors (Heinel and Richter) invert this, as the villain of each is a blonde antagonist —particularly their characterization, NobleDemon traits, and connection to the main pilots of the opposing team — would serve as the basis for Char Aznable and his subsequent iterations.[[note]]Yoshiyuki Tomino worked on Anime/VoltesV and {{Anime/Daimos}} prior to creating Anime/MobileSuitGundam.[[/note]] Bonus points for {{Anime/Daimos}} for having his sister [[StarCrossedLovers romantically involved with the hero]]. |
| 125 | * ''Manga/SaintSeiya'': When Phoenix Ikki is introduced, he wears a CoolMask to compliment his white armor, leads an army of AceCustom Saints, and is the AloofBigBrother of Andromeda Shun. |
| 126 | * ''Anime/SandsOfDestruction'': Yappi wears an EyepatchOfPower and red bandanna, voiced by Creator/ShuichiIkeda. To top it off, he is a friend turned rival to another teddy bear Toppi, who is voiced by Creator/ToruFuruya. |
| 127 | %%* ''Manga/SchoolRumble'': Harry [=McKenzie=] is a parody. |
| 128 | * ''Anime/StrainStrategicArmoredInfantry'': Ralph Werec is an AcePilot and brother of the main character, who betrayed his nation and become DragonWithAnAgenda of the series BigBad [[spoiler: and ultimately betrays her to pursue his agenda]]. While officially the series is ''Literature/ALittlePrincess'' [[JustForFun/RecycledInSpace in space]], has been described as "''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' starring Sayla". Actually, both Ralph and his main character sister Sara have elements of Char-cloning (though Sara's mech is ''pink''...). Amusingly enough, Ralph looks 99% identical to [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Zechs Merquise]], the biggest difference being a [[GoodScarsEvilScars large scar over one eye]]. |
| 129 | * ''Anime/TenchiMuyo'': |
| 130 | ** ''Anime/TenchiMuyoWarOnGeminar'': Dagmyer is a handsome blond Sacred Mechamaster (mecha pilot) who wears a mask in the first episode. He's also an inspiring leader and idealist fighting against the system, and a ManipulativeBastard. Unfortunately, unlike most Char Clones, he's hopelessly outmatched by his [[TheRival rival]], [[TheAce Kenshi.]] |
| 131 | ** Ulyte, the male of [[TwoTeacherSchool the two teachers in the series]], acts as a male confidant for [[ChickMagnet Harem Hero]] Kenshi and as a [[NumberTwo second]] for the Big Bad while [[HiddenAgendaVillain playing both sides against the middle for the sake of his own mysterious agenda]]. [[spoiler:He/she even wears a mask as Neizai.]] |
| 132 | * ''Manga/VenusWars'': Kurtz, the leader of the Hound combat motorcycle corps, cheerfully admits most of his men are as expendable as his machines to his superiors. However, Kurtz eagerly manipulates rebellious protagonist Hiro to remain under his command by hook or by crook, because of the talent he sees in the youth. Beyond that, Kurtz is blond, wears either glasses or keeps his helmet's visor down, said to be gay, and voiced by Ikeda himself! |
| 133 | * ''Manga/YakitateJapan'': "Meister" Kirisaki is a blond masked Ace ''Baker'' whose sister is a member of the supporting cast. He happens to be Azuma's mentor as well. The anime adaptation was eventually picked up by Creator/{{Sunrise}}. |
| 134 | * ''Franchise/YuGiOh'' |
| 135 | ** ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'': As Nightshroud of the Shadow Riders, Atticus Rhodes wears a mask very similar to Char and his other expies from ''Gundam''. After his defeat, his identity as Alexis's long lost brother is revealed. |
| 136 | ** ''Anime/YuGiOh5Ds'': Aki Izayoi/Akiza Izinski exhibits similar traits as the Black Rose Witch. She is predominantly red, right from her appearance, her Black Rose Dragon, her D-Wheeler, and even wears a mask while assuming the Black Rose Witch alter-ego. Even better, she pulls a HeelFaceTurn in midway in the Dark Signers arc. |
| 137 | * ''Franchise/{{Zoids}}'': |
| 138 | ** ''Anime/ZoidsNewCentury'': Naomi Fluegel pilots an AceCustom red Gunsniper and is even called the Red Comet in-universe. Her {{Leitmotif}} is titled "Here Comes the Red Comet!", a reference to the original Char's theme song, "Here Comes Char!". |
| 139 | ** Leon Tauros pilots a custom Red Blade Liger and is the older brother of Leena, one of the regulars. |
| 140 | %%** ''Anime/ZoidsGenesis'': Zairin of Zaltz is quite the Zoid prodigy. |
| 141 | [[/folder]] |
| 142 | |
| 143 | %%[[folder:Asian Animation]] |
| 144 | %%* ''Animation/SpaceThunderKids''' Space Black Knight ''is'' Char Aznable in a black costume. In fact, most the cast are recoloured ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' characters. |
| 145 | %%[[/folder]] |
| 146 | |
| 147 | [[folder:Comic Books]] |
| 148 | * ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'': |
| 149 | ** Red Hood is Batman's crime-fighting rival who comes off of as a WellIntentionedExtremist due to his utter disdain for Batman's [[ThouShaltNotKill one rule]]. His deadlier fighting style and namesake CoolHelmet gives him a Char look. |
| 150 | ** ''ComicBook/BatmanJamesTynionIV'': This run introduces Ghost-Maker, another vigilante with more extreme methods than Bruce's. He and Bruce trained under the same teachers and developed a friendship that turned into a rivalry when Ghost-Maker learned Bruce was training to be a vigilante to avenge his parents as opposed to doing it for the art like Ghost-Maker was. However, while Ghost-Maker is often antagonistic and critical of Bruce, the two have a mutual respect for each other. Ghost-Maker may not have qualms about killing, but he's not stupid or unreasonable, and is willing to make compromises and restrain himself for Batman's sake. Ghost-Maker also wears a white mask. |
| 151 | [[/folder]] |
| 152 | |
| 153 | [[folder:Fan Works]] |
| 154 | * ''Fanfic/CrossAngeTheKnightOfHilda'': Aside from the canon example of Salamandinay, there's Dark, Embryo's vassal who has fair hair (white), a mysterious past, and is the arch-rival of the protagonist (Rio), representing the more villainous aspects of Char. He also has his own AceCustom mecha in Baretta, which earned the title of "The Nightmare of Neo-Zion" from the previous Libertus. [[spoiler:It's later revealed that he's a LITERAL clone created by Embryo]]. |
| 155 | * ''Fanfic/MiraculousThePhoenixRises'': The Nightmare King checks most of the boxes, as he has a red aesthetic, a CoolMask, is an EnigmaticMinion of the BigBad, has a RedBaron title, and has a mysterious rivalry with Morgan, the hero. |
| 156 | [[/folder]] |
| 157 | |
| 158 | [[folder:Film]] |
| 159 | * ''Film/RRR2022'': Rama Raju is an Indian officer serving the British Raj and [[TheRival their equivalent to Bheem]] in terms of combat capability (although when the two first meet, neither knows who the other is and they immediately become friends). Ram is also a DragonWithAnAgenda whose goal is to capture Bheem so he can secure a promotion to Special Officer, in order to [[spoiler:be in a position where he can steal a shipment of firearms to give to his village to fight back, and to kill the British governor and avenge his father]]. For bonus points, when Ram does become a Special Officer, he gets a red uniform. |
