in which he is playable is Gundam Assault Survive, piloting the Aegis. Athrun appears along with many other Gundam SEED characters in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3. Athrun appears in Another Century's Episode 3 piloting the Justice and in Another Century's Episode R piloting the Infinite Justice. Reception Athrun's character has been well received by anime fans, having appeared in the Anime Grand Prix popularity polls in the category of favorite male characters. He came in second in 2002, fourth in 2003, first in 2004, second in 2005, and third in 2006. In a Newtype poll, Athrun was voted as the third most popular male anime character from the 2000s. Two Sunrise polls asked fans what was the most memorable characters from Gundam SEED and from Gundam SEED Destiny; Athrun was fifth in the former and third in the latter. In the poll focused in the best team ups between former enemies, he and Kira were second. In an online poll from 2012, Athrun was voted as Gundam SEEDs second most popular character. His Japanese voice actor Akira Ishida won as the most popular voice actor in the Seiyu Awards 2004 for his portrayal as Athrun in the category "Best Actors in supporting roles". Athrun, along with five other notable mecha and pilots from the Gundam series, were recognized in the second set of "Anime Heroes and Heroines" stamps, released in Japan in 2005. Critical reception for Athrun's character has often been positive. THEM Anime Reviews' Derrick L. Tucker cited him as strong character with his questions regarding war resembling Kira's. Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment stated that while Gundam SEED was primarily focused on Kira's growth, Athrun often "stole the show in a lot of ways" citing their rivalry and his angst displayed during its final episodes. Comments have also been focused on Athrun's and Kira's relationship with IGN's Andy Patrizio disliking the number of times they shouted each other's names. Writing for Mania Entertainment, Kim Wolstenholme was worried about how much would Kira's and Athrun's relationship would be focused in Gundam SEED, but liked how Lacus's introduction added tension to it, because of how she and Kira started relating despite Athrun being engaged with her. Moreover, Ross Liversidge from UK Anime Network enjoyed the development from their rivalry as it resulted in well done fight scenes from each of their mobile suits. Furthermore, Athrun's confrontations with Cagalli across