Androids 17 and 18 were actually normal people before Dr. Gero abducted them and turned them into androids. Cyborgs would probably have been a better term, as they're mostly biological still.

It's always been my opinion that the World Martial Arts Tournament Junior Division Final was one of the most stylish and well-done fights in the series. It wasn't over-the-top or outrageous, and didn't need a lot of special moves and tricks. It was just cool.

I always liked Meryl Strife from Trigun. And Martian Successor Nadesico has so many females there has to be one or ten that're good portrayals. (*cough*Ruri!*cough* who also falls under the idiot-tolerating clause...)