From the moment Luffy unlocked Gear 2 against Blueno, fans have eagerly awaited each new transformation, watching as he pushed the limits of his rubber body. The introductions of Gear 3 and Gear 4 were great milestones, however, Gear 5 gave us something unexpected. In fact, it defied all logic. This made fans wonder if there is another level beyond this. Does he have a Gear 6? While the idea of a new Gear is exciting, the nature of Gear 5 suggests that Luffy’s path to growth is changing. This latest form is not just another clever technique but the true awakening of his Devil Fruit, revealing a power that the World Government tried to erase from history. ALSO READ: Are One Piece Movies Canon: A Guide For The Fans The Evolution Of Luffy's Gears Luffy’s early Gears were invented by him by manipulating his rubber body. Gear 2 was his first major breakthrough, in which he used his rubber organs to pump blood at an incredible rate, drastically increasing his speed and power at the cost of his stamina. After that, he developed Gear 3, which involved blowing air into his bones to create giant, powerful limbs capable of delivering devastating attacks. After the timeskip, Luffy took his abilities to the next level with Gear 4. This form was a fusion of his Devil Fruit powers and his newly mastered Haki. By inflating his muscles and coating them in Armament Haki, he created a form with immense power, speed, and durability. Gear 4 was also incredibly versatile, with specialized versions like Snakeman for speed, Tankman for defense, and the balanced Bounce Man. Each of these Gears was a product of Luffy’s training and imagination, which was a conscious step he took to get stronger. The True Nature Of Gear 5 Gear 5 is fundamentally different from the previous Gears. It is not a technique Luffy invented; rather, it was the official awakening of his Devil Fruit, which was triggered after Kaido seemingly killed him. This near-death experience caused his heart to beat to the rhythm of the Drums of Liberation. The result was the unlocking of the true name and power of his fruit: the Mythical Zoan, Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. With Gear 5, Luffy's power is only limited by his imagination. Instead, he can do impossible, cartoon-like things like running on air or making the ground rubbery. This new power made him a Yonko (one of the strongest pirates) and gave him the strength to beat Kaido. However, Luffy still needs to master this form, as it's very tiring and he can't use it for a long time. Why Luffy May Not Have A Gear 6 The idea of a Gear 6 is very unlikely, mainly because Luffy himself has referred to Gear 5 as the peak of his powers. As the awakening of his Devil Fruit, Gear 5 shows the final and ultimate stage of his Fruit's potential. There is no logical next step beyond awakening, which makes a Gear 6 almost impossible. The power of Nika allows him to do anything he can imagine, so a new Gear would be unnecessary when his current form already offers limitless possibilities. Moreover, One Piece is in its final saga. Making space for an entirely new transformation is tough and doesn't make sense. The story is moving towards its end, and the focus is now on using the incredible powers that Luffy has already unlocked. Eiichiro Oda has structured the story to point out that Gear 5 is Luffy’s ultimate form. The one he will use to face the final villains and achieve his dream. He has reached the level of a Great Pirate that Shanks pictured. The Path Forward: Mastering Haki While Luffy’s Devil Fruit abilities may have peaked, his journey to get stronger is far from over. His future growth will be centered on mastering Haki. Although he possesses the advanced forms of all three types of Haki, he has not yet perfected them. His Observation Haki, for example, allows him to see a few seconds into the future, but it fails in comparison to the mastery shown by Shanks, who can see much further. Luffy is still learning to use his strongest Haki in his attacks, while characters like Shanks have already mastered it. But to defeat top enemies like the Five Elders and Imu , Luffy must perfect his Haki. The story shows that his next big power-up won't be a Gear 6, but instead, he'll grow stronger by becoming a true master of Haki. Release Year MAL RATING Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 1999 8.73 Toei Animation Action, Adventure Netflix ALSO READ: The Hindu God That Inspired Luffy's Gear Four Transformation

In Black Clover, magic is everything. However, Asta was a boy born without a single drop of mana (magic). But despite this disadvantage, he has a power that is capable of nullifying all magic. For most of the series, the source of this power remained a secret, but it was finally revealed to be a Devil named Liebe, a creature as unique and unconventional as Asta. Liebe is not like the other arrogant, powerful devils from the underworld. And to understand why Liebe chose to partner with Asta, we must first look at his painful past and the rare bond he formed long before ever meeting the loud-mouthed, unstoppable Magic Knight. ALSO READ: Best Anime Like Black Clover A Devil Unlike Any Other Liebe’s story started in the lowest level of the Underworld, a place where power is worth sacrificing everything. He was born without any mana, and as a result, he was an outcast from the start. He was bullied, tormented, and abused by other Devils who saw his weakness as pathetic. In fact, his existence was one of constant misery until, in a final act of cruelty, a stronger Devil threw him through the barrier that separated their world from the human realm. Alone and wounded in the human world, Liebe was found by Licita, who turned out to be Asta's mother. Her unique condition drained mana from those nearby, forcing her into isolation, but since Liebe had no mana, she could safely care for him. She treated him like a son, and for the first time, Liebe found love. This peace was ruined when Lucifero, the Devil king, tried to possess Liebe. Licita sacrificed herself, fatally wounded by Lucifero, but managed to seal Liebe inside a five-leaf clover grimoire to protect him forever. The Fated Partnership With Asta Years later, that same grimoire chose Asta, another magic-less boy full of unbreakable spirit. Because Liebe was sealed inside, Asta gained the ability to use Anti-Magic, pulling swords from the grimoire to cancel out any spell. At first, Liebe saw Asta as just a tool. His hatred for his own kind was very deep, and he planned to use Asta to kill every last one of them. But