Kara Dennison
June 1, 2021 
There’s a Borderlands film on the way, as many of us know. And with that in view, we’re thinking about the buckwild game series once again. In particular, we’re remembering its many cool characters… and the fact that we’ve heard many of these voices before!
Here are a few of our faves from Pandora, and where they’ve shown up in our favorite anime. Are there and others you recognize?
Lilith and Tannis are both Riza Hawkeye
Two of our personal favorite recurring ladies are a Siren and a scientist. Playable character Lilith from the first Borderlands game has remained as an influential figure throughout the series, landing a certain game-changing punch in Pre-Sequel. And unhinged scientist Patricia Tannis is a regular, weirdly lovable NPC.
Both, as it happens, are voiced by Colleen Clinkenbeard, a mainstay of the anime dub scene. She’s played roles in The Vision of Escaflowne, Fruits Basket, and lots more. But we personally remember her as the no-nonsense Riza Hawkeye from Fullmetal Alchemist. (A bit more Lilith than Tannis there.)
Tiny Tina is Mayuri Shiina
Tutturu~! If there’s anyone who can bring an equal blend of super-cuteness and “what the heck”-ness to the table, it’s Ashly Burch. Originally known for her Hey Ash, Whatcha Playin’? YouTube series, she eventually got her big break as the super-destructive, tea-loving Tiny Tina of Borderlands 2.
Since then, Burch has been blowing up the scene in tons of memorable anime and video game roles. In particular, we love hearing her as Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate. Because if there’s anyone who could advance science as we know it through a love of chicken tendies, it’s her.
Handsome Jack Is Cell
There’s nothing better than a perfectly crafted villain — except maybe someone who can play a perfectly crafted villain. Handsome Jack left his mark on Borderlands, playing a self-proclaimed hero who makes the Vault Hunters look practically moral. You’ll hear Dameon Clarke throughout the games as Jack himself, his holograms, his hapless doppelganger Timothy Lawrence, and also a gun called the Handsome Jackhammer. The guy’s popular.
Clarke turned his villainous talents to the voice of Cell in later dubs of Dragon Ball, in particular the recent Dragon Ball Kai. He also shows up as Scar in the original Fullmetal Alchemist, and as Kazuma in both versions of Fruits Basket.
As it happens, the Borderlands are full of anime voices! Are there any others you recognize and love?
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