Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Cowboy Bebop!
Faye Valentine
Fast Facts:
Faye Valentine (Megumi Hayashibara/Wendee Lee) is a wanted criminal turned bounty hunter alongside Spike Spiegel (Kōichi Yamadera/Steve Blum) and the others. Before finding herself on the Bebop, she was traveling the galaxy gambling to try and raise money to pay off a massive amount of debt she had acquired. While she may look like she’s 23, Faye is actually 77 years old. Faye spent 54 years in cryogenic sleep, which left her with amnesia.
During her time on the Bebop, Faye butts heads with the crew though she eventually finds herself at home with them. She sometimes (if not all the time) has an attitude. And while she seems innocent to those who don’t know her, she can be quite dangerous. She is skilled at getting what she wants and will stop at nothing to do so.
While Faye normally chooses to do things independently, she grows to understand the strength in working with others she can trust. These bonds allow her to grow as a character throughout the series and even form lasting relationships with the other members.
The Real Deal:
Faye Valentine is the real deal. She may be sarcastic, hotheaded, a compulsive gambler and a liar, but she is a strong independent woman. Don’t for one second think that she sticks around the Bebop because she needs them to take care or protect her. Faye can do that all on her own. She knows exactly when to turn on the charm when she needs to and how to handle herself in a fight when things go sour.
But she is more than just a fighter. Faye’s rough exterior hides a more delicate interior. She comes to care for her found family and wants to do right by them. In her own way, she becomes close with them and will do anything in her power to make sure they are safe.
Why She Matters:
So why does Faye matter? At first glance, she may seem like the fanservice aspect of the Cowboy Bebop franchise. But Faye is so much more than that. Faye was one of the first female characters I watched who didn’t need her male counterparts to assist her. She was strong enough on her own to survive. And while she was sarcastic and cold at first, it was refreshing to watch her grow close to the people around her. They helped her uncover who she truly was and fight her place in this world. And in return, she does everything she can for them, even if she doesn’t want it to appear that way.
So, be like Faye. Fight to uncover your true self, stand by your friends and family and accept your flaws.
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Originally posted 08/25/2021.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/cowboy-bebop-first-look-images-release-date/
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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