this dynamic changed during the Devil-Binding Ritual. It was a ceremony meant to force a Devil into submission. But rather than dominating Liebe and making him a servant, Asta fought him, and after winning, offered him friendship. ALSO READ: Yuno’s Waste Of Potential: How Black Clover Failed Its Rival? Finding out that they were both outcasts who had been looked down upon their whole lives, Asta saw himself in Liebe. He proposed they fight together as equals, and this was a turning point. Stunned by Asta’s empathy, Liebe agreed, forming an equal contract that allowed them to share power without one controlling the other. The Overwhelming Power Of Anti-Magic The reason Liebe and Asta are so strong is that Liebe has no magic. This lets him use a special power called Anti-Magic, which stops all other magic. Since Liebe has no magic of his own, Anti-Magic doesn't hurt him. That makes him the only one who can use it. When Asta uses this power, it’s the perfect weapon to defeat Mages and Devils who rely on magic. Their partnership reaches its peak when they activate Unite Mode. It is a transformation that merges their bodies and allows Asta to bring out the full potential of Anti-Magic. At first, this form was very draining, lasting only five minutes and causing Asta severe pain. However, as their bond deepened and they trained together, they extended this time limit and perfected their abilities. In this state, they gain incredible speed, strength, and the power to erase even the most formidable spells, making them one of the biggest threats to the devils of the Underworld. A Shared Goal And A New Family Liebe used to only care about revenge, but working with Asta changed him. He still does not like other Devils, but he also fights to protect Asta's friends and their world. He's like an unofficial member of the Black Bulls squad, helping Asta in big fights against bad guys like the Spade Kingdom, the Dark Triad, and even the Devil King Lucifero. Though Liebe may not possess the overwhelming power like Lucifero, his unique Anti-Magic and his perfect partnership with Asta make them a game-changing team. Plus, their shared history of being underdogs, their unbreakable bond forged in kindness, and their combined strength represent a new kind of power in the Black Clover universe. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2017 8.14 Pierrot Action, Fantasy Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Black Clover: Most Inspirational Quotes

The story of 511 Kinderheim is tightly connected with the lives of Monster's important characters. However, the most notable character attached to that place was Johan Leibert. And fans usually ask if that place has something to do with his evil character, or was it just another phase of his life? The orphanage’s true purpose is gradually revealed in the anime, but some fans still don't understand what exactly happened at 511 Kinderheim. What happened inside its walls affected the lives of the children, but also others because of the events that happened years later. So, we ask the question: What exactly was 511 Kinderheim, and what happened there that caused all the destruction? ALSO READ: Best Anime Characters Who Use Unconventional Weapons The Purpose Of 511 Kinderheim 511 Kinderheim was not a regular orphanage. Behind its name, which translates to “Kinderheim,” meaning “children’s home”, was an evil, clinical institution designed for a horrifying purpose. In a postwar Germany dealing with the scars of the Cold War, this facility existed on the margins of society, away from the attention of the public or standard authorities. The outer goal of this place was the care and education of parentless children, but its real mission was more sinister. It was psychological conditioning and manipulative social experiments. Children admitted to 511 Kinderheim were subjected to psychological torture disguised as discipline. The researchers and caregivers worked tirelessly to erase individuality, and conformity was enforced at all costs. They manipulated friendships, provoked competition, and created scenarios where betrayal and fear were part of daily life. The intention was to produce “perfect soldiers" — emotionless, obedient individuals who would follow orders without hesitation or moral questioning. In essence, it became a place for manufacturing living weapons, not nurturing souls. Psychological Experiments And The Loss Of Innocence Inside 511 Kinderheim, the experiments were ruthless. The youngest children who were most vulnerable were pitted against each other and forced into situations where only betrayal or cruelty could help them survive. To top it all off, positive emotions like empathy, trust, or compassion were deliberately discouraged, and kindness became a weakness. The staff, in fact, rewarded children who committed acts of violence. As a result, it pushed orphans further into isolation and paranoia. These methods broke down the children psychologically. In fact, anyone trying to form friendships was watched with suspicion or punished. The result of this constant stress was nervous breakdowns, aggression, and in some instances, even suicide. Over time, the walls of 511 Kinderheim became more of a cage than a shelter, which was designed to stifle individuality, develop dependency on authority, and create an environment where chaos was marketed as order. Johan Liebert: The Monster Born At 511 Kinderheim The most famous graduate of 511 Kinderheim was Johan Liebert, whose experiences there dictate the narrative of Monster. Johan’s time in the orphanage was full of suffering, terror, and manipulation. He witnessed endless acts of cruelty and was a victim of the same psychological tests as his peers. This resulted in him learning early that showing emotion could be dangerous. Johan came out of Kinderheim with a broken mind, and also with a deep-rooted philosophy that humanity itself is corrupt. His upbringing in this environment of systematic psychological abuse shaped his philosophy: life is inherently meaningless, and people are easily molded to fit the will of others. Known as “Monster” throughout the series, Johan’s horrific acts — his ability to drive others to madness and violence trace directly back to the lessons learned at 511 Kinderheim. The Fate Of 511 Kinderheim And Its Children As the events of Monster unfold, the truth about 511 Kinderheim is gradually put together through testimonials, flashbacks, and investigations by Dr. Tenma and the others. They discover that the orphanage was shut down after public authorities began to suspect its true purpose. But it was too late by then; the psychological scars on its victims were permanent. Many children either vanished from society, ended up in state-run homes, or became lost souls unable to integrate into normal life. However, the institution's dark legacy lived on through Johan, whose trauma translated into violence and manipulation. The destruction of 511 Kinderheim’s records and its dissolution did not change its influence either. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2004 8.89 Madhouse Mystery, Suspense Netflix ALSO READ: Most Underrated Anime Shows Ever

