He is a fictional character in Capcom's Street Fighter fighting game series. He appeared for the first time in the Street Fighter II video game of 1991 as one of eight playable characters, and subsequently appeared in the sequels and spin-off games. Blanka is also present in several cross games of Capcom, including the series SNK vs. Capcom. The character has appeared in other media adaptations of the franchise, including an animated film, a live action movie, an animated television series, a comic book and a manga series.

Blanka was originally designed as a human character by Akira "Akiman" Yasuda, and underwent several reconceptualizations during the production of Street Fighter II before reaching his final portrayal as a wild savage with green skin and long orange hair. Blanka's background story is that she was once human, but after a plane crash in Brazil, she mutated (which resulted in her green color and ability to generate electricity). Blanka was generally well received by critics and fans, becoming one of the most popular characters in the franchise.