Exploring Anime Where Main Characters Have Supernatural Powers: Demonic Strength and Beyond

From Ao No Exorcist to Demon Slayer, let’s dive into the realm of anime where the protagonist possesses supernatural powers, specifically demonic abilities.

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Popularity of Supernatural Powers

In the vibrant world of anime, it's no surprise that many series feature protagonists with exceptional abilities, and nearly all of them come with a dark side. Among the most intriguing of these are those characters who carry the burden of demonic powers. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular titles where the main character wields demonic strength, alongside other supernatural abilities.

Examples of Anime with Main Characters Possessing Demonic Powers

Ao No Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

The series follows Rin Okumura, the son of Satan. He discovers he has the power to wield blue flames, a sign of his demonic heritage. These flames are incredibly powerful and can be used for both exorcism and destruction. While Rin fights to control his dark side and fulfill his duty as a descendant of Satan, the story offers a unique blend of exorcism and redemption.

Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph)

Yuuichirou Hyakuya, the protagonist, possesses a power akin to a demon, which enables him to wield a cursed weapon. This cursed weapon becomes his means of defending against the vampires who have conquered the world. The story explores the psychological and moral implications of bearing such power, as Hyakuya must grapple with the dark forces that draw him closer to the vampires.

Berserk

Guts, the main character in Berserk, is a mercenary who wields a massive sword and is accompanied by a demonic entity known as the Horlogium. This entity amplifies his strength and gives him the strength to endure the grueling battles he faces. However, the Horlogium also brings with it a sense of darkness and corruption, as time itself seems to be Guts’ enemy.

Tokyo Ghoul

Ken Kaneki, the protagonist, becomes a half-human, half-ghoul entity after being attacked by a ghoul. This transformation grants him the ability to fight against other ghouls, who feed on human souls. The power comes with a heavy cost, as Ken struggles to maintain his humanity and fight the dark instincts that come with his upgraded physiology.

Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)

Tanjirou Kamado’s younger sister, Nezuko, transforms into a demon. He is on a journey to find a cure and protect his family. Along the way, Tanjirou not only battles demons but also grapples with his own dark side and the moral complexities of his quest.

Dark Sides of Protagonists in Anime

While these characters wield powerful abilities, it's not uncommon for them to have dark sides too. In fact, it often adds depth to their characterization and the overall story.

Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan

Besides the obvious courage and determination, Eren Yeager also shows a dark side. With his sense of vengeance and his obsession with eradicating the Titans, his actions often blur the lines between justice and mass destruction. His evolution as a character is both fascinating and concerning.

Dr. Tenma from Monster Revy and Rock from Black Lagoon

Dr. Tenma and Rock are known for their chaotic and often violent nature. Despite their dark sides, they have a strong sense of justice and often fight against the system they are a part of.

Dark Sides in Other Popular Anime

Ryuugamine Mikado from Durarara! Ayanokoji Kiyotaka from Classroom of the Elite Gon Freecss from Hunter x Hunter Light Yagami from Death Note Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass

Each of these characters comes with their own dark side, adding to the richness of the story. Whether it’s revenge, power, or simply a struggle against their own inner demons, these sides often make the characters more relatable and complex.

Examples of Main Characters who Have a Dark Side

Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins narrative often showcases how a protagonist can have a childlike exterior, but a complex and often dark interior that is revealed later in the series. Meliodas, the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins, possesses incredible demonic power but cannot control it, leading to his power being sealed by another member of the group.

Fairy Tail

Natsu Dragneel, a core member of the Fairy Tail guild, has the potential to be a powerful demon but hasn't fully realized this power yet. In the series, Zeref, the most powerful wizard, reveals a powerful book called E.N.D. (Etherious Natsu Dragneel), which further emphasizes Natsu's potential.

Bleach

Kurosaki Ichigo, as both a Shinigami (dead reaper) and a Hollow, emphasizes the duality of his character. Hollows, which are synonymous with demons in Bleach, feed on human souls. This struggle between two sides of Ichigo's nature is central to the story.

Tokyo Ghoul

Ken Kaneki, the protagonist, has a secret weapon called a Kagune and feeds on human flesh, which grants him enhanced abilities but also puts him on a morally ambiguous path.

The Devil is a Part-Time Job

The protagonist, Sadao Maou, is a demon with limited time in human Tokyo. He seeks to find a way to return to his realm but, in the meantime, takes part-time employment at a restaurant. This unique premise challenges conventional narratives of heroes and villains.

In conclusion, the presence of supernatural powers, particularly demonic ones, in anime offers a rich and engaging storytelling opportunity. These abilities are often tied to complex character development and moral quandaries. From Eren Yeager’s relentless pursuit of vengeance to Natsu Dragneel’s potential for immense power, these characters serve as a testament to the depth and complexity that can be found in the world of anime.