Overpowered Anime Characters

I can see it now; from the early prospects of this post's title, I already know that I am in for a thick batch of controversy. Although it doesn't seem to be all that bad because it’s starting to smell a bit like liquorice. In order to stem the tide of complaints, I’m going to address this problem right here, right now. Everyone has their own opinion and I agree that modern electronic mediums encourage this; moreover, I know that what I (or anyone else for that matter) deem an unbalanced or overpowered character, may very well be seen as the exact opposite or anywhere in between by everyone else. In order to illustrate my point, I’m going to give a brief description into what I believe makes an overpowered character.

In an attempt to look slightly intelligent and for the sake of this post, I have invented the Superman rule. Such that an overpowered (anime) character is one which equals to or has equivalencies with the power of the DC character ‘Superman’. When I say power I don’t mean Superman’s specific powers, this is simply because the character Superman, while being entirely strong in his own contextual universe, may not be all that strong in another contextual universe. So what do I mean when I say equal to Superman? Well my previous statement where I mentioned a ‘contextual universe’ (look I quoted myself) I hinted at what I meant. A character is overbalanced when in the context of its own specific fictional (and equally awesome) universe; and such that when compared to most of the universes characters, powers, naturally occurring elements and any other worthy factor, the said character seems unfairly strong or too strong to be suppressed by any normal means.

After reading and carefully considering my definition of an overpowered (fictional) character; you would be perfectly correct in questioning how relevant this definition is, especially when we consider how many characters would in fact equal Superman in strength. And while that question isn’t entirely irrelevant, it is rendered somewhat pointless when I put forward my next (and hopefully equally boffin like) statement. I’m not claiming such characters exist, but instead, I’m hinting at what might constitute their existence. But why does this even matter? An important question to be sure, especially when considering that no matter the circumstances that may confront me, I am and always will be an anime fan. My problem with anime should now be as clear as day, obvious in fact. In that, I really dislike the idea and practice of using overbalanced characters. Yes they have an uncanny ability to fill most plot holes in anime, and I’ll grant that the way in which they present their abilities is usually a sight to behold (a.k.a. epic). But they degrade the story, introduce story warps and worst of all, they have an annoying ability to render many of the other characters irrelevant. Even if one were to assume that power/ ability played no prominent role in a specific sub-plot, arc or story; they represent the lack in other characters, and such is the nature of anime that with this lack, a character starts to subside in our minds.

I think it would be appropriate to briefly explain what a story warp is. A story warp can be most simply defined as continuous plot corrections causing accumulated unbalance. Basically, when a writer introduces an overpowered character for whatever reason, they must then introduce some way in which to suppress this power. But to allow for a more acceptable story, more and more extravagant aspects are introduced until with which to explain the former aspect, a chain or cycle begins where sooner or later it becomes too much for fans to accept. Another aspect of an overpowered character is that they can generate a definitive lack of interest in an anime series. If we are to imagine a situation in which an overbalanced character provides the foundation for most of the power in a series. Because other characters must access this foundation (rely on this character) constantly to proceed; which will be the case, considering that in order to push a story forward a challenge must be made towards the overpowered character. And as no one but the overpowered character can meet the challenge; returning to my original situation, the endless recycling of the overpowered characters abilities will become tedious and lack motivation.

I love anime, and it is because of this reason that I will pick on no specific anime series. And while a few of them maintain overpowered (or close to that of overpowered) characters, they do it in well written ways. And despite my accusations, anime writers do tend to avoid some of the holes I have illuminated. More than anything else and the main reason behind this post; is so that I can creatively and constructively vent my frustration, I do this so that I may continue to enjoy a favourite pastime of mine. Anime I am grateful for your existence.