Polearms, lances, and spears are some of anime’s most powerful, destructive tools. These weapons come in many shapes, sizes, and colors with aesthetics that typically match the wielder. Any weapon on a long stick with a sharp object on its end could count as a polearm.
These weapons are incredibly effective. Though their aesthetics aren’t as exciting as other weapons, polearms are still versatile and individualistic. Several anime characters have held a variety of these weapons. Some polearms held by anime characters have unique motifs or markings. Characters could even infuse the weapon with their powers to increase its power.
10 Motoyasu Kitamura Is The Spear Hero (The Rising Of The Shield Hero)
Motoyasu from The Rising of the Shield Hero became the Spear Hero after being teleported to another world. As one of the four legendary heroes, Motoyasu wields the Legendary Spear. The weapon, also called the Spear Spirit, selected Motoyasu Kitamura as its new wielder.
The spear has four known power-up methods. Its core method is Weapon Mastery, which makes the wielder’s strength directly correlate with the weapon’s power increase. Spirit Enchantment absorbs particles of monster souls to imbue the spear with magical powers. Interestingly, this method has little to no chance of being unsuccessful.
9 Kyoko Sakura’s Polearm Matches Her Aesthetic (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Kyoko Sakura from Puella Magi Madoka Magica wields a spear that matches her aesthetic. Since she has red hair, her red, gold, and silver spear is the perfect addition to her appearance.
Since her outfit consists of complimentary red and pink hues, the spear matches well. Kyoko’s spear consists of eight golden bars connected by black chains all the way from the hilt to the sharp dagger. The dagger itself is silver on top, with red and gold accents on the inside.
8 A Polearm Is Daryun’s Weapon Of Choice (Arslan Senki)
Daryun from Arslan Senki is one of the strongest fighters in Pars, so he can fight with just about any kind of weapon. However, he’s commonly seen with a polearm.
His polearm has a long, black stick, and its dagger is a standard silver one that tapers off to a sharp point. There are red tassels near the blade. Daryun’s spear matches the rest of his outfit well, and the red horsehair tassels complement the red fabric on the inside of his cape.
7 Ikkaku Madarame’s Hozukimaru Grows Into A Spear (Bleach)
Ikkaku Madarame from Bleach uses a katana called Hozukimaru. Though it looks like a standard katana, it’s actually quite versatile and even has impressive storage capabilities. In its hilt, Ikkaku stores a vial of healing ointment.
When Ikkaku uses Shikai to command Hozukimaru to “grow,” he must slam the hilt on the ground, forcing it into the sheath while saying the phrase. When Hozukimaru grows, it becomes a powerful spear. Though it’s not the strongest weapon, its sheer ingenuity must be applauded.
6 Bankotsu Carries Around A Massive Halberd (Inuyasha)
Bankotsu from Inuyasha carries around an impressive halberd called Banryu, or “Barbaric Dragon.” It’s so massive that it even serves as a shield if Bankotsu needs one. While it takes three ordinary men to carry the weapon, Bankotsu can single-handedly wield it. He even casually slings it across his shoulders like its hefty size isn’t a big deal.
Banryu’s capabilities are impressive. It can cut through steel and annihilate armies in an instant. After being embedded with two Shikon Jewels, the weapon’s strength increased exponentially. Now, it can project energy waves and produce lightning bolts.
5 Whitebeard Wielded Murakumogiri (One Piece)
Whitebeard from One Piece was the wielder of one of the 12 Supreme Grade swords. As the wielder of Murakumogiri, Whitebeard achieved some impressive feats because of the weapon’s sheer power. Whitebeard typically used both hands to wield the polearm.
However, he could also effectively use it with one hand. Murakumogiri’s durability is impressive, and it can even withstand Akainu’s head-on magma attack. The weapon never eroded, either. Even after Whitebeard died, the weapon maintained its pristine condition. If someone didn’t know better, they’d assume Murakumogiri had never been used, despite the intense attacks it endured.
4 Erza Knightwalker Uses A Magical Polearm (Fairy Tail)
Erza Knightwalker is the Edolas equivalent of Erza Scarlet in Fairy Tail. As a member of both the Edolas Kingdom and the Royal Army, the parallel universe’s Erza is quite powerful. Since she’s the Captain of the second Magic War Division, Erza is quite prideful and ruthless. Her weapon is the Magic Spear: Ten Commandments.
This magical polearm is one of Edolas’ strongest weapons. It can change into ten different forms — hence its name. By extension, each form comes with its own power. In its standard form, the weapon consists of four blades that curve towards each other. It can also produce explosions, which is effective as it takes multiple enemies down in its wake.
3 Sailor Saturn Wields The Silence Glaive (Sailor Moon)
Sailor Saturn’s only weapon is the Silence Glaive. The weapon can fatally wound and paralyze opponents immediately. It also causes absolute devastation to those in its path.
When Sailor Saturn swings the Glaive, she decimates a planet and lays waste to all of its evolution. The polearm is also referred to as the “Scythe of the Goddess of Death,” a fitting title for a weapon that causes total destruction of anything caught in the path of its swing. If Sailor Saturn uses its full power, Silence Glaive will kill her — though she is guaranteed to be reincarnated afterward.
2 Lancer’s Name Matches His Weapon Of Choice (Fate/Zero)
Lancer from Fate/Zero is gifted with using a spear. Lancer has two primary weapons, or Noble Phantasms. Gae Buidhe: Yellow Rose of Mortality is a cursed spear that inflicts fatal wounds. Not even magic can heal the wounds inflicted by this weapon.
This spear’s abilities are primarily passive, meaning it doesn’t need to be summoned to be used. Gae Dearg: Crimson Rose of Exorcism is a two-meter-long demonic spear that removes magical powers from the equation during battle by nullifying them. This weapon is also passive.
1 Maki Zenin’s Weapons Of Choice Are Spears & Polearms (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Maki Zenin from Jujutsu Kaisen is the best user of cursed tools at Tokyo Jujutsu High. She can use any cursed weapon, but she prefers polearms and spears.
Despite not having any cursed energy, Maki has outstanding physical strength. Maki’s use of cursed tools is versatile and innovative. For example, Maki purposely broke her own spear to throw it at Kasumi during the Goodwill Event. Since she’s so gifted with close-range combat, Maki uses her polearm skills alongside her impressive agility to defeat an enemy.
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