Kira Yamato
Critical reception for "Gundam SEED Destiny" has been positive but it was often compared with "Gundam SEED". "Gundam SEED"s backstory was noted to be essential for the plot of "Gundam SEED Destiny" to the point that Maria Lin considered that it was required to watch the former to fully understand the series. The new cast of characters was well-received with the relationship between Rey Za Burrel and Neo Roanoke bringing speculations regarding their identities due to how it mirrored one from "Gundam SEED". However, initial reaction to lead character Shinn Asuka has been mixed due to his antagonistic personality and how some of the new and returning characters overshadowed his role in the series. While at some points Shinn's role and relationships were found entertaining, UK Anime's Ross Liversidge liked how returning character Kira Yamato took bigger role in the series as he was more likable.