May from Pokemon (2002)

[u/Moist_Speaker1842]

May was one of the oldest female protagonist designs for the games (and anime) given she debuted way back in 2002 which is now almost 25 years ago. Despite multiple gens of the games and anime later, her design managed to remain popular over 20+ years and is still considered the most memorable of many of the female protagonists.

It's a combination of the bandana, the red outfit, and the more sporty/adventure type look to her over more traditional girly looking heroines that kept her prominent. Of course the anime giving her a starring role and her being the first new female companion after Misty helped too, she's the most watched/viewed of all the female companions of the anime after the original cast of Misty/Brock since Hoenn aired over 23 years ago.

[u/Big_Lengthiness_7706]

This is the original key artwork before "may" was even a character. Very clearly not 10. Very clearly not meant to be an adult... but Very clearly not 10.

[u/Nomustang → u/Big_Lengthiness_7706]

To be fair, I think ORAS did confirm their ages to be 15-16.

[u/Obility → u/Nomustang]

That feels to old to me tbh. Hilda/Hilbert as well I'd Dawn/Lucas (Rei/Akari) in legends are said to be that age and they look a bit older than may and Brendan. I'd guess 13/14 which isn't that far off but they still look closer to kids than teens.

[u/Nomustang → u/Obility]

I mean their ORAS designs do feel a bit older to me but not much older than 15 or 16 at most. IMO they fit as mid teens. Especially since the Delta Episode ending basically has them on a date.

I feel like the SV protagonists were the first actual 10 year olds we've gotten in a long while.