Anime Where The Mc Has A Hidden Power

Okay, let's be honest. Who doesn't love a good underdog story? Especially when it comes with a dash of secret, world-shattering power? I know I do!

The Thrill of the Hidden Talent

Anime loves this trope. The seemingly average protagonist, the one everyone overlooks. But BAM! Turns out they're secretly a demigod! Or maybe they have a cursed technique they've been suppressing. Good stuff!

It's all about the surprise reveal. The moment when the MC stops being a pushover. The world gasps. We cheer. It's pure anime magic.

Examples That Tickle My Funny Bone

Think about Mob Psycho 100. Mob just wants to live a normal life. All he wants is to get the girl and avoid using his psychic powers. His powers are the last thing he wants to use! But when he does? Oh boy!

Or what about Bleach? Ichigo Kurosaki starts as just a normal high school student. He then accidentally gets Soul Reaper powers. He ends up saving the world multiple times. From that point on, his life is never the same.

And let's not forget My Hero Academia. Deku starts as powerless. He is literally quirkless, which is his society’s equivalent of being disabled. Then he gets the strongest quirk in existence. Talk about a glow-up!

My Unpopular Opinion: It's Not Always Great

Here's where I might lose some of you. Sometimes, this hidden power thing feels... cheap. Like the writers couldn't figure out another way to make the MC interesting.

The character is boring at first. All of sudden they get this power? I wish they can be interesting without needing to be suddenly OP.

I mean, come on! Give us some character development before the earth-shattering reveal! Let us connect with the MC first!

When It Works, It Really Works

But when it's done right? Chefs kiss! The hidden power amplifies the character's existing traits. It doesn't just replace them.

Think about Attack on Titan. Eren Yeager is angry and determined from the start. The reveal of his Titan powers just makes him more Eren-y. It enhances his drive to protect humanity.

It fits his character. It pushes the story forward in a meaningful way. That's how you do a hidden power reveal!

The Key Ingredients for Success

For a hidden power to work, it needs context. It needs a reason to exist beyond just making the MC stronger. There has to be a lore significance.

It also needs consequences. A power without limitations is boring. The MC should struggle to control it. The power should cost them something.

Finally, it needs to be surprising! No one wants to see it coming from a mile away. Catch us off guard! Make us scream "No way!" at our screens.

Ultimately, the hidden power trope is all about potential. The potential for greatness, for drama, for awesome fight scenes.

When that potential is realized? Magic. Plain and simple magic. It is peak anime!

So, what are your favorite "hidden power" anime? Let's argue about it in the comments!