Come Rushing In: The Air Elementals of Anime

Invisible and invincible.

These two words pretty much sums up the description for the one natural element that seems to be above all other elements in this world: Air.

Air is what keeps life in this small planet called Earth. Fire relies on air to keep aflame and water is created through a mixture of air.

Living organisms has air on top of its list to survive. So it seems that air is an element of comfort. A calming, gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

Yet air, just like the rest of the natural elements, possess a second face. An opposite personality of sort. However, this is where air proves how much stronger it can be than any of the other elements. When air strikes a hard blow, it can easily destroy fire and control water, even earth. And air can do it so fast that it’ll be too late to react.

So when air pretty much dominates over all other elements, why does it seem to be the one element that gains the least attention?

In Avatar: Legend of Aang, the new avatar – who possesses the power over air – had to learn the other forms of bending to finally defeat the Fire Lord. Shouldn’t he have been strong enough to control fire and all the other elements for that matter?

In X-Men, Storm possesses the uncanny ability to control the elements, which normally includes the wind. Yet Ororo does not have the physical strength enough to harness such power. Was it a way limit the control over the strong and highly destructive element?

In anime, characters who possess the power to control wind are also few in numbers as seen in the list that follows. Often, the characters are seen as silent and gentle but can be as deadly as a tornado.

Here are some notable anime air elementals that are more than ready to knock you down in a gust. The question is, are you ready for them?

08. Asuma Sarutobi (Naruto)

This laid-back Konoha ninja who is often seen smoking is actually the son of the Third Hokage. He may not be fond of involving himself in almost anything but if it’s necessary, he’ll be more than willing to lend a hand. Make that hands – and with trench knives powered up by his wind-based chakra. His knives are made of special metal that can be fused with chakra to extend its blade and make it strong enough to pierce through rocks. Combined with his taijutsu skills, he could be one tough ninja. If this proves futile however, he could also use Ash Pile Burning, a technique that lasts longer than fire since ashes are used and remains in the air.

07. Haruka Tenoh / SailorUranus (Sailormoon)

Contrary to what a lot of people think that SailorUranus has the control over earth in her attack “World Shaking,” it is actually the wind that is the source of her power. In her attack, it is wind that shakes the earth and not earth itself. In the Sailormoon manga, this woman seems as light as the wind, her character very strong but gentle. As a human, she loves racing – perhaps an allusion to her love for speed. As a sailorsoldier, she moves and thinks faster than any of the other scouts.

06. Koshirou Chikuma (Basilisk)

Tornadoes can be very dangerous and this guy understands that very well. This gennin has the special ability to create miniature tornadoes by simply using his breath. Though miniature, these tornadoes can strike a mean blow on opponents. It has even killed a man when he successfully drove it to the opponent’s face. Now imagine if he could create bigger tornadoes…

05. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto was not often seen leaning on wind-chakra attacks during battles, but yes, this young host to the fox tail demon has a wind-based chakra. It was only later when Jiraiya taught him the Rasengan that Naruto finally created his own technique – the Rashenshuriken – using his chakra. He also has the Toad Gun and Toad Oil Flame Bullet techniques with toads accompanying him as he uses his wind-chakra abilities.

04. Seichiiro Aoki (X1999)

Mild-mannered and gentle, this man is a husband and a father. However, he divorced his wife to spare her the grief should he die from the war between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth. Though he is rarely seen fighting and using his innate ability, it does not mean he doesn’t have it. His attraction to Karen, a co-member of the Dragons of Heaven, could very well be a representation of the relationship between air and fire.

03. Jin (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Jin is a demon that can control wind in different ways, notable of which is his ability to fly. He could also make tornadoes and use the air around him to speed up his movement. When excited, Jin feels his pointed ears prick. In the Dark Tournament, Jin fought Yusuke and lost, although the decision was a tie. Always cheerful and positive even in the tightest of situations, Jin always shows the good side of the element where his power is based on.

