Understanding the Follies of a Craft: Why RWBY Should Learn from Hunter x Hunter's Magic System

 

source: 306c99f0a3c8fab5ca90aa1306dc0ad1fe752d4b_hq.jpg (1024×576) (narvii.com)

    When looking back at RWBY's magic system AKA the Semblances, you would think that the visual flair of these special abilities would be enough to differentiate between them. But in reality is that no matter how bombastic they've portrayed it, the Semblance system itself doesn't have much substance other than that.

    Why do I say this you ask? It's because I can see the potential in RWBY, but from time to time that potential is never fully realized. From world building, characters, to the magic system of RWBY, there is so much interesting ways to elevate the lore but from time to time the lore never seem to be utilized to its fullest potential. That includes their magic system.

source: latest (1366×768) (nocookie.net)

    Of course in later seasons the show also showed that the Semblances can evolve, but the thing is that it doesn't matter if your magic system can evolve, the main problem to why the Semblances seem so sub-par is because there was never any coherent consistency that makes the Semblances feel more organic. 

    Which is why the Semblances should have benefited from having proper principles and rules like that of a martial art or other skill just like with Hunter x Hunter's Nen magic system. This is so that the powers in the show will follow strict rules and become more concise and organic in terms of execution.

    The reasons why the Semblances in RWBY will benefit tremendously from categorizing and enforce strict rules to its powers is so that the fans have a better understanding on the mechanics of their powers and in turn would make for interesting fights and scenarios if they were to showcase the usage of these powers via the strengths and weaknesses of each characters powers.

    This is why the Nen magic system from Hunter x Hunter is heralded as one of the best magic system there is in anime and manga. Nen like the Semblances in RWBY also utilise the use of Aura (both work use this term) which can be summarized as the key that activates someone’s abilities. Aura in RWBY and Hunter x Hunter is like the life force of someone that usually gives passive buffs to the user like defence, but if one would take the time and effort to hone these skills they can manifest into powers that are akin to supernatural abilities. 

    Just like RWBY, Hunter x Hunter's Aura differ in properties from character to character. But unlike RWBY, these Aura even when they're different from people to people there are still rules that bind them, and that one must follow to activate and use their inner strength properly. These rules categorized into four Major Principles, which are:

 *Ten, the process of enveloping one's body with their own aura flow, 

*Zetsu, which allows the user to suppress their aura so that their presence isn't easily detectable, 

*Ren which makes one user enhance their aura and thus amplifying one's strength, and also

*Hatsu that enable one to release their energy and manifest their individual Nen abilities. 

    Other than the four basic principles there are more advance Aura manipulation techniques that makes this magic system even richer. As you can see the complexity of the Hunter x Hunter Aura as opposed to RWBY Aura from just this list alone and from the mere fact that they are Aura principles that one must first master before advancing into much more complex techniques. 

    If the Aura and Semblances were also made into the same image as a martial art, then the magic system itself would be more organic. But as of now, the powers are only described as "unique" for every individual in the show, but as evident of the complaints that the show received from fans and critics alike this description alone will not make the powers in itself interesting.

    As is shown with Hunter x Hunter, because the inherent importance of learning the basics, each character's abilities will differentiate from their individual view of those basic principles, and with that the characters utilization of their powers will differ from according to their individual personality. 

    That is why the evolution of one's Nen will follow accordingly to their character growth. This is why the Tower of Heaven arc is very