| 160 | * ''Film/{{Shin Kamen Rider|2023}}'': Ichiro Midorika, a.k.a. Chou Augment-01/Kamen Rider No. 0, is an EnigmaticMinion within the ranks of SHOCKER [[spoiler:and the brother of Ruriko, the film's female lead]]. Ichiro also has a [[HiddenAgendaVillain personal agenda]] through his plan to save all of humanity by transferring their souls [[spoiler:(including those from SHOCKER, as revenge for his father and Ruriko's death) to the Habitat Realm, which mirrors [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack Char's intention of migrating humanity into space through crashing the Axis asteroid on Earth]]]]. The prequel manga ''Nulla in mundo pax sincera: Shin Kamen Rider SHOCKER SIDE'' also shows that he previously wore a [[GoldColoredSuperiority gold-colored]] prototype combat suit, a possible nod to Char's [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Hyaku-Shiki]]. |
| 161 | [[/folder]] |
| 162 | |
| 163 | [[folder:Literature]] |
| 164 | * ''Literature/TheCombatBakerAndAutomatonWaitress'': Erich Blitzdonner, aka [[RedBaron "The Crimson Hawk"]], is a legendary AcePilot with blond hair and a fondness for red, who single-handedly proved the viability of [[HumongousMecha humanoid assault weapons]] in [[FantasyConflictCounterpart the setting equivalent of World War I]] (meaning he doubles as a NoHistoricalFiguresWereHarmed version of the original Red Baron). He is also the [[LongLostRelative long-lost father]] of Jacob, one of the main characters, having entered the military under a false name to escape the reach of his own family. While officially Missing-in-Action (presumed dead), he later appears as a corporal under the service of the villainous [[BigBad General Genitz]] for [[EnigmaticMinion unknown reasons]], using a [[Anime/GundamWing Zechs]]-like mask to conceal his identity. [[spoiler:This is actually a RedHerring, with the masked corporal turning out to be [[KingIncognito Genitz himself]]. However, when the real Blitzdonner shows up he briefly takes the mask and wears it as a disguise.]] |
| 165 | * While clearly coincidental, Kitiara ut Matar from ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'' ended up sharing a lot of common Char elements. In ''Chronicles'' she is introduced as a mysterious antagonist in a CoolHelmet with a nickname corresponding to her color scheme of choice (the Blue Lady) and riding a blue dragon, which are considered the smartest of evil dragons. She turns out to be a missing older sister of two members of the main cast, who had pulled a FaceHeelTurn. She develops fierce rivalry, both on the battlefield and in love, with Laurana, a woman who was more or less forced into a position to oppose her and turned to be really good at it. Finally, she has her own agenda [[spoiler: which ends up directly leading to death of the BigBad]]. In ''Legends'' she advanced to ''Char's Counterattack'' version, having been the leader of what remains of evil armies of the original trilogy and willing to commit horrible atrocities for what could ''arguably'' be seen as benevolent reasons - she is trying to stop her brother's scheme because its two possible outcomes [[spoiler: her brother becoming a god or the setting's GreaterScopeVillain being freed from her prison]] aren't good for her personally...but they're not very good for the whole world either. |
| 166 | * Marco Inaros of ''Literature/TheExpanse'' has too many similarities to ''CCA''-era Char to be a coincidence, being a VisionaryVillain who orders a massive asteroid attack on Earth in retaliation for their mistreatment of the space colonies while giving dramatic speeches about those born in space being the future of humanity who alone can rise above the mistakes of the past. This was not lost on the TV series' costuming department, who saw fit to give him an outfit with a giant golden eagle on the front invoking the winged motifs typical of Zeon military dress. |
| 167 | * ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'': The leader of a JerkJock team of mecha pilots from a first season filler episode starts to quote Char's famous "mistakes of youth" speech before Kaname {{Dope Slap}}s him. For bonus points, he's voiced by Creator/TetsuInada, who's voiced Harry Ord in ''Anime/TurnAGundam'' and Elzam Von Branstein in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars''. |
| 168 | * ''Literature/InfiniteStratos'': Charlotte Dunois is the pilot of an orange-coloured AceCustom IS under the disguise of a guy named Charles. Before the UnsettlingGenderReveal. she served briefly as TheMentor of sorts to Ichika. After the reveal though, she immediately became TheRival to the viewpoint of the other main female characters (as well as an EnsembleDarkhorse), becoming [[SupportPartyMember an excellent wingman]] who [[WeakButSkilled compensates for her unit's previous-generation specs through quick thinking and creative use of equipment]]. Her InSeriesNickname is "Char". |
| 169 | * Literature/InvadersOfTheRokujyouma'': |
| 170 | ** Blonde princess Theia is introduced as a TinyTyrannicalGirl who fights by [[PowersDoTheFighting standing around and ordering big guns to shoot things for her]], but after CharacterDevelopment she turns into a {{Ladette}} with a number of Char traits, including the reveals that back on Forthorthe she's an AcePilot known for rushing into close-range at lightning speed, and that her spiritual colour is not Blue but Red. This is further hammered in after Book 16 when she completes the Combat Dress, a personal JetPack and weapon harness described as a "wearable space fighter". Her favoured loadout is "Assault Red" which outfits her with weapons and thrusters similar to the Alt Eisen, and she also has a "Command Green" preset which resembles a Zaku. |
| 171 | ** Elexis Borannam, introduced in book 9, is the blond [[CorruptCorporateExecutive CEO of Forthorthian weapons manufacturer Dragon Knight Industries]], who swiftly becomes TheRival to Koutarou and heralds the story's GenreShift to SpaceOpera. Elexis is the first antagonist to gain access to the same FantasyKitchenSink of resources that the heroes [[WrongContextMagic have been enjoying]], and pilots a series of AceCustom MiniMecha into battle, growing more advanced in each encounter as he learns to replicate or counter Koutarou's PsychicPowers and magical protections. During the Forthorthian Civil War he acts as one of the main backers of Vandarion's MilitaryCoup by providing them with advanced {{Magitek}} weapons, [[WildCard but also personally sabotages some of their less ethical missions in disguise]]. Ultimately Elexis reveals that he was trying to ''use'' the coup, [[AntiVillain not for profit but to bring about a reform of the corrupt military]], and backstabs Vandarion by working behind the scenes with Koutarou to install a regent empress and shatter his public support. Ironically, this plan involves convincing Koutarou himself to echo some of Char's CharacterArc in ''Zeta'', by having him [[spoiler:hold a press conference to reveal his former identity as the legendary Blue Knight]]. |
| 172 | * ''Literature/LucifersStar'': Cassius Mass is a blond-haired blue-eyed RedBaron AcePilot (later BrokenAce) in a FeudalFuture. He even has an affinity for red outfits both before and after the fall of his homeworld. WordOfGod says he envisioned the character as "Somewhere between Char, Clone Wars Anakin, and Han Solo." |
| 173 | [[/folder]] |
| 174 | |
| 175 | [[folder:Live-Action TV]] |
| 176 | * ''Franchise/KamenRider'': |
