Blanka

Designed by "Pigmon-san"{{cite web | url=https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/132595 | title=Street Fighter II Developer's Interview | publisher=Capcom | access-date=January 21, 2021 | archive-date=November 24, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124220103/https://game.capcom.com/cfn/sfv/column/132595 | url-status=live }} and Akira "Akiman" Yasuda, the concept behind Blanka emerged in an early 1988 pitch design as an African man named Anabebe who was raised by a lion.{{cite manual |author=Capcom Sound Team Alph Lyla |title=Capcom-004: Street Fighter II Complete File |publisher=Capcom |date=1992-11-15 |type = CD/booklet |section=Making of Street Fighter II |page=1 }} After the release of Final Fight, Capcom again approached Street Fighter II and considered several designs for the Blanka character (including a masked wrestler modeled after Tiger Mask and a ninja-style warrior).{{cite magazine |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |author=Staff |date=April 1992 |issue=33 |title=The Making of Street Fighter II |page=103}} His design later changed to a large man with thick hair and sideburns, named "Hammer Blanka".{{cite manual |author=Capcom Sound Team Alph Lyla |title=Capcom-004: Street Fighter II Complete File |publisher=Capcom |date=1992-11-15 |type = CD/booklet |section=Making of Street Fighter II |page=4 }} The staff then adopted Blanka's feral appearance, because they felt the game would be "dull" with only human characters.{{cite web |url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2011/10/24/no-inicio-de-street-fighter-ii-blanka-era-um-humano-normal-diz-produtor-da-serie-veja-entrevista.htm |title="No início de 'Street Fighter II', Blanka era um humano normal", diz produtor da série; veja entrevista |author=Prandoni, Claudio |date=October 24, 2011 |publisher=UOL Jogos |access-date=May 5, 2014 |language=pt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024050024/http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2011/10/24/no-inicio-de-street-fighter-ii-blanka-era-um-humano-normal-diz-produtor-da-serie-veja-entrevista.htm |archive-date=October 24, 2014 |url-status=live }} After Yasuda did "rough drafts" of "a pro wrestler, [a] sumo wrestler, and a beast", he asked his team to decide which designer would finish each concept. They decided it on rock paper scissors; the "beast" was the last option and was assigned to "Pigmon-san". At first, Blanka had a pink-coloured skin, which Yasuda described as "disgusting", and then, he decided to change it to green.

Blanka's most prominent physical characteristic is his green colour, initially attributed to his consumption of chlorophyll from plants to blend into his jungle environment.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/30/street-fighter-iv-blanka |title=Street Fighter IV: Blanka |author=Clements, Ryan |date=January 30, 2009 |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015122448/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/30/street-fighter-iv-blanka |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-most-green-characters |title=Gaming's most green characters |author=Gilbert, Henry |date=March 16, 2013 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223082337/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-most-green-characters/ |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |url-status=live }} However, when Street Fighter was brought to the U.S., Blanka's colouring was attributed to his being struck by lightning during the electrical storm in which his plane crashed.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/14/244924.aspx |title=Genetically Mutated Characters: Side Effects Include... |author=Gonzalez, Annette |date=March 9, 2010 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230231719/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/03/14/244924.aspx |archive-date=December 30, 2014 |url-status=dead }} In Street Fighter II Blanka's default skin is yellowish-green, but later versions of the character are bright green.

