Anime That Let a Black Girl Pilot the Giant Robot

Representation in anime has expanded significantly over the decades to include a diverse range of characters in prominent roles. This shift includes the mecha genre where Black female characters have stepped into the cockpit to pilot massive robotic suits. These characters often serve as skilled aces or critical team members who drive the story forward with their combat prowess. The following titles feature Black girls and women taking control of giant robots to fight for their beliefs.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’ (2015–2017)

Amida Arca serves as a standout pilot within the Turbines faction and acts as a matriarchal figure to the crew. She pilots a custom Hyakuren mobile suit with exceptional skill and often leads the charge in dangerous battles. Her piloting style is aggressive yet calculated and she mentors the younger pilots on the battlefield. The series also features Azee Gurumin who pilots a Hyakuren and later a Shiden to protect her family. Amida remains one of the most respected pilots in the series due to her unwavering loyalty and combat experience.

‘Eureka Seven’ (2005–2006)

Hilda acts as the pilot of the Terminus type R808 and serves as a core member of the counter-culture group Gekko State. She works closely with her partner Matthieu to manage the operations of their ship and mecha units. Her character design features dark skin and a distinctive hairstyle that complements her rebellious personality. Hilda balances her tough exterior with a caring attitude toward the younger crew members on the Gekko. She proves herself to be a reliable and talented LFO pilot throughout the aerial dogfights against the military.

‘Sakura Wars: New York NY’ (2007)

Cheiron Archer joins the New York Combat Revue as a lawyer and the leader of a biker gang in Harlem. She pilots a steam-powered mech known as a STAR during battles against supernatural threats in the city. Her personality is bold and assertive which occasionally leads to friction with her teammates before they learn to work together. Cheiron represents a direct inclusion of an African-American woman in the prominent steampunk franchise. She utilizes her fighting spirit to defend New York while maintaining her professional life outside of the cockpit.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2007)

Villetta Nu starts as a pilot for the Britannian military and operates heavily armored Knightmare Frames. She is a skilled soldier who values order and status within the strict hierarchy of the empire. Her journey involves memory loss and a complex relationship with a Japanese resistance fighter that challenges her worldview. Villetta eventually returns to the battlefield with a renewed perspective on the conflict between the factions. Her distinct character design and role as an elite pilot make her a memorable part of the series.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury’ (2022–2023)

Lilique Kadoka acts as a pilot for the Earth House and operates mobile suits like the Heindree Sturm. She is a cheerful and romantic student who supports the protagonist Suletta Mercury during school duels and real combat. Her character design provides refreshing body diversity alongside her dark skin and textured hair. Lilique handles the psychological stress of battle while maintaining her optimistic outlook for her friends. She proves her worth as a pilot during the chaotic conflicts that engulf the Asticassia School of Technology.

’86 EIGHTY-SIX’ (2021–2022)

Kurena Kukumila fights as a Processor and pilots a spider-like mecha known as a Juggernaut. She specializes in long-range sniping and harbors a deep hatred for the Legion machines that destroyed her home. Kurena is fiercely protective of her squad leader and struggles with her emotions in the middle of a war zone. Her skills as a marksman are essential for the survival of the Spearhead Squadron as they navigate suicide missions. The series highlights her resilience as she faces discrimination and the horrors of endless mechanical warfare.

‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)

Kiyal Bachika is the youngest sister of the Black Siblings and pilots a Gunmen mecha to fight against the Beastmen. She fights alongside her brothers initially before joining the larger Team Dai-Gurren to liberate humanity. Kiyal brings a playful and energetic spirit to the battlefield despite the overwhelming odds facing the resistance. Her mecha matches the eccentric and stylized aesthetic of the show’s universe. She survives the brutal war and contributes to the new world order established after the fall of the Spiral King.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED C.E. 73: Stargazer’ (2006)

Canary Belst serves as a lieutenant and an elite pilot for the Phantom Pain special forces unit. She pilots the heavy assault mobile suit known as the Verde Buster Gundam with lethal efficiency. Her character is a hardened veteran who prioritizes the mission and the safety of her ship above all else. Canary engages in high-speed combat against coordinators and showcases exceptional reaction times. Her role in the short series leaves a strong impact as she defends her unit against overwhelming enemy forces.

‘Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragons’ (2014–2015)

Zola Axberg commands a squad of Para-Mail riders and pilots a transforming mecha against interdimensional dragons. She is a battle-scarred veteran with an eye patch who holds a cynical view of the world she lives in. Zola mentors the new recruits with a harsh hand and indulges in hedonistic pleasures between missions. Her piloting skills are undeniable as she maneuvers her machine through complex aerial formations. She represents the darker and grittier side of the society where women are forced to fight for their survival.

‘Macross Zero’ (2002–2004)

Nora Polyansky flies for the Anti-U.N. forces and pilots the variable fighter SV-51. She is a ruthless ace who seeks revenge for the destruction of her family and carries physical and emotional scars. Nora serves as a primary rival to the protagonist and pushes him to his limits during dogfights. Her dark skin and white hair create a striking visual contrast that matches her cold and aggressive flying style. She plays a pivotal role in the conflict over the alien artifacts hidden on the Mayan island.

‘Geneshaft’ (2001)

Tiki Muscan acts as a genetically engineered pilot who operates the mecha known as the Shaft. She is known by the nickname Tinkerbell and possesses a hyperactive and eccentric personality. Tiki uses her enhanced abilities to control the giant robot and fight against the threat of the Sneak. Her dark skin and platinum hair are markers of her specific genetic line within the show’s futuristic society. She brings a chaotic energy to the team while proving to be a lethal combatant when the situation demands it.

‘Vandread’ (2000)

Gascogne Rheingau serves as a senior officer aboard the Nirvana and pilots a mecha unit named Pyoro. She acts as a cool and collected big sister figure to the younger crew members and enjoys playing poker in her downtime. Her piloting style utilizes heavy weaponry to blast through enemy formations during space battles. Gascogne is known for her reliability and willingness to put herself in harm’s way to protect the ship. Her dark skin and spiky hair make her one of the most visually distinct characters in the series.

‘Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure’ (1999)

Yayoi Schwael works as a pilot for the Earth Defense Force and operates a white mecha unit. She takes her duties very seriously and often chastises the male protagonist for his lack of discipline. Yayoi is a beautiful woman with dark skin and white hair who harbors a secret romantic interest in the main character. She fights to protect the parallel world from invasion while navigating the comedic harem dynamics of the show. Her skills in the cockpit are top-tier and she serves as a dependable ace for the organization.

‘Back Arrow’ (2021)

Elsha Lean serves as the granddaughter of a village chief and pilots a Briheight mecha named Shadoh. She is a kind-hearted hunter who joins the protagonist on his journey to breach the world wall. Elsha fights with a bow-style weapon and utilizes agility rather than brute force during mecha battles. Her design features dark skin and she wears traditional attire that reflects her village upbringing. She grows from a protector of her small community into a warrior fighting for the fate of the entire land.

‘Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar’ (2009–2010)

Aura Shurifon is the princess of the Dark Elf clan and pilots a Sacred Mechanoid giant robot. She possesses a calm and dignified demeanor but becomes a fierce warrior when piloting her green and gold unit. Aura has dark skin and controls the wind elements to gain an advantage in combat. She restricts her powerful field abilities during the day but unleashes her full potential at night. Her character combines fantasy race traits with the sci-fi technology of the mecha genre.

Please share your favorite mecha pilots from this list in the comments.