| 177 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderDouble'': Shroud, real name: [[spoiler:Fumine Sonozaki]], is an enigmatic masked woman in a BandagedFace who's out for revenge against [[spoiler:her husband Ryubee]] by playing the EvilMentor to Ryu Terui and Philip, [[spoiler:her son]], so her revenge plot would be set into motion. She also played on both sides by providing Gaia Memories to both Isaka and the Old Dopant to further her agendas and possessed a red-colored Shroud Magnum and the Bomb Memory in her arsenal. |
| 178 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderGaim'': [[NominalHero Kaito Kumon/Kamen Rider Baron]] is the red-colored [[TheRival rival]] to the title protagonist. He starts out as an AntiHero, then joins Kouta's alliance because of bigger threats like Yggdrasill Corporation and the Overlord Inves' invasion on Earth and becomes Lord Baron and effectively the final opponent Kouta needs to defeat before he can liberate the world. |
| 179 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderSaber'': The [[BrotherSisterTeam Shindai siblings]] of the Southern Base have elements of this: |
| 180 | *** The younger sister, Reika Shindai/Kamen Rider Sabela, is introduced early in the series as a mysterious messenger who instigates the infighting between Touma and the Northern Base swordsmen during the second half of the series and transforming into her red-colored Rider form. When Isaac reveals his true colors, she and her brother would ultimately pull a HeelFaceTurn and sides with Touma and company. In the ''Girls Remix'' mini-series, Reika would serve as the de-facto leader and CoolBigSis archetype to the eponymous team of heroines in their battle against [[Series/KamenRiderStronger Black Satan]]. |
| 181 | *** The older brother, Ryoga Shindai/Kamen Rider Durendal, is introduced in the third arc of the series, in his debut episode, taking on Rintaro/Kamen Rider Blades without breaking a sweat making him the closest to being the rival to the said Rider due to their respective allegiances. Like his sister, he pulls a HeelFaceTurn once Isaac reveals his true colors. |
| 182 | ** ''Series/KamenRiderOutsiders'': [[TheComputerIsYourFriend Zein]] is of the ''Char's Counterattack'' variety. Zein is a mysterious artificial intelligence that poses as a BenevolentAI seeking to study all of humanity's positive traits, when in reality it seeks to [[HobbesWasRight subjugate humanity because of their capacity for evil]]. It's goal of using the DeadlyGame ''[[Series/KamenRiderExAid Kamen Rider Chronicle]]'' to trick humanity into self-destruction is an allegory of Char's attempt of dropping the Axis asteroid on Earth to force mankind to migrate into space. |
| 183 | * ''Franchise/PowerRangers'': |
| 184 | ** ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'': Astronema is the no-nonsense DragonInChief to [[GreaterScopeVillain Dark Specter]]. Her hair color undergoes a variety of changes throughout the show but it is ultimately revealed that she is a natural blonde. She is also revealed to be Karone, the Red Ranger Andros's little sister who was abducted by Darkonda. Karone pulls a HeelFaceTurn upon discovering the truth but is {{Brainwashed}} into being evil again. [[spoiler:This is ultimately undone in the season finale]]. |
| 185 | ** ''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue'': [[SixthRanger Ryan Mitchell]] has blonde hair and is the long-lost brother of one of the Rangers, Dana Mitchell. He was presumed dead when Dana was a child but was in fact abducted by the demons who raised him to believe his family had abandoned him, causing him to hate humanity. After learning the truth, he pulls a HeelFaceTurn and sides with the Rangers. |
| 186 | ** ''Series/PowerRangersNinjaStorm'': [[JapaneseBeetleBrothers The Thunder Rangers]] have elements of this. They are rivals to the Wind Rangers and are working with the villains. However, it is revealed that their true grievance is with the Wind Rangers' mentor Kanoi Watanabe whom they believe murdered their parents and they have no true loyalty to the villains. Once they discover the truth behind their parents' death, they pull a HeelFaceTurn. |
| 187 | * ''Series/UltramanOrb'': Jugglus Juggler's only goal is to surpass his heroic rival as a revenge for not being the chosen of Ultraman Orb's light. His status as a villain borders on the role of BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork to even [[spoiler:saving Gai's lover Natasha from what he believed to be his own fault]] and eventually redeeming himself by saving the Earth from [[PlanetEater Magata no Orochi]]. Aside from surviving the fight, [[spoiler:he returns in ''Series/UltramanZ'' by going undercover as Shota Hebikura in a BadassCrew team serving as TheCaptain and BigBrotherMentor to that show's hero, Haruki Natsukawa. However, he still acts on his own agenda, but also prioritizes the safety of STORAGE members, as seen when Gillvalis appears]]. |
| 188 | * ''Series/VoltesVLegacy'': Prince Zardoz.[[note]]Given that the original Heinel/Zardoz from the [[Anime/VoltesV source material]] predated the trope namer, this live-action adaptation of Zardoz now qualifies as such.[[/note]] He is the prince of the Boazanian empire, and one of the powerful threats the Voltes Team must face. [[spoiler:And being Hrothgar's firstborn son, he's also the Armstrong brothers' estranged older brother]]. |
| 189 | [[/folder]] |
| 190 | |
| 191 | [[folder:Tabletop Games]] |
| 192 | * ''TabletopGame/DragonlanceShadowOfTheDragonQueen'' puts a fantasy spin on this trope with Red Ruin. She's a mysterious masked officer of the Red Dragon Army who rides a red-armored [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragonnel]] into battle with consummate skill, though she has no role in the adventure's plot beyond giving the players a cool aerial boss fight near the climax of the campaign. |
| 193 | %%* Ranho Garand from ''TabletopGame/JovianChronicles''. |
| 194 | * ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'': Commander Farsight is a FallenHero of the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens T'au Empire]] and TheRival of Commander [[StealthExpert Shadowsun]], the current supreme commander of the T'au [[FantasticCasteSystem warrior cast]]. After discovering the horrors of the galaxy, Farsight left the Empire and now leads a colony of separatists, unencumbered by the hidebound attitudes of the Empire's ruling Ethereals. A highly aggressive military commander, Farsight pilots a first generation Crisis [[MiniMecha battlesuit]] that has been [[DueToTheDead painted red in recognition of those who fell during the Arkunasha War]], and [[AceCustom extensively modified]] so that it is the equal to all but the most advanced contemporary suits. |
| 195 | [[/folder]] |
| 196 | |
| 197 | [[folder:Video Games]] |
| 198 | * ''VideoGame/AceCombat'': |
| 199 | ** ''VideoGame/AceCombatZeroTheBelkanWar'' features a pretty close match in Larry Foulke aka "[[RedBaron Solo Wing Pixy]]", who combines attributes of a ''Zeta''- and ''CCA''-style Char. He's blonde, famous for a prior incident, and associated with a plane with a distinctive red-colored wing. He starts off as TheMentor to the protagonist (who, while having ''some'' cred before the game starts, is a total unknown compared to [[FamedInStory Pixy]]), but after losing faith in his reasons for fighting the eponymous war, turns on them, disappearing for most of the game before resurfacing at the finale [[RivalFinalBoss as the]] BigBad. |
