Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale.
„
~ Blake Belladonna.
“
It was a little strange at first because you were younger, but I've always looked up to you, Ruby. And I still do.
„
~ Blake to Ruby.
Blake Belladonna is one of the main protagonists of the RWBY franchise. She is one of the main protagonists of the American animated webseries RWBY, its Japanese manga prequel/adaptation, comic book series by DC Comics, and video game spinoffs RWBY: Grimm Eclipse and RWBY: Arrowfell. She is a cat Faunus and former member of the White Fang, who left the organization to become a Huntress and member of Team RWBY.
Blake is a fair-skinned girl with long black hair, which she later cuts to shoulder-length. She has large amber eyes, and stands over five and a half feet tall. She has a cross-shaped scar on her lower left abdomen, around her midriff area. Her most prominent feature, and the one signaling her Faunus heritage, is a pair of black, cat-like ears on top of her head and through her hair. She sometimes covers these with a large black bow. Her clothing usually incorporates ribbons and exposed midriff, and usually comes in blacks, purples, whites, and greys.
Blake appeared as a character in the defunct mobile video game RWBY: Amity Arena.
In the game's primary multiplayer mode, Blake appeared as several units. The Ribbon Blake unit was a ground-based melee unit that could be deployed to anywhere in the arena regardless of enemy territory. The Shadow Blake unit was a ranged unit that shot at enemies, and as a special ability could leave behind an immobile clone that drew enemy attacks. The Checkmate unit teams Weiss with Blake, using Glyphs to attack and make friendly units temporarily invulnerable. The Bumblebee unit teams Blake with Yang, which used Yang as a primary ground melee unit, but as a special ability had Blake propel Yang to a location with widespread area damage.
DC Crossovers
RWBY/Justice League
Blake as she appears in RWBY/Justice League.
Blake appears as one of the main protagonists of the DC Comics crossover with the Justice League. While on break from Beacon, Blake travels back home, where rumors circulate of a ghost haunting the island. Blake investigates to find that the sightings are not of a ghost, but of a woman named Diana Prince, who was created as a machine at a nearby secret island and is being traind to be an ambassator to the world of Remnant. However, they are attacked by an orca, seemingly under the control of something. Finding this suspicious, Blake travels back to Beacon with Diana to report to Professor Ozpin. There, she meets with her teammates and their new allies, all of which having made disturbing discoveries: Ruby, Yang, and Clark Kent encountered multi-colored Grimm that could hypnotize people, and Weiss and her friend Bruce Wayne Have found that an Atlas elite named Mr. Lloyd has been stockpiling Dust and ammunition. They determine that people are going missing from around water, including Team JNPR. Blake travels with Yang and Clark to investigate the waters, coming across Arthur Curry, who attacks them beliving they are responsible for his people's disappearances. They are attacked by mind-controlled fish, and determine that they are facing a common enemy. They are rejoined by their allies, now including Barry Allen and Victor Stone. Suddenly, they are attacked by a horde of hypnotized people, animals, and Grimm, including JNPR. They are saved by Jessica Cruz, who explains that she is from a different universe and has tracked an alien conqueror called Starro to Remnant. However, in the journey, time and space were distorted and Starro arrived sixteen years before she did, spreading his influence and taking over the minds of the people, animals, and Grimm of Remnant. After regrouping at Arthur's underwater kingdom, the group comes up with a plan to defeat Starro. Diana lures it out as Blake helps to take down Starro's slaves. Starro takes control of Jessica, and has her use her powers to show everyone their worst fears and memories; in Blake's case, Adam Taurus. Clark, with Bruce's help, manages to carry an entire warehouse of Dust to Starro, throwing it at him and creating an explosion that severely weakens the alien. Weiss, Victor, and Jessica defeat Starro and seal him away in a prison in space. Blake celebrates with her team and newfound friends.
The entire time Blake was at Beacon, she was afraid to open up to people. She tried to keep her past separated from us. She tried to protect us. Eventually, those walls she put up came down. And the moment they did, the one thing she was afraid of actually happened. The universe proved her right.
„
~ Weiss to Yang, about Blake in "Alone Together".
Blake is often introverted and withdrawn, and commonly comes across as cold and serious. Despite this, she is righteous, and firmly believes in attoning for past sins and making things right.
She has a strong sense of justice and equality, and is open about her dislike for bullies and discrimination. She can become hyper-focused on goals, sometimes leading to obsession. Despite being reserved and mostly keeping to herself, Blake has learned to open up to friends and allies, enjoying their company.
