Immortality, time loops and death’s return torment these 10 anime characters who hate their overpowered abilities
Time Powers, Repeated Suffering
In Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Homura Akemi gains the ability to stop time and reverse events after wishing to become strong enough to protect Madoka Kaname. Homura began as a shy hospital patient, but her power does not bring the protection she hoped for.
Each failed attempt makes Homura witness Madoka’s death again, while the reversals leave her alone with memories of previous timelines. Her ability traps her in a cycle of failure and isolation.
Death And Immortality’s Costs
Subaru Natsuki, the lead character of Re:Zero, can return to a set point in time after dying. Though this gives him chances to redo events, each attempt involves physical pain and psychological trauma, and he cannot tell others about his ability.
In Yona of the Dawn, Zeno is an ageless Dragon Warrior with immortality, regeneration, impenetrable scales, enhanced strength and control over severed body parts. He has lived for more than 2,000 years, enduring loneliness and loss; regeneration also means suffering severe injuries before healing.
Curses And A Search For Death
Fairy Tail’s Zeref Dragneel became immortal after studying forbidden magic to resurrect his dead brother, Natsu. The resulting Curse of Contradiction gives him great magical power, but his destructive aura grows stronger when he values human life.
Zeref’s affections can kill people around him, making close relationships difficult and leaving him isolated for centuries. He eventually seeks a way to end his immortality. C.C. of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion possesses the Code, which makes her immortal and ageless. She grants Geass to others in the hope that one will take her Code, allowing her to die; her original Geass compelled others to love her, leaving her unable to form genuine connections.
Key points
- Homura’s time reversals make her relive Madoka’s death and leave her alone with the memories.
- Subaru’s return after death offers another chance, but brings repeated physical and psychological suffering.
- Zeno’s immortality brings centuries of loneliness, while his regeneration requires him to endure injuries.
- Zeref and C.C. seek release from immortality, which shapes their relationships and choices.