| 200 | ** To a lesser extent is Yellow 13 of ''VideoGame/AceCombat04ShatteredSkies'', who is primarily a classic ''MSG'' Char. Blond hair, [[OnlyKnownByTheirNickname known mainly by]] a [[LawOfChromaticSuperiority color-themed nickname]], and heavily associated with a high-performance jet painted in that same color, he starts out with the protagonist as a sort of UnknownRival who only piques his interest at first by showing the potential to be very good. Said protagonist even cements his status as an actual rival to him by [[spoiler:accidentally (or rather unknowingly) killing a woman close to him, specifically Yellow 4]]. This in turn makes Mobius One something of an Amuro expy, in that at the end of the game he becomes the leader of his own squadron a la [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack Londo Bell]], is the only protagonist in the series known to remain in the military after his introductory game, and proves himself both in the Arcade Mode of ''VideoGame/{{Ace Combat 5|TheUnsungWar}}'' and the VR missions of ''VideoGame/{{Ace Combat 7|SkiesUnknown}}'' to be [[OneManArmy better than that entire squadron on his own]]. |
| 201 | ** Another minor example of an ''MSG''-style clone is in ''VideoGame/AceCombat2'' with the Z.O.E. planes. While they have no physical attributes to share with Char, being that at least in [[VideoGame/AceCombatAssaultHorizonLegacy the remake]] they're an A.I., they do share the predilection towards increasingly-higher-spec, all-red aircraft (eventually, similar to Char's Zeong, getting one of the series' first two unique "superfighters"), and they essentially force their way into being TheRival by being not only the sole recurring named enemy in the game, but also ''the'' single most aggressive one, always seeking you out from the beginning of a mission instead of waiting for you to get close on your own -- acknowledging the rivalry and shooting them down every time they show up is even required to get the best ending. At the end of the game they start to take on some minor ''CCA'' trappings, taking command of the defenses around the rebellion's last fortress, which is particularly pronounced in the remake, where a much bigger deal is made about their presence, and shooting them down there is an actual objective rather than being optional. |
| 202 | * Toyo Momochi from ''VideoGame/ActionTaimanin'' checks all three boxes. He's the ArchEnemy to one of the protagonists [[spoiler:not just Asagi Igawa, but also Kotaro Fuuma]] and has an estrange daughter who happens to be a Taimanin herself, and was Asagi's mentor before becoming disillusioned with the current state of the world as a result of the Nomad acting as {{Shadow Dictator}}s to some world governments, he instigates a global ZombieApocalypse in a similar vein to Char's attempt of dropping the Axis asteroid on Earth to force humans into migrating into space. He also attempts to expose the Nomad's evils to the world which could lead into an all-out war between humanity and demonkind until there would be no survivors on either side, an allusion to Char's Day of Dakar speech in ''[[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Zeta Gundam]]'' exposing the Titans and the corruption within the Earth Federation, [[BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork although Astaroth is the one who does the deed instead]]. |
| 203 | * ''VideoGame/ArmoredCore'' has Nineball/Hustler One, the highest ranking person in the arena. His AC is [[LawOfChromaticSuperiority red]] and is better than you in every way. This is mostly because [[spoiler:he's an AI]], and when he reveals this, he gets an AceCustom. He is so iconic in the ''Armored Core'' fanbase that every game after his initial appearance either uses him for TheCameo or has an {{Expy}} of him. [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/armoredcore/images/9/9f/9e3a76553d19448a53aa44e1855304eb989001a4.jpg His character design]] is also a nod to the idea, bearing a bit of a resemblance to Char's Quattro identity. [[spoiler:Presumably to keep the truth about him hidden from folks who bought the artbook before playing through the game.]] |
| 204 | * Yasha from ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'' has a bit of this going for him, with a cool personality, a mask of sorts and overall has more speed, skill and precision based combat to be a counterpart for Asura's raw power and strength. The color scheme is blue instead of red, to compliment him being the Blue Oni to Asura's Red Oni. Durga, Asura's (dead) wife, is his sister, making him Asura's brother-in-law. |
| 205 | * Gai, the BigBad of ''VideoGame/BangaiO'', has a few of these traits. He pilots a robot similar to the title one (with red wings added onto it, for good measure), not only sharing the same abilities, but also able to activate temporary invincibility ''[[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard at will]]''. He is also somewhat calmer than [[HotBlooded Riki]]. [[spoiler:On top of all that, the ending reveals Gai to be the long-lost brother of Ban, Riki's father. Which makes him Riki's uncle!]] |
| 206 | * ''Franchise/BlazBlue'': Relius Clover fights with a red robot [[spoiler:who is really Carl Clover's mother]], wears a mask that resembles Literature/ThePhantomOfTheOpera, is blond, is TheRival to [[spoiler:his son Carl]], is [[CoDragons co-]][[TheDragon Dragon]] to the Imperator Librarius (alongside [[spoiler:Hazama/Terumi]]). ''[[VideoGame/BlazBlueChronoPhantasma Chronophantasma]]'' took this even further by having a PaletteSwap of his that's a reference to the original. |
| 207 | * ''VideoGame/Bomberman64'' and [[VideoGame/Bomberman64TheSecondAttack its sequel]]: Regulus is TheRival to the titular hero, uses a fake name and is an EnigmaticMinion in the sequel, [[spoiler:even killing one of his own allies and going against the BigBad]], and is always seen wearing his CoolMask. |
| 208 | * ''VideoGame/DaemonXMachina'' has Crimson Lord, the top ace of the Bullet Works faction. His [[MiniMecha Arsenal]] is a very powerful and distinctively red machine, and he's driven by his own hidden agendas. He's even voiced by Creator/ShuichiIkeda with a rival voiced by Creator/ToruFuruya. |
| 209 | %%* ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriorsGundam'' series features several Char clones, as well as Char himself. The original, if memory serves, only has Char and Milliardo. The Sequel adds more of Char himself and adds Athrun. #3 adds Full Frontal and Shwartz Bruder to the player's options, and features Milliardo and Char fighting on the same side. Mr. Bushido is available as DLC. |
| 210 | %%** Lampshaded by Duo Maxwell in the third game upon meeting Full Frontal. |
| 211 | %%---> "How many people with goofy masks could there possibly be?" |
| 212 | %%** The number of Char clones in the game becomes truly absurd by the time of ''Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn'', which features Char Aznable/Quattro Bajeena, Anavel Gato, Glemy Toto, Full Frontal, Schwarz Bruder, Millardo Peacecraft/Zechs Marquise, Athrun Zala, Rau Le Creuset, Mu La Flaga/Neo Roanoake, Rey Za Burrel, and Graham Aker/Mister Bushido. ''All'' of these guys are playable characters to boot, which is just asking for a free-for-all mission to determine the Char-iest of them all. The closest the game gets is the random chance of a three-way fight between Char and two of his clones ([[AndZoidberg or Johnny Ridden]]) happening in almost any Ultimate Mode mission, prompting you to intervene to give one of them the win in the argument. |
| 213 | * ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' has a few, despite mecha never being the primary focus. |