02. Kagura (InuYasha)

Her attachment to Naraku was the one thing that tied this wind sorceress away from complete freedom. She had no choice but to religiously obey her master. In her missions, she had to thwart her enemies using a fan to create tornadoes or move corpses like puppets. A feather ornament on her hair is also useful for her transportation as she enlarges it and rides on it.

01. Fuu Hououji (Magic Knight Rayearth)

Chosen by the pillar of another dimension, Fuu was given a supernatural power that is obviously air elemental. She could create wind-based attacks and even heal wounds using air. Her mashin, Wyndam, is the wind-god resting in a temple in the sky. Fuu always displays a sunny disposition and although some stiff situations pose itself upon her, she never loses control and focus. She’s as sharp as the wind.

A force to conquer all other elements. Air can be as light as a feather and as heavy as earth itself.

*****JHAJR*****

Crashin’ Waves: Anime’s Water Elementals

Soothing to the senses yet with unbearable destructive force.

Water is powerful in both positive and negative ways. It is a force strong enough to match fire but also gentle enough to be used for healing. It is flexible and can be completely harmless, but once in a rage, there can be no way to stop it.

Like fire, water is also one of the most destructive elements. Storms and tsunamis have brought about some of the biggest amount of destruction in a single hit. Fire may not even come close to water’s destructive nature.

Yet water – despite its destroying force – is also life for this planet. The abundance of life in our deepest oceans is proof to that. And as humans, our need for water is immeasurable. The body is composed mostly of substances that come in the form of water. In this world, water is one of the most important elements that we need to survive.

The Chinese believes water to be a constant force; it is silent yet moving. It is mostly likened to human emotions ranging from calm and serene to rage and violence.

Anime is no stranger to the concept of the water’s strong force. It has used the idea of water-related superhuman abilities in most anime about fantasy and battles.

In line with the anime elementals article that started with fire last month, we take a closer look at anime’s most popular water-wielders. They’re calm and still but ready to strike when you least expect it.

8. Kaien Shiba (Bleach)

Rukia played a major role in the demise of this 13th Division lieutenant. Seeking revenge for the death of his wife, he was possessed by a hollow and attacked his own comrade. Rukia’s intention to save herself caused him his life.
Had he lived longer, his abilities would have been showcased more. His zanpakuto, the Nejibana, is a crystalline weapon that looks like a cross between a ji and a trident. Shiba uses this to manipulate water and create shockwaves that instantly kill enemies by splitting them into two.

7. Kiyoshi Mitarai (Yu Yu Hakusho)

A member of the Sensui Seven, Kiyoshi is also known through his codename: Seaman. He is a blonde teenager capable of creating water creatures by fusing his blood with it. He was first shown as having a fondness for the rain and in a fight with Kuwabara, learned his abilities were no match for the new power the spirit detective has obtained. Yet this led to the discovery of Kuwabara’s power and the detective’s kidnapping. Kiyoshi turned his back against his allies and joined Yusuke in saving Kuwabara from Sensui.

6. Shogo Asagi (X1999 / Tsubasa Chronicles)

Although Shogo appears only in the X1999 movie as the water master (a role played by Kakyō in the manga), he had another stint in Tsubasa Chronicles as a water wielder in the Hanshin Republic. In X1999, he could create small whirlpools and strike enemies with water. He could also make the water pour down like short but destructive icicles. In Tsubasa Chronicles, he has the power to summon a ray-like creature that creates powerful water attacks. However, in both anime, Shogo is seen as a brash young man who’s there solely to cause trouble.

5. Kisame Hoshigaki (Naruto)

Often seen working with Itachi Uchiha, Kisame gets along well with the Akatsuki leader. He always looks out for Itachi’s well-being although his looks would probably betray it. Kisame has the entire look of a shark, with his pale skin, gill-like structures in his face, and sharp triangular teeth. Even his attacks are similar to his facial characteristic as he shapes water into the form of sharks.