We all know that Guts has never known anything but suffering all his life. He was cursed from birth, and it was no better even when he got older. However, he still carries on, giving all of us hope and showing us how important it is to never give up. Born into violence, forced to fight for survival from childhood, Guts is driven by a vengeance he can never fully satisfy. He knows he can never recover from the horrors of his past, but still, he chases peace. If there is some award for the most tragic hero, Guts would be the winner without a contest. Here is what makes Guts the most tragic hero in all of anime. ALSO READ: Berserk Should Have Ended After The Golden Age Arc Guts Was Born Into Suffering Guts' tragedy began before he even drew his first breath. Born from the corpse of a hanged woman and discovered lying in mud beneath the gallows, his earliest moments foreshadowed a life that would forever be marked by pain and abandonment. Cherry on top, he was adopted by a brutal mercenary named Gambino. Guts’ childhood was stripped of warmth and safety. In fact, he was raised among killers and taught that only the strong survive. By the time he became a teenager, Guts was already a veteran of dozens of battlefields. He became a boy whose only lesson in life was how to swing a sword harder and faster than the enemy. He faced the ultimate betrayals from those who were supposed to care for him. And these experiences forge him into a survivor, but a deeply mistrustful one. He was always hesitant to let others into his life for fear that they would repeat the cycle of pain. Lost Brotherhood And Betrayal Guts' life took a turn for the better when he joined the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary band led by Griffith. That was the first time in his life when Guts experienced friendship. He formed genuine friendships, especially with Griffith and Casca, and helped the Hawks to get legendary victories. In those moments of happiness, Guts began to believe that he could build a life without violence and trauma. But the true depth of his tragedy became apparent during the Eclipse — a world-shattering betrayal. That was the time when Griffith sacrificed his loyal comrades for ultimate power, transforming into the God Hand’s Femto. Guts alone fought to the end, trying and failing to save those he cared about. The scars from the Eclipse (literal and figurative) never truly healed. The Brand And Endless Struggle Guts was forever marked by the Brand of Sacrifice after the Eclipse. It was a supernatural symbol that condemned him to be endlessly hunted by demons. Every night became a fight for survival, with monsters drawn to his blood. But what made Guts’ suffering even more potent was that he did not simply give up. Instead, he chose the path of relentless resistance. This phase of Guts’ journey exposed a new layer of isolation to his tragedy. Anyone who came close to him was also at risk. Still, he continued to fight, for the sake of his happiness with Casca , even when the whole world was trying to steal it from him. Humanity Amid Chaos: The Tragic Hero’s Heart Despite his horrific experiences, Guts retained more humanity than anyone might expect. His capacity for compassion was shown in moments when he tried to shield the weak, comforted those in suffering, or risked everything for Casca’s safety. He collected a “family” of comrades along his journey even if circumstances continually ripped it away. Guts is unforgettable among anime protagonists. Ho knows exactly how to handle a tragedy with determination. Also, he isn’t a tragic hero just because life treats him cruelly, but because he keeps fighting anyway. A strong will to live, love, and choose your own path: that's what Guts stands for. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On July 2016 6.33 Millepensee, GEMBA Action, Fantasy Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue Predicted Modern Fandom Obsession - And We Ignored It

SPOILER ALERT:  This article may contain major spoilers from Jujutsu Kaisen. Proceed only if you don't mind having key story elements revealed. One of the most shocking moments following the devastating Shibuya Incident was the sudden return of Yuta Okkotsu. The moment he arrived, he immediately declared his intention to kill Yuji Itadori. As one of the most powerful Sorcerers and a student personally trained by Satoru Gojo, Yuta’s declaration sent waves of confusion and fear through the fandom. Why would a hero like Yuta target a fellow ally? The answer is far more twisted than a simple betrayal. In fact, it involves the rigid politics of the Jujutsu world, a secret promise to a beloved teacher, and a clever plan designed to outsmart the Jujutsu society higher-ups. To understand his actions, we must look beyond the surface and examine the desperate circumstances facing the Sorcerers. ALSO READ: Who Are The Big Three Families In Jujutsu Kaisen? The Binding Vow And The Jujutsu Higher-Ups The primary reason for Yuta’s mission is a Binding Vow he made with the Jujutsu higher-ups. As we all know, Gojo was sealed following the Shibuya Incident. This resulted in the conservative elders of the Jujutsu world regaining control. They immediately reinstated Yuji Itadori's death sentence because they viewed him as a ticking time bomb and held him responsible for the destruction in Shibuya. So to gain their trust and be allowed to operate freely, Yuta agreed to become Yuji’s executioner. This vow was a strategic move. By publicly accepting the role, Yuta placed himself in a position of authority and satisfied the elders' demands. By doing so, he effectively put a temporary halt to their own pursuit of Yuji. The elders, seeing Yuta as a powerful and obedient Sorcerer, believed he was the perfect tool to eliminate the threat of Sukuna once and for all. This agreement gave Yuta the freedom he needed to find Yuji on his own terms. A Deceptive Plan To Save A Friend While Yuta publicly