5.  Botan (Yu Yu Hakusho)

She's the blue-haired, kimono-clad (most of the time), oar-riding ferrygirl of the Reikai (Spirit World) who acts as a spirit guide for dead souls to their final abode. Okay, admittedly, she isn't the brightest as far as little goddesses of death are concerned, but I ask you, would you rather be faced with a depressed, dismal skeleton in a robe or a bubbly, kawaii chatterbox like her?
 
 
 
 
 

4.  Katsuragi Misato (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

She drinks beer like there's no tomorrow, eats weird concoctions of instant noodles, has an eccentric pet penguin, and is one of the most efficient and skilled Nerv officers around. And she can't cook. Anybody who can't cook can't be all that bad.
 
 
 

3.  Ayako (Slam Dunk)

It's a fact that female characters in Slam Dunk play second fiddle to the basketball-playing guys. But, even so, the manager of Shohoku basketball team comes across as a very capable and personable young woman. She's someone who isn't afraid to speak her mind, as can be seen in the scene where she insists on Akagi ("Gori" - intimidating captain of Shohoku) getting treatment for his injury even when he says no repeatedly. And, get this - she doesn't turn to mush in front of her love interest! Incredible.
 
 
 

2.  Lina Inverse (Slayers)

She's pretty, she's funny, and she's powerful. What's not to like? ^_^