10 anime power-ups that change appearance

Anime power-ups bring more than strength-gaining-increments; sometimes, they dramatically make the user look different, exposing the body or personality traits they obtain. These changes not only help explain the source of increased power but also do fantastic things to create a visual impact, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

From swinging new outfits to grossly monstrous forms, these power-ups become quite the iconic moments in anime, defining characters and their battles. Whether it's a fiery aura, some glowing energy, or a complete physical metamorphosis, transformation plays a big role in highlighting the next level of power. Here are ten anime power-ups that change the look of its user.

Disclaimer: This list is ranked in no particular order and contains the writer's opinion.

Titan Shift, Bankai, and 8 other anime power-ups that change appearance

1) Gear Change (One Piece)

Luffy's Gear Fifth as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Gear Change in One Piece is one of the anime power-ups that significantly change Luffy’s appearance and abilities. Each Gear modification uniquely changes his body. Gear Second makes his skin steam and turn red because of fast blood flow, while Gear Fourth inflates his muscles, granting him the look of an armored balloon.

However, the most drastic visual change is Gear Fifth, which begins with the awakened Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Luffy goes white-headed, and his eyes shine bright. His body becomes much more elastic, allowing him to fight freely. These transformations build up his power and speed and add beautiful changes to his visual appearance.

2) Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball Z)

Super Saiyan Goku as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

In Dragon Ball Z, the Super Saiyan transformation forms the most defining moment for the Saiyan, with dramatic change both in power and appearance. The user's hair turns golden, their eyes change to greenish-blue, and a mighty aura flows around them, covered in a golden light.

Along with increasing strength and speed, it also shows a burst of emotions, usually caused by anger or desperation. The alteration is visually dramatic, signifying the unlocking of dormant powers and entering a more powerful state. Super Saiyan transformation has become iconic in the anime community, marking a pivotal battle evolution. This makes it one of the anime power-ups that changes the user visually.

3) Limitation Transformation (Hunter x Hunter)

Gon Freecss as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Limitation Transformation is one of the most unique anime power-ups. It allows its user to develop superior ability by changing his physical form. When Gon uses Limitation Transformation, he sacrifices his potential to get immense strength. His body form turns more muscular and morphs into more spiky and wild hair with a fierce aura that depicts his overwhelming determination and raw power.

This transformation visually depicts the stakes he's willing to take. It shows the darker side of power and Nen's price. The Limitation Transformation of Gon emphasizes the emotional burden of his journey and a significant series of milestones, making it one of the anime power-ups that changes many users' appearance.

4) Titan Shift (Attack on Titan)

Eren Yeager as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Titan Shift in Attack on Titan is a deep metamorphosis that allows characters to transform into monstrous Titans, as demonstrated by Eren Yeager, where the power-up transforms them in appearance with enormous size and varied monstrous features.

Eren's Titan stretches out his limbs, toughens his skin, and has facial expressions close to his actual emotions, creating an intimidating entity on the battlefield. This is not just the development of physical power but also highlights the character’s struggle between humanity and monstrosity, making Titan Shift one of the anime power-ups that change the overall appearance of its user.

5) Baryon Mode (Boruto)

Baryon Mode Naruto as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Baryon Mode, Naruto undergoes a striking transformation characterized by his extreme power and spectacular appearance. His hair gets spiky, standing on tufts that resemble fox ears. The whisker-like markings on his face are also thickened and curled upwards, and his eyes resemble that of Kurama's red-slit variant.

His eye pigments turn black and stretch towards his fox ear-like tufts. Also, his clothes change to a darker orange, and he gets a chakra cape with a black swirl in the middle of his chest. His cape has nine chakra tails given to him as he streams behind himself with each of the black lines on its tip, making Baryon Mode one of the anime power-ups that changes the visual appeal of its user.

6) Demon Transformation (Black Clover)

Asta as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In Black Clover, Asta’s Demon Transformation is an anime power-up that dramatically changes his appearance. When he connects himself to the demonic power of his devil, his body gets completely covered in black energy, and one of the arms turns into dark, devilish limbs. His right eye turns red, and a pair of dark wings appear at his back to give him a more sinister look and power.

This implies that the partial flow of anti-magic power within his system makes him stronger and more agile. The visual change serves as a tremendous upgrade of his powers, making it clear that his power has reached a new level.

7) Bankai (Bleach)

Rukia's Bankai as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Bankai is the final liberation of a Soul Reaper's Zanpakutō in the Bleach. The ability significantly changes both the power and appearance of its user. Whenever a Soul Reaper activates their Bankai, their weapon and outfit change.

For example, when Ichigo Kurosaki activates his Bankai, his gigantic sword becomes a compact and clean black katana. In contrast, his uniform becomes slender and clean, showing his heightened agility and strength.

All Bankai differs for one user and show their character and personality, Such as Byakuya's scatter petals or Rukia's icy form. This makes Bankai one of the anime power-ups that shows a profound change in appearance.

8) Dragon Force (Fairy Tail)

Natsu Dragneel as seen in anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Dragon Force is a powerful transformation exclusive to only the Dragon Slayers in Fairy Tail. Once a Dragon Slayer enters Dragon Force, their appearance changes in the most significant way. The Dragon Slayer features dragon-like scales covering their entire skin, and their eyes shine with an incredible radiance that closely resembles the mythical dragons from which they draw power.

These come with massive amplifications of strength, speed, and magical abilities so they can reach their full Dragon Slayer potential. This physical transformation from human to dragon-like speaks of their connection with dragons, making it one of the anime power-ups that changes the look of its user.

9) Chainsaw Man transformation (Chainsaw Man)

Chainsaw Man as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

The Chainsaw Man transformation completely changes Denji as his power. As Denji pulls the cord attached to his chest, Denji's head becomes monstrous, mechanical chainsaw, and chainsaws come out from his arms, making him look scary and monstrous.

His body is soaked with blood, and the vicious design speaks to the murderous instinct behind his power. More than it makes him deliver attacks, it also emphasizes the gory and chaotic essence of the series, making it one of the anime power-ups that impacts its users' appearance.

10) Moon Prism Power Make Up (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Moon as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Moon Prism Power Make Up is one of the most striking transformations of Sailor Moon, altering her appearance. Using this power shifts Usagi Tsukino, the ordinary schoolgirl, to the magical warrior, Sailor Moon.

Her outfit changes into the recognizable sailor suit, tiara, red boots, and crescent moon, symbolizing her as a guardian of love and justice. The transformation involves bright lights, sparkling effects, and a complete change in her behavior, displaying that she is ready for battle, making it one of the anime power-ups that alters the look of its user.

Final thoughts

Anime power-ups don't just enhance strength but also alter characters' appearances dramatically and signal turning points in their lives. Luffy's Gear Change, Gon's Limitation Transformation, and Asta's Demon Transformation reflect their growing power and evolving identity.

Whether it be the golden glow of Super Saiyan or the monstrous shift in Titan Shift, visual transformations deepen the emotional bond between the viewer and the characters involved.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika