5 anime transformations that completely changed a character's design (& 5 that did almost nothing at all)

Anime transformations are almost a hallmark of many series; they mark turning points that change a character's performance, looks, and even function. Whether it's through a sudden surge in power or a radical redesign, these transformations can produce lasting effects on how characters are defined.

Some anime transformations are so profound and fundamental that they can change the very essence of the character or fighting style. In contrast, others feel disappointed, leaving almost zero changes in the appearance of the user.

Here are 5 anime transformations that completely changed the character design of its user and 5 that did almost nothing at all.

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

Bankai, and 4 other anime transformations that completely changed a character's design

1) Super Saiyan (Dragon Ball Z)

The Super Saiyan form in Dragon Ball Z completely transforms the appearance of a character with golden, spiky hair, glowing aura, and an incredibly intense or fierce expression on his face. The body also becomes more defined and sharp, and its power surges in gigantic leaps.

This is undoubtedly one of the biggest developments in the series and visually depicts the character's new strength and emotional intensity in this full transformation. It is one of the radical overhauls in character design through an anime transformation, from appearance to how they are perceived as powerful warriors.

2) Limitation Transformation (Hunter x Hunter)

Limitation Transformation (Image via Madhouse)

The Limit Transformation in Hunter x Hunter gives Gon Freecss an aging appearance. He is a towering, muscular adult with long, flowing hair. This form is far from his ordinary childlike appearance, which embodies raw power and rage.

The change occurs when Gon sacrifices all the potential in his body and obtains enough strength to defeat Neferpitou. It is a realistic and dramatic way of showing how he feels desperate but determined, making it one of the most striking anime transformations in the history of anime.

3) Bankai (Bleach)

Bankai in Bleach is a dramatic change in character's appearance, where often there comes a special complicated costume, a new weapon, or even ethereal visual effects representing their unique powers. For instance, Tensa Zangetsu puts together Ichigo in a sleek black robe, symbolizing speed and precision. On the other hand, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi represents Byakuya in a regal aura with blossom cherry.

These can be diagrammatically illustrated as an exaggerated strength and spiritual development of the character, which is rendered to Bankai not just as a power booster but as a dramatic development of their identity. This makes Bankai one of the anime transformations in which the whole design of a character changes.

4) Chainsaw Man transformation (Chainsaw Man)

Chainsaw Man transformation (Image via MAPPA)

The transformation of Chainsaw Man turns Denji grotesquely dramatic and mechanical, where chainsaws protrude from his head, arms, and legs. His human form is covered completely by this devilish form, with glowing eyes and sharp teeth, rendering him unrecognizable from his usual self.

This transformation is more than an aesthetic representation; it symbolizes his hybrid nature and lets him lose high-level destructive power, enabling him to fight devils at par. This radical design shift reflects his inner turmoil and serves as a precursor to the chaos he brings to battles. Almost all Devil transformations in Chainsaw Man changes the appearance of the human in contract with the Devil.

5) Baryon Mode (Boruto)

The Baryon Mode completely transforms Naruto Uzumaki into design, changes his eye color to bright orange, and gives him sleek energy patterns on the body along with a fire aura similar to Kurama's chakra. This is otherworldly and terrifying-looking, unlike what he is used to.

It portrays Naruto sacrificing his life force for the unimaginable amount of power, an emotional weight the change carries. It's a desperate move in battle to sacrifice himself, which adds visual and thematic maturity to his growth. This makes Baryon Mode one of the anime transformations having drastic changes in design.

Dragon Force, and 4 other anime transformations that did not show design changes

1) ⁠Gear Second (One Piece)

Gear Second grants Luffy a slight design upgrade. He lets out steam and a pale reddish glow, where the blood flows rapidly throughout his body. However, his look remains unchanged, retaining the straw hat, clothing, and general physique.

Although the transformation makes Luffy faster and stronger, it hardly changes much about his physical appearance, and subtle effects are added to represent the upgrade. Such an approach puts forward the functionality of the transformation instead of a huge redesign. This makes Luffy's Gear Second one of the anime transformations with the least design change.

2) Full Demon Transformation (Inuyasha)

Full Demon Transformation (Image via Sunrise)

Inuyasha's Full Demon Transformation brings much less drama, with only minimal alterations, such as reddish eyes, purple markings on his face, and sharper fangs.

However, the rest has hardly changed, which makes the design almost indistinguishable from his usual half-demon look, except without a visual overhaul often envisioned from major anime transformations.

While the change makes him more ferocious and unleashes massive amounts of power, the changes within this are more psychological than design-based. This subtle approach is what defines his constant struggle with demon instincts.

3) ⁠Dragon Force (Fairy Tail)

Within Fairy Tail, Dragon Force changes the design of a Dragon Slayer into something even more defined, complete with full scales, sharper features, and an aura. Other than that, the character's design hardly changes; their hairstyle is normal, as is their outfit and overall look.

Although it amplifies the user's power and represents a peak Dragon Slayer state, the visual impact is relatively low compared to other anime transformations. The slight alterations have failed to make a difference and have thus not dramatically changed appearance.

4) Eight Gates (Naruto Shippuden)

The Eight Gates transformation greatly enhances the user's physical powers, creating a fiery green or red aura with incredibly intense energy surges but keeping the user's core design largely unchanged.

While visually strong, the transformation exhibits its power display and emotional stakes more than changing its form's look. It shows pushing the users' limits instead of remaking their form in any new way visually, which fits with the raw determination of characters like Might Guy.

5) Demon Lord transformation (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)

Transformation into the Demon Lord mostly affects Rimuru's abilities as they become powerful and dramatically increase in strength. Their physical appearance remains unchanged, and they continue to be slime with simple features. Although the Demon Lord's transformation has greatly increased his power, it does not change the overall design of Rimuru.

Rimuru's ability allows him to transform into any shape but he mostly remains in his current human form, which greatly resembles Shizu. This is more of a personal choice for the protagonist out of respect for Shizu.

Final thoughts

Anime transformations can be quite extreme tools for storytelling where the character shows growth or struggles through changes in design. Some transformations, like Super Saiyan and Bankai, emphasize new abilities and emotional stakes, representing a significant change.

Others, like Gear Second or even the Demon Lord transformation, rely more on the shift of power rather than the actual design. Each serves a different purpose and represents this character's journey in his or her own way.

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Edited by Rachith Rao