5 anime transformations that endanger the user (& 5 that make them a danger to everyone else)

Anime transformations differ from power-up techniques like Gojo’s Hollow Purple to Luffy’s Gears. Transformations occur with certain genetic mutations in the user’s body, like in the case of Titan shifting in Attack on Titan or the creation of Nomus in My Hero Academia.

Many anime characters go through stages of transformation to gain necessary power. However, these transformations always come at the expense of something, from losing life to losing your humanity altogether.

While anime transformations make the user invincible, some transformations pose a significant danger to the character’s life. This listicle compiles five examples each, where the transformation endangers the user and where they become a danger to everyone.

Transforming into Kiyubi, Titan shifting, and 3 other anime transformations that endanger the user

1) Transforming into Kiyubi- Naruto

Naruto as Kiyubi (one of the anime transformations that endanger the user) (Image via Pierrot)

Naruto couldn’t wield Kurama’s immense power for a long time, and being unable to control this power posed a significant threat to him. During his teen years, he finally learned to use some of the chakra depository embedded in him; however, using Kurama or Nine Tails’ power endangered him.

Jinchurikis like Naruto, Gara, and Sora can even die if they use the power of the tailed beasts embedded in them. Naruto lost control of himself while using this power before mastering it.

Using the Tailed Beasts’ power without mastering it would make the jinchuriki lose the sense of friends and foes, transforming him into a killing machine while slowly burning the jinchuriki’s skin.

Naruto transformed into a full-fledged Kiyubi while fighting Pain. If it hadn't been for Minato’s sealing technique, Naruto would have died. Transforming into tailed beasts is one of the most dangerous anime transformations that endanger the users.

2) Titan shifting- Attack on Titan

Rainer, Eren, and Lara Tybur in their Titan form (Image via MAPPA)

The anime Attack on Titan is based on the power of nine Titans. However, this power comes with the cost of the shifters’ lives. Once someone gains the power of titans, they get implicated by the “Curse of Ymir,” living for only 13 years more.

Therefore, most titan shifters like Eren, Frieda, and Grisha died young. Apart from a short life, they also had to go through the pain of being eaten alive while passing the power to the next wielder. Titan shifters are also used as killing machines, as seen in the anime.

Even though Titan shifting is a great power, and in Marley, it comes with honor and prestige, it dehumanizes the user till their death, making it one of the most heinous anime transformations.

3) Sukuna's Possession- Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji as Sukuna (one of the anime transformations that endanger the user) (Image via MAPPA)

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori underwent one of the most heartbreaking transformations. He consumed one of Sukuna’s fingers without proper knowledge of the substance, which transformed him into Sukuna’s Vessel.

Initially, Yuji managed to control his transformation into Sukuna. However, it became uncontrollable at times. Once, Sukuna ripped out Yuji’s heart, causing him to die temporarily.

Sukuna’s full possession of Yuji’s body resulted in the massacre at Shibuya, which made him a convict. When Sukuna possessed Megumi, he couldn’t keep the shape of his soul intact. So, he ended up giving full control of his body to Sukuna.

4) Final Getsuga Tensho- Bleach

Ichigo as Final Getsuga Tensho (Image via Pierrot)

Ichigo Kurosaki is one of the most powerful characters in the classic anime, Bleach. While he has many cards up his sleeves, nothing can rival his final Getsuga Tensho form.

While it's a Zanpakuto technique, it transforms Ichigo’s physical form to a great length. His hair and one arm turn completely black, and he becomes the Getsuga in this form. Although it's a powerful technique, and he brought down Hogoyoku-fused Aizen in this form, he lost his Shinigami power after the battle.

Later, Ichigo was able to bring back his hollow powers with the Fullbringing technique, but he couldn’t transform into the final Getsuga Tensho. Any other user of this technique might be unable to regain their power. Therefore, it’s one of the anime transformations that endangers the user.

5) Ice Shell- Fairy Tail

Ur & Gray using Ice Shell (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The anime Fairy Tail has a lot of powerful magical techniques, but Ice Shell is the most powerful sealing technique among all of them. While it may seem like a magic technique, it’s a transmutation.

