Top 10 Most Powerful Anime Characters of 2022

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (2019-)

He may only be half of the Upper Rank Six, but that just means this killer Kizuki is twice as deadly. After all, this demon’s a force to be reckoned with on status alone. Add in Daki, and it’s no surprise he’s claimed the heads of over fifteen Hashira over the years. With a century of experience, a bloodthirsty sadism, and an equally destructive sidekick, Gyutaro was an all hands-on-deck situation for the Slayers. Tengen took that a bit too literally, though. The Kizuki didn’t just hold off the hero’s combined assault, he very nearly turned them into stains on the sidewalk. There may not be a Slayer alive who can match him in a true one-on-on brawl.

“Uncle from Another World” (2022-)

In typical isekai fashion, this unattractive bum died, reincarnated in a fantasy world, and gained all kinds of crazy powers. What’s not-so typical is that, after seventeen years in a coma, he woke up back on Earth. Even more unusual: he still had all of his powers from his time in the other realm. So, in a world where the bar for impressive superpowers is significantly lower, he went from comatose to a walking one-man army. Though, his powers come with a big asterisk on account of Uncle’s maturity - or lack thereof. After all, his biggest concern is whether he looks like an orc or not.

“Sabikui Bisco” (2022)

Armed with nothing more than a bow and arrow, some mushroom spores, and plenty of conviction, this anime protagonist hit the bullseye on power-scaling. Sure, it’s impressive enough that Bisco outlived his bounty in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. But, he really sprouted in strength thanks to a certain diet of poison and shrooms. Suffice it to say, becoming half-Rust-Eater in a world overrun by the stuff is pretty handy. Especially since it comes with enough strength to dismantle kaiju-sized robots. Oh, and makes him immortal, too. Bisco’s upgrades are insane no matter how you notch it, but within the confines of this post-apocalyptic Japan, he’s practically invaluable.

“Made in Abyss” (2017-22)

The so-called Princess of the Hollows has a duty to fulfill, even if it means staining her claws red. So, she puts her four arms to work slaughtering the very village that heralded her. With extreme agility and incredible physical strength, not even Reg could hope to stop her, let alone the innocent civilians. To make matters worse, in the town’s boundary, all of her injuries are continuously healed. Basically, under the right circumstances, she’s nye invincible. But even that’s not what makes her so dangerous. It’s not her strength or lineage, either. No, it’s that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to complete her mission.

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (2022)

In just a few brief moments, this cyborg lived up to his last name in extremely dramatic fashion. Whether it was human, mechanical, or something in between, nothing so much as slowed his rampage. He swatted Falco away like a fly, flattened Rebecca six feet into the ground, and then made even David’s Sandevistan look like child’s play. It’s hard to find a more apt word for Smasher than “unstoppable,” especially since this wasn’t even him being serious. After tearing through the edgerunners, he admits that they gave him a good time. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for his victims.

“Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer” (2022)

This princess has no qualms muddying her dress. Sometimes, even more than the knights sworn to protect her. Though, to be fair, that’s because Samidare’s magical secret service is more a formality than anything else. She can definitely take care of herself, as evident when she clocks monsters, chucks cars, and handily pounds anyone who stands in her way. She’s got plenty of brain to back up the brawn, too. Arguably, too much, since it warps her perception of what it means to be Earth’s savior. That’s a pretty big red flag, because at this point, not even actual doomsday may be able to stop her from getting what she wants.

“The Eminence in Shadow” (2022)

A nerdy teenager awakens in a new world with some ludicrously busted superpowers. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out, quite a lot. While that’s not all Cid’s fault, his penchant for abusing his overpowered skills doesn’t help. Speed, reflexes, strength - you name it, Cid probably has it. But, for some teens, great power comes with a distinct lack of responsibility. He doesn’t use his powers for good as much as he just does whatever will look the coolest. Naturally, it leads to quite a bit of collateral damage. The light show just proves both Cid’s attitude and his powers tend to go nuclear - and that’s no hyperbole.

“Chainsaw Man” (2022-)

It’s one thing to team up with a devil, it’s another entirely to turn into one. But, thanks to Pochita, that’s exactly what happens whenever this spunky blonde pulls the cord in his chest. He gets chainsaw arms, chainsaw legs, and yes, even a chainsaw face. They aren’t just for show, either. The transformation also comes with a nifty aptitude for tearing devils limb from limb. Usually, in exceedingly bloody fashion. Since Pochita then dines on the devils’ very existence, the saw-head might just be the most effective Devil Hunter to ever live. Er, not live. Either way, it’s obvious that Denji and chainsaws make a downright devilish pairing.

“Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy” (2022)

For a guy that’s been around for more than four centuries, a quick fifteen year nap isn’t enough to dull his magical senses. Sure, he reawakened with a friendlier demeanor, but there was still no question that Dark Schneider was the most powerful wizard in the whole universe. Which, given how expansive this fantasy world is, that’s saying something. He easily destroys demons, assassins, and even full kingdoms. Plus, he has a really convincing recruitment pitch for his army: either join, or be smited. It took a herculean effort to seal Schneider away before, and we have a feeling his enemies won’t be as lucky a second time.

“Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” (2022-)

There are precious few warriors in any corner of this franchise who could confidently attack the Soul Society head-on. But, even among that elite crew, no one could have ever made it look this easy. After a thousand year slumber, Yhwach conquered Hueco Mundo, engulfed Soul Society with Reishi flames, and faced Captain Yamamoto all without so much as a yawn. It’s an utterly unprecedented display of strength, made all the more terrifying since the Quincy King hasn’t really had to do much at all. If his army is enough to bring the likes of Byakuya, Renji, and Toshiro to their knees, there’s no telling what Yhwach himself is capable of.