It might not seem logical for an anime character to announce using their attacks. After all, their opponent would essentially be informed of their next move.
If their adversary has seen the attack before, it is not very shocking. However, one of the most frequent clichés in anime, particularly in battle shonen shows like Dragon Ball Z and My Hero Academia is screaming out one’s attacks.
Since so many of the characters also have cool-sounding names to cry out as they are lunging at it, launching a tremendous attack isn’t enough in many episodes.
It almost feels as though naming the attacks would increase their potency or efficacy. But even though it might seem unworkable, there are some good reasons for it.
Given that many martial arts traditions hold that vocalizing while attacking increases one’s energy levels and strengthens the attack, it has a reasonable foundation.
Furthermore, in many traditional schools of martial arts, handing down methods with distinct names down the centuries is typical.
Announcing attacks strengthens a combat scene and draws viewers deeper into the story. When a scene is exceptionally dramatic, having a character declare their forthcoming major assault on a villain before carrying it out helps the audience become enthused.
In Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, when Jotaro pulls out Star Platinum and declares what it will do next, his theme song plays in the background as a barrage of punches ensues. Usually, the announcement is accompanied by the series’ battle music or character theme.
In certain series, it wouldn’t make sense to attack without yelling its name out. Like Deku and All Might’s United States of Smash and everything under its cover or all of the Stand names in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, the majority of anime assault names are short and distinctive.
However, Charlotte’s Ultimate Technique is among the more absurd and protracted names.
Stunning The Miracle of Charlotte Chuhhourne Yummy Ultra Funky Fantastic Dramatic Romantic savage erotic Athletic Exotic In Bleach, there is a guillotine attack, and in Negima, there is Jack’s Tyrannic Blazing Roaring Dragon Exploding Flash Demon-God Air-Cleaving Rakan Punch.
The most well-known instance was perhaps when Krillin exclaimed “Kamehameha!” during the 22nd Tournament.
The creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, claimed that he dislikes the trope since it is so unrealistic and that, in real life, someone would be murdered in the time it takes them to blurt out their attack name.
However, given that many anime are based on manga, there is a sensible explanation for why the characters in them do it. Manga adaptations are less colorful than their anime counterparts.
When done well, the anime adaptation frequently creates these crucial, climactic moments of any conflict that demonstrate when a character has been overextended and is prepared to use their most devastating strike.
However, it makes sense that the trope irritates certain fans. The first time a character announces their largest attack is exciting, but after the 50th time it becomes fairly boring.
However, this trope is now so prevalent in not only magical girl anime but also several mecha series and battle shonen series that it seems to have almost become a must.
