So it took me a billion years, but I finally listened to Rhea's Japanese VA and DAMN there are so many differences. And I don't mean this in a negative context; as someone who generally prefers the original audio over dubs (yeah, I guess I'm that person), I actually prefer the direction Leigh took EN Rhea in.
Whereas Japanese Rhea exudes Supreme Mom Energy almost 100% of the time, English Dub Rhea is somehow both more guarded and yet emotionally reactive. It's so fascinating to me how many different facets of character building Leigh was able to fold into her just by using her voice. And the entire time, it's completely believable.
It also sheds a new light, for me at least, on why in Japanese fanart, Rhea is pretty much always timid and bashful. Any why Byleth can do something as small as like. Smile at her, and she becomes an absolute wreck hahsdjjekd
I love both versions of her, yet I can't help but feel that somehow, they are completely different characters. I don't know, I feel like it's such a testament to both VAs.