| 214 | ** Nero tol Scaeva of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' has aspects of both an original ''MSG'' and ''Zeta''-era Char. He starts off as a high-ranking member of TheEmpire, associated with the color red (even his {{Magitek}} armor is all-red), and his characterization is as TheRival, albeit an {{unknown|Rival}} one, and to Cid nan Garlond [[GeniusBruiser as an engineer]] rather than the player character as a warrior. After the end of the 2.0 storyline, he defects from the Empire, joining Cid at Garlond Ironworks, wearing the same outfit as the other employees, though colored red and with the addition of CoolShades. |
| 215 | ** Ravus Nox Fleuret from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' also embodies many of the original Char's traits, despite never piloting any sort of mecha: blond hair, lost a parent to the villains, joins the villains' side to further his own agenda, holds a high rank in their military, and has a sister on the heroes' side; he also had a hood/mask covering his face in early material, but it was dropped in the final product. To take it one step further, his being a [[FallenPrincess former prince]] parallels fellow Char Clone Milliardo Peacecraft/Zechs Merquise. |
| 216 | * ''Franchise/FireEmblem'': |
| 217 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight'' and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem'': Camus is a blond-haired, highly skilled anti-villain. In the third game, Sirius, a masked, blond-haired, highly-skilled knight who you have totally never met before joins your party. Sounds familiar? Notably, Camus himself has spawned many clones that the fandom call the "Camus archetype" (although only [[VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar Eldigan and Ares]] are direct Char clones, even though neither of them wear masks). They typically fall under "MyCountryRightOrWrong", and sadly are usually killed off. The archetypes are largely distinct in that they tend to be based on Camus's personality, and he doesn't actually have much in common with Char personality-wise, being a goodhearted and loyal NobleTopEnforcer rather than a treacherous manipulator--far more similar to Ramba Ral than Char. |
| 218 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'': |
| 219 | *** "Marth". Mask? Check. Mysterious? Check. Better version of the hero's weapon? Check. Related to a major character? [[spoiler:[[SamusIsAGirl She]]'s the [[TheHero main lord]] Chrom's [[KidFromTheFuture daughter from the future]].]] |
| 220 | *** From the same game: Gerome. Another mysterious, masked character, who is related to [[spoiler:Cherche by way of KidFromTheFuture; she's not ''as'' important as Chrom, but Cherche does have some mild plot significance]]. It's even possible for Gerome to have blond hair. |
| 221 | ** ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemGaiden Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia]]'': The Masked Knight, a masked (duh) individual with mysterious motives who repeatedly saves Celica from danger, and is later revealed to be [[spoiler:her presumed-dead brother Conrad.]] |
| 222 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'': |
| 223 | *** The Flame Emperor, the DiscOneFinalBoss of the game's academy phase, who conceals their face with a helmet and a ceramic mask, seeking to destroy the Church of Seiros. Their true identity [[spoiler:is actually Edelgard, the protagonist of the Black Eagles route, who seeks to overthrow the crests and systems that govern Fodlan put in place by the church in a violent revolution]]. Even after their identity is revealed, they still fit the mold of a Char Clone, switching from a MSG-Type to a CCA-Type. |
| 224 | *** Jeritza, a highly skilled, masked, blond-haired teacher at Garreg Mach who is secretly the brother of [[spoiler:Mercedes]] and is the true identity of [[spoiler:the Death Knight]]. |
| 225 | * Hornet from ''VideoGame/HollowKnight'' has a white mask that contrasts with her black body, wears a red cloak, uses a combat style that emphasizes speed and precision and is a [[WakeUpCallBoss lot more complex]] than previous enemies had been using, appears to be attacking knights for reasons that aren't immediately clear, and eventually turns out to be [[spoiler:the protagonist's]] older half sister. If you're on the path to the GoldenEnding, she'll stop attacking and will provide occasional advice and help. |
| 226 | * There aren't any mechs in VideoGame/HeroesOfMana but General Baxilios still has the look, being a blonde and masked woman in her 20's heading the army of [[TheEmpire Pedda]] to conquer the rest of Fa'Diel and power the mysterious Mirrors of Esina in each kingdom. [[spoiler: She was also once an item with Yurchael before miscarrying their baby and becoming Anise's BrainwashedAndCrazy puppet]]. |
| 227 | * ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'': Ash Crimson is an odd example of this archetype in that he embodies the traits of all three variations of Char at once. He wears red, sports platinum-blond hair, essentially upstages the entire collective cast at every turn (no, really), and schemes to steal the powers of the ''[[PublicDomainArtifact Three]]'' [[PublicDomainArtifact Sacred Treasures]] (Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru; he succeeds in depowering [[spoiler:the latter two]]). He's set up as a {{Hidden Agenda|Villain}} VillainProtagonist, [[spoiler:but is shown to be a WellIntentionedExtremist, working to counter-act his time-hopping [[IdenticalGrandson Identical Ancestor]] in order to keep his best friend/older sister figure/rival Elisabeth safe.]] |
| 228 | * ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'': Meta Knight is the eponymous hero's rival, mentor, AloofAlly, and one-time WellIntentionedExtremist. He wears a mask, commands a {{Cool|Airship}} {{Faceship}}, and fights with techniques similar to Kirby's Sword and Wing abilities. The DramaticUnmask is {{parodied}}; whenever Meta Knight is beaten, his mask comes off and he's revealed to look like a blue PaletteSwap of Kirby before he bashfully teleports away. |
| 229 | * ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel'' has Crow Armbrust, the rival to TheHero Rean. Crow is a more skilled pilot than Rean who he trounces almost every time he fights until Rean builds enough experience to actually beat him. He's the leader of a terrorist group out to assassinate the chancellor for inadvertently killing his grandfather, and does wear a mask when he's assuming the disguise "C". He also dispenses advice to Rean so he does have some of Char's "Quattro Bajeena" persona. For bonus points: Crow has pale-white hair and has the RedBaron title of Azure Chevalier, indicating the color of his Divine Knight, and [[spoiler: briefly gains an eyes-covering mask in the third game, altough by that point he's more BrainwashedAndCrazy than anything else.]] |
| 230 | * ''VideoGame/MechaAce'', a digital {{Gamebook|s}}, features a rival AcePilot named Commandant Camille Hawkins, complete with blond hair, CoolMask, AceCustom mech, and RedBaron status. Biggest difference is a blue colour scheme instead of red... and potentially a GenderFlip (the player can optionally select NPC genders). |
