In the world of anime, some characters possess powers that completely change how they fight. For many shonen protagonists, their first transformation is the moment fans realize they are far stronger than they initially appeared.
These transformations gave many famous shonen heroes a huge edge in battle. Below are the top 10 official first transformations ranked by their power at the time of debut, not their strongest forms later on.
10. Denji’s Chainsaw Form Turns Him into a Brutal Fighter
Denji’s power doesn’t come from years of training or secret techniques. In the first episode of Chainsaw Man, after being killed by the Zombie Devil, Denji makes a contract with Pochita. Pochita becomes Denji’s heart, allowing him to pull a cord on his chest and transform into Chainsaw Man.
The transformation is simple but highly effective. Chainsaws sprout from his head and arms, giving Denji devastating cutting power. His new body can also endure massive damage and heal from serious wounds.
9. Eren’s Attack Titan Grants Immense Strength
Eren’s first Titan transformation is one of the biggest turning points in Attack on Titan. During the battle at Trost, Eren is swallowed by a Titan and presumed dead. Soon after, he reappears as the Attack Titan and begins fighting other Titans.
This form’s greatest strength is its superior physical power. Eren can punch other Titans, endure massive damage, and rapidly heal thanks to the Titan’s regenerative abilities.
8. Gear 2 Boosts Luffy’s Speed and Strength Explosively
Gear 2 isn’t a traditional transformation like Gear 5, but it’s one of Luffy’s most important power-ups. He first uses Gear 2 against Blueno in the Enies Lobby arc of One Piece.
Luffy speeds up his blood flow using his rubber body, making himself much faster and stronger. His speed increases enough to keep up with the high-speed moves of CP9.
7. Dragon Force Turns Natsu into a True Dragon Slayer
Dragon Force is one of the first times Fairy Tail shows how dangerous a Dragon Slayer can become. Natsu enters this state during the Tower of Heaven arc while fighting Jellal.
Dragon Force not only makes Natsu look stronger but also greatly boosts the power of his attacks, allowing him to face foes who had previously given him trouble.
6. Black Form Gives Asta the Power to Nullify Magic
Black Form marks the moment Asta’s Anti-Magic becomes more dangerous than ever. During the battle with Ladros in the Witches’ Forest arc, Anti-Magic covers Asta’s body, giving him a black wing and signature horn.
What makes this form special is that Asta doesn’t need stronger magic to fight magic. He can directly nullify it. This gives him a huge advantage against sorcerers and makes his swords even deadlier.
Black Asta ranks above Natsu’s Dragon Force because Anti-Magic’s versatility is especially valuable in a world where nearly everyone relies on magic.
5. Hollow Mask Makes Ichigo a Much More Dangerous Fighter
Ichigo’s Hollow power is one of the earliest signs he’s no ordinary Soul Reaper. The Hollow mask gives him a massive power boost and makes his fighting style more aggressive.
It also introduces a dangerous power Ichigo must learn to control. Unlike Luffy’s Gear 2, which mainly improves speed and physical strength, Hollow power adds a new layer of strength to Ichigo’s already formidable combat abilities.
4. Sukuna’s Finger Power Gives Yuji a Huge Leap Forward
Yuji’s first experience with Sukuna’s power happens in the very first episode of Jujutsu Kaisen. After swallowing one of Sukuna’s fingers to save Megumi and others, Yuji becomes the vessel for the King of Curses. Sukuna then takes control of Yuji’s body.
Even with just one finger, Sukuna is terrifying. He easily overwhelms curses that Yuji struggled to fight before, showing the huge gap between Yuji’s normal strength and Sukuna’s cursed power.
3. Naruto’s One-Tail Form Unleashes His Wild Instincts
The One-Tail form is one of the earliest times Kurama’s power completely changes how Naruto fights. During the battle with Sasuke at the Valley of the End, Naruto’s emotions overwhelm him and a large amount of Kurama’s chakra leaks out.
The change is unmistakable. Naruto becomes faster, stronger, and much more aggressive. The chakra surrounding his body also gives him extra defense.
2. Demon Mark Releases Meliodas’s Dark Power
At first, Meliodas seems like a cheerful and easygoing captain, but the Demon Mark reveals he hides a much darker power. This power begins appearing early in The Seven Deadly Sins and becomes key in Meliodas’s battles.
The Demon Mark massively boosts Meliodas’s strength and makes his already dangerous attacks even more fearsome.
1. Goku’s Great Ape Form Brings a Massive Power Surge
Goku’s first transformation delivers one of the simplest yet most impressive power boosts on this list. In Dragon Ball, Goku transforms into a Great Ape after seeing the full moon during the Emperor Pilaf arc.
This change is huge. Goku becomes a giant creature with tremendous physical strength and starts rampaging through Pilaf’s castle. Because of this overwhelming power, Goku’s Great Ape form tops this list.