Beyond Saiyans: The Anime That Masterfully Handle Power Scaling

For decades, Dragon Ball has been the undisputed king of shonen anime. Its iconic battles, legendary transformations, and ever-escalating power levels have defined the genre. However, for all its revolutionary contributions, Dragon Ball‘s power scaling has become notoriously inconsistent, especially in recent years. The introduction of “godly” power levels, random character boosts, and a constant need for new, higher transformations has led to a system that often feels more like a plot device than a coherent metric of strength. While the franchise is undeniably entertaining, it has opened the door for other anime to show how a more structured, logical, and narratively satisfying approach to power can elevate a series. This is a crucial topic for anime fans and is consistently a point of discussion in the community. Let’s delve into some of the best examples of anime that do power scaling better than Dragon Ball.

The core issue with Dragon Ball‘s power scaling, particularly in Dragon Ball Super, is its lack of internal logic. A character like Frieza can train for a few months and suddenly rival a Super Saiyan Blue, a form that took years of dedicated training to achieve. Similarly, Android 17, who was previously a powerful but not world-breaking threat, is suddenly a contender for the strongest mortal in the multiverse without any explicit training. These dramatic, unexplained leaps in power often come at the expense of characters who have trained their entire lives, a critique that has been a consistent part of fan conversations for years. While this approach keeps the story moving and allows for surprise victories, it undermines the fundamental principle of progression that makes a battle shonen series so compelling. In contrast, the anime on this list excel by establishing clear rules and sticking to them, making every power-up and every victory feel earned and meaningful.

Hunter x Hunter: The Pinnacle of Systemic Power

If Dragon Ball is the chaotic whirlwind of power, Hunter x Hunter is a meticulously engineered clockwork. Its power system, known as Nen, is often cited as the gold standard for power scaling in anime. Nen is not just about raw power; it is a complex and nuanced system with strict rules, categories, and limitations. Every character’s ability is a reflection of their personality, training, and strategic thinking. This creates battles that are not won by who has the higher number, but by who can outsmart and out-maneuver their opponent. The genius of Nen is that a physically weaker character can defeat a stronger one by using their unique ability in a clever way, a concept that is rare in a series where the higher power level almost always wins.

For example, a character’s Nen ability can have a “restriction,” a self-imposed condition that makes the power stronger. This creates a risk-reward dynamic that adds a layer of depth to every fight. The series respects the power gaps and progression, showing characters undergoing rigorous, disciplined training to get stronger, rather than just receiving a sudden, unearned boost. This makes a character like Killua’s lightning-based Hatsu or Kurapika’s chain abilities feel incredibly impactful and earned. The power scaling is so consistent that it allows for long-term strategic planning and makes every battle a cerebral chess match.

One Piece: The Trinity of Haki, Devil Fruits, and Physical Strength

One Piece‘s power system is a masterpiece of world-building and tiered progression. Instead of a single, ever-inflating power level, it relies on a trinity of distinct but interconnected abilities: Devil Fruits, Haki, and sheer physical strength. This layered system allows for a wide variety of combat styles and ensures that no single ability is a guaranteed win. A powerful Devil Fruit user can be defeated by a master of Haki, and a skilled swordsman with no special powers can still be a world-class threat. The power-ups and progressions are also logical; a character like Luffy doesn’t just “get stronger” overnight. He develops new “Gears” by putting his body through incredible strain and pushing his unique Devil Fruit to its limits. This kind of progression feels natural and earned, a stark contrast to the sudden, explosive power-ups that have become a trademark of its shonen counterpart.

The introduction of Haki as a counter to overwhelming Devil Fruit powers was a masterstroke. It created a balanced ecosystem where even the strongest Logia-type Devil Fruit users could be challenged. The progression is also clearly defined, from basic Observation and Armament Haki to the rare and powerful Conqueror’s Haki. This system allows for characters to grow and evolve without rendering previous characters or abilities obsolete. It maintains a sense of danger and a level of consistency that keeps the stakes feeling real, even in the most over-the-top battles.

My Hero Academia: A Systematic Hierarchy of Heroes and Villains

My Hero Academia uses a hierarchical, systematic approach to power scaling that is incredibly effective. The world is built around Quirks, and the power of a Quirk is often a clear indication of a character’s standing in society. The series establishes a clear tier system for heroes and villains, from the students at U.A. High to the professional heroes and the top villains. The power-ups are not random; they are a direct result of intense training, strategic use of a Quirk, and pushing past one’s physical limits. The characters’ strengths and weaknesses are well-defined, and their struggles to master their Quirks feel earned. The series also makes a point to show that raw power is not the only thing that matters, with strategy, teamwork, and intelligence often being the deciding factor in a fight.

The progression of characters like Deku, who started with a completely broken body and a borrowed power, is a powerful example of this. His journey to master One For All, and the physical toll it takes on him, makes his every step forward feel monumental. The series consistently shows that a character’s power is not a fixed number but something that can be refined, controlled, and strategically employed. This systematic approach creates a world where power levels make sense and are directly tied to the narrative, a quality that is often lacking in more recent shonen anime.

Conclusion: The Case for Consistency

While Dragon Ball will always hold a special place in the hearts of anime fans, its loose approach to power scaling has become a source of frustration for many. The aformentioned anime demonstrate that a more consistent and well-defined power system can lead to richer narratives, more strategic battles, and a greater sense of accomplishment for both the characters and the audience. They prove that power scaling is not just about numbers; it’s a fundamental aspect of world-building that can make a good series great. By treating power as a system with rules and consequences, these anime have created a lasting legacy that will continue to influence the genre for years to come. In the end, a story where a character’s growth feels earned is always more satisfying than one where power is simply a matter of plot convenience.