Speaking of the biggest power systems in all of anime, Nen z Hunter x Hunter it always comes because of how complex Yoshihiro Togashi has made it over the years. Nen is a fairly complex but organized power system with a set of rules and restrictions, and through it Togashi created many interesting abilities. Nen is basically just a spiritual energy that is present in everyone, but only a select few manage to awaken. This system can then be broken down into different types, making it incredibly diverse and fun.
With that being said, Nen still has many rivals in the anime. Some of these involve more grounded energy systems, such as Fullmetal Alchemist's Alchemy, while others are more unrestricted, such as Devil Fruits from One piece.
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Hooks
Nen is not the only energy system based on spiritual energy. Haki z One piece the series is a similar powerhouse in that sense. Haki is divided into three types: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, and Conqueror Haki.
The first two types can be learned by anyone with proper training methods, while the third is decided at birth. While Haki may sound simple at first glance, it demonstrated a lot of useful features and various sub-categories that Eiichiro Oda further explores in the continuation of the series.
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Geass
One of the most grounded energy systems in anime is the Geass system from the famous series, Code Geass. This anime has become one of the most popular mecha anime of all time, and it's clear why. His story follows Lelouch, a character who has been granted the power of Geass. Lelouch's Geass gives him the Power of Absolute Obedience. With certain limitations, he can basically execute a command in anyone's head if he can make eye contact with them.
Lelouch's Geass is one of many, giving characters unique abilities. Geass makes for an exciting power system, especially since despite its power, characters still have to use their wits to win their battles.
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Cursed energy
Nen is a revolutionary energy system that has inspired many others in the anime and manga world, but just because it's the main inspiration for others doesn't necessarily mean it's better. Cursed energy from Jujutsu Kaisen proves it.
Cursed Energy is the main energy system Jujutsu Kaisen series and its concept is definitely interesting. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, almost everyone was naturally born with some cursed energy. However, the Japanese are born with more. Through this cursed energy, they can use what are known as cursed techniques. Cursed techniques are varied and Gege has shown a creative and wide range of abilities, with Gojo's Limitless being a favorite among many fans. Like Nen, Cursed Energy operates on a set of rules, though much less strict. Cursed techniques are of course only the tip of the iceberg of this energy system and Gege introduced many interesting concepts including Reverse Cursed Energy, Binding Vows, Heavenly Restrictions and many more.
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Chakra
The chakra is the main energy system Naruto series and like Cursed Energy has been compared to Hunter x Hunter's Nen in many ways. Despite the similarities between the two, it's safe to say that in many ways Chakra has become even more iconic than its predecessor.
Chakra manifests when physical and spiritual energy is combined in the body, and with this the characters in the world of Naruto have acquired various affinities. Chakra can be used in a variety of ways and comes in the form of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu and Taijutsu. Unlike Nen, chakra-based powers are much less limited, and this power system gives Kishimoto more freedom to create different abilities. The most iconic chakra-based ability is Naruto's Rasengan. The lore surrounding chakra and Otsutsuki is also captivating and makes for an exciting energy system.
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Stands
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Anime: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
If there's one power system that many anime fans agree is in the same league as Nen, it's definitely Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure actually started with a separate energy system known as Hamon. However, starting with Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, Araki, the creator of Jojo, came up with a new power system.
Stands took over and became the main Jojo system, with Hamon being slowly phased out. This is due to the much greater potential, flexibility and versatility of the racks. Stands can be pretty much anything, and can either come as simple abilities like Muhammad Avdul's Magician's Red or much more complicated abilities like Valentine's D4C. With Volume 4, Stands also gained more lore, with his origins revealed and explored in more detail.
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Alchemy
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Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist
One thing that makes Nen as good of an energy system as it is is the addition of the various rules that Togashi added. In this sense, Nen as a power system is much more organized and feels grounded. Alchemy by Fullmetal Alchemist is very similar in nature. Alchemy is not your average anime energy system. It works through the power of transmutation, giving a person the ability to manipulate and change matter. However, transmutation comes at a cost and cannot be used without understanding the concept of equivalent exchange. This was shown in the first few episodes when Edward lost a limb and Alphonse lost his body when they tried to resurrect their dead mother.
The battles in Fullmetal Alchemist are much more grounded, even more so than in Hunter x Hunter. The likes of Edward don't get crazy power-ups, and this is the kind of power system that many fans wish to see more of in Shonen.
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Devil fruit
While Haki is the main energy system used in One piece series, not the only one. One Piece's The main energy system is Devil Fruits. Like Haki, Devil Fruits seem like a simplistic power system at first, but they are one of the most captivating seen in anime. These fruits are divided into three main categories: Paramecia, Logia and Zoans. Consuming them grants various abilities, but the cost is the loss of the ability to swim forever.
That being said, Devil Fruit is an energy system that allows Odo, the creator of the series, a lot of freedom and versatility. While Nen is held back by his many rules, Devil Fruits are bound only by imagination. Unlike Nen, Devil Fruits have a much bigger impact on the story. The origins and mechanics of Devil Fruits are mysteries tied to the ancient past that fans can't wait to uncover.
