Plenty of characters in anime are designed to be intimidating and have power written all over them. These characters are feared or respected by others in their world, and they carry themselves in a way that their very aura emits the enormity of their strength or how fearsome their abilities can be.
While there are those in anime that scream power, many stories have introduced the unassuming ones, often with simple design, that actually pack tremendous might into their punches. These characters tend to have quiet or quirky personalities that can misdirect others and even viewers into thinking they don’t actually possess the ability to completely pummel their opponents.
10 Saitama
One Punch Man
Saitama has one of the most basic designs in all of anime—bald, blank expression, and a plain yellow suit. He’s often ignored or underestimated because he doesn’t radiate the typical intensity of a powerhouse. He’s one example of a character wherein people in his world view him as a weakling while the viewer is made completely aware.
He can defeat any opponent with a single punch, no matter how powerful or cosmic they are. His strength is so absurd that it’s become a curse, leaving him perpetually bored. He is, by design, the strongest character in his universe.
9 Mash
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
In a magical world, Mash can’t use magic at all. At first, he is thought to need protection from a world that rejects him and aims to be rid of him. That said, the viewer immediately sees how his physical strength surpasses any magic thrown at him. Through pure muscle and absurd training, Mash can shatter magic with his fists.
His journey is one where the people of his world witness his absurd strength, one failed magic attack at a time. He crushes spells, moves faster than lightning, and breaks logic itself—proving that physical strength can outmatch magic when pushed to the extreme.
8 Mob
Mob Psycho 100
Mob is painfully shy, socially awkward, and emotionally repressed. He doesn’t stand out in a crowd and often gets dismissed by his peers. Not only that– his looks are also very plain and his features make him look weak. His psychic powers are made apparent, but only when his emotions reach their very peak do the viewers get to witness its gravity.
When he releases the full brunt of his psychic power, he displays his ability to wipe out his opponents and this is only supplemented by the tremendous aura that he suddenly emits during this period.
7 Toge Inumaki
Jujutsu Kaisen
When Inumaki is first introduced, he is presented with a quiet demeanor and stoic personality. He doesn’t speak outside of responding with rice ball ingredients, and this quirkiness can make it look like he’s harmless or just strange. When it’s explained that this is to protect those around him, it’s hinted that he actually possesses immense power.
Finally, Inumaki’s prowess is fully realized when he is shown wielding Cursed Speech, a powerful technique that lets his words force commands onto others. He can paralyze, injure, or kill with a single phrase—making him a strategic nightmare in battle.
6 Stark
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Stark is anxious, self-deprecating, and afraid of battle when first introduced. His story starts off with a chronicle of moments that serve as revelations of all his weaknesses, and the viewer is led to believe that Stark could’ve reached great heights if his mind didn’t get in the way.
That said, when the situation finally called for it, Stark shows incredible bravery and raw power. He defeats a dragon solo and becomes the group’s frontline warrior, showing that he already possesses what it takes to be his master Eisen’s proud protege.
5 Saiki Kusuo
The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
With his awkward vibe, pink hair, and low-effort demeanor, Saiki seems like an average student who wants to be left alone. His peers only see him as a quiet classmate, and some think he is beneath them.
Unbeknownst to his classmates, Saiki has nearly every psychic power imaginable—telekinesis, teleportation, time travel, and more. He’s so powerful that he constantly suppresses himself just to avoid accidentally destroying the world. That said, it makes for a hilarious journey watching Saiki navigate a chaotic world that fails to see his ability.
4 Shikamaru Nara
Naruto
Shikamaru is lazy, unmotivated, and constantly complains about everything being “troublesome.” He sleeps through lectures and avoids confrontation. His design is also quite plain and unassuming compared to other ninjas with intimidating looks and dangerous auras.
Despite his slacker exterior, he is the only one who ends up passing the Chunin exam, which is meant to gauge one’s abilities as a capable ninja. He is revealed to be a genius tactician that, when paired with his Shadow Possession Jutsu, makes him a lethal opponent. He plays pivotal roles in many major battles—often outwitting stronger opponents.
3 Hinata Shoyo
Haikyuu!
He’s short for a volleyball player and starts with zero experience. When he starts out, he’s shown to have come from very humble beginnings in the world of volleyball, with no medals nor recognition to show for his experience as a player.
When he joins the Karasuno volleyball team, his teammates and rivals underestimate him because of his size. When he reveals his explosive jumping power, everyone finally starts to see him for what he truly is– a volleyball rockstar in the making. With his unmatched reflexes and relentless determination, he becomes a key offensive player—even among national-level competitors.
2 Zenitsu Agatsuma
Demon Slayer
Zenitsu constantly cries, begs to avoid danger, and collapses in fear when confronted by demons. His pitiful demeanor makes it hard to believe that he could ever pass as a decent fighter that one could depend on when the situation calls for it. That said, Zenitsu is able to show up in times of trouble– though the circumstances around it are unusual.
When unconscious or cornered, Zenitsu unleashes his latent ability with blinding speed and lethal precision. He becomes so fast, even high-ranking demons can’t track his movements.
1 Armin Arlert
Attack on Titan
Armin is physically weaker than his peers and is often hesitant or fearful in combat situations. His small frame and lack of strength feeds into his low self-esteem, and he considers himself useless in a world where power is survival.
That said, what he lacks in strength he makes up for with his brilliant tactical mind. His curiosity about the world and knowledge makes him capable of devising complex strategies that win wars. Eventually, he even gains tremendous power—giving him the ability to level cities when necessary.
