We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another. ~ Lucretius
Mankind has held it’s beliefs about winged anthropomorphic individuals since prior the common era. The beauty and transcendent nature of these creatures has caused human’s imaginations to soar and has provided a great deal of hope in troubled times.
Here are the animes involving winged beings, or else characters designated as “workers” or “messengers” of a higher power, which will hopefully inspire or at the very least entertain you;
Haibane Renmei
A young girl, Rakka, wakes up in a world surrounded by children and young adults with wings. She has no memory of her past life nor does anyone else, she only knows that she too has wings and that she is now part of a group in a world where much is a mystery. All of the Haibane were once human, though now they are all within a small town that they are not permitted to leave. The disappearance of Haibane seems baffling, though when Rakkas wings begin to turn black she worries she’ll never be able to lead the world she isn’t sure why she entered. The themes within this series allow a viewer to question and discover their own views on life and death. The aesthetic beauty of the series is enough reason alone to watch.
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
An angel kicked out of heaven for a seemingly nefarious deed visits a high school gymnast, Maron, and grants her the ability to transform into her warrior alter ego. Supposedly, Maron is the reincarnation of Jeanne D’Arc (aka Joan of Arc to the western english speaking nations), a historical figure who was burned at the stake for her involvement in the Hundred Years War.
This may seem like the typical “high schoolstudent is given superpowers and must save someone from a demon or from being possessed by a demon” except the rich and mostly well-rounded characters and intense plot line allows for a views to keep following the series throughout it’s 44 episodes. This is an older series, though one worth revisiting as it’s influences can be seen in series such as Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) and even xxxHolic.
Angel Beats! (Enjeru Bitsu!)
While only one character in this series ever becomes in possession of wings (Tenshi, of course) it’s a series of humans uniting to achieve the unbelievable. A lot of flack for this series is spewed around the internet. Do not be deterred, simply open your mind a bit and realize that the world within Angel Beats is NOT like the world known to the typical 3D mind. Similar themes to Haibane Renmei permeate Angel Beats! though there’s a lot more blood and gore. Otanashi awakes in a world he figures to be purgatory. An inbetween within the realm of a highschool, where everyone must overcome to move forward. Forgotten are Otanashi’s memories, unlike many others who have horror stories to tell, though his caring and considerate ways make him a person people wish to listen to. He joins with a team of misfits and joins the fight against the high school’s president who seems hellbent on forcing them to become “part of”.
There are a LOT of characters in this story, though only a handful of multi dimensional ones. The battles lead by the factions within the school, along with a superb soundtrack (and 2D appearance) by Girls Dead Monster make this one of the greatest anime releases involving servers of a higher power.
Pita Ten (Clinging Angel)
More popular for it’s manga version, Pita Ten is delightful in it’s innocent mischief. The anime series plays out as an almost slice-of-life style, only with really adorable angels. It’s just so sweet and cute! The simple life lessons taught in each episode entitled “how to…” make this a great anime for all ages.
There are many more worthy mentions for anime involving or solidly about angels, though these are some definite “must watch” series.
If you have a favorite that you think should have been on the list, or even characters who possess angelic qualities you enjoy then leave a comment below.