She deeply cares for her allies, and most often believes herself to be to blame in the event of them being hurt, either emotionally or physically. As such, she takes on many burdens herself, though she has learned to trust her teammates and not to run when things get difficult.
Powers and Abilities
Blake is an expert combatant, excelling at both ranged and melee combat. Her weapon, Gambol Shroud, is a combination gun and katana, which allows her to fight with the blade or fire Dust ammunition. Her weapon's sheath is bladed as well, allowing it to act like a cleaver. Additionally, the blade can be attached to a long durable ribbon, allowing the blade to be used as a chain scythe on the end of the ribbon, allowing for long range hooking and attacks. She can use Gambol Shroud as a grapple, swinging from raised structures.
Blake possesses a Semblance, a power unique to her drawn from her soul. Her Semblance, Shadow, allows her to create an afterimage-like clone duplicate of herself. These clones, while unable to last long and fade after a single hit, distract and confuse opponents, allowing Blake to either retreat or close in for attack while her Shadow takes the blow for her. Additionally, by channeling Dust through her weapon, Blake can infuse her clones with elemental properties. She can use Rock and Ice Dust to create more durable statues, which can even entrap enemy weapons passing through them, or Fire and Lightning Dust to make her clones explode with the respective element upon impact.
Like all creatures with a soul, Blake also has possesses an Aura, a physical defense generated by her soul. This durable field is invisible except when it is overtaxed, where it flashes purple. Her Aura defends her from attack and can even heal minor wounds, but if it takes too much damage it will become depleted and require time to return.
As a cat Faunus, Blake also possesses night vision that allows her to see well in the dark, an advantage common to most types of Faunus. Her cat ears are also highly sensitive, allowing her to pick up sounds her humanoid ears otherwise could not.
Additionally, as the daughter of the chieftain of Menagerie, Blake is regarded with authority among many Faunus and is an excellent public speaker and negotiator.
Quotes
“
Don't be so dramatic.
„
~ Blake, to Adam Taurus.
“
What about the crew members?
„
~ Blake, to Adam.
“
Are you sure?
„
~ Blake, to Adam as the latter tells her to buy him time.
“
Goodbye...
„
~ Blake, as she abandons Adam.
“
Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company: one of the largest producers of energy propellant in the world... The same company infamous for its controversial labor forces and questionable business partners.
„
~ Blake, explaining to Ruby Rose who Weiss Schnee is and her future company.
“
Aren't you that girl that exploded?
„
~ Blake, to Ruby.
“
Yes - it's lovely! Almost as lovely as this book... That I will continue to read... As soon as you leave...
„
~ Blake, failing to get Ruby and Yang Xiao Long to let her read her book in peace.
“
Did your sister just fall from the sky?
„
~ Blake, talking to Yang about Ruby.
“
Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?
„
~ Blake, after seeing Nora Valkyrie.
“
Did she just run all the way here with a Death Stalker on her tail?
„
~ Blake, after seeing Pyrrha Nikos.
“
It's tougher than it looks!
„
~ Blake, about the Nevermore.
“
(lifting her suitcase) We still have to unpack. (the suitcase opens, spilling its contents) Aaaand clean.
„
~ Blake, explaining Team RWBY's first mission to Weiss.
“
It does seem efficient.
„
“
Banzai!
„
~ Blake, with Yang.
“
Fight well!
„
~ Blake cheering on Weiss.
“
He's not the only one.
„
~ Blake, commenting on Cardin Winchester.
“
Perhaps, if he'd paid attention in class, he wouldn't have been remembered as such a failure.
„
~ Blake, remarking on General Lagune's failure to Cardin.
“
The White Fang is hardly a bunch of psychopaths. They're a collection of misguided Faunus.
„
~ Blake, defending the Faunus.
“
Stop calling him a rapscallion! Stop calling him a degenerate! He's a person!
„
~ Blake, defending Sun Wukong.
“
There's no such thing as pure evil! Why do you think they hate Humanity so much? It's because of people like Cardin - people like YOU - that force the White Fang to take such drastic measures!
„
~ Blake, defending the White Fang.
“
Well maybe we were just tired of being pushed around!
„
~ Blake, accidentally revealing her Faunus identity.
“
So... you want to know more about me.
„
~ Blake, to Sun.