Blanka fights in a self-taught, animalistic style.{{cite web | url=http://www.ugo.com/games/best-street-fighter-tattoos-blanka | title=Best Street Fighter Tattoos | author=Jensen, K. Thor | date=February 29, 2012 | work=UGO Networks | publisher=IGN Entertainment | access-date=May 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305015625/http://www.ugo.com/games/best-street-fighter-tattoos-blanka | archive-date=March 5, 2012}} In several of his special moves he rolls into a ball, launching himself at an opponent.{{cite manual |author=Capcom USA |title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 instruction booklet |publisher=Capcom USA |year=1998 |type = booklet |section=Characters: Blanka |page=15 }}{{cite web |url=http://game.capcom.com/manual/sfxtk/en/page-42.html#item4239 |title=Street Fighter X Tekken official web manual |publisher=Capcom |access-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227121821/http://game.capcom.com/manual/sfxtk/en/page-42.html |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |url-status=live }} In Blanka's signature attack, he crouches and emits an electric current shocking anything it touches.{{cite manual |author=Capcom USA |title=Street Fighter II instruction booklet |publisher=Capcom USA |year=1992 |type = booklet |section=The World Warriors: Blanka |pages=20–21 }} Although Blanka growls in combat,{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/01/street_fighter_alpha_3_retro |title=Review: Street Fighter Alpha 3 (Game Boy Advance) |author=Frear, Dave |work=Nintendo Life |publisher=Nlife | date=January 11, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108031854/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/01/street_fighter_alpha_3_retro |archive-date=November 8, 2014 | url-status=live}} he usually speaks with words in cutscenes, except for Street Fighter Alpha 3.

Blanka first appears in Street Fighter II, when he sees his mother (who tells his backstory) after he competes in the World Warrior tournament.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter II | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=1991 | platform=Arcade | quote=Blanka's mother: Jimmy...? Are you my long lost son, Jimmy? / Blanka: Who are you? Why would I be your son? My name's Blanka. / Blanka's mother: My son was lost in an airplaine crash over Brazil when he was only a little boy. Wait! That anklet... I gave that to you on your birthday! / Blanka: Mommy! / Blanka's mother: Jimmy!}} According to the story, Blanka was born as a boy named Jimmy who was involved in a plane crash in the Amazon rainforest.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/ |title=Street Fighter Week: The evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka |date=June 23, 2012 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=May 4, 2014 |page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109052107/http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |url-status=live }} Although in the initial games Blanka's mother says the plane crashed when he was "a little boy", the manual for Street Fighter IV says it happened when he was a baby.{{cite web |url=http://static.capcom.com/manuals/sfiv/SFIV_PS3_DMNL_EN.pdf |title=Street Fighter IV manual |publisher=Capcom |access-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505233845/http://static.capcom.com/manuals/sfiv/SFIV_PS3_DMNL_EN.pdf |url-status=live |archive-date=May 5, 2014}} After the crash, he was exposed to electric eels, triggering the mutation which changed his appearance and gave him electric powers. In Street Fighter Alpha 3, a prequel to Street Fighter II, Blanka rides on a truck to civilization for the first time.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=Narrator: Blanka lived as he pleased, deep within the jungle of the Amazon. One day, he unwittingly hitched a ride on a poacher's car. Curious and excited, Blanka now ventures into the outside world.}} After defeating Zangief,{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=Zangief: How could I lose such a fight?! Great Leader, I am very sorry... I've failed my mission... I could not destroy Shadaloo... / Blanka: Uwo uwo? }} Balrog and the leader of the Shadaloo criminal organization M. Bison,{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=M.Bison: Ha ha ha! You saved me time by defeating that Russian dog... As your reward, you'll now have the honor of fighting Balrog! / Blanka: Uwoooooo! }}{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=M.Bison: This... This can't be... I cannot be defeated! But I won't be destroyed as long as I have the "Psycho Drive"! Wa ha ha ha ha ha ha! / Blanka: Uwoooooo! }} Blanka joins old friend Dan Hibiki{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=Dan: Jimmy...?! You're Jimmy!! / Blanka: Uwon!! Uwon!! / Dan: Long time no see...! I owe you my life, you know! How about a match? Let's see if you're as strong as you were! / Blanka: Uwho!! }} and Sakura (Dan's pupil) to destroy Bison's "psycho drive" weapon.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=Dan: This place sure smells evil... The bad guys must be here! Let's destroy the entire base! Well, then again... This place is enormous! How can we destroy it? / Sakura: Well, I suppose you could destroy its power source. That would be a start! / Dan: My number one disciple never fails me! Okay, let's find it! Ha ha! That must be what we're looking for! Jimmy! Let me see that move you always do! / Blanka: Uwhoo! UWOOOOOOO!! Sakura: Master Hibiki... It looks like it's going to explode.... Dan: Yahoo!! Let's get out of here!!}} Blanka then returns to the jungle.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=June 29, 1998 | platform=Arcade | quote=Narrator: Blanka ran off to the horizon, as free as the wind... The outside world has much to offer to his curiosity!}}

