Why Marvel Should Learn from Anime's Power Systems

Marvel's cinematic universe has undoubtedly changed the landscape of superhero movies and series, bringing to life characters and stories that have enthralled audiences around the globe. However, there's an aspect where Marvel seems to be lagging, especially when it comes to the coherence and consistency of its power and magic systems. This is where the world of anime, with its meticulously crafted power structures, could offer invaluable lessons. A prime example of such structured power systems can be found in the anime Hunter x Hunter, particularly its unique approach to abilities through the concept of Nen.

The Flaws in Marvel's Magic System

Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness showcased an array of magical feats, yet it stumbled in maintaining a consistent logic behind these powers. The film introduced a variety of abilities without clear boundaries or limitations, leading to inconsistencies and plot holes. This contrasts sharply with the approach seen in Hunter x Hunter, where the power system, Nen, is defined by strict rules and limitations, enhancing both the narrative's depth and the characters' development.

Understanding Nen

Nen is a technique that allows characters to manipulate their life energy, or aura, categorized into six definitive types: enhancement, transmutation, conjuration, emission, manipulation, and specialization. Each category comes with its own set of capabilities and limitations, inherently binding characters to specific strengths and weaknesses from birth.

The Importance of Boundaries

The brilliance of Hunter x Hunter's system lies in its boundaries. Characters are born with a specific Nen type and, while they can learn techniques outside their category, these are significantly weaker. This limitation is crucial as it forces characters to confront and overcome challenges in innovative ways, rather than relying on a convenient power-up. Marvel's magic system, on the other hand, often grants characters nearly limitless abilities, which, while visually spectacular, can undermine the narrative's tension and believability.

Consistency is Key

One notable aspect of Hunter x Hunter is its consistency. Every new ability or power-up is thoroughly explained, ensuring that the story remains coherent and the characters' growth feels earned. Conversely, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced several new abilities without sufficient explanation or follow-through, resulting in a narrative that felt disjointed and at times, arbitrary.

Lessons for Marvel

Marvel's storytelling could benefit significantly from adopting a more structured approach to its magic and power systems. By establishing clear rules and limitations, as seen in Hunter x Hunter, Marvel could enhance the depth of its characters and the overall narrative. This doesn't mean Marvel needs to replicate the exact mechanics of Nen, but rather, it should aim to create a system where powers serve as both a tool and an obstacle, fostering creativity and strategic thinking both for the characters and the writers.

Embracing Limitations

By embracing limitations and ensuring consistency, Marvel can avoid the pitfalls of omnipotent characters and the resulting narrative challenges. Such a structured approach can lead to more engaging and compelling storytelling, where the focus shifts from showcasing the next big power to exploring the characters' ingenuity and resilience.

In conclusion, Marvel's magic system, while undoubtedly entertaining, could reach new heights by incorporating some of the structured, rule-based elements found in anime power systems like Hunter x Hunter's Nen. This would not only solve many of the current inconsistencies but also open up new avenues for character development and narrative depth. As Marvel continues to expand its universe, taking a page from anime's playbook could be the key to elevating its storytelling to the next level.

For a deeper dive into the intricacies of Hunter x Hunter's Nen and its potential lessons for Marvel, check out the original video here.