When discussing the greatest power systems in all of anime, Nen from Hunter x Hunter always comes up because of how intricate Yoshihiro Togashi has made it over the years. Nen is quite a complex yet organized power system with a set of rules and restrictions, and through it, Togashi has created many interesting abilities. In essence, Nen is just the spiritual energy that is present within everyone yet only a select few manage to awaken. This system can then be divided into various types, making it incredibly diverse and fun to witness.
With that being said, Nen still has many rivals in anime. Some of them include more grounded power systems, like Alchemy from Fullmetal Alchemist, while others are more free from restrictions like Devil Fruits from One Piece.
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7
Haki
Nen is not the only power system out there based on spiritual energy. Haki from the One Piece series is a similar power in that sense. Haki is categorized into three types: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Conqueror’s Haki.
The first two types can be learned by anyone under the right training methods, while the third one is decided at birth. While Haki might sound simple at first, it has showcased a whole lot of utility and different sub-categories that Eiichiro Oda continues to explore further as the series continues.
6
Geass
One of the most grounded power systems in anime is that of Geass from the famed series, Code Geass. This anime has become one of the most popular mecha anime of all time and it is clear to see why. Its story follows Lelouch, a character who was granted the power of a Geass. Lelouch’s Geass gives him the Power of Absolute Obedience. With some limitations, he can basically implement an order in anyone’s head if he can make eye contact with them.
Lelouch’s Geass is one of many, with characters gaining unique abilities through them. Geass makes for an exciting power system, especially since even with its power, characters still need to make use of their wits to win their battles.
5
Cursed Energy
Nen is a revolutionary power system that has inspired many others in the world of anime and manga, but being a major inspiration to others doesn’t necessarily make it better. Cursed Energy from Jujutsu Kaisen proves that.
Cursed Energy is the main power system of the Jujutsu Kaisen series and its concept is definitely an interesting one. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, almost everyone is inherently born with some Cursed Energy. However, Japanese people are born with more. Through this Cursed Energy, they can make use of what is known as Cursed Techniques. Cursed Techniques are varied and Gege has shown a creative and wide array of abilities, with many fans’ favorite being Gojo’s Limitless. Just like Nen, Cursed Energy also functions on a set of rules, although a lot less strict. Of course, Cursed Techniques are just the tip of the iceberg of this power system, and Gege has introduced many interesting concepts, including Reverse Cursed Energy, Binding Vows, Heavenly Restrictions, and a lot more.
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4
Chakra
Chakra is the main power system of the Naruto series and just like Cursed Energy, it also draws comparisons to Hunter x Hunter’s Nen in many ways. Despite the similarity between the two, it can be safely said that in many ways, Chakra has become even more iconic than its predecessor.
Chakra manifests when physical and spiritual energy within a body is combined, and with it, characters in the Naruto world have gained various affinities. Chakra can be used in a variety of ways and comes in the form of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu. Unlike Nen, Chakra-based powers are a lot less limited and this power system gives Kishimoto more freedom in creating various abilities. The most iconic Chakra-based ability is Naruto’s Rasengan. The lore surrounding the Chakra and Otsutsuki is also captivating and makes it an exciting power system.
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3
Stands
- Anime: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
If there is one power system that many anime fans agree is in the same league as Nen, it definitely Stands, from the Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure actually started with a separate power system, known as Hamon. However, starting with Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, Araki, the creator of Jojo, came up with a new power system.
Stands took over and became Jojo’s main system, with Hamon getting slowly phased out. This is because of the far greater potential, flexibility, and versatility of Stands. Stands can be pretty much anything, and they can come either as simple abilities, like Muhammad Avdul’s Magician’s Red, or with far more complicated powers, such as Valentine’s D4C. With Part 4, Stands also got more lore, with its origin being uncovered and explored in more detail.
2
Alchemy
- Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist
One thing that makes Nen as good a power system as it is, is the addition of various rules that Togashi added. In that sense, Nen is a lot more organized as a power system and feels grounded. Alchemy from Fullmetal Alchemist is very similar in that nature. Alchemy is not an average anime power system. It works through the power of transmutation, and it gives one the ability to manipulate and alter matter. However, transmutation has a cost, and one can’t use it without understanding the concept of Equivalent Exchange. This was showcased in the first few episodes, when Edward lost his limb, and Alphonse lost his body when they tried to resurrect their dead mother.
The battles in Fullmetal Alchemist are a lot more grounded, even more so than in Hunter x Hunter. The likes of Edward do not get crazy power-ups, and this is a kind of power system that many fans wish to see more often in Shonen.
1
Devil Fruits
While Haki is a major power system used in the One Piece series, it is not the only one. One Piece’s main power system is Devil Fruits. Just like Haki, Devil Fruits seem like a simplistic power system at first, but they are one of the most captivating ones seen in anime. These fruits are divided into three main categories: Paramecia, Logia, and Zoans. Eating them grants various powers, but the cost is losing the ability to swim forever.
With that being said, Devil Fruit is a power system that allows Oda, the creator of the series, a lot of freedom and versatility. While Nen is held back by its many rules, Devil Fruits are only bound by imagination. Unlike Nen, Devil Fruits hold a lot more lore impact in the story. The origin and the mechanics behind Devil Fruits are mysteries connected to the Ancient past that fans can’t wait to uncover.
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