Summary
Transformationshave long been a staple in themangaworld that served many purposes, such as powering up and developing characters. When done right, such transformations captivate readers, elevate the stakes, and drive character development and plot progression on top of making the series more popular with a new design.
Some of the best transformations have featured more than just a unique design or an increased power, but it is often the symbolism behind them that makes them truly unforgettable. What makes them even more interesting is that there are many ways to activate them. From heightened emotions and intense training to battle experience, transformations have no limit to how unique they can be.
20 Shonen Jump Manga You Need To Be Reading in 2024
It can be difficult to decide which manga from Shonen Jump’s large catalog are worth investing time into, but these are the ten best to read in 2024.
Attack On Titan Chapter #122
Attack On Titan
Based on the manga, Attack on Titan is a dark-action fantasy series set in a world where humanity has been corralled into walled cities from fear of monstrous human-eating Titans that exist outside of them. When protagonist Eren Yeager’s mother is killed in front of his eyes at a young age, his thirst for vengeance leads him to join an elite group of soldiers created to fight back against the Titan menace.
The events leading up to Eren transforming and unleashing the Wall Titans were some of the best in the series, featuring shocking moments such as Eren manipulating Grisha and Ymir’s decision between Zeke and Eren. The stage was set, andEren transformed into the Founding Titanand freed millions of Titans to destroy the world.
The unbelievably huge form that Eren took on was the signal that the world was about to end, and symbolized how the protagonist had changed. The ribcage, hanging head and lifeless eyes showed how Eren had lost his humanity as he was on his way to purge 80 percent of the population. Furthermore,the horrifying appearance of this transformation perfectly suited the apocalyptic developmentthe series took, intensifying the suspense and the nature of what Eren was about to commit.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind Chapter #147
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese multimedia franchise created by Hirohiko Araki. It follows the adventures of the Joestar family, spanning generations, each with unique abilities and battling supernatural enemies. Known for its eccentric characters, distinctive art style, and creative battles, it includes manga, anime, games, and merchandise.
Giorno Giovanna’s Golden Requiem transformation stands out as one of the most remarkable moments in the series. This transformation occurs when Giorno’s Stand, Gold Experience, evolves into Gold Experience Requiem (GER) after being pierced by the Stand Arrow. GER’s abilities transcend ordinary Stands, granting Giorno the power to reset actions to “zero,” effectively nullifying any attack or negative effect aimed at him.
GER’s power is not just about raw strength but also its philosophical implications, reflecting themes of fate, destiny, and justice.The sheer invincibility and complexity of GER’s abilities make it a standout transformation, contributing to Giorno’s iconic status and leaving a lasting impact on fans of the series.
Bleach Chapter #676
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is a sequel series to the popular anime from creator Tite Kubo. This anime follows Ichigo and his friends as they investigate why people are disappearing while trouble arises in the Soul Society. The first season was released in 2022 and has been critically acclaimed since its beginning.
Ichigo was always a special guy, and it was established from the first chapter that his potential was immense. As the series continued, he discovered more about his heritage and found out that he is human, Hollow, Quincy, and a Shinigami.Only when he accepted himself and his powers did he become one of the strongest, culminating inIchigo’s true Bankaiand the Horn of Salvation mode. With a horn emerging from the left side of his face resembling the Vasto Lorde form, he achieved superior power that allowed him to defeat Quincy King Yhwach, putting an end to the Thousand Year Blood War.
Bleach Reveals Release Date for Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3
Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War has finally confirmed an exact release date for its highly anticipated third cour releasing this October 2024.
One Piece Chapter #1044
One Piece
Created by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is a multimedia franchise that began as a manga series and follows the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as led by Monkey D. Luffy. Luffy, an enthusiastic pirate with a thirst for adventure, is afflicted by a mysterious curse that gives him various powers he uses to protect himself and his friends. The manga eventually gave way to the anime series, with the two being some of history’s longest-running anime and manga series. Along with over fifty video games made over the years, the series entered the live-action world with Netflix’s 2023 adaptation.
Luffy has had many iconic transformations, such as Gear 4 Snakeman, which was brought about because of his creativity, but it wasGear 5 where he truly became one of the strongest after his Devil Fruit awakening. From making the ground his plaything to casually manipulating lightning,the only limit to Luffy’s power is imagination.
Although his powers are awesome, Gear 5 perfectly symbolizes Luffy’s cheerful personality, spreading laughter and smiles everywhere he goes. Luffy’s ambition for freedom is demonstrated by Gear 5’s ability to do anything it wants, and it’s the perfect final form for the protagonist of one of the longest-running manga.
