The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You continues to expand its massive ensemble cast, and critics are starting to play favorites.

In a recent "This Week in Anime" column, Anime News Network critics Christopher Farris and Lucas DeRuyter discussed what makes certain girlfriends stand out in the comedy romance series. The anime has introduced 17 characters so far, while the original manga has featured 37—a number that keeps climbing as the story progresses.

The debate centered on the distinction between a character being a "waifu" (which Farris and DeRuyter note is more about attraction and doesn't require ranking) versus "Best Girl," a title earned through active evaluation of a character's role and qualities within a romantic comedy ensemble.

DeRuyter made a strong case for Iku, the sports-loving girlfriend introduced in season two. Her character moment—where she's revealed to be an enthusiastic masochist—won over both critics. "Sporty, masochist tomboy is such a powerful combination," Farris agreed, praising how the series makes her visually appealing without relying on typical anime shortcuts to endear characters to audiences.

Farris noted his long-standing appreciation for sports-themed characters, which made Iku's introduction particularly appealing. He highlighted her episode title, "Most Athletes Are Masochists," as both funny and fitting for her personality. The fact that she gets a genuine character development moment—something the series apparently gives every girlfriend—adds depth beyond her initial gimmick.

What's notable is how both critics approach the conversation: they're evaluating the characters on their merits as written rather than purely on personal preference. DeRuyter emphasized that "100 GFs manages to make Iku look super heckin cute" through thoughtful character design and writing rather than relying on tired visual tropes.

With the series continuing to add girlfriends to Rentaro's roster, fans can expect more opportunities for these kinds of character discussions as new personalities and dynamics emerge.