declared his intent to kill Yuji, his true objective was the complete opposite. His mission was to protect Yuji. Yuta understood that a direct refusal to the higher-ups would only endanger both of them. So, he orchestrated a plan where he could "kill" Yuji in a way that would fulfill the technicalities of the Binding Vow without causing permanent harm. He tracked Yuji down and, in their battle, fatally stabbed him through the chest. But there's a catch to this battle. Immediately after this apparent execution, Yuta used his advanced Reverse Cursed Technique , ultimately bringing our beloved hero back to life. By stopping Yuji's heart for a moment, he actually played a clever trick. Yuta technically fulfilled the vow of "killing" him, satisfying the elders, but also saving him at the same time. This clever loophole allowed him to neutralize the immediate threat from the higher-ups and officially remove the execution order hanging over Yuji's head. Loyalty To Gojo And Personal Empathy Yuta’s actions were driven by his loyalty to Gojo. Before leaving Japan prior to the series' start, Gojo had personally asked Yuta to look after his underclassmen, including Yuji. Yuta took this request to heart, and his entire plan was a fulfillment of that promise. He was not acting as an agent of the elders but as a protector carrying out Gojo’s wishes in his absence. His goal was to protect the new generation of Sorcerers that Gojo believed in so strongly. Furthermore, Yuta possesses a unique empathy for Yuji’s situation — all because of his own terrible past. Yuta, too, was the vessel for the incredibly powerful Cursed Spirit of Rika Orimoto and was himself sentenced to death by the same higher-ups. Moreover, he understands the loneliness and fear of being considered a monster simply for housing a power beyond his control. This shared experience creates a bond between them, making Yuta one of the few people who could truly comprehend Yuji’s situation. The Perfect Cover Story: Revenge For Shibuya To make his act believable, Yuta had a powerful and tragic justification. It was the chaos Sukuna unleashed during the Shibuya Incident. When Yuji lost control, Sukuna went on a rampage that caused immense death and destruction. Among the casualties were Yuta’s close friends and fellow students. To top it all off, Toge Inumaki lost an arm as a direct result of Sukuna's actions. This personal loss provided Yuta with a convincing reason to want revenge against Sukuna's vessel. This narrative of revenge made his hunt for Yuji appear reasonable to anyone watching, including the higher-ups. It painted him as a Sorcerer personally affected by Sukuna. By leveraging the tragedy of Shibuya, Yuta ensured that his plan to save Yuji would not be questioned. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2020 8.56 MAPPA Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen: What Is Black Flash?

Vampires are popular in Japanese anime, portrayed as dark antiheroes or likable characters. Anime fans can't get enough of these fanged creatures, and there are plenty of vampire-themed series to explore. From powerful villains to relatable high school students, vampires offer diverse stories and interpretations. With their supernatural allure and iconic fangs, they continue to captivate audiences in the world of anime. So, here are the 12 best anime shows based on vampires. ALSO READ: Top Dumbest Yet Lovable Anime Characters 12/12 Rosario + Vampire In Rosario + Vampire, a teenager named Tsukune Aono has a hard time getting into an excellent high school because of his bad grades. But then he finds Youkai Academy, a school that seems normal on the outside. However, it's actually filled with all kinds of monsters pretending to be human. One of the main characters is Rosario, who looks like an average girl but is actually a vampire. Tsukune has to hide the fact that he's human from the school staff because if they find out, they'll follow the school rules and punish him and maybe even execute him. So Tsukune does his best to keep his secret safe while navigating through the challenges of Youkai Academy. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Rosario + Vampire January 2008 6.73 Gonzo Crunchyroll 11/12 Vampire Knight Vampire Knight is a popular shojo anime that revolves around Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu, who serve as prefects at a unique academy that admits vampire students at night. Their responsibility is to protect the daytime students and maintain the academy's reputation. However, as they go deeper into their roles, they discover unexpected connections between themselves and the vampire students. This romance series, while receiving mixed reviews for its love triangle, remains well-known for its dramatic storyline and romantic elements. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Vampire Knight April 2008 6.84 Studio Deen Crunchyroll 10/12 Noblesse Noblesse follows a powerful vampire named Rai who wakes up in modern-day Korea after sleeping for 820 years. He doesn’t know anything about today’s world, so his loyal servant, Frankenstein, helps him by enrolling him in high school. There, Rai slowly gets used to normal life and becomes friends with some kind-hearted students. But their calm life doesn’t last long. A secret group shows up, trying to use supernatural powers for their own gain. Rai, though quiet and calm, steps in to protect his friends. The anime mixes exciting battles with funny and heartwarming moments, especially when Rai tries to understand modern things like smartphones or school life. Unlike most vampires, Rai doesn’t want to control others. Instead, he fights to keep peace between humans and nobles. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Noblesse October 2020 6.90 Production I.G. Crunchyroll 9/12 Dance In The Vampire Bund In the anime adaptation of Dance In The Vampire Bund, MinaTepes, the vampire Princess-Ruler, creates an island sanctuary called The Bund for vampires to live in peace. Mina strives for harmony between humans and vampires when their existence is revealed. ALSO READ: Best Anime By Ufotable, Ranked However, she faces opposition from prejudiced humans and extremist vampires. Mina must defend The Bund and fight for justice in her attempt at a peaceful coexistence in a world filled with conflicts. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Dance in the Vampire Bund January 2010 6.96 Shaft Crunchyroll 8/12 Strike The Blood The series is about a high school student named Kojou Akatsuki who becomes a vampire after a strange event. He's actually a powerful being known as the Fourth Primogenitor. To prevent him from taking over the world, a secret group sends an apprentice to keep an eye on him and potentially kill him. However, Kojou and the apprentice end up teaming up to fight against the supernatural creatures on Itogami Island. Adventure, friendship, discovering — you name it, and you will find it in this extraordinary vampire series. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Strike The Blood October 2013 7.01 SILVER LINK. Crunchyroll 7/12 Blood Lad Blood Lad centers around a powerful vampire named Staz Charlie. He's not like other vampires because he doesn't crave blood. Instead, he loves reading manga and playing video games. However, one day, Staz meets a human girl named Fuyumi Yanagi who accidentally ends up in his Demon World. They feel a strong connection, but something terrible happens. Fuyumi is killed and becomes a ghost. Determined to bring her back to life, Staz, along with a magician and a half-wolf friend, sets off on a journey across the Demon World to find a way to make Fuyumi human again. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Blood Lad February 2006 7.10 Madhouse Crunchyroll 6/12 Trinity Blood In this 24-episode anime , we follow Abel Nightroad, a unique vampire known as a Crusnik. Trinity Blood is set in a world divided into two factions, the Vatican and the New Human Empire, engaged in a Cold War. Abel fights alongside the Vatican, opposing the manipulative Rosenkreuz Orden, who seeks to exploit the conflict for their own gain. The anime explores the struggle for coexistence between humans and vampires, blending political intrigue with supernatural warfare. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Trinity Blood April 2005 7.28 Gonzo Crunchyroll 5/12 Seraph Of The End After a deadly disease wipes out adults, vampires take control and demand the blood of children in exchange for their care. Yuichiro Hyakuya — the main character of the series —and his friends suffer under vampire rule until they plan an escape. ALSO READ: Most Muscular Women In Anime, Ranked But Hyakuya is the sole survivor, fueling his desire for revenge against the vampires. Seraph Of The End impresses with its action-packed fight scenes  in humanity's last refuge, where Hyakuya and others train to combat the vampire threat. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Seraph Of The End April 2015 7.48 Wit Studio Crunchyroll 4/12 Blood+ It is a story set in Okinawa, Japan, in 2005, with Saya Otonashi as the main character. She is a regular schoolgirl living with her adopted family. Saya is, however, attacked by a creature called a Chiropteran that feeds on human blood. Saya discovers that her blood is toxic to these creatures, making her the only one who can defeat them. Now, with her friends by her side, Saya sets out to destroy all the Chiropterans and uncover the secrets of her own past. Together, they fight to protect humanity  from these dangerous monsters. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Blood+ October 2005 7.60 Production I.G Netflix 3/12 Shiki Shiki is about a quiet Japanese village where strange things start happening after some new people move in. One by one, villagers begin to die mysteriously. As the story goes on, it’s revealed that the dead are coming back to life, but not as normal people, rather, as shiki, vampire-like creatures who need to drink human blood to survive. What makes Shiki stand out is how it shows both sides of the story. It doesn’t just paint the humans as good and the Shiki as evil. Instead, it shows how fear, pain, and the need to survive can make anyone do terrible things. The humans become cruel out of fear, and the Shiki just want to live, even if it means hurting others. By the end, you're left wondering who the real monsters are. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Shiki July 2010 7.72 Daume Crunchyroll 2/12 Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust It is a special sequel to the animated movie Vampire Hunter D (1985) that fans adore. It tells the story of D, a unique character who is part vampire and part human. D's job is to hunt down creatures of the night and get paid for it. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is even more exciting than the first movie. It has a complex plot with forbidden love and other hunters chasing after D's target. The animation is stunning , and there's lots of action. If you're into animated vampire movies, you'll love Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust April 2001 7.96 Madhouse Prime Video 1/12 Hellsing Ultimate It is an anime series that closely follows the original Hellsing manga. It's considered one of the best vampire anime because it has everything you want in a vampire show. It follows Alucard, a vampire hunter who loves his job and is incredibly skilled at it. The catch, he himself is a vampire. He fights against other vampire-hunting organizations and faces brutal and violent challenges. The show is visually stunning and captures Alucard's confidence as he battles enemies. Anime Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Watch On Hellsing Ultimate February 2006 8.34 Madhouse Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Top Anime Characters With The Most Tragic Backstory

SPOILER ALERT:  This article may contain major spoilers from Demon Slayer. Proceed only if you don't mind having key story elements revealed. Doma, the Upper Moon Two, and Akaza, Upper Moon Three, are two of the strongest and most deadly Demons in Muzan’s army. The interesting twist about Demon Slayer is that the series revolves not just around the battle between the Slayers and the Demons, but sometimes we also get to witness the battle between the Demons, which we saw between Akaza and Doma in their Blood Battle. While Akaza openly shows deep hatred towards Doma, the latter's attitude is far more careless — he sees Akaza as both an entertaining companion and a rival. But if Doma is stronger than Akaza, then why didn't he kill Akaza in the Blood Battle? And more importantly, why did Doma leave Akaza alive? ALSO READ: Best Blood Demon Arts In Demon Slayer The Blood Battle Among The Twelve Kizuki Blood Battles occasionally happen among the 12 Moons. Usually, what happens is that the lower-ranked Demons challenge the higher-ranked ones. The motive is to climb up to a higher rank. These fights are usually brutal and typically result in the death of the loser. But with such powers come strict rules, as Muzan forbids unnecessary