Epic anime women

*Includes spoilers. All media credits go to their owners.*

Over the years I've seen quite a few animes and wether they're shoujo, shounen, slice of life, romance, drama or any other genre, there is this one thing that has always bothered me. The lack of powerful women. Sure, there are a few that have neat tricks up their sleeves or they provide strong support. But as for being actually strong on equal terms to male characters, there are very very few.

First, lets make it clear: powerful does NOT equal headstrong or tsundere. Powerful in the sense of having physical (or mental if the anime is about that particular feat) strength of their own - that does not revolve around kicking boys in the head and causing nose bleeds
The second prequisite is that there have to be some, but at least one, male characters of equal strength. Why? Because it's not really any kind of competition if there are only women, now is it? Wether we women like it or not, men are physically stronger, so if it's only females battling it out then there is always room for "A strong man could've beaten them all!"
Third, the woman has to be - if not human - then at least organical. If they're already modified with electrical gadgets and metal, well, it doesn't really count as fair play anymore. Also, it leaves room for: "She only beat him cause she's a cyborg."
And finally - no guns. I mean I don't mind girls with guns, but how would I count it as a strength? Are women stronger when they have guns? Sure, I guess. But aren't men? Yeah, they are. But how do I calculate this as a strength? Was Yoko from TTGL strong? I mean I guess she was - she had to carry that massive thing around. Was it equal to Simon and Kamina...? How about Riza Hawkeye from FMA? And Seras Victoria from Hellsing? I mean she was a vampire so she was obviously strong, but can we compare it to Alucard? I don't know and I'm no expert regarding guns so I'm leaving them out. End of story.

Now a little explanation of why I'm interested at all. Since women are naturally weaker, it's only logical to give them other kind of strengths and tools. They can be healers, supporters and tamers of their men, mental guides - anything that involves nurturing and caring. It seems that especially Japanese people value women by their grace and gentleness. 
And that's fine. I don't mind characters like Nagisa from Clannad, who tries hard to grow on her own and be there for Tomoya; Winry from FMA - the mental and mechanical support of Ed and Al; Mayuri from Steins;Gate who with her simple and gentle personality helps lift everyone to their potential and bind the group together; and the classical Tomoe from Rurouni Kenshin working as a sheath to Kenshin's sword. Many others as well, I'm sure everyone has their own favourites.

But then in other end of that Japanese grace are the loud obnoxious female characters that hide their weaknesses behind a hurricane of emotion and farce. Mostly they make me want to smash their stupid faces into brick walls. 
Like Sakura from Naruto. Yeah? So you decided you'd go after Sasuke to finish him on your own, failed miserably and had to be saved by the man whose feelings you keep ignoring? Or Asuka from NGE. So your mommy doesn't recognize you, how about you take it out on poor Shinji, eh? Even Saber from FS/N. Of course it's Shirou's fault that she's not at her full power, but that doesn't change the reality of how her runs in and gets beaten up all the time. God dammit, woman! Stop that!
I'm sure not everyone agrees on these particular characters, but imagine there's that one character you find annoying. And then there's dozens and dozens of these characters - they appear to be stronger than average but get themselves in trouble all the time just the same.

So when watching a shounen or anime similarly filled with action, it's like a fresh breeze when some anime women turn out to be pretty worthy on their own. For a change, you don't have to think: 'Dammit, why did she show up? She's only going to get in the Hero's way' and instead you can actually catch yourself going: 'Hell yeah, backup! She's gonna come kick some serious butt!'

So you can imagine how happy it makes me, to finally be able to actually look up to someone.

I have compiled a short list of the epic anime females, that make me smile.

5. Natsume Maya

Natsume Maya

Maya is treading on the edge of my criterias. She never actually managed to beat the beautiful Takayanagi Mitsuomi nor her incest-oriented brother Shin, but she was still portrayed good enough to train the Hero, Souichiro Nagi, as well as the younger Takayanagi brother. Her methods were refined, her style unquestionable. It was a great choice by the creators that she often walked around in her child-form, drawing the attention off her ridiculously "feminine" shape and giving room for some genuine wisdom and respect. Even if she wasn't truly all that strong, I'm glad there is a full-time female mentor character out there.

4. Kirigakure Shura

Pupil of the previous strongest exorcist and kind of a senpai to Rin and Yukio, Shura is displayed as a real crowd pleaser. Barely covered, fond of drinking and video games, Shura also comes with a mysteriously dangerous past. What's there not to like, right? Right?

3. Shihouin Yoruichi

Shihouin Yoruichi

Compared to the other candidates, this one stands out due to the normal size of her chest. Rare sight. I'm guessing bigger boobs in anime are supposed to remind us that this is after all a woman and not a strong man in disguise...
Now, if I had the ability to turn into a cat... well, purr. 
Although Yoruichi might lose a bit edge as the show evolves, at least in the first saga she makes a pretty meaningful appearance. She isn't shown to take on Byakuya entirely, but then again she isn't afraid to snatch Ichigo right from under his nose. It is a little disappointing that when the Arrancarr saga starts, she needs to be saved by Urahara during her fight with Yammy. But at the end of the day - she was a captain, the inventor of shunko and the Goddess of shunpo. Also, if Urahara treats her as an equal.... *wink wink*

2. Hamyuts Meseta

Hamyuts Meseta

If you've ever watched Tatakau Shisho - the Book of Bantorra, you're bound to remember this name forever. Mainly because of how the meats constantly repeated it. Hamyutsu Meseta o korose! Something of the like anyway.

But I'm guessing her chest, bunny-embroidered white shirts and godlike abilities with a sling will contribute to the purpose quite nicely. It's true that she was programmed to behave like she did in order to kill Ruruta, however throughout the series we are shown bits of her that are still very much human. The ending and Matt's feelings for her only highlight it and prove that she is one awesome woman!

As a sidenote: Aaaahh, what a nice grown-up relationship - no nosebleeds, no embarrassment. 

1. Erza Scarlet

Erza Scarlet

Erza, the beautiful scarlet goddess of magic and armor. Among the five that I mentioned, this one fits the job description best. Finally, FINALLY there is one epic woman that brings hope and strength with her. When watching Fairy Tail, you just know, that if Natsu or the others are in trouble and if Erza finally shows up, hope has returned. She fights Laxus and his thunder palace, Midnight, Azuma, one of the toughest enemies to beat - herself in Edolas form, not to mention Jellal, the man he loves. And many others. Erza carries pride, righteousness and amazing conviction with her head held high making her definitely the most desirable anime woman to look up to.

Go go, Erza! Beat them all in the hopefully-upcoming-magic-tournament-after-starry-heavens-arc!

P.S. Don't tell me what happens in the manga!

I have more grains to spill next Friday. In the meanwhile you can share your opinion  - which female characters do you find epic?