Puff, Puff, Pass: Anime Characters Who Light Up
Cigarettes have long been a symbol of rebelliousness and coolness in media, and anime is no exception. While smoking is generally frowned upon in modern society, some iconic characters in anime have embraced the habit, making them even more intriguing and relatable.
Here are some of the most memorable anime characters who smoke:
The Anti-Heroes:
- Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop): This cool and collected bounty hunter is known for his love of jazz, whiskey, and cigarettes. His smoking habit adds to his rugged, world-weary persona and acts as a reminder of his past.
- Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100): Reigen, the con artist psychic, enjoys smoking as a way to appear more mysterious and intimidating. His cigarettes often fuel his moments of bravado and deception.
- Vicious (Cowboy Bebop): The antithesis of Spike, Vicious is a ruthless and dangerous criminal. His smoking habit is a subtle display of his arrogance and disregard for consequences.
The Mysterious and Brooding:
- Light Yagami (Death Note): The brilliant but twisted protagonist of Death Note, Light often smokes while plotting his next move. His smoking habit reflects his growing darkness and obsession with power.
- L Lawliet (Death Note): The enigmatic detective who hunts Light, L also smokes, though in a much more subdued manner. His smoking is a reflection of his tireless dedication to his work and his unusual habits.
- Alucard (Hellsing Ultimate): This powerful vampire is known for his chilling charisma and penchant for smoking cigars. His smoking, like his personality, is a deliberate act of defiance against the world.
The Unconventional and Cool:
- Jin (Samurai Champloo): This samurai with a unique sense of style frequently smokes while on the road. His smoking habit adds to his unconventional and rebellious nature.
- Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul): The protagonist of Tokyo Ghoul, Kaneki experiences a dramatic shift in his personality after becoming a ghoul. His smoking habit is a visual representation of his struggle to cope with his new identity.
The Controversial Characters:
While some characters are celebrated for their smoking habits, others have been criticized for perpetuating the stereotype of smoking as a cool and glamorous activity. It's important to note that smoking is harmful to your health and should not be romanticized.
Ultimately, the inclusion of smoking in anime serves various purposes, from highlighting character personality to contributing to the overall atmosphere of the story. It's a complex element that sparks discussion and debate, making it an integral part of the anime landscape.