In a world of endless and continuous imagination, the unconventional will seem much more conventional, given enough time and attention. However, even in a world whose only logic lies in the sense of fiction, some concepts remain truly unconventional and mind-bending. This unusualness rings true for some of these anime. Deviating from the typical and expectedpresentation of super abilitiesin most anime, these anime showcase abilities and power systems that push against the boundaries of imagination and are usually as brilliant as they are, surprising.
RELATED:‘Generic’ Anime That Are Really Great
From bizarreto even comical, these anime, through the abilities and power systems, give a redefining view to the essence of these superpowers through the characters wielding these abilities or some other method while providing viewers a creative dose of fresh air. Regarding these abilities, here are some anime that fit the description.
9Charlotte
A seemingly typical high school anime on the surface,Charlottetakes the superpower and high school tropes and merges both seamlessly into an intriguing and unique experience. Unlike the typical Shounen anime that employs the conceptof superpowers and abilities indifferently, usually leading to overpowered characters, Charlotte implements this more realistically by attaching a fatal flaw to each of these abilities.
The series is set on an alternate Earth, where a few preadolescent children awaken superpowers during their teenage years due to inhaling the dust scattered on Earth by the ‘Charlotte Comet,’ a comet that passes once every seventy-five years. The story focuses on the central character, Yuu Otosaka, a young high schooler who gains the power of temporary possession. He uses this ability for his gain until he encounters Nao Tomori, a girl with the ability of invisibility who recruits him into a student council tasked with the location and protection of individuals like Yuu.
8Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasytegives a questioning but exciting depiction of what a parasitic alien invasion would look like. However, what distinguishes the series is the forms these parasitic hosts take on to manifest their powers. Perfectly illustrated through daunting visuals, Parasyte sure fits into the unconventional category.
The series is set in an alternate reality where Earth has been invaded by aliens called Parasytes, whose aim is to take over the bodies of oblivious humans and use other humans for sustenance. The series centers on Shinichi, a high schooler who narrowly avoids a parasyte’s attempt to take over his body. The parasyte occupies his right hand instead. The pair reluctantly form a symbiotic relationship, and together, they must survive the constant dangers and threats of other alien Parasytes.
7Hunter X Hunter
Built on one of the mostimpressive power systemsin all of anime,Hunter X Hunterdoes a lot of the unexpected, even though it can be considered one of the anime classics. Nen, the primary characteristic of every Hunter is the ability system the story and characters are shaped from.
RELATED:Hunter X Hunter: The Strongest Enhancement Nen Abilities
What makes it irregular, however, is the manifestation and application of it as it varies from hunter to hunter. In the series, Nen serves as a base foundation for hunters, and that, in tandem with personality traits and specific features, ensures that viewers come across, the least to say, the most bizarre of abilities through the series.
6Blood Blockade Battlefront ( Kekkai Sensen)
Kekkai Sensenstands out among dystopian anime with its unique character abilities. A specific one of these character’s abilities is a rather uncommon sight, even in anime. Eye-related abilities are rare, with only the ‘Sharingan’ and the ‘Limitless Six Eyes’ instantly coming to mind. Still, the God’s Eyes ability in the series showcases a rather unorthodox concept of visual superpowers.
In the series, the eyes are described as all-seeing and all-purposeful, being able to see the essence of anything and can function in whatever form, ranging from the technical to the occultic. Unlike the typical visual-related ability, which often has a limited range of usage, regardless of potency or power, the ‘God’s Eyes’ are indeed the eyes of a God, able to see and see through the essence of anything in its view.
5Deadman Wonderland
Set in a prison disguised as a circus,Deadman Wonderlandhit the bull’s eye with its horror theme. One particularly uncommon feature of the series, however, was the abilities displayed by the characters, the central figure especially, Ganta Igarashi, who develops the ability to use his blood as a weapon. The blood ability system sets a somewhat irregular but exciting tone, given the series has no vampiric or even occultic elements.
The story focuses on Ganta Igarashi, a young boy falsely accused of massacring his entire class and sentenced to theDeadman Wonderlandprison, where he gains a ‘Branch Of Sin,’ a blood type ability that lets him shoot his blood as a projectile. He soon discovers he is not the only one with a unique blood ability as he battles for his survival in the death-match system the prison operates and, at the same time, tries to discover who murdered his class.
4Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
The multigenerational franchiseJojo’s Bizarre Adventureis one of the most popular anime of the last two decades and, quite frankly, embodies the term ‘unconventional’ for several reasons. The most striking, however, is its unique power system called ‘Stands.’
RELATED:Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Strongest Stands In The Series
Unlike typical Shounen ability systems viewers are used to, where the characters possess these powers and abilities themselves, Stands are a physical manifestation of an individual’s fighting spirit and character, with each Stand varying from person to person, with each possessing unique abilities mirroring the innate qualities of their masters.Jojo’s Bizarre Adventureis a definite break from the norm for fans who witness these abilities for the first time.
3Sonny Boy
Due to its distinct animation style,Sonny Boyimmediately evokes the feeling ofabsurdity and surrealism fromits first episode. The series explores many different life themes in a very thought-provoking manner. However, the series' standout feature of irregularity is its use of the concept of superpowers, which could range from world-creating to time-warping. Add these to its already mind-bending animation, and it’s already not your regular mystery series.
The story starts with thirty-six students who find themselves trapped in a void-like dimension with no means of escape and have gained supernatural abilities. Encountering new problems with every decision they make, they must adjust to their new reality while trying to find ways to return to their former lives.
2Mob Psycho 100
One of the most popular anime in recent times,Mob Psycho 100, makes a strong case for itself regarding the perfect balance of action and humor alongside its eye-catching animation. The series showcases a concentrated but rather uncommon focus on psychic abilities. There is a sufficient representation of the particular ability in anime, no doubt; however, its use of variated forms of these psychic powers is a genuinely novel experience.
The series focuses on Shigeo Kageyama (Mob), the central character, a young high schooler who possesses highly developed telekinetic abilities, making him extraordinarily powerful. Despite his powers, however, Shigeo only wishes to live a regular life and also believes his powers are to be used for the benefit of others. The series showcases Mob’s struggles with his personality, abilities, and fears while simultaneously making sure not to lose control.
1The Disastrous Life Of Saiki Kusuo
Unlike the typical anime with an overpowered main character, the series is an instant breath of fresh comedic air. The series follows the central character, Saiki Kusuo, anoverly powerful psychichigh school student who possesses a wide range of abilities, making him powerful to the point where his powers are now a problem for him.
The series takes an unconventional approach to the intent and use of his abilities as Saiki, rather than perform any heroic act, prefers to use his powers to not draw any attention to himself. Powerful as he is, Saiki is only interested in the simple pleasures of living and is content with using his abilities to do just that and nothing more, a trait that is certainly uncommon.