In Street Fighter IV, whose events are set after Street Fighter II,{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/street-fighter-iv | title=Street Fighter IV Review | date=February 17, 2009 | author=Tan, Nick | work=GameRevolution | publisher=CraveOnline | access-date=May 18, 2014 | archive-date=May 18, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518101523/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/street-fighter-iv | url-status=live }} Blanka, living in a town, feels out of place and decides to travel the world.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter IV | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=February 17, 2009 | platform=Xbox 360 | quote=Blanka: As long as you're here, Mama, I don't mind living in town. I can still do my street fights, and the best part is that I get to be with my Mama. But, I'm sad. Why am I sad? Because my being here has only made things hard on you. Everyone stares at us and they talk bad behind our backs. That's why I have to leave. I can't be here anymore. Wait for me, Mama. I'll come back when I won't be an embarrassment to you anymore.}} At the end of the game, Dan helps his mother find him in Hong Kong.{{cite video game | title=Street Fighter IV | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=February 17, 2009 | scene=Blanka's ending cut scene | platform=Xbox 360 | quote=Blanka: Dear, Mama, I'm Hong Kong. -Jimmy / Blanka's mother: Jimmy! / Blanka: Mama!? What are you doing here? / Blanka's mother: Oh, Jimmy. I just love spending my time with you! It makes me so happy! Let's go home now, sweetheart. / Blanka: People still stare at me sometimes, but I don't le it get to me. It's OK to make mistakes once in a while. As long as I get to spend time with my Mama, everything will be just fine...}} In Super Street Fighter IV, Blanka enters a worldwide tournament to be recognized by people so his mother will be proud of him.{{cite video game | title=Super Street Fighter IV | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=April 27, 2010 | platform=Xbox 360 | quote=Blanka: Dan taught me how to be a better man. I'm gonna win this tournament. If win, I can earn everyone's respect. Mama will be so proud. Mama always takes such a good care of me... Most people are scared of me, but not her... I'll come back a new man, Mama. One you can be proud of. Just you wait and see!}} When he returns home, the townspeople visit him and he plays games with the local children.{{cite video game | title=Super Street Fighter IV | developer=Capcom | publisher=Capcom | date=April 27, 2010 | platform=Xbox 360 | quote=Blanka's mother: Jimmy! You have company! Blanka: What? Company? Blanka's mother: That's right. These folks saw the article about you and wanted to meet you in person! Blanka: Me!? Blanka's mother: Well, Jimmy. Looks like we finally made some friends. Why don't you bring some fruits for our guests? I'll go put some tea on.}} Blanka returns as a playable character in the third season of Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, with a character story where he attempts to sell plush toys of his own likeness named Blanka-chan (Blanka-chan was also available as a skin for the character).{{cite web | url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2017/12/11/street-fighter-5-season-3-brings-blanka-sagat | title=Street Fighter 5 Season 3 Brings Blanka, Sagat | work=IGN | first=Matt | last=Davidson | date=2017-12-11 | access-date=2017-12-20}} In Street Fighter 6, Blanka has become a tour guide in the Amazon, working to support his mother. He also dons a Blanka-chan costume to make visitors believe that Blanka-chan is a jungle sprite that visits the area.