4. Michiru Kaiou / SailorNeptune (Sailormoon)

As calm as still water, Michiru possess such characteristics. She plays the violin perfectly, making music flow like water and even her flowing hair is a perfect sign of her character. Her Sailorsoldier name is even that of the water-god, Neptune. Her attacks are concentrated in the element of water, however, the truth is, water in its purest form, is not Michiru’s power. It is actually the pressure in the deep waters that she uses to create attacks. Her most popular attack is Deep Submerge.

3. Sloth (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Sloth is capable of turning herself into water, making her indestructible. She could also glide onto water surfaces as in one episode where she traveled rapidly in a body of water. She uses her unique ability in both defense and offense, turning her arms into water and swinging it over her enemies. She could also trap a person inside her body once it has turned fluid. Yet, in her battle with the fullmetal alchemist, Ed was able to defeat her by changing her chemical composition to that of ethanol. Even to the very end though, Sloth remained calm and cool in front of the Elric brothers. It seems her unique ability is also part of her personality.

2. Umi Ryuzaki (Magic Knight Rayearth)

After being thrown into Cephiro by an explosion of light, Umi was destined to become a Magic Knight with the power of water and control of the Mashin, Celes. At first she was reluctant to the journey but as her comrades continue to fight, she had the will to summon her power inside her and in the end earn Celes’ power. Her blue hair and uniform plus her constant tantrum form a strong likeliness to her element. Yet her steadfast determination to help and her strength is as strong as the current she creates with her Water Dragon attack.

1. Ami Mizuno / SailorMercury (Sailormoon)

This Sailorsoldier is enormously intelligent. Yet she maintains a simple, lovely disposition. She will never resort to dispute and violence. If Ami was an ocean, she’d be a gentle-waving one.
Her last name is a direct reference to the source of her power. She resides as the princess of planet Mercury and has the ability to manipulate water. Unlike Sailor Neptune, her power is that of the ocean surface or the moving water. In the series, she is also able to create attacks that involves water in other states – ice (solid) and vapor (gas).

Water has two faces: a calm, gentle-flowing blanket, and an angry, menacing tsunami. These anime water wielders are able to tame these characteristics of the one element that, though scarce in comparison, could be the one force that is even worse than fire.

*****JHAJR*****

Flame On! The Fiery Elementals of Anime

It’s fearful and destructive, yet beautiful and attractive.

Fire is one of the most powerful element and the one that people are mostly drawn into despite it being a very destructive force.

There is always something about fire that brings people closer to it. Perhaps the power that it ignites. Perhaps its power to destroy. Or its power to bring life.

How ironic that the very thing that is necessary for one’s survival can also wipe out existence. Fire can destroy everything in its path. Yet it’s also as important as the air we breathe.

This power drawn out by fire has attracted artists for centuries and in today’s media has become an integral part of many wonderful stories.

In the not-so-anime-ish TV show Avatar: Legend of Aang, the element of fire is viewed as a driving force to keep ahead of civilization and a power that can conquer the world. Fire-benders are special people who can wield the element and are set to be the world’s great power.

In Marvel’s comic books, a number of characters also have special power to control fire. Making fireballs and shooting it from the hand is one of the most common way of displaying the ability. Then there are others who can burst into human torches and fly like comets.

Pyrokinesis, coined by Stephen King in his novel “Firestarter,” was derived from two Greek words, “pyro” and “kinesis”. Since then, the method of controlling the element using the mind had been known and popularized in a number of media not excluding anime.

Having Eastern Asian influences (meaning Chinese), anime has been known to bring the elements in Chinese Astrology into its various titles, especially in stories depicting battles and adventures.

