Series & First Appearance
Laura Bodewig (ラウラ・ボーデヴィッヒ) first appears in the anime "Infinite Stratos", which was produced by AIC. The series debuted in 2011, adapting the light novels by Izuru Yumizuru. The character has a distinctive design credited to chibi Yoshimura, characterized by her striking appearance and military themes.
Profile at a Glance
Laura Bodewig is a first-year cadet at the IS Academy and represents Germany as an IS cadet. She is a genetically engineered super-soldier and holds the rank of second lieutenant in the German military. With long silver hair, one red eye, and an eye-patch over her left eye, Laura pilots the Schwarzer Regen, a formidable IS unit. Despite possessing over 20 million euros in her bank account, she lacks the knowledge to withdraw funds.
Personality & Motivations
Laura is characterized by her stoic demeanor and adherence to military discipline. While she can be serious and focused, she also demonstrates a softer side, particularly in her admiration for her mentor, Chifuyu Orimura. Driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to prove her worth, she often seeks validation through competition and striving for excellence. Laura’s quirks include her lack of understanding of societal norms and her straightforwardness, which can come off as blunt or naive. She shares a memorable catchphrase of “I will defeat you!” that reflects her competitive nature.
Abilities / Powers
As a genetically engineered super-soldier, Laura possesses enhanced physical capabilities and reflexes, making her a formidable opponent in battle. Her combat style with the Schwarzer Regen emphasizes agility and precision, utilizing advanced weaponry such as beam sabers and missile systems. Laura also has the ability to effectively use her IS unit’s capabilities in various combat situations. However, her focus on strict military training occasionally limits her adaptability to casual social interactions, displaying a gap in her emotional intelligence.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Laura’s development as a character is marked by several key arcs throughout the series. Initially introduced as a rival to Ichika Orimura, her perspective begins to shift as she develops bonds with her classmates and learns to accept their differing approaches to life. A notable moment occurs when she participates in the IS Academy’s training events, showcasing her skills and gradually moving from antagonist to ally. In her journey, she learns about camaraderie and friendship, leading to her gradual acceptance into the group, particularly around Ichika and his friends.
Notable Relationships
Laura’s relationship with Chifuyu Orimura is profound, as she views her as a mentor and an ideal to strive towards. This bond signifies her desire to follow in the footsteps of her mentor while participating in the IS Academy. Additionally, her rivalry with Ichika evolves into mutual respect, illustrating her development from a competitive spirit to someone who values teamwork. She also has a complex relationship with other IS cadets, often displaying a mix of rivalry and camaraderie.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Laura’s iconic moments occurs during her first appearance in the series, where she challenges Ichika to a duel, setting the stage for their rivalry and character dynamics. The line “I will defeat you!” resonates as a key quote that showcases her competitive personality and sets a tone for their interactions throughout the series. Additionally, her eventual acceptance into Ichika’s group symbolizes growth and character evolution that fans appreciate.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Laura has garnered significant popularity, with a ranking of 1,335 in member favorites, reflecting her impact among fans. She is voice-acted in Japanese by Yoko Hikasa, who adds depth to her character through vocal performance. In English, she is portrayed by Caitlin Glass, further broadening her appeal to a Western audience. Notably, Laura is part of a broader trend of anime characters featuring eye patches, adding to her allure as an intriguing figure in anime culture. Additionally, her status as a genetically engineered soldier taps into various anime themes regarding personal identity, ethics, and the implications of genetic manipulation.
In conclusion, Laura Bodewig stands out in the Infinite Stratos universe as a complex character filled with ambition, martial prowess, and a captivating backstory, making her an essential part of the series.
