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This post is by guest writer Adeline Zhang.
With anime, main characters often start out OP, or at least very talented in some way. Hence mangaka run into the problem of how to further develop these characters. Their simple solution: let’s just give them crazy power-ups that are OOP and really grandiose. And while this simple idea often makes fight scenes overwhelming (and a bit predictable), the power ups below know exactly how to hype up viewers that are used to excess flair.
Haoshoku Haki (One Piece)
Literally meaning “ambition of the color of the conquering king,” Haoshoku Haki is a move that is always demanding awe and respect from me in a way very befitting its name. I like to think of Haoshoku Haki as a very cool, sophisticated, and even majestic move — kind of like when someone shows off but it’s so impressive that you forget it was meant to be condescending. The way people lose consciousness spontaneously reminds me of how subjects automatically kneel before their king out of respect for his power. Whether it’s Shanks calmly walking past Whitebeard’s crew or Luffy desperately fighting to save Ace, their Haoshoku Haki screams out “I am not a pushover and I will do things the way I want to, so get out of my way!” And when two users of Haoshoku Haki clash, their individual wills are so intense that it’s difficult to look away from the screen for even a second.
Gon’s Adult Transformation (Hunter x Hunter)
Gon’s transformation is one that’s hard to forget, even among other famous anime powers. Not only does his appearance take on a drastic change, but so does his kind personality. As Gon mercilessly bashes down on Neferpitou’s head over and over, I feel like I’m watching a child growing up the “wrong way.” It’s hard to not sympathize with Killua and ask Gon to stop, even if it’s out of revenge for Kite. Sometimes, big events in our lives can change our personalities permanently, and watching Gon while in his adult form makes me feel like even if his body reverts back, his mind won’t. He may have gained incredible power and the ability to exact revenge, but it feels like he lost his innocence and his humanity in exchange.
Night Guy (Naruto)
There are plenty of life-sacrificing, last resort techniques in anime, but Night Guy carries a sentimentality that makes it an epic far and away from the others. We’ve all had those times when we feel like we’re struggling to just keep up. Night Guy is an ode to those feelings. Guy not only demonstrates that effort pays off, he makes you believe it, showing that a man can even become a dragon if he so wishes. As Guy lies dying, it almost seems as if he is speaking directly to me, telling me to never pity myself for a lack of talent or genius, because strength is acquired through effort and perseverance. Just like how the Eight Gates can only be controlled through rigorous training, our own “power-up” in life is simply the effort we put into realizing our dreams.
Nationwide Transmutation Circle (Fullmetal Alchemist)
A technique that takes large-scale to a whole new meaning, it’s impossible to watch the nationwide transmutation circle be activated with a calm composure. After all, the nationwide transmutation circle is meant to turn Father into a god by sacrificing all the citizens of Amestris. The contrast between the red light and black arm-like things that accompany this unparalleled transmutation gives off a very sinister feeling. Couple that with the fact that this transmutation took place during an eclipse, and you get this very dark and ominous scene reminiscent of an apocalypse. I can’t help but watch with bated breath as the characters we’ve grown to love are being sacrificed to summon a gigantic, shadow-like deity that seems more like the devil than a god.
Super Milk Time (Beelzebub)
As a child, my mom always said drinking a lot of milk was the key to growing up strong. Well, Oga certainly proved that much with Super Milk Time. Just mix some formula with hot water, making sure it doesn’t burn, drink a few sips, and voila — the power of the prince of demons is now yours to utilize. Drink a little more and you can now proudly call yourself the Lord of the Flies as you utterly decimate your foes. If only all the gallons of milk I’ve drank over my lifetime was a tenth as potent. I mean who would need the gym if we just had Baby Beel’s milk? Of course, that’s assuming you don’t mind becoming Baby Beel and growing green fly wings. Even though Baby Beel is pretty adorable, I wouldn’t want his naked preferences to take over my body.
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