Why Riza
I don't know how many people read this part of the site, but I've always enjoyed reading people's reasons for shrining so here we are. Why, out of all the characters in the world, did I choose Riza Hawkeye to shrine?
Let's hit the pause button on the character rant for just one second and focus on this little hobby of mine – web design. I say hobby, but it's gradually evolving into a career as well. Websites are a very unique form of media - a way to self publish your thoughts and feelings about something and have anyone in the world read them. For people that buy magazines you may understand the feeling of having both the visual and written stimulation of an article on your favourite subject. Websites are just like that, except you don't have to buy them as they are accessible to everyone. As someone with a passion for both writing and art, web design is especially fun as it offers me the opportunity to integrate them both whilst also allowing for other people to see and (hopefully) appreciate. Building websites is something I genuinely enjoy, and when I can write about a subject I love it's all the more fun.
But why Riza? At first, I have to admit, it was a rather superficial love. I liked her because she was handy with a rifle and had killer aim. I liked her because she was cool and calm and had a tough demeanor. However at the earlier stages of the story all I had were first impressions to go on. As the series progressed more and more was revealed about Riza's personality – of the hidden depths within someone that was only a “secondary character”. I was amazed. That she was slow to 'develop' only made her all the more tangible to me.
My esteem for Riza though goes beyond appreciation for the way in which her character was crafted. As I've mentioned numerous times around the site I have always had a fondness for strong female characters, perhaps because I admire people like that in real life as well. Riza is one such person. She's the sort of person I wish I could be. Even if there are times when I disagree with her actions, they only serve to reaffirm how unique she is.
I would be lying if I said that her relationship with Roy didn't factor into it as well, but that's not surprising considering how much of an integral part of her life he is. Their deep bond, their banter and those brief moments of tenderness between them affect me deeply. Watching the progression of their relationship is one of things I love most about Full Metal Alcehmist.
Riza is an unforgettable character. A product of much love, labour and the genius of Hiromu Arakawa.