Blanka also appears in several spin-off titles. He is a playable character in the later Street Fighter EX series games (Street Fighter EX2 and Street Fighter EX3),{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=4 | title=Street Fighter Week: The evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka | date=June 23, 2012 | work=GamesRadar | publisher=Future plc | access-date=May 4, 2014 | page=4 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505024435/http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=4 | url-status=live }} Capcom vs. SNK, Capcom vs. SNK 2 and the home version of Street Fighter: The Movie.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=6 | title=Street Fighter Week: The evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka | date=June 23, 2012 | work=GamesRadar | publisher=Future plc | access-date=May 4, 2014 | pages=6–7 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505024412/http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=6 | url-status=live }} Blanka is a playable character by default in the PlayStation Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken,{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5900634/street-fighter-x-tekken-vita-version-features-new-characters-cross-console-play-with-ps3/ | title=Street Fighter x Tekken Vita Version Features New Characters, Cross-Console Play with PS3 | author=Cox, Kate | date=April 10, 2012 | work=Kotaku | publisher=Gawker Media | access-date=May 4, 2014 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505022509/http://kotaku.com/5900634/street-fighter-x-tekken-vita-version-features-new-characters-cross-console-play-with-ps3/ | url-status=live }} and via downloadable content in the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-gets-character-dlc-this-month | title=Street Fighter x Tekken Gets Character DLC This Month | date=July 6, 2012 | author=Goldfarb, Andrew | work=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505081515/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/07/06/street-fighter-x-tekken-gets-character-dlc-this-month | url-status=live }} He is a boss character in Street Fighter X Mega Man.{{cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/street-fighter-x-mega-man-boss-order-guide-240816.phtml | title=Street Fighter X Mega Man boss order guide | author=Carter, Chris | date=December 18, 2012 | work=Destructoid | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=July 23, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723015012/http://www.destructoid.com/street-fighter-x-mega-man-boss-order-guide-240816.phtml | url-status=live }}

A cosmetic Blanka outfit has also been added to Fortnite.{{cite web |last1=Lada |first1=Jenni |title=Street Fighter's Blanka and Sakura Will Join Fortnite |url=https://www.siliconera.com/street-fighters-blanka-and-sakura-will-join-fortnite/ |website=Siliconera |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-date=30 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430172953/https://www.siliconera.com/street-fighters-blanka-and-sakura-will-join-fortnite/ |url-status=live }}

Blanka briefly appears in Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, when he is lowered from a cage and defeats Zangief in Las Vegas. The live-action Street Fighter film combined Blanka and Charlie into one character Carlos "Charlie" Blanka.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=11 |title=Street Fighter Week: The evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka |date=June 23, 2012 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=May 4, 2014 |page=11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223043250/http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=11 |archive-date=December 23, 2014 |url-status=live }} Charlie is taken captive by General M. Bison at the beginning who forces Dr. Dhalsim to subject him to genetic testing to create the perfect soldier.{{cite web | url=http://www.1up.com/features/greatest-scenes-street-fighter-movie | title=Greatest Scenes of Street Fighter: The Movie | author=Sharkey, Scott | work=1UP.com | publisher=IGN Entertainment | year=2010 | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604115956/http://www.1up.com/features/greatest-scenes-street-fighter-movie | archive-date=June 4, 2016}}{{cite web | url=http://www.1up.com/features/street-fighter-ii-things-you-did-not-know?pager.offset=2 | title=20 Things You Didn't Know About Street Fighter II | work=1UP.com | publisher=IGN Entertainment | year=2011 | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703012947/http://www.1up.com/features/street-fighter-ii-things-you-did-not-know?pager.offset=2 | archive-date=July 3, 2016}} Blanka was played by Robert Mammone, while Kim Repia played the role in its home console video game adaptation. The American cartoon series retained the film's origin story for the character, as he and Guile search for a cure for his mutation.{{cite web | url=http://www.1up.com/features/street-fighter-merchandise?pager.offset=2 | title=Street Fighter Merchandising: Merchandise Whore-yuken | work=1UP.com | publisher=IGN Entertainment | access-date=May 5, 2014 | page=3 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604034110/http://www.1up.com/features/street-fighter-merchandise?pager.offset=2 | archive-date=June 4, 2016}} In UDON's Street Fighter comic adaptation, Blanka is used as a living weapon by Shadaloo until he is rescued by Delta Red (Cammy's squad). Returning to his senses, he reunites with his mother. Blanka is an opponent faced by Ryu, Guile, and Chun-Li in the Street Fighter manga history.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} He also makes cameo appearances in the 2012 Disney film Wreck-It Ralph,{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/wreck-it-ralph-brings-back-disney-classic-elements-contemporary-style-859376 | title='Wreck-It Ralph' Brings Back Disney Classic Elements In A Contemporary Style | author=Herrmann, Tom | date=November 5, 2012 | work=International Business Times | publisher=IBT Media | access-date=June 13, 2014 | archive-date=July 15, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715015650/http://www.ibtimes.com/wreck-it-ralph-brings-back-disney-classic-elements-contemporary-style-859376 | url-status=live }} and the 2018 Steven Spielberg film Ready Player One.{{cite web | url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-ready-player-one-easter-egg-and-reference-we/2900-1916/ | title=Every Ready Player One Easter Egg And Reference We Could Remember | publisher=GameSpot Entertainment | year=2018 | access-date=April 28, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218020516/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/every-ready-player-one-easter-egg-and-reference-we/2900-1916/ | archive-date=December 18, 2019}}