“
We were being treated like equals, but not out of respect. Out of fear. So, I left. I decided I no longer wanted to use my skills to aid in their violence. Instead, I would dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress. So here I am, a criminal hiding in plain view, all with the help of a little, black bow.
„
~ Blake, telling Sun why she left the White Fang.
“
No, I think deep down I knew. I just didn't want to be right.
„
~ Blake, on her suspicion on the White Fang's activities.
“
Brothers of the White Fang! Why are you aiding this scum?
„
~ Blake, to the White Fang with Roman.
“
Weiss, I want you to know that I'm no longer associated with the White Fang. Back when I was with the-
„
~ Blake, explaining herself to Weiss.
“
I was raised outside the kingdoms. If you can't fight, you can't survive.
„
~ Blake, to Ozpin on her upbringings.
“
With all due respect, you need to start taking some larger strides. Until then, I'd rather avoid any unnecessary attention. I want people to see me for who I am, not what I am.
„
~ Blake, to Ozpin on keeping her identity a secret.
“
And we may never be ready! Our enemies aren't just going to sit around and wait for graduation day. They're out there, somewhere, planning their next move, and none of us know what it is, but it's coming! Whether we're ready or not!
„
~ Blake, to Team RWBY regarding the White Fang.
“
The White Fang has regular faction meetings to hand out orders and recruit new members. If I can get in, I can hopefully find out what they're planning.
„
~ Blake, on infiltrating the White Fang.
“
The masks are a symbol. Humanity wanted to make monsters out of us, so we chose to don the faces of monsters.
„
~ Blake, explaining the White Fang mask to Sun.
“
I don't have time for a stupid dance. I thought YOU of all people would get that.
„
~ Blake, rejecting Sun's invitation to the dance.
“
You don't understand! I'm the only one who can do this!
„
~ Blake, to Yang.
“
I knew you'd look better in a tie.
„
~ Blake, to Sun.
“
Please keep it away from my belongings.
„
~ Blake, towards Zwei.
“
There's too much wrong in this world to just stand by and do nothing. Inequality, corruption... Someone has to stop it.
„
~ Blake, to Bartholomew Oobleck on why she wants to become a Huntress.
“
When I leave the Academy, what will I... how can I undo so many years of hate?
„
~ Blake, regarding her future.
“
I was born with the ability to leave behind a shadow of myself - an empty copy that takes the hit while I run away!
„
~ Blake, to Yang.
“
But she could!
„
~ Blake, when Yang politely tries to decline Pyrrha's offer to pay for their meal.
“
Let's see. Grimm invasions, violent extremists, a destructive sociopath...
„
~ Blake summarizes the events of the previous two semesters.
“
Neptune's... afraid of the water.
„
~ Blake, on why Neptune is in shock before the battle.
“
Emphasis on dork.
„
~ Blake, referring to Sun.
“
I want to believe you...
„
~ Blake, when Yang asks her if she believes her.
“
I had someone very dear to me change. It wasn't in an instant, it was gradual - little choices that began to pile up. He told me not to worry. At first, they were accidents, then it was self-defense. Before long, even I began to think he was right. This is all just... very familiar. But you're not him. And you've never done anything like this before. So... I want to trust you. I will trust you. But first, I need you to look me in the eyes and tell me that he attacked you. I need you to promise me that you regret having to do what you did.
„
~ Blake explains her reasoning for doubting Yang.
“
I'm not running.
„
~ Blake, to Adam.
“
I never wanted this! I wanted equality! I wanted peace!
„
~ Blake, to Adam.
“
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
„
~ Blake, to Yang after Adam cuts off her arm.
“
Won't be needing this.
„
~ Blake, as she drops her bow into the ocean.
“
Ugh. Just shut up and fight.
„
~ Blake, responding to Sun's flirting mid-battle.
“
Have you been following me?!
„
~ Blake, to Sun.
“
That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal. That we're still second-class citizens.
„
~ Blake talks about Menagerie to Sun.
“
Who says I'm done fighting?
„
~ Blake, to the Albain brothers.
“
I should have left the White Fang with you and Mom. I should've listened to you, and I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry.
„
~ Blake, to Ghira Belladonna.
“
I told you, I'm not here to fight the White Fang, I'm not here to fight anyone. I'm here to rest, to figure things out, and to see my family.
„
~ Blake, to Sun, about her reasons for being in Menagerie.
“
No, no, no, not again, please! Help! Somebody! Hold on, Sun, just hold on.
„
~ Blake, after Sun is wounded.
