Reception
Athrun's character has been well received by anime fans, having appeared various time in the Anime Grand Prix popularity polls in the category of favorite male characters. He came in second in 2002, fourth in 2003, first in 2004, second in 2005, and third in 2006. In a Newtype poll, Athrun was voted as the third most popular male anime character from the 2000s. Two Sunrise polls asked fans what was the most memorable characters from Gundam SEED and from Gundam SEED Destiny; Athrun was fifth in the former and third in the latter. In the poll focused in the best team ups between former enemies, he and Kira were second. In another poll, Athrun was voted as the most annoying Gundam character with focus on his role in Gundam SEED Destiny. His Japanese voice actor Akira Ishida won as the most popular voice actor in the Seiyu Awards 2004 for his portrayal as Athrun in the category "Best Actors in supporting roles". Athrun, along with five other notable mecha and pilots from the various Gundam series, were recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in Japan in 2005.
Critical reception for Athrun's character has often been positive. THEM Anime Reviews' Derrick L. Tucker cited him as strong character with his questions regarding war resembling Kira's. Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment stated that while Gundam SEED was primarily focused on Kira's growth, Athrun often "stole the show in a lot of ways" citing their rivalry and his angst displayed during its final episodes. Comments have also been focused on Athrun's and Kira's relationship with IGN's Andy Patrizio disliking the number of times both of them shouted each other's names. Writing for Mania Entertainment, Kim Wolstenholme was worried about how much would Kira's and Athrun's relationship would be focused in Gundam SEED, but liked how Lacus's introduction also added tension to it, because of how she and Kira started relating despite Athrun being engaged with her. Moreover, Ross Liversidge from UK Anime Network enjoyed the development from their rivalry as it resulted in well done fight scenes from each of their mobile suits. Furthermore, Athrun's confrontations with Cagalli across the series were praised due to how their characters' were developed while talking with each other. Reviewing the manga of Gundam SEED Destiny Julie Gray from Comic Book Bin praised his relationship with Cagalli, emphasizing how integral is it to the story. Don Houston from DVDTalk commented on Athrun's background regarding his actions against his father to stop his plans "in the name of super greater calling". Houston also wondered about his future actions in Gundam SEED Destiny regarding his return to ZAFT as well as how his relationship with Durandal would be developed. Athrun's last battle against Shinn Asuka in Gundam SEED Destiny was Liversidge's favorite moment from the DVD he reviewed mainly due to how the former gives the latter "a much deserved kicking" with Athrun losing his temper. Samuel Vincent's portrayal as Athrun in Gundam SEED Destiny was pointed by Carl Kimlinger from Anime News Network as one of the strongest ones from the casting.
Read more about this topic: Athrun Zala
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