There are many characters in the whole series, so it naturally happens that some characters are less highlighted or appreciated than others. This chapter's topic is to honor the top 5 most underrated characters that deserve some more attention. This is gonna be another mixed list. Let's go!

#5 Lane Blackwood

Lane is a character many people tend to... forget about. We have Solace, the leader of Team Sky Force who just cannot be overlooked... we have Tori, the silly and loud one that literally is getting involved EVERYWHERE... we have Aella, the somewhat sadistic and wild girl that freaks out of you just look at her in an inappropriate manner... and then there's Lane. A character many people cannot really connect to because he doesn't seem outstanding next to the others. So, here're the reasons why Lane is an awesome character:
Firstly, Lane might be a background player, but he's indispensable for Sky Force. His assigned tarot card is named "The Force", and Lane does have battle strength that shall not be diminished. He defeated Elma and gave Tori a really close match. Lane wields power.
Secondly, Lane is an author. As a writer and a creator of stories and characters himself, Lane is capable of understanding people better, much similar to Yukine just without ability. Lane can "beam" himself into the skin of others and so easily fathom their trails of thought. That's why he's so good at reaching out at people. Also, he tells them to live for their passions and not to be ashamed for them.
Thirdly, Lane is a binding force. He keeps Sky Force together, in pain and sadness as well as joy. He comforted Aella when she was crying her eyes out and even encouraged Tori to overthink her own behavior. Also, Lane is the main performer of combination attacks- which mark Sky Force the most. Solace tends to launch the most combos with Lane.
And lastly, Lane is a team player. He can team up with almost everyone perfectly and adapt to them. And that's also very important in a guild.

#4 Kuraiko Hirose

In my opinion, Kuraiko ended up to be a little... underrated. Being a fight-based character, Kuraiko is a fearless person that doesn't tend to be sentimental. Regardless of how bad a situation is, Kuraiko never panicked or lost sight of the important things. She might have been depicted as "heartless" at some point, but it's invalid. Kuraiko merely is an unshaken person that doesn't fall into despair very quickly (which is important for a fighter- to stay calm and not let yourself be influeced by outward factors. Just focusing of what's ahead of you- and face it head-on), she rather calls the others out to keep a clear head. She also is a strong tail wind for Laslow. Kuraiko isn't likely to fall for madness and that actually is what makes her persona really valuable. Someone who observes everything objectively isn't everywhere to be found.

#3 Katsuro Kamishiro

Katsuro is a character everyone has forgotten about at some point. But actually, his role wasn't unimportant especially in Justice Arc. Katsuro isn't a person that talks much or gets engaged in conversations because that simply isn't his personality. He's stronger when he's acting anonymous and not face to face with people- and he made good use of that by casting a wildfire-like shitstorm against Jayden's imprisonment. He was the person that actually led the heroes' resistance against a fate they otherwise would've had to accept.

#2 Kahua Akiona

Kahua is hella underrated. Not only was he Jayden's right hand in the Skull case, he was one of the Chosen Ones and so essential for the battle ahead. He was capable of bringing Dino back to his senses while being controlled- even tho he never met him before. He asked Jayden how he could help him to deal with his wound, searching herbs and berries for him. He saved Jayden's life by reacting instantly as he collapsed and bringing him into the Pokémon-Center for treatment. And, most importantly, Kahua encouraged Noka to tell the group about the problem she faced. Kahua did a lot of little things that actually led towards a great outcome and were essential for the plot. Even tho Jayden had to induce Kahua's courage, Kahua served the story as some sort of mostly unseen hero.

#1 Chris Edwards

Chris is actually a character many people tend to look at superficially. Sure, on first glance, Chris doesn't seem special, but what many people fail to notice is that Chris is a very good person. He is one of the strongest trainers- but unlike Dino (for example), he doesn't take that up too high. He is a fair winner (and loser), which he especially shows when he surrendered the league battle against Jacky by simply stopping to command Tyranitar and letting it be defeated- just because he couldn't stand seeing his opponent suffer on the battlefield. Later on, Chris asked Jacky how she was, showing concern about her well-being and as he wasn't selected as "Returner" to the tournament (Kuraiko was, instead), he showed neither bitterness nor anger for having thrown away his chance of receiving the champion title. Instead, he proved to be quite opposed to Jacky's ideals and beliefs, when he said that, to some people, being strong is just a burden and truly dangerous (which it clearly was for Jacky). Later on, Chris fought alongside the heroes, lending them a (strong) hand against Kyurem. Furthermore, he returned to the screen in Justice Arc and travelled to Alola because he was worried about Laslow and the others (and states he couldn't come over and aid them because all boat connections where cut after the destruction of the third ruin). In Lost Timeline Arc, Chris even "sacrifices" himself to stay behind and fight just to buy time for the others to go on ahead. In the few scenes where Chris showed up, he showed what kind of person he truly is. He doesn't hide behind his reputation, he doesn't wear it as a mask- Chris shows his true face. He isn't a character to whom strength or titles matter. He actually is willed to make sacrifices in favor of others, even if he doesn't know them well (like Jacky).

That's my opinion of who I think deserved a little more credit. Who do you have in mind? Tell me in the comments~