And considering the number of characters in anime with the power to wield fire, it’s a testament to the popularity of fire among its counterpart elements. Unfortunately, there could only be 10 to this Top List of Popular Anime Fiery Characters:

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10. Jiraiya (Naruto)

He’s damn proud of being a lecher. But wait until Naruto says it to him. This former student of the Third Hokage has enough talent to make up for his lecherous ways. Being trained by toads making him a “Toad Sage” Jiraiya still has a talent that puts him on this list: fire breathing and spitting oil from his mouth. His animal familiar, Gamabunta, can also breathe fire.

09. Robin Sena (Witch Hunter Robin)

Robin is soft-spoken, although her looks won’t give that away. She is also 15 years old but her looks would probably betray that fact. And just before you think nothing is more mysterious about Robin than the way her unique hair is done, well she’s also has pyrokinetic abilities. Yes, this goth-looking lead character of Witch Hunter Robin uses her pyrokinesis to chase witches like her.
Using her abilities though impales her vision, but not until she realized how to really use her power as “Designer Witch.”

08. Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)

In the earlier seasons, Sasuke – being a natural genius – has shown excellence in the use of his clan’s Fire Release Technique and made a few alterations (such as placing weapons in his fire ball attacks). He has even made his own technique called Great Dragonfire which he used to prepare for his strongest technique, the Kirin. But even without the fire techniques he has mastered, it had been Sasuke’s Sharingan that easily made him a prodigy.

07. Keroberos (Card Captor Sakura)

The guardian of the Clow Book is also guardian of the sun and so it should only follow that his power is that of fire. As a small, cuddly, yellow creature, Keroberos couldn’t trigger his power until the Firey Card was captured. In his original form of a winged lion though (triggered by the capture of Firey and Earthy), he could breathe fire.

06. Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)

This military commander is in the forefront of battle using his fingers and special a glove with a transmutation circle in it. The friction in his “snaps” (the sound of hydrogen popping and not his fingers touching the palm) creates a spark or a flame by adjusting the oxygen density in the atmosphere. But wait until it becomes a rainy day when the commander loses his ability once his gloves get wet.

05. Tasuki (Fushigi Yuugi)

The former leader of the Mount Reikaku bandits uses a flame throwing Tessen – an iron fan he calls Rekka Shin’en. By wielding the iron fan, Tasuki can create strong flame attacks. Later on, Taitsukun upgraded his weapon into a diamond fan that only he can use. Being a Celestial Warrior for Suzaku, Tasuki uses this weapon as well as his other abilities to help his Suzaku priestess from defeating their Seiryuu counterpart.

04. Hikaru Shidou (Magic Knight Rayearth)

When Hikaru was sent to Cephiro, she was destined to possess the magical gift of fire. Her determination to help those in need makes her fire technique strong. In some circumstances, it is her fire magic that seems to be the strongest out of the three Magic Knights magical gifts. As her last mission before saving the world in chaos, she comes into contact with Rayearth, a mashin that dwells inside a volcano.

03. Recca Hanabishi (Flame of Recca)

This ninja-obsessed teen have all the reasons to dream of becoming one. As a child, Recca was sent in a different time by his own mother to save him. They met again in the present day and it was revealed to him that he has the power to control 8 Flame Dragons against a man named Kurei who also happens to wield a flame entity and, just like him, came from the past only to pursue and destroy him.

02. Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Born from the Land of Ice, Hiei was born a hybrid fire and ice demon and was sent away, carrying only a necklace with his mother’s pearl tear. He is known to use a sword as well as a third eye during his fights. But when he summons the Great Black Dragon, everyone learns how Hiei is one powerful demon despite his status lowered to D-Class after getting his third eye surgery.

01. Rei Hino / SailorMars (SailorMoon)

The elegant miko Rei Hino is also one of the Sailorsoldiers out to protect the world and her princess. As SailorMars, she can summon various fire techniques that aid her in battle. As her princess grows stronger, her power also increases. Her most powerful technique involves an arrow and a bow of flame associated with her skill as an archer.

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Undeniably powerful, these fire-wielders of anime strike a flame in every battle and ignites a burning sensation to those who see them wield their element.

*****JHAJR*****