To activate Ice Shell, the mage has to sacrifice his life and body to create an ice prison that can seal anything. The user’s body and life force transform into the ice, forming the ice prison.

Ur transformed into Ice Shell to stop Deliora. Gray Fullbuster tried to sacrifice himself a few times while trying to transform into Ice Shell, but Natsu stopped him each time. While Ice Shell is an invincible technique, it’s one of the anime transformations that endanger the users.

Sage of Six Paths, Asta's Black Form, and 3 other anime transformations that make the user a danger to everyone else

1) Transforming into Sage of Six Paths- Naruto

Madara as Sage of Six Paths (Image via Pierrot)

The classic anime Naruto has one of the most powerful anime transformations in the animeverse. Transforming in the “Sage of Six Paths” is one of the powerful abilities granted by Rinnegan.

Even though Nagato and Obito also wielded this power, the infamous Madara Uchiha took it to the next level. Madara combined Asura and Indra’s power by obtaining Hashirama’s DNA.

Madara became the Jinchuriki of Ten Tails after combining the chakra of the ten tailed-beasts. After transforming into the “Sage of Six Paths,” Madara became a formidable foe, nearly bringing destruction to the whole world.

2) Ryo's Transformation- Devilman Crybaby

Ryo as Satan (One of the anime transformations that make the user a danger to everyone else) (Image via Aniplex)

The anime Devilman Crybaby delves into the philosophical and theological understanding of humanity. At the end of the anime, Ryo Asuka, one of the main characters, transforms into the fallen angel Satan.

Satan was one of the most infamous anime villains ever seen on screen. First, he manipulated humans with bigotry and orchestrated a worldwide massacre. His ultimate transformation brought back the fallen angels and destroyed the whole world.

In the anime, he is seen as an eight-winged Seraphim with all the powers of Lucifer. Ryo’s transformation into Satan is an anime transformation that becomes a danger to the whole world.

3) Transmutation into Dragon- Fairy Tail

Acnologia in Fairy Tail (Image via A-1 Pictures)

In the world of Fairy Tail, “Dragon Slayer magic” is one of the most powerful ancient magics. Longer usage of this power can transform the mage into a dragon, like in the case of Acnologia.

Transforming into a dragon makes the user a threatening foe and grants him a longer lifespan than humans. Acnologia brought destruction in the human world for centuries, even nearly killing the most powerful wizards of the Fairy Tail guild.

Dragon slayers like Natsu, Gajeel, and Wendy have antidotes that can stop this total transformation. They can activate “Dragon Force,” a partial transformation that can achieve unimaginable feats in battle.

4) Asta's Black Form- Black Clover

Asta using his Black Form (One of the anime transformations that make the user a danger to everyone else) (Image via Pierrot)

Asta’s Black Form in the anime Black Clover might seem like a power; however, as seen in the anime, it's not a magical ability. Asta is possessed by an “antimagic” demon, so his power enables him to nullify any magic.

To use the full-fledged black form, Asta made a binding vow with Liebe, the demon residing inside him. To activate the power, Asta goes through a partial possession by Liebe.

This form is threatening against any magical ability user since he can nullify all magic. He is also able to fly and attack while defending himself. It’s one of the anime transformations that make the user a danger to everyone else.

5) Shigaraki's Transformation- My Hero Academia

Sigaraki in My Hero Academia Season 7 (Image via Studio Bones)

Shigaraki underwent heavy transformations to achieve his ultimate state that even surpasses the power of All for One in My Hero Academia. After months of experiments and genetic mutations, he became a perfected form of the nomu-like creature wielding multiple quirks and shape-shifting.

All for One planned to merge his consciousness with Shigaraki’s body, however, his plan failed when Shigaraki’s will overpowered his influence. Shigaraki’s transformation made him a destructive force that posed a great threat to society.

The almost invincible nature of his transmutation is one of the most powerful anime transformations.

Final Thoughts

Anime transformations are a great way to showcase the power of the characters. They also play a significant role in the plot, like in Attack on Titan or Devilman Crybaby.

While anime usually shows powerup abilities, the instances of transmutations showcase a different side of character development. Every anime transformation comes with immense sacrifice and pain. Characters go to great lengths to show a different face of humanity.