“
Shut up! Do you think I like being alone? Every day... every day I think about them! Ruby, Weiss, Yang... they were my friends! I loved them like I never thought I could love anybody. And I hope they hate me for leaving. Everyone thinks they can help me, but they can't. You saw Ilia last night and she's not even the worst! No. No more. They're better off without me. I made my choices and I'll deal with the consequences because they belong to me.
„
~ Blake's reason of leaving her friends behind, to Sun
“
We're not going to destroy the White Fang. We're going to take it back and you're gonna help me.
„
~ Blake, to Sun and her parents.
“
You're going to have to make me.
„
~ Blake rejecting Ilia's advice to flee Menagerie.
“
Whatever happens at Haven is going to affect them whether they like it or not. If Adam gets his way and Haven falls, it’s only going to make things worse for the Faunus. Everywhere.
„
~ Blake on the consequences of Adam's impending assault.
“
At first I thought Adam was “justice”, then I thought he was “passion”. But over time, I realized I was wrong. He wasn’t any of those things. He was “spite”. Not “hatred”, not “rage”, “spite”. He won’t accept equality, only suffering for what he feels the world did to him, and his way of thinking is dangerously contagious.
„
~ Blake on seeing the truth about Adam.
“
It’s about time I saved my friends for once.
„
~ Blake, vowing to save Ilia.
“
Ilia, I know you’re scared, but you don’t have to be. My family and I, we can keep you safe.
„
~ Blake, to Ilia.
“
Because we’re trying to protect people?! In what world do you live in where attacking the innocent is the right thing to do?!
„
~ Blake, to Ilia.
“
Because I run away too much.
„
~ Blake to Ilia, on why she did not leave Menagerie in "True Colors".
“
Humans didn’t do this. We did this. Faunus. We did this to ourselves. We’re just as capable of hate and violence as the humans but I don’t think any of us would jump at the chance to point that out. So why are we letting Adam do it for us? By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we’re not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him! You have to understand that all of you are looking for simple answers to a very complicated problem, and I can’t give that to you. I don’t know how to make hate go away, I don’t. But I know that this kind of violence is not the solution. I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk, but that’s what’s at stake. So I’m going, and I’ll stand by myself if I have to.
„
~ Blake, giving a speech to the Faunus of Menagerie in "True Colors".
“
Because I run away too much.
„
~ Blake to Ilia, on why she did not leave Menagerie in "True Colors".
“
This isn’t what’s right for the Faunus! Stop what you’re doing and we can end this peacefully.
„
~ Blake, to Adam.
“
...Yang?
„
~ Blake, seeing Yang again.
“
I’m here for Haven, not you.
„
~ Blake, to Adam.
“
You can try and make me regret coming here, Adam, but honestly... I’ve got more important things to deal with.
„
~ Blake, to Adam
“
Blake: (sobs) I... I'm not gonna break my promise, I swear... Yang: I know you won't... Blake: (sobs)
„
~ Blake to Yang after they kill Adam.noicon
Trivia
Blake means "black" in Old English. Belladonna means "fair lady" (Bella donna) in Italian, and it is also the name of a deadly nightshade.
Blake alludes to Belle from the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast:
Her last name, Belladonna, is a type of plant as well as incorporates the name "Belle"
Her former partner Adam alludes to and shares his name with the Beast.
When she is first introduced, she is seen reading a book, much like Belle in the Disney version of the story.
It is also shown that she has a candelabra in her possession, possibly referring to Lumière.
The lyrics to "Red Like Roses" reference Blake as "Black the beast"
"Bellona" (a potential root word in Blake's last name, Belladonna) is the Roman goddess of war.
Blake's symbol on her stocking seems to have a purple holographic shine to it.
Blake's book "Ninjas of Love" may be a reference to the fictional "Makeout Paradise" novels from the Naruto series.
She has her own official Twitter account at RT_BlakeB, like Ruby, Weiss, and Yang.
The RoosterTeeth crew said Blake was one of the hardest characters to write for during Volume 1, because they wanted her to be calm, but not "boring," so they eventually settled on giving her a snarky sense of humor.
In the Japanese dub, she is voiced by Yū Shimamura.
Blake fought Mikasa Ackerman in an episode of DEATH BATTLE and won.
She is the only member of Team RWBY to be an only child, as both Ruby and Yang are half-sisters while Weiss has two siblings.
_Blake_Belladonna_introduction.jpg){kind=link}