| 231 | * In ''VideoGame/MegadimensionNeptuniaVII'', a character that appears in the Lowee storyline known as Azna=Leb (he even goes so far as to paraphrase a rather infamous line from the series -- "Y-you hit me! Even my own father never hit me! H-How dare you punch my face... with a fist even!" -- when Blanc strikes him in anger at the end of the storyline too). |
| 232 | * ''Franchise/MegaMan'': |
| 233 | ** ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'': It wouldn't be much of a stretch at all to assume Proto Man was a Char (or more specifically, [[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam a Quattro]]). CoolShades and a helmet that hides his identity, ''is'' a red robot with considerable speed and agility advantages over Mega Man, has a not-initially-disclosed relation to a main character (and as an AloofBigBrother no less), sometimes an enemy, sometimes an ally, and usually set up as a rival or mentor as the plot requires (and sometimes both). It's also worth noting that Creator/KeijiInafune gave him the very distinctive boat-tailed Gelgoog riot shield that tapers to a point at both ends. |
| 234 | ** ''VideoGame/MegaManX'': |
| 235 | *** [[WordOfGod According to Inafune]], Zero was inspired by Char. |
| 236 | *** Dynamo of ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX5 X5]]'' is also built up as such, particularly the old-fashioned ''MSG''-style rival (although he's more of a FriendlyEnemy in demeanor). He wears black instead of red, but otherwise exhibits most of the traits associated with Char clones. He has the white hair, a visor on his helmet that covers his eyes, and is even [[InformedAttribute said]] to have skills equaling or perhaps surpassing that of a [[RankInflation Special A]] Class Hunter. [[note]]X and Zero are respectively ranked B and Special A at that point in time.[[/note]] He's also responsible for carrying out the part of Sigma's plan that involves a ''CCA''-esque ColonyDrop. Despite possessing abilities similar to X and Zero's combined skillset, however, his threat level diminishes throughout ''X5'', as he's soundly defeated by X/Zero twice and [[VillainExitStageLeft retreats each time]], not even showing up for the final stages unlike other Sigma-affiliated baddies. By the time of ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX6 X6]]'', Dynamo is considered little more than a nuisance by the Maverick Hunters; that being said, he's still smart enough [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere to know when to call it quits]]. |
| 237 | ** ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'': |
| 238 | *** The cold, aloof, and extremely skilled [=NetNavi=] [=ProtoMan=].EXE (along with his equally cold, aloof, and extremely skilled operator Chaud) who ticks off a lot of marks on the Char Clone checklist: wearing red, wearing a helmet with a face-concealing mask, long light-colored hair, extreme combat competence, a rivalry with the primary-colored protagonist, and a notable pride in his abilities. He also happens to hit several points for Char's ''Mobile Suits'' as well, most notably with his swordsmanship (Char was a more melee-focused combatant as compared to Amuro) and the single backwards-facing crest reminiscent of a Zeon commander antenna, such as the one found on Char's various Zeon-type suits. He retains the original Proto Man's shield, sharing its boat-tailed shape with that of the Gelgoog's shield. He is also noted to be ''extremely'' fast in combat, in the same way that Char's Zaku was reportedly three times faster than the stock model. |
| 239 | *** Zero.EXE, who is featured as the antagonist of the first half of ''[[VideoGame/MegaManNetworkTransmission Network Transmission]]'', shares his red color scheme and his swordsmanship with his namesake, thereby also emulating Char. In a slight twist, since [=ProtoMan=].EXE is already a CompositeCharacter of the original Proto Man and Zero, Zero.EXE bears more of a resemblance to various Mobile Suits [[labelnote:(such as...)]][[Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam Gundam Mk-II]] (which Char actually had a chance to pilot in ''Zeta Gundam''), [[Anime/AfterWarGundamX Gundam Virsago]], and [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Gundam Epyon]][[/labelnote]] than his ''X'' series counterpart, making him look more inhuman and menacing in the process. His first and foremost trait calls ''Char's Counterattack'' to mind, though Zero follows Dr. Wily's plan to destroy the Net with the Zero Virus for the sake of mankind as opposed to spearheading it himself. This, along with his TragicVillain status (being a virus created solely for the purpose of wreaking havoc and expecting to be deleted by [=MegaMan=] for this very reason), instead leads to Zero being spared and reborn as a genuine [=NetNavi=]--provided the player makes the right choices. |
| 240 | * Gray Fox of ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' hits different points in the series. In ''VideoGame/MetalGear1'', he was TheMentor to Snake, at least in dialogue. In ''VideoGame/MetalGear2SolidSnake'', he upgrades to TheRival, albeit ones who are completely impersonal with each other - they fight not because they have any animosity, but simply because they're on opposite sides and respect each other too much to ''not'' test themselves. In ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'', he's a mix of classic Char (he fights Snake several times, but has a different agenda from FOXHOUND despite technically being part of them, and his sister is part of Snake's support team) and Quattro (he still acts as a mentor to Snake, calling him under the alias "Deepthroat" to warn him of danger several times). |
| 241 | %%* ''VideoGame/Mother3'': The Masked Man is revealed to be [[spoiler:Lucas' long lost twin brother, Claus]]. |
| 242 | * ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden III'': The Regent is an EnigmaticMinion who wears a [[WhiteMaskOfDoom white mask]] and red robe. [[spoiler:He is also shown to have blonde hair when unmasked]]. |
| 243 | * ''VideoGame/Persona5'' has its primary human antagonist, Masayoshi Shido. He's a mix of all three types with his Shadow wearing a very similar style of mask (''0079''), riding around on a very golden embodiment of human slavery (''Zeta''), and his motivations being to helm the world for the sake of "exceptional" people like himself (''Char's Counterattack''). He's also got the same voice actor as Char, Creator/ShuichiIkeda, in Japanese, and the voice actor of Char's closest clone [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamUnicorn Full Frontal]], Creator/KeithSilverstein, in English. The trope also splits with Akechi inheriting his color scheme and vengeance for family affairs and Joker taking on his mentor role for Shinya Oda. |
| 244 | * ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet'' gives us a pokemon based on the trope with Charcadet, a small, humanoid fire-type that resembles a young soldier in red with an elaborate helmet and mask, which can evolve into either the larger red humanoid Armarouge, gaining elaborate golden shoulder armor, giving it a passing resemblance to both Char's Zaku and the Hyakku Shiki, or the purple Ceruledge, who uses hand-mounted energy weapons not unlike the Zeong (though {{Laser Blade}}s rather than FingerFirearms). Its evolved forms gain either psychic or ghost as a secondary typing, referencing Char's developing Newtype powers in the later part of the series, and perhaps his tormented relationship with the ghost of Lalah Sune in the final act. What really drives home the fact that it's a deliberate ShoutOut to ''Gundam'', however, is the fact that Charcadet's shiny version is identical to the normal one apart from having blue eyes, a reference to Casval [[PrinceAndPauper and]] [[IdenticalStranger the]] [[TheRealRemingtonSteele real Char Aznable]] in ''Manga/MobileSuitGundamTheOrigin'''s flashback arc. |