infighting, fearing it could weaken his army’s effectiveness. Upper Moons, especially, are not allowed to kill one another, as they are rare and difficult for Muzan to replace. The threat of a Blood Battle is always there, but open fights between top Demons are strictly controlled. Akaza’s Jealousy And The Seeds Of Rivalry Akaza’s complicated feelings toward Doma are a result of his jealousy and wounded pride. Akaza was transformed into a Demon before Doma, yet Doma surpassed him almost immediately upon joining the Twelve Kizuki, taking the Upper Two seat while Akaza remained Upper Three. Akaza’s bitter jealousy is also amplified by their personalities. Where Doma is effortless and emotionless, Akaza, on the other hand, is intense and proud. Rather than motivating Akaza to outdo Doma, this rivalry eats at him, as every achievement by Doma feels like a personal attack. This emotional conflict becomes a stinger to Akaza’s existence as both a Demon and a former human, explaining his obsession with proving his worth. Doma’s Friendship And Akaza’s Rage What sets Doma apart and makes Akaza hate him, is the way Doma treats him. Doma doesn't consider him a rival but as a friend and source of amusement, and Akaza simply doesn't like this attitude. To top it off, Doma is cheerful, seemingly incapable of hatred or anger, and finds Akaza’s rage entertaining rather than threatening. He even addresses Akaza like a close companion, while ignoring Akaza's hatred of him. Doma's behaviour frustrates Akaza. For someone as proud as Akaza, being treated as a joke rather than a threat is the ultimate insult. Doma’s attitude is both a survival tactic (as he rarely makes enemies) and a flaw. He shows us how different personalities, even among monsters, can lead to dangerous misunderstandings and grudges. Orders From Muzan And The Hidden Favoritism Despite the tension, Doma never kills Akaza, because Muzan’s rules are absolute. Muzan strictly forbids the Upper Moons from killing each other, because he cannot replace them easily. And the punishment for breaking this rule? It would be severe and immediate, and even a Demon as powerful as Doma would not risk breaking Muzan's rules. Moreover, we all know how Muzan shows favoritism toward Akaza. He often praises his loyalty and efficiency, and this special treatment protects Akaza and frustrates his rivals. In this case, Doma's loyalty to Muzan and his own sense of entertainment make sure that Akaza does not die. Thus, he follows Muzan's orders, not attacking fellow Upper Moons regardless of personal feelings. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: The Curse Of The Demon Slayer Mark, Explained

The battles in Demon Slayer wouldn’t be nearly as intense or creative without Blood Demon Arts. These abilities are the peak of Demon evolution. Every Art is unique, harnessing elements like poison, fire, ice, and even the manipulation of space itself. As Demon Slayers fight to protect humanity, they’re forced to confront these unpredictable techniques, leading to some of the most memorable fights in the anime. While the Demon Slayers train in rigid Breathing Forms, Demons manifest abilities driven by emotion, obsession, and trauma. This not only creates variety in the battles, but also gives each Demon a distinct, unsettling presence. ALSO READ: Demon Slayer: Every Hashira Ranked By Strength 10/10 Porcelain Flesh Manipulation — Gyokko Gyokko’s Blood Demon Art is a mix of creativity and horror. He uses his own mutated flesh to create ornate porcelain vases, scattering them across the battlefield for both attack and defense. These vases act as portals, allowing Gyokko to teleport instantly from one to another, making it almost impossible for enemies to predict his next move. The vases can trap victims, summon bizarre water creatures, and even serve as tools for sudden attacks. What makes this Art even darker is Gyokko’s obsession with turning living beings into his “art.” He can manipulate the bodies of trapped humans, turning them into grotesque displays that remain partially alive. 9/10 Exploding Blood — Nezuko Nezuko’s Exploding Blood is unique among all Blood Demon Arts — and not just because she uses it to protect humans. When Nezuko ignites her own blood, it bursts into vibrant pink flames that only harm Demons and their abilities, leaving humans completely safe. The practicality of Nezuko’s Art goes even further. She can infuse her flames into her brother Tanjiro’s sword, turning it crimson red — a form that can hurt the strongest of Demons. The flames hold emotional power, too: they grow fiercer when Nezuko is trying to protect her loved ones, adding a touching humanity to her Demonic strength. 8/10 Blood Bewitchment — Tamayo Tamayo’s Blood Bewitchment operates quietly but dangerously. Unlike the other, more flashy powers, her Art manipulates the mind . By sprinkling her own blood, Tamayo releases a scent that triggers hallucinations or forces targets to confess secrets. Against Demons who rely heavily on instincts and secrecy, this can be useless. Tamayo, a skilled doctor and scholar, forms her illusions with surgical precision, making her abilities almost impossible to detect until it’s too late. She can trigger hallucinations affecting sight, smell, or sound, leading enemies into traps or exposing their weaknesses. This art shows that Demon power isn’t just punches or flashy techniques — intellect and psychological warfare can be just as lethal. 7/10 Blood Sickles — Gyutaro Gyutaro wields his Blood Demon Art with creativity. By shaping his blood into razor-sharp sickles, he can launch projectile attacks. These sickles can curve in midair and strike from any angle, making them extremely difficult to dodge. To make things even worse, his blood is laced with a deadly poison, so even a subtle touch can be fatal. ALSO READ: Strongest Demons In Demon Slayer, Ranked This art is dangerous both up close and at a distance. The poison and unpredictability add layers of fear while fighting him. His Blood Demon Art not only allows for offense but suits his venomous, spiteful nature, solidifying his reputation as one of the most threatening Demons. 6/10 Emotion Manifestation — Hantengu Hantengu’s Emotion Manifestation is like fighting an entire squad of Upper Moons at once. This Blood Demon Art gives him the ability to split into multiple younger clones, each one powered by a different emotion — Anger, Pleasure, Sorrow, and Joy. Plus, every clone has its own unique fighting style and supernatural weapon, meaning that Slayers are forced to adapt to multiple attacks and tactics all at once. If the fight gets overwhelming, he can combine his emotions to turn into Zohakuten, his ultimate weapon. The unpredictability and coordination between clones create absolute chaos. Hantengu’s art is a masterclass in psychological fighting and teamwork (with himself!). 