Blanka has been described as a fan favourite by video game media UGO Networks, IGN, GameSpot and 1UP.com,{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/street-fighter-alpha-3-review/1900-2549246/ | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 Review | date=January 13, 1999 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=September 18, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918223934/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/street-fighter-alpha-3-review/1900-2549246/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/street-fighter-alpha-3-4 | title=Street Fighter Alpha 3 | date=May 19, 2000 | work=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505080257/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/street-fighter-alpha-3-4 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/street-fighter-4 | title=Street Fighter 4 Review | author=Mielke, James | work=1UP.com | date=February 17, 2009 | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912041619/http://www.1up.com/reviews/street-fighter-4 | archive-date=September 12, 2016}} with IGN calling him "one of the most recognizable Street Fighter characters". GamesRadar said that Blanka "never quite approached Chun-Li's popularity, but has gained a strong fan following nevertheless". Sharing ninth place with Ken Masters in the Japanese magazine Gamest{{'}}s 1991 best-character list,{{cite journal|journal=Gamest|issue=68|page=20|url=http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v068.html|script-title=ja:第5回ゲーメスト大賞|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708023228/http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v068.html|archive-date=July 8, 2008|language=ja}} in the 1992 poll he finished 38th.{{cite journal|journal=Gamest|issue=84|page=20|url=http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v084.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708023308/http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v084.html|archive-date=July 8, 2008|script-title=ja:第6回ゲーメスト大賞|language=ja}} Blanka was voted 20th in Capcom's poll of 85 characters for the series' 15th anniversary.{{cite web|url=http://www2.geestore.com/sf15th2/sf15rank/ninkichara.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219091936/http://www2.geestore.com/sf15th2/sf15rank/ninkichara.html | archive-date=December 19, 2005 |title=ランキング集計発表! |publisher=GeeStore |date=December 19, 2005 |access-date=October 20, 2011}} In 2008, the character was the tenth-most-popular video game character in the United Kingdom, according to a poll conducted at the London Games Festival.{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a133312/sonic-voted-uks-favourite-character.html#~oDpYKAFqIpZQgM | title=Sonic voted UK's favourite character | date=October 22, 2008 | work=Digital Spy | publisher=Hearst Corporation | author=Laughlin, Andrew | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=January 16, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116214620/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a133312/sonic-voted-uks-favourite-character.html#~oDpYKAFqIpZQgM | url-status=live }} Although Blanka was well received by Brazilian gamers, Capcom was criticized for its depiction of Brazil. Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono, surprised when told that Blanka is popular among Brazilians, apologized for the poor impression of the country given by the character.{{cite web |url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultnot/multi/2008/02/23/ult530u5873.jhtm |title=Produtor fala sobre "Street IV" e 'se desculpa' por Blanka | author=Azevedo, Théo |publisher=UOL Jogos |date=February 23, 2008 | access-date=October 5, 2009 | language=pt | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301160212/http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultnot/multi/2008/02/23/ult530u5873.jhtm | archive-date=March 1, 2014}} When the Brazilian program Custe o Que Custar asked people in Spain who the best-known Brazilians were, Blanka ranked third (after Gisele Bündchen and Pelé).{{cite web |url=http://madmaxandrade.opsblog.org/2008/05/12/blanka-orgulho-do-brasil/ |title=Blanka, o orgulho do Brasil |publisher=Max Andrade |date=May 12, 2008 | language=pt | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210101052/http://madmaxandrade.opsblog.org/2008/05/12/blanka-orgulho-do-brasil/ | archive-date=February 10, 2009}} In 2009, after Rio de Janeiro was chosen to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, an internet meme spread making Blanka the games' unofficial mascot.{{cite web |url=http://blog.estadao.com.br/blog/link/?title=yes_we_creu_internautas_elegem_mascote_d&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007161510/http://blog.estadao.com.br/blog/link/?title=yes_we_creu_internautas_elegem_mascote_d&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 | archive-date=October 7, 2009 |title=Yes we créu! Internautas elegem mascote da Olímpiada do Rio |publisher=Grupo Estado | work=O Estado de S. Paulo |date=October 2, 2009 | language=pt}} A 2012 meme said that O Maior Brasileiro de Todos os Tempos, the Brazilian version of 100 Greatest Britons, had chosen Blanka the "Greatest Brazilian of All Time".{{cite web | url=http://www.opovo.com.br/app/maisnoticias/brasil/2012/04/23/noticiasbrasil,2826342/internautas-tentam-eleger-blanka-como-o-maior-brasileiro-de-todos-os-tempos.shtml | title=Internautas tentam eleger Blanka como "O maior brasileiro de todos os tempos" | date=April 23, 2012 | work=O Povo | access-date=April 19, 2014 | language=pt | archive-date=April 21, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064816/http://www.opovo.com.br/app/maisnoticias/brasil/2012/04/23/noticiasbrasil,2826342/internautas-tentam-eleger-blanka-como-o-maior-brasileiro-de-todos-os-tempos.shtml | url-status=dead }}