| 245 | * ''[[Creator/AliceSoft Rance]]'': Rick Addison is a patriotic masked blond bishonen clad in red armor who is considered to be the greatest warrior in his nation, and serves as the WorthyOpponent to the main character. Knowing [[AffectionateParody the series]], however, he's most likely intended to be a parody. |
| 246 | * ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' has Albert Wesker, although of course it's not a mecha series. He is blond, with CoolShades, and is a DarkMessiah and for much of the series a HiddenAgendaVillain, who has a rivalry with protagonist Chris Redfield. He's mostly a Char's Counterattack version of the character, especially in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil5'' where he wants to kill the majority of the world's population (by bombing them with Uroboros from a plane: not quite an asteroid, but as close as this series gets), leaving only a few "superior" people alive, which he describes as "saving" the world. However, in [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil1 the first game]], he has a few traits from ''Zeta'', as he is a leader and mentor to the protagonists ([[ItWasHisSled although he's actually an evil double agent]]). |
| 247 | * ''Franchise/ShinMegamiTensei'': Frost Ace's entry discusses that he put on his mask in order to exact unspecified vengeance, and his mask is modeled after the original. It's where the "Ace" in his name comes from, as he's never actually shown piloting anything. |
| 248 | * In ''VideoGame/SierraOps'', the charismatic Martian Admiral that leads the Ares Confederation has silver hair and wears a mask with a red visor that conceals the upper half of his face. Whether he has a RedBaron title or pilots an AceCustom Exoframe remains to be seen, but he’s leading his people into a war against Earth as of Episode I, setting him up as the ''Char’s Counterattack'' type. |
| 249 | * ''VideoGame/SkiesOfArcadia'': The [[AerithAndBob oddly-named]] Ramirez starts out as a lowly vice-admiral in the Valuan Empire, carrying out the orders of seditious Galcian. In due course he is promoted to full admiral and commits a few war crimes of his own, including the sinking of the ''Little Jack'', the shelling of Nasir, and the destruction of Crescent Isle. He is [[spoiler:a space-dwelling Silvite]], the first agent who was sent to reactivate the lost continent of Soltis and extinguish all life on the surface. The irony is that he and his replacement, Fina, apparently did not know about the Elders' plans for genocide; but Galcian took Ramirez under his wing and, in the process, learned about Soltis and its potential as a world-conquering weapon. Anyway, Ramirez shares more than a little in common with [=SoA's=] hero Vyse: a swordsman and sailor with an incurable wanderlust. Ramirez spent too much time amid Galcian's people, which confirms the Silvites' belief that man is beyond saving; Fina accidentally drifted to Vyse's hometown of Pirate Isle. The difference is one of circumstance. |
| 250 | * In ''VideoGame/SteambotChronicles'', Elder the White Phantom is the reigning trotmobile champion, with a trotmobile that is way more powerful than anything else in the game. He wears a white mask to hide his identity. [[spoiler:He is also the leader of the Bloody Mantis, the terrorist organization that is trying to destroy modern society, and a former member of the band you joined, whose little brother was also a band member before he was killed.]] |
| 251 | * ''Franchise/StreetFighter'': |
| 252 | ** Ken Masters has blonde hair and a red gi to contrast with Ryu's brown hair and white gi; [[WordOfGod Yoshiki Okamoto has stated]] Ryu's opposite was purposely given a Char look. |
| 253 | ** Vega/Balrog/Claw probably qualifies as well. Blond hair, CoolMask. More towards the BigBad end of the scale. |
| 254 | * Doujin game ''VideoGame/SuperCosplayWarUltra'' has Masa, who cosplays as the Red Comet and uses Char's voice clips (his theme song is also Char's theme from one of the ''Super Robot Wars'' games). He also fits the AceCustom trope by being a more powerful version of one of the standard {{Mook}} types that cosplay as Zakus (the mobile suit type from which the Red Comet was derived from). |
| 255 | * ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'': |
| 256 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'': Elzam von Branstein is a blond [[OfficerAndAGentleman nobleman and military officer]] from an orbital colony, a true believer of the sometimes-corrupt Divine Crusaders' original cause (to fortify Earth against AlienInvasion by any means necessary), whose estranged brother Raidiese is a pilot in the main cast. He's known for piloting AceCustom {{Real Robot}}s with [[RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver a distinctive black-and-red colour scheme]], all of which he calls "Trombé" (after the name of his dead horse), and has such incredible evasion skills that he makes an excellent ''tank''. He's also known for dramatic entrances (at one point making a DynamicEntry with a ''battleship''), helped along by a GoodBadBug which causes his theme song to override all other music in battle. |
| 257 | *** After going into hiding between the first and second games, Elzam takes up a Quattro role as "Rätsel", rejoining the heroes with a pair of goggles and more easygoing outlook. His disguise being [[PaperThinDisguise a terrible one]] which the military only plays along with for PlausibleDeniability is frequently PlayedForLaughs, down to him making his entrance in a black-and-red AceCustom while accompanied by his [[AscendedMeme now-memetic theme music]] and yelling things like "Gallop, Trombé!" on open channels. |
| 258 | ---->'''Rätsel:''' "My name is Rätsel. Rätsel Feinschmecker." |
| 259 | ---->'''Vigagi:''' "Your name is [[AtrociousAlias 'Mysterious Gourmet'?]] Is my [[UniversalTranslator translator]] broken?". |
| 260 | *** Elzam even shares a [[Creator/TetsuInada voice actor]] with Gundam's Harry Ord. Which comes full circle with a ShoutOut, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DX_IaXs5YQ "Ratsel, he is an ORD."]][[note]]For those who don't get it, Elzam[=/=]Ratsel is quoting Ord with his "[[{{Kiai}} UNIVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE]]" line.[[/note]] |
| 261 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsCompact2'': Kyosuke Nanbu and his [[BattleCouple girlfriend/wingman]] Excellen Browning are loosely modelled on Char and Amuro respectively. Kyosuke's signature unit, the [[GratuitousGerman Alt Eisen]] ("Scrap Iron") is a horned red SuperPrototype which despite using only "conventional" technology is loaded with such heavy weapons[[note]]Including a PileBunker, a "[[HotBlade Heat]] [[HornAttack Horn]]" and massive shoulder-mounted "Claymore Launchers" which [[ShortRangeShotgun function like fully-automatic shotguns loaded with buckshot]][[/note]] and armour that it can perform the battlefield role of a SuperRobot in a much smaller package. Initially designed as a successor model to [[TheWorkhorse the ubiquitous Gespenst Mk-II]], it was rejected for its [[CloseRangeCombatant lack of long-range capabilities]] and [[FlawedPrototype its poor weight distribution making it incredibly hard to control]]. Kyosuke himself acts as TheRival and TheMentor while on [[AscendedFanboy Ryusei]]'s route in ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration Original Generation]]'', and while his hair isn't fully blond it does have blond tips ({{Lampshaded}} in one of the 4komas where Quattro claims that Kyosuke was trying to dye his hair blond so that he can become a complete Char Clone). |
