contrast

As Witchblade progresses and Rihoko learns more about her origins, she is forced to confront the reality that she has two mothers. While Reina is Rihoko's biological parent, Masane is the woman who has dedicated her life to raising her. Rihoko has never known a parent beyond Masane, so when she learns that her "proper" mother is another woman, the shock is difficult for her to deal with. The series is structured in such a way that it draws deliberate contrasts between Rihoko's two mothers so that we, as audience members, feel her sense of alienation and concern. These women are nothing like each other, yet they are both important to Rihoko.

From her introduction, it is clear that Reina is the absolute opposite of Masane in almost every way. Where Masane is sloppy and irresponsible, Reina is impeccable and mature. Where Reina is cold and unforgiving, Masane is warm and understanding. Where Masane is fairly unskilled as a parent, Reina is by-the-book and strict in her approach to child-rearing. Reina and Masane are like chalk and cheese.

Yet, on one point they share similar feelings. Reina and Masane, two women of different backgrounds and natures, both love Amaha Rihoko.

Riko is the most important thing to me! - Masane

Arguably Masane hasn't been the best mother in the world to Rihoko. She's perpetually unemployed, constantly forcing the child to move around (to avoid child services, no less!) and forever lumping adult burdens on Rihoko. But at the same time, she loves Riko and does everything a woman without an education or any semblances of financial stability can do to support the happiness of her child. Rihoko, being considerably more gifted than the average child (both in intellect and social capabilities) enjoys playing the mature one in their relationship. She is good at cooking and so appreciates the opportunity to cook for Masane (who in turn, loves being treated to nice food).

I only did what a mother would do... What were you doing? - Reina

Reina, on the other hand, is painted as a mother so perfect that she can quote parenting books without a prompt. While Reina lavishes Rihoko with gifts, she also expects her to behave as an obedient child should. Rihoko must take on a parental role when dealing with the oafish and immature Masane, but with Reina she is forced to be a child - excluded from any responsibility. This doesn't sit well with Rihoko, who flourishes when given adult responsibility (such as household chores). Reina can't quite understand why her daughter doesn't behave the way children are "supposed to" behave, why a real child is nothing like the way children are described in books.

Masane never feels like she can compete with the picture-perfect Reina, and on some levels she can't. Reina has been well educated and is intellectually inclined. Masane is an orphan of average intelligence with no real brilliance to speak of, aside from a generous heart. This is what Reina lacks - while she does love her daughter, she can't express her feelings in a manner Rihoko could ever understand. Having been raised as a "Sister", Reina is intelligent but emotionally stunted. She simply does not have Masane's heart.

These two very different women, when combined, have managed to create an amazing child. Reina gifted her with genetic brilliance while Masane raised her to be a personable young girl. Nature and nurture combined to make a wonderful child, influenced by her polar opposite mothers she became a beautiful blend of both - capable and mature, but also loving and kind. Neither mother is perfect, but their shared daughter is all things great, ostensibly because her mothers embody "the best of both worlds".