6Ken Kaneki Accepts His True Self
Tokyo Ghoul Chapter #61
A core aspect of Kaneki’s journey wasaccepting that he was part ghoul, the creature he feared and loathed. After interacting with them and seeing how they were just like humans, he was conflicted about the status of ghouls and if there was ever a solution to the divide between man and ghoul. His inner conversation with Riize after being tortured by Jason made him accept his reality: that he was a ghoul. This not only gave him a sense of purpose but incredible strength that allowed him to protect himself and his friends.
His once dark hair transformed into a strikingly pale white, a visual indication of the mastery he had attained over his Kagune. However, the most profound change was in his demeanor. He became exceptionally stoic and serious, suggesting that this transformation was more rooted in his self-acceptance than in the physical changes he had undergone.
Chainsaw Man Chapter #83
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a young man burdened by debt, who teams up with his pet devil Pochita to fight devils under the yakuza’s control. Released in 2022, the series portrays Denji’s struggle to achieve his dream of living a simple, peaceful life.
Chainsaw Manhas quickly been established as a shonen staple, andthe Hero of Hell transformationis already very popular despite its limited screen time. Its first appearance blessed fans with the series' best fight, and it recently came back in part 2 of the manga.
Besides being a powerhouse, the Hero of Hell, also known as Armored Chainsaw Man, possessesthe terrifying ability to erase devils and their corresponding fears from existence. There is a lot unknown about this form and its true power, and the fact that it was established to be the most fearsome devil makes the possibilities and future battles that much more exciting.
It has also been established that Denji can transform after intense shock or grief.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunteris a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
Gon Freecs was one of the most lighthearted shonen main characters, but this notion was shattered gradually in the Chimera Ant arc, where he lost himself. Kite was the first person he saw as a father figure, and so, seeing how badly Neferpitou desecrated his body after killing him, unleashed a burning rage thatconsumed not only his enemy but also himself.
Not only did fans see the potential of Gon, but it was also heartbreaking that he abandoned everything to kill Pitou. With long flowy hair, toned muscles, and a superb amount of nen, Gon, at the moment, was one of thestrongest nen users in the worldand could have taken on even Meruem. Unfortunately, Gon burned his own life and nen to achieve that, and if it weren’t for Killua, he would have never gone back to normal.
Berserk
Berserkis a dark fantasy manga series by Kentaro Miura, first published in 1989. Set in a medieval Europe-inspired world, it follows Guts, a lone mercenary, and his struggle against demonic forces after his betrayal by Griffith, leader of the Band of the Hawk. The franchise has expanded into multiple anime series, films, video games, and merchandise.
This transformation was interesting as it was more akin to a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon,making Griffith’s change permanent. It was the culmination of the villain’s pursuit of glory, and the cost was his humanity, allies, and his best friend, Guts. The transformation hit even harder with a chapter focusing on his intense ambition and his childhood days looking at the castle. With the choice to be reborn anew in exchange for the sacrifice of the people closest to him, Griffith took it.
Griffith underwent a spectacular transformation, becoming one of the five Godhands, the leaders of the demonic Apostles, and gaining wings that represented his newfound freedom after enduring a year of imprisonment and torture. As the final touch, he relinquished his old identity and chose to rename himself Femto.
Dragon Ball Chapter #317
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
AlthoughDragon Ballbecame famous for its transformations, Goku’s first time turning Super Saiyan was the most special and iconic, giving birth to many rage transformations in shonen series. The fight against Frieza in Namek was his most brutal yet, and there was no way for Goku to win without a trump card. The series constantly hinted at a legendary form and set up Goku for this transformation, so it was an expected development.
However,Goku’s rage awakening the legendary Super Saiyan exceeded expectationsand was immortalized in anime history. The transformation was fairly simple and unique, with the major change being Goku’s hair becoming spikier and turning blonde. Although it was first unlocked through rage, other emotions like grief and sadness can awaken it so long as the person has enoughS-Cells.
10 Most Influential Dragon Ball Moments That Changed Anime & Manga Forever
Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime franchises of all time, and there are a lot of moments that have gone on to change anime forever.
1Naruto Befriends The Tailed Beasts
Naruto Chapter #670
After a conversation with the Sage of Six Paths, Naruto attains a new power known asthe Sage of Six Paths Mode, giving him an orange aura, spiky hair, and nine Truth Seeker Orbs. The design was phenomenal, to say the least, and it is widely agreed upon that it was Naruto’s best look.
A common theme inNarutois that one can attain incredible strength through forging bonds. Many battles that were otherwise impossible to win were overcome by the help of others. Naruto’s Six Paths Sage Mode exemplifies this theme, as the titular main character’s strength increases by leaps and bounds onlywhen all the Tailed Beasts accept him. By seeing them as more than just tools and actual creatures, Naruto won over the hearts of the beasts and was the first to ask their names and refer to them as such.
