6 Anime Characters That Are Stronger Than They Look

In the realm of anime, looks can be misleading. Characters who appear weak or harmless may conceal an extraordinary might within them. This hidden strength could stem from latent powers, martial arts skills, or indomitable spirit, demonstrating that real power is not necessarily apparent at first sight.

Among apparently shy or ordinary anime characters, there are several who conceal their immense power beneath a meek or unassuming facade. The following six characters in anime are surprisingly powerful despite their seemingly weak appearances:

1. Goku from Dragon Ball Z
2. Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto
3. Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail
4. All Might from My Hero Academia
5. Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
6. Light Yagami from Death Note

These anime characters may appear weak or timid, but they are capable of incredible feats when it comes to strength and power.

6. Eri

My Hero Academia

Initially, Eri appears to be just another shy young girl, seemingly vulnerable due to her youth and delicate demeanor. Her quiet nature, combined with frequent downward glances, gives an impression of powerlessness amidst the larger-than-life figures of the hero world. However, beneath this innocent facade hides a Quirk so formidable that even the most powerful heroes tremble at its possible capabilities.

Her power, titled “Rewind,” enables her to restore a person’s physical condition to a previous state. This encompasses healing injuries, reversing the aging process, and in extreme cases, eliminating someone from existence if she loses self-control. Unlike other characters who resort to punching or energy attacks, she stands out as potentially the most powerful character in “My Hero Academia” purely based on her unique abilities.

For the initial time during the confrontation with Overhaul, Eri’s complete might was revealed. Hanging onto Deku, she repeatedly healed his wounds, enabling him to continue battling at One For All: Full Cowl -100% without causing him any broken bones. This instance was a beacon of victory, yet it underscored the fragility of her power. If Deku had lost self-control, he might have been wiped out altogether.

Her main disadvantage lies in her inability to manage her ability to rewind. This is why, despite possessing extraordinary powers, she remains a timid child, constantly grappling with the power that was bestowed upon her at birth.

5. Escanor

Seven Deadly sins

In everyday life, Escanor might appear as an unassuming, feeble man. His gentle demeanor and quiet nature make him seem more like a shy bartender than a powerful figure among The Seven Deadly Sins. However, once the sun ascends, his true strength is revealed.

Escanor’s power is the Radiance of Sunlight, which amplifies his strength throughout the day, reaching its zenith at midday when he becomes undefeatable. At his least potent, he’s merely a slim man with trembling hands. However, at full strength? He transforms into the Sin of Arrogance, a man who completely disregards his adversaries as insignificant threats.

In the battle against Estarossa, one of the most powerful demons, Escanor didn’t merely keep pace; instead, he taunted him. With his iconic move, Cruel Sun, and an unwavering self-assurance, he demonstrated that he was not just a source of power, but embodied it entirely.

It’s unfortunate that his constitution can’t tolerate sunlight. Each time he employs his power, it causes him harm from within, reducing his life expectancy. As a result, Escanor represents an enigma: at his strongest under the sun, yet incredibly vulnerable when it’s not shining.

4. Majin Buu

Dragon Ball Z

Instead of appearing as a formidable planet-destroying menace, Majin Buu’s plump, rosy figure seems more like a cheerful mascot from a sugary advertisement. With his innocent demeanor and sweet tooth, many fighters initially found it challenging to perceive him as a genuine threat. Even Mr. Satan underestimated this apparently harmless creature.

What really sets Buu apart as a formidable foe isn’t merely his immense strength; it’s his unnerving unpredictability. To add to the challenge, his ability to regenerate from the smallest fragment makes it incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to vanquish him.

The progression from Fat Buu to Super Buu, culminating in Kid Buu, weaves a captivating tale about deception and true nature. Each stage seemed less menacing than its predecessor, but it grew increasingly hazardous with each transformation. Interestingly, the smallest form, Kid Buu, embodied complete devastation.

The change from Fat Buu to Super Buu then Kid Buu creates a compelling story that shows us not everything is as it appears. Each step seemed less harmful but became more dangerous. However, the smallest version, Kid Buu, was all about destruction.

Even the character Goku, who typically seems to have a solution for every problem, found himself requiring assistance from the entire universe through the Spirit Bomb in order to ultimately defeat him.

3. Choji Akimichi

Naruto

In the Hidden Leaf Village, Choji has consistently been overlooked by his peers. They often view him as lethargic, indulgent in food, and thus unworthy of serious consideration. Even his own teammates express concerns about his combat prowess. However, it is not just that Choji is strong; he demonstrates remarkable power when he fights with full force.

Belonging to the Akimichi Clan, Choji has the ability to manipulate his body size using Multi-Size Technique, making himself stronger in proportion. However, his true might is unleashed when he triggers Butterfly Mode, which taps into his stored body fat as an energy source, dramatically enhancing his power levels.

In a pivotal instance during the Fourth Great Ninja War, he demonstrated his true mettle while battling the revived Asuma. After years filled with self-questioning, he ultimately showcased his full potential, thereby dispelling the notion that he was merely the plump member of Team 10.

His self-perception appears to be the primary obstacle; for quite some time, he’s been hesitant and harbored doubts about his abilities. However, when he approaches a fight with conviction, there aren’t many opponents who can rival his untamed might.

2. Selim Bradley

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Selim Bradley is portrayed as nothing less than a jovial, well-bred son of the ruler, King Bradley. His petite build and innocent persona give off an impression of yet another pampered child residing in Central City, seemingly unaware of the sinister plots unfolding across Amestris.

The shocking revelation strikes hard when it’s unveiled that the seemingly innocent boy is none other than Pride, the initial and strongest of the homunculi. The ominous shadows emanating from his form aren’t merely for decorative purposes; they are lethal weapons capable of slicing through steel and concrete as if they were mere paper.

Rediscovering his true character subtly alters the significance of all previous scenes involving him. It turns out that during those moments when he was playing in the garden or engrossed in study at the library, he was covertly observing everyone else. His supposed childhood fear of darkness, however, was merely a crafty facade; he actually draws strength from the dark, as it expands the range of his shadow’s powers.

In the series, some nerve-wracking scenes occur when characters discover they’ve been conversing with a monster who is hundreds of years old, disguised as an ordinary individual. The sudden shedding of his innocent facade, accompanied by twisting shadows and a voice that grows ominous, powerfully illustrates the theme that appearances can be misleading.

1. Saitama

One punch man

In a nutshell, Saitama’s entire persona exudes an air of mediocrity. His bald head, peculiar attire, and often unchanging facial expression set him apart from other heroes in One Punch Man, who are flashier, more dramatic, and self-important. However, what sets Saitama apart is not his apathy; it’s the very source of the conflict.

Instead of merely being powerful, Saitama is virtually indomitable. Through tireless training, he shattered his own boundaries, reaching a degree of might that renders each confrontation inconsequential. A single strike from him could vaporize mountains, cleave clouds apart, and swiftly conclude conflicts in the blink of an eye.

In a display of his greatest show of force, Saitama encountered Boros, a formidable extraterrestrial conqueror believed to be invulnerable. After Boros utilized all his might, Saitama swiftly ended the conflict with a single powerful blow, reducing his entire form to ruins.

The sorrow of Saitama doesn’t lie in his strength; instead, it’s his overpowering might that causes distress. Nowadays, no battle ignites his passion and no adversary tests the full extent of his abilities. He stands as the epitome of heroism, yet finds himself trapped within a universe where none can drive him to reach his utmost potential.

2025-02-13 23:10