5/10 Infinity Castle Manipulation — Nakime Nakime’s Infinity Castle Manipulation is the best gift for Muzan. With her biwa, she can control the vast maze of Infinity Castle — instantly shifting rooms, separating Demon Slayer, or teleporting anyone wherever she wants. This ability gives Demons a massive home advantage, trapping Slayers, creating endless confusion, and preventing easy escapes. The true power here is battlefield control. Nakime can disrupt team formations, isolate Slayers, and make rescue missions almost impossible — all while observing the entire castle from her seat. In many ways, the castle itself is her Blood Demon Art, making Nakime one of the most strategically important and dangerous members of Muzan’s inner circle. 4/10 Destructive Death — Akaza Akaza fuses martial arts mastery with his Destructive Death Blood Demon Art, throwing deadly, invisible shockwaves with every strike. His attacks generate forceful energy rings and spikes that can hit opponents from afar, while his combat sense allows him to detect and target the fighting spirit of anyone near him. His Compass Needle technique detects and reveals weaknesses, ensuring that Akaza’s critical hits are both fast and destructive. Facing him means being hunted relentlessly and outplayed in both close and long-range combat. Destructive Death seeks strong opponents and uses overwhelming power to break both body and spirit, just like what we witnessed in his battle with Rengoku . 3/10 Cryokinesis — Doma Doma’s Cryokinesis brings winter to any fight. He can generate and manipulate ice instantly, forming spikes, shards, and massive icy constructs that attack by themselves. The freezing temperatures slow down enemies, cut off escape routes, and even create barriers or flying ice maidens that pour out freezing breath. Doma can quickly shift the balance of a fight by transforming the entire battlefield into a frozen arena. ALSO READ: Why Nezuko Is The Only Demon Who Can Survive The Sun In Demon Slayer? What makes Cryokinesis truly chilling is its adaptability. Doma’s ice can spread invisibly, freeze wounds shut, or shatter underfoot, making it hard for enemies to get close to him. His beautiful way of using this dangerous power hides a killer’s intent. 2/10 Crescent Moon Blades — Kokushibo Being the only Demon who can use Breathing Style , Kokushibo takes swordsmanship to the next level. He fuses his sword with his own flesh, allowing him to launch crescent-shaped blades that shift speed and direction mid-flight. These unpredictable projectiles can fill the air, cutting down multiple enemies at once, and are nearly impossible to dodge. His eyes enhance his senses and accuracy, allowing Kokushibo to spot weaknesses and exploit openings instantly. He can also use Transparent World to see through the bodies of his enemies. Kokushibo deserves his spot as the second strongest Demon, partly because of his Blood Demon Art. 1/10 Biological Manipulation — Muzan At the very top sits Muzan’s Biological Manipulation — the best Blood Demon Art, limited only by Muzan's imagination. Muzan can completely reshape his body, changing his form, gender, age, and even the structure of his organs to avoid fatal attacks. He can spawn whips, mouths, tentacles, and new limbs at will. This adaptability makes him almost invincible in direct battle. Moreover, Muzan’s control over biology lets him absorb living and nonliving matter to heal himself and acquire traits from victims. He can turn humans into Demons with a scratch, exercise telepathic control over Demons, and even move his consciousness between Demons. Every inch of Muzan is a weapon or means of survival, making him the Demon King in every sense and the greatest challenge the Demon Slayers ever face. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: The Curse Of The Demon Slayer Mark, Explained

The Demon Slayer mark is a symbol of hope for most of the Demon Slayers out there. Once the slayer unlocks it, the enhanced speed and strength gives the user a chance to rise to the level of unbelievable strength. As a result, they are able to defeat a Demon that otherwise seemed invincible. Yet, with this great power comes a price that not everyone can afford to pay. The Demon Slayer mark places a mysterious curse on the Slayer, and there are only a few characters who have overcome it. So, what is this curse, and how does it affect the lives of Demon Slayers? SPOILER ALERT:  This article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga, including shocking plot points, final battles, and major plot twists not yet covered in the anime. Proceed only if you're caught up or don't mind having key story elements revealed. ALSO READ: Demon Slayer: How Does The Infinity Castle Work? What Is The Demon Slayer Mark? The Demon Slayer Mark is a physical, tattoo-like symbol that appears somewhere on a Slayer’s body. Every mark is unique, and its design reflects the bearer’s fighting style or Breathing Technique — whether flames, water, or mist. Also, awakening the Mark requires extraordinary circumstances. It appears only when a Demon Slayer's body reaches an extreme physical state: a steady temperature above 39°C (102.2°F) and a heart rate higher than 200 beats per minute. This usually happens in the middle of a desperate, life-or-death battle when the Slayer is giving everything they have to survive and protect others. The Powers And Price Of The Mark Once awakened, the Demon Slayer Mark transforms its bearer into a menace. Strength, speed, agility, and breathing control all surpass normal human limits, allowing the Slayer to fight on even footing with powerful Demons. Some marked Slayers can access the Transparent World too. The mark can also spread by resonance: once one Slayer awakens theirs, others nearby can manifest their own marks, especially when facing overwhelming threats together. However, every gift comes with a terrible cost. The mark dramatically shortens the lifespan of its user. Most Slayers who wield it die before or at twenty-five. For those who push their bodies too far, the end can come even sooner. This is believed to be the result of the immense strain and trauma the mark places on the body, pushing it beyond natural limits to the edge of collapse. History And Origins