IGN ranked Blanka seventh of its "Top 25 Street Fighter Characters", noting his unique characteristics,{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/08/top-25-street-fighter-characters-day-iv?page=4 |title=Top 25 Street Fighter Characters - Day IV |work=IGN |date=August 7, 2008 |author=Smith, D.F. |access-date=August 15, 2008 |page=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015122445/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/08/top-25-street-fighter-characters-day-iv?page=4 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=live }} and GameDaily placed Blanka fourth on its "Top 20 Street Fighter Characters of All Time" list.{{cite web | url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-20-street-fighter-characters-of-all-time/?page=17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205040811/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-20-street-fighter-characters-of-all-time/?page=17 | archive-date=December 5, 2008 | date=2008 | title= Top 20 Street Fighter Characters of All Time | author=Workman, Robert | work=GameDaily | publisher=AOL | access-date=November 13, 2008}} He was ranked the franchise's 17th-best character (out of 50) by UGO as initially "hook[ing]" gamers and "an indispensable part of Street Fighter now."{{cite web | url=http://www.ugo.com/games/top-50-street-fighter-characters?page=4 | title=Top 50 Street Fighter Characters | author=Furfari, Paul | work=UGO Networks | publisher=IGN Entertainment | access-date=May 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926224236/http://www.ugo.com/games/top-50-street-fighter-characters?page=4 | archive-date=September 26, 2013}} Including Blanka on a list of "The 30 best Capcom characters of the last 30 years", GamesRadar staff said that they could include all of Street Fighter II{{'}}s characters but would only choose "the wildest of the crazy characters in the game. Blanka exemplifies the special brand of insanity that made us love Capcom."{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/30-best-capcom-characters/|title=The 30 best Capcom characters of the last 30 years|date=June 25, 2013|work=GamesRadar|publisher=Future plc|access-date=May 4, 2014|archive-date=May 4, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140504115950/http://www.gamesradar.com/30-best-capcom-characters/|url-status=live}} Edge{{'}}s James Leach called him "by far the best character" in Street Fighter II.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/assessments-of-character-from-mario-to-kratos/ | title=Assessments of character, from Mario to Kratos | date=September 5, 2013 | author=Leach, James | magazine=Edge | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505235033/http://www.edge-online.com/features/assessments-of-character-from-mario-to-kratos/ | archive-date=May 5, 2014}} GameSpy called Blanka one of the "25 Extremely Rough Brawlers" in video gaming, praising the brutality of his attacks.{{cite web |title=25 Extremely Rough Brawlers |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/100/1008184p1.html |author=Staff |work=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |access-date=August 13, 2009 |date=August 11, 2009 |archive-date=January 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129114715/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/100/1008184p1.html |url-status=live }} The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review described the character as resembling "some ridiculous hair-club-for-Hulks member", although his electric attacks made him an effective character.{{cite news |first=Jessica |last=Severs |title=Article: 'Street Fighter IV' a knockout with superb cinematics, gameplay |work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |date=February 25, 2009}} Computer and Video Games, GamesRadar and Game Revolution also noted the difficulty of fighting Blanka.