Zero Two

Zero Two was born in a laboratory, one of many failed experiments by APE to create a hybrid soldier that could wield the power of klaxosaurs. Her codename, Code:002, marked her as the second successful hybrid after the klaxosaur princess. Subjected to brutal procedures, she developed red horns, sharp fangs, and accelerated regeneration, but also gained klaxosaur blood that slowly erodes her human cells. As a child, she was kept in isolation, treated as a weapon. The only kindness she received came from a young boy named Hiro, then known as Code:016, who snuck into her cell and befriended her. He promised to pilot with her one day, a vow that gave her hope. When Hiro was later reassigned and his memory of her was suppressed, Zero Two was left alone, hardening into the aggressive, reckless pilot she becomes.[edit]

Zero Two is a bundle of contradictions. On the surface, she is wild, hedonistic, and fiercely confident. She flirts with danger and with people, licking blood from her partners and calling everyone she finds interesting 'darling.' She has a playful, teasing side, especially with Hiro, but it masks a deep loneliness and desperation. Her driving motivation is to become fully human, a goal she pursues by absorbing the life force of her stamens, which she rationalizes as necessary. Beneath the bravado, she is terrified of being a monster. She craves acceptance and love, but fears her own nature will destroy anyone who gets close. As she grows closer to Hiro and the squad, she learns to trust and care for others, revealing a vulnerable, protective side. Her emotional arc is about choosing connection over consumption, love over survival.[edit]

Zero Two's journey spans the entire series. When she first appears, she is a solo operator, refusing to pair with any stamen because she has killed her previous partners. Her reunion with Hiro in episode 2 rekindles her hope. Their successful synchronization allows her to pilot Strelizia, and she becomes obsessed with Hiro, believing he is the key to her humanity. In the first half, she is reckless, often putting herself and others in danger, and her habit of draining Hiro's life force causes tension. The turning point comes in episodes 13 and 14, when Hiro uncovers their childhood bond. This revelation recontextualizes her actions: her 'darling' obsession is not just selfish need but a desperate search for the boy who once showed her kindness. From then on, she begins to change. She stops draining Hiro, learns to fight alongside the team, and even sacrifices her physical form in episode 22, merging with Strelizia to defeat the klaxosaur princess. In the epilogue, she returns as a fully human girl, finally free of her klaxosaur curse, and lives happily with Hiro.[edit]

Zero Two became an instant icon when Darling in the Franxx premiered in January 2018. Her pink hair, red horns, and mischievous grin flooded fan art, cosplay, and social media. She ranked as the fourth most popular character on MyAnimeList with a popularity score of 54.18 as of July 2026, and was the most popular character in her type category. She won the 'Best Girl' category at the 2018 Funimation Awards and was a top contender in r/anime's Best Girl contests. Her catchphrase 'darling' became a widespread meme. However, her popularity was not without controversy. Some critics argued that her character was overly sexualized, particularly in early episodes, while fans defended her as a complex, tragic figure. Despite mixed critical reception of the show's second half, Zero Two remains one of the most recognizable anime characters of the 2010s, with a lasting presence in merchandise, crossover games, and fan culture.[edit]