The exact origins of the Demon Slayer Mark remain a mystery. The first known bearer was Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a legendary swordsman from Japan’s Sengoku Era. He was not only the originator of the mark but was also born with it, which is very rare among Demon Slayers. Yoriichi’s power shaped the entire Corps, and the mark’s activation is closely tied to his invention of the Sun Breathing technique, the most powerful style among the slayers. For generations, the mark vanished from history, as the Demon Slayer Corps suffered heavy losses and nearly disappeared several times. The mark only came back in modern times with Tanjiro, and soon after, other Hashira gained their own. Legacy, Exceptions, And Choices The curse of the Demon Slayer mark forces every Slayer to confront the cost of their power. For most, the decision to accept it is a sign of ultimate dedication: the willingness to sacrifice not just comfort or safety, but the very years of their life for the bigger picture. The mark appears in those prepared to lay down everything to protect humanity from destruction. Yet, there are crucial exceptions and choices. Yoriichi, the first and most powerful Demon Slayer, lived well into his eighties, untouched by the curse . On the other hand, his brother, fearing a short-lived future with the Mark, chose a darker path. As a result, he became Kokushibo . As for today’s Slayers, Gyomei Himejima is another Demon Slayer who awakened it after the age of 25. However, he did not survive long after manifesting his mark. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Imagine Zenitsu As A Demon — A Story-Changing Twist In Demon Slayer

SPOILER ALERT:  This article contains major spoilers from the Demon Slayer manga, including shocking plot points, final battles, and major plot twists not yet covered in the anime. Proceed only if you're caught up or don't mind having key story elements revealed. In Demon Slayer, Blood Demon Arts are the peak of Demon evolution. Any Demon who gets access to his BDA is no joke. And Demon Slayers understand that. But some of us still don't understand how these powers work, how Demons develop them, and what is in store for them once they unlock it. With all the regeneration and invincibility, Blood Demon Arts present a new challenge for Demon Slayers as they try to fight Muzan's Demons. So here is everything you need to know about Blood Demon Arts in Demon Slayer. ALSO READ: Strongest Demons In Demon Slayer, Ranked Origins & Fundamentals Of Blood Demon Art In Demon Slayer Blood Demon Art goes all the way back to Muzan’s earliest experiments. When he became the first Demon, he sought followers who could help him conquer and survive. By injecting his blood into humans, he turned them into Demons. Those rare people who survived Muzan’s infusion became the first Demons to have and use Blood Demon Arts. Every Blood Demon Art is tied to the Demon’s identity. For example, a Demon who died of frostbite might gain ice-based powers, while a Demon who died in flames could control fire. Because these abilities stem from a Demon’s personal history and psyche, they cannot be copied or transferred. This means every Demon’s Blood Demon Art is as unique as a fingerprint. Power Structure & Mechanics Upper Moon Demons have the greatest share of Muzan’s blood, granting them exceptional strength and advanced Blood Demon Arts. These Demons can practice and refine their powers, developing sub-techniques that expand their powers. The more humans a Demon consumes, the more their art grows in potency — some Demons may even develop multiple techniques under a single art. Blood Demon Arts can be purely offensive, like firing razor-sharp projectiles, or used for defense or support. A Demon might use their art to create barriers, change the battlefield, or hide themselves. This blood magic is unpredictable, forcing Demon Slayers to constantly change their approach. Even after a Demon’s apparent defeat, traps or hazards created by their art can pose deadly risks. Notable Upper Moon Abilities Among the Upper Moons, several Blood Demon Arts shine for their power and creativity: Kokushibo (Upper Moon 1)  uses his art, Crescent Moon Blades, wielding dozens of crescent-shaped slashes from his flesh katana. Combined with his Moon Breathing, he overwhelms enemies with fast, inescapable strikes. Doma (Upper Moon 2)  uses cryokinesis, freezing the air and wet surfaces to create ice constructs. His Frost Demon Art techniques can trap victims in ice or summon blizzard-like storms. Akaza (Upper Moon 3) uses Destructive Death, fusing martial arts with shockwave energy. His punches and kicks release blue energy waves that strike through thin air. Hantengu (Upper Moon 4) manifests split versions of himself through Emotion Manifestation, each clone representing a different emotion and having its own distinct power. Nakime (Upper Moon 4) controls the Infinity Castle. By strumming her biwa, she reshapes space, creating mazes that trap and disorient her enemies. Unique Demon Abilities Several other Demons also display memorable Blood Demon Arts: Nezuko Kamado: Her Exploding Blood ignites her own blood into flames that harm only Demons, leaving humans unharmed. Gyutaro (Upper Moon 6) uses Blood Manipulation to form poisoned sickles from his blood, which regenerate endlessly. Daki (Upper Moon 6) employs Obi Slash Manipulation, transforming her obi sashes into razor-sharp silk ribbons that can slice through steel. Enmu (Lower Moon 1) uses Dream Manipulation by entering victims’ dreams to trap and destroy their spiritual cores. Rui (Lower Moon 5) unleashes Cutting Thread and shoots near-invisible threads that can break Nichirin blades and slice through flesh easily. Limitations & Weaknesses Despite their might, Demons still remain vulnerable to sunlight and the Demon Slayers’ Nichirin Blades. Any Demon, no matter how skilled it is, will die if exposed to sunlight. Sharp Nichirin swords can decapitate and destroy a Demon’s core, nullifying any Blood Demon Art. Moreover, some Arts require specific conditions or resources. Cryokinesis weakens in scorching heat, and smoke-based arts diminish in open skies. Blood Demon Arts are also affected by a Demon’s emotional state; trauma or shock can disrupt their control, leaving them open to attack. Skilled Demon Slayers use these flaws to turn the tide, showing us that careful analysis and adaptability can overcome anything. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Why Nezuko Is The Only Demon Who Can Survive The Sun In Demon Slayer?