{{cite web | url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/418627/blog/video-blanka-is-a-troll-with-hilarious-consequences/ | title=Video: Blanka is a troll, with hilarious consequences | author=Scullion, Chris | date=July 11, 2013 | work=Computer and Video Games | publisher=Future plc | access-date=May 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301014854/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/418627/blog/video-blanka-is-a-troll-with-hilarious-consequences/ | archive-date=March 1, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/street-fighter-anniversary-collection | title=Street Fighter Anniversary Collection Review | author=Dodson, Joe | date=September 9, 2004 | work=Game Revolution | publisher=CraveOnline | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=October 17, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017201021/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/street-fighter-anniversary-collection | url-status=live }} Blanka has been called a "monster" and "weird",{{cite web | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/story/2012/09/20/developers-reflect-on-25-years-of-street-fighter/57812598/1 | title=Developers reflect on 25 years of 'Street Fighter' | author=Molina, Brett | date=September 20, 2012 | work=USA Today | access-date=May 4, 2014 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505003610/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/story/2012/09/20/developers-reflect-on-25-years-of-street-fighter/57812598/1 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/16/ign-presents-the-history-of-street-fighter?page=2 | title=IGN Presents the History of Street Fighter | author=McLaughlin, Rus | work=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | page=2 | access-date=May 4, 2014 | date=February 16, 2009 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505023545/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/16/ign-presents-the-history-of-street-fighter?page=2 | url-status=live }} and GamesRadar said he "is a bit goofy looking in the Alpha series"{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=2 | title=Street Fighter Week: The evolution of Chun-Li and Blanka | date=June 23, 2012 | work=GamesRadar | publisher=Future plc | access-date=May 4, 2014 | page=2 | archive-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505004218/http://www.gamesradar.com/street-fighter-week-the-evolution-of-chun-li-and-blanka/?page=2 | url-status=live }} (described by GameSpot as "comical").{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/capcom-vs-snk-2-import-review/1900-2816962/ | title=Capcom vs. SNK 2 Import Review | author=Kasavin, Greg | author-link=Greg Kasavin | date=October 9, 2001 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=May 5, 2014 | archive-date=December 8, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208070421/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/capcom-vs-snk-2-import-review/1900-2816962/ | url-status=live }} GameDaily and GamesRadar joked about the character's "sweet" ending (in contrast to his appearance), and Empire called his ending "the worst ... in the game."{{cite web |url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/evolution-of-street-fighter/5.asp |title=The Evolution Of Street Fighter – How The Characters Have Evolved Over The Decades |date=February 11, 2009 |work=Empire |publisher=Bauer Media Group |page=5 |access-date=May 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518032203/http://www.empireonline.com/features/evolution-of-street-fighter/5.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 18, 2014}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Blanka (Street Fighter)}}

{{Street Fighter II|state=Expanded}}

{{Street Fighter series}}

Category:Action film characters

Category:Characters designed by Akira Yasuda

Category:Fictional Brazilian people in video games

Category:Fictional feral children

Category:Fictional monsters

Category:Male characters in video games

Category:Mutant characters in video games

Category:Street Fighter characters

Category:Video game characters introduced in 1991

Category:Video game characters with electric or magnetic abilities