| 262 | *** Kyosuke and the Alt have proven popular to spawn a number of clones in their own right (sometimes with an Excellen clone in tow), both within the ''SRW'' franchise and without. Examples include [[VideoGame/EndlessFrontier Haken Browning]], [[VideoGame/ProjectXZone Reiji Arisu]] and [[Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaAs Vita]]. |
| 263 | ** ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha Super Robot Wars Alpha 2]]'': Sleigh Presty, who pilots a high-speed red mech and gains the nickname of the "Scarlet Comet." The characters were actually going to call her something starting with "Re-", but one of them [[BreakingTheFourthWall breaks the fourth wall]] to stop them, saying [[YouWannaGetSued they'll be sued]] if they finish the joke. And once again, you can have her face off against the real "Red Comet" in her debut game. |
| 264 | ** ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsW'': Applicant, who wears a mask, commands a red battleship, and is [[spoiler:the main character's father reborn in android form]]. In-story, he is considered one of the most dangerous enemies you ever face. |
| 265 | * ''VideoGame/TechRomancer'': Shadow Red is based on Char, to the point of being voiced by Creator/ShuichiIkeda. |
| 266 | * ''VideoGame/{{Xenogears}}'': Bart is an exiled nobleman's son and pilots a red AceCustom mecha, though he substitutes an EyepatchOfPower for CoolShades. |
| 267 | * ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders'' features the main rival pilot Viola Gyune piloting red LEV mechs. |
| 268 | [[/folder]] |
| 269 | |
| 270 | [[folder:Visual Novels]] |
| 271 | * Luna-Terra is ''VisualNovel/HeavenWillBeMine'''s take on the Char Clone. She's the light-haired AcePilot RedBaron of the Memorial Foundation. She's also previously, openly betrayed the organization she still works for, and is OlderAndWiser than the other protagonists. |
| 272 | * While not from a mecha game (and thus not a mech pilot), Godot from ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyTrialsAndTribulations'' meets some of the criteria of a Char Clone. To wit, he's a masked, white-haired stranger who's introduced as an enigma with quite the reputation, he has an intense rivalry with the main charcter (if mostly from his side in his particular case), he's revealed to have been connected to another major cast member ([[spoiler:namely, he and Mia used to be lovers]]), and while introduced as antagonistic he reveals more sympathetic qualities over the course of the story. Earlier concept art actually shows that his mask looked a lot like Char Aznable's before the makers settled on the design seen in the final version. |
| 273 | * ''VisualNovel/RoboticsNotes'': {{Invoked}} by Subaru, who hides his entry to the Robo-One tournament (in which he acts as a rival) by adopting the [[LargeHam hammy]] persona of [[ThisIsMyNameOnForeign "Mr. Pleiades"]], including a Char-esque costume with mask. Similar to the ''Manga/CaseClosed'' example, his full name "Hida'''ka Subaru'''" is also pronounced in Japanese like Char's real name "Casval". Subaru overall is shown to be a fan of {{Real Robot}}s in contrast to the {{Super Robot}}s which catch most of the Robotics Club's admiration (though, amusingly, [[StopHavingFunGuy he also insists that the entire Real/Super distinction is just marketing tripe that real fans don't buy into]]). |
| 274 | * ''VisualNovel/{{Sunrider}}'': Veniczar Arcadius wears a face-concealing elf mask, pilots a red[[note]]although to be fair, all PACT vessels are red[[/note]] AceCustom [[AMechByAnyOtherName Ryder]], is searching for [[AbusivePrecursors ancient Ryuvian]] LostTechnology for unknown purposes, and is related to [[spoiler:the Sunrider’s chief engineer Chigara Ashada by dint of them both being [[ArtificialHuman Prototype]] clones]]. And, as the charismatic dictator of the [[PeoplesRepublicOfTyranny People’s Alliance for Common Treatment]] and a GalacticConqueror, Arcadius is definitely the BigBad type of Char Clone. Liberation Day shows that [[spoiler:Alice, the primary Arcadius, also has [[CloneAngst issues with being a Prototype]] and an omnicidal, misanthropic hatred of humanity]], effectively making Arcadius [[spoiler:[[SamusIsAGirl a gender-swapped]]]] Rau le Creuset. |
| 275 | [[/folder]] |
| 276 | |
| 277 | [[folder:Webcomics]] |
| 278 | * ''Operator'': Just about the only named enemy character is blond-haired HumongousMecha ace Jaeger, who incidentally wears red and seems to exist purely to fight the main character one-on-one. |
| 279 | %%* Laur Aios is a classic Char Clone, what with his pale hair, hidden agenda, and long lost (albeit very distant) relative among the cast. Whilst Laur is not a rival to the main character, his betrayal of the main group is similar to Char's betrayal of Garma in the original anime series (though both were motivated by entirely different reasons). |
| 280 | * ''Webcomic/{{Paranatural}}'': Mr. Spender is a shady, morally gray blond mentor figure who always wears sunglasses. Most definitely a Zeta Char Clone. |
| 281 | [[/folder]] |
| 282 | |
| 283 | [[folder:Web Video]] |
| 284 | * [[WebVideo/HoshinoChar Hoshino Charlotte]] (better known as "Hoshino Char") is a VirtualYoutuber who follows this motif, with references to Char and Gundam in general that extend to calling her cat Casval[[note]]Char's real name[[/note]] and claiming that she can use the bathroom three times faster than normal. Naturally, her design includes blonde hair and red clothing. She doesn't have a mask, but she does sometimes wear a pair of Quattro-style shades (usually to invoke the "I came here to laugh at you" meme). Ironically she has also echoed Char's habit of switching sides, having quit her VTuber agency (while retaining her character) and later joined another. |
| 285 | * WebSite/YouTube commentator [=ItsAGundam=] has a digital avatar that looks like Char Anzable with a tan and black hair (he's American/Italian living in New York City). He took his name from his hobby of building ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' model kits, and uses a soundbyte of EnemyChatter from one of the shows (some poor schmuck yelling "IT'S A GUNDAAAM!") as his intro. |
| 286 | [[/folder]] |
| 287 | |
| 288 | [[folder:Western Animation]] |
| 289 | * ''WesternAnimation/MegasXLR'': Evil Coop from the show's finale. His Mecha #14 had a strong resemblance to Char's Sazabi, while his army resemble Zakus (and of course, as Coop, he's blond). |
| 290 | * ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'': Jade Nguyen aka Cheshire is an assassin who wears a mask with red markings. She is the sister to one of the heroes, Artemis Crock aka Tigress. While Cheshire is a villain, she is not without her sympathetic traits, namely her love for her sister, her daughter and her husband. She has even helped the heroes on occasion. |
| 291 | [[/folder]] |
| 292 | ---- |
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