Why is Zero Two So Popular?

Have you ever wondered why Zero Two is such a beloved character?

I’m here to shed light on why Zero Two became an instant sensation, capturing the hearts of many when Darling in the Franxx first aired in 2018.

Five years have passed, and she remains one of the most sought-after waifus in Discord’s Waifubot, while her presence continues to grace platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

To put it plainly, Zero Two’s popularity can be attributed to her status as the ultimate ‘waifu bait’ character, designed to be irresistible waifu material from the start. To delve deeper into this, waifu bait characters are typically at least moderately attractive and possess traits that appeal to a broad range of people.

Zero Two was crafted to elicit a romantic and sexual allure among anime viewers. Her character underwent a transformation, evolving from a wild and untamed girl into a more docile persona relatively quickly.

Let’s analyze the factors that contribute to her immense popularity, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this intriguing subject.

Anime

Darling in the Franxx holds the 61st position in popularity and boasts a membership of over 1,6 million fans on MyAnimeList (MAL). It’s only natural for the main female character of this anime to be destined for popularity.

As of 2023, approximately 36,000 individuals have selected Zero Two as their favorite character on MAL. While this number might not appear substantial at first glance, it positions her as the 8th most popular female character in the database!

Appearance

Zero Two’s distinct features include pink hair, prominent horns, pale skin, and adorable makeup, setting her apart from other characters. She can be likened to a hot dino girl with undeniable allure.

Character

Now, this is where it gets particularly intriguing. She was intentionally crafted to stand out as the superior main character of Darling in the Franxx. Consequently, when compared to her, all the other female characters in the anime come across as, at best, average.

Beyond her endearing habit of saying ‘darling’ in an affectionate manner, Zero Two possesses a substantial backstory that evokes sympathy. However, I believe that this alone isn’t the primary factor behind her immense popularity.

She exhibits numerous traits that strongly resonate with shut-in otakus and gamers, who constitute a significant portion of the anime’s primary audience. Anime enthusiasts tend to lean towards introverted and reserved personalities, making her an ideal match for their preferences.

Some other reasons why Zero 002 is a perfect match for the majority of anime lovers

Zero Two’s compatibility with the majority of anime lovers can be attributed to several key reasons.

She maintains an air of inaccessibility to everyone except the main male character, displaying an assertive and proactive nature rather than waiting for the boy to make the first move.

Additionally, the anime’s narrative progression initially portrays Zero Two as wild and playful, especially in her interactions with Hiro. This dynamic undergoes a significant transformation as she begins to develop feelings for Hiro and ultimately falls in love with him. As a result, she shares her most intimate emotions and fosters a profound and powerful bond.

By the way, is Zero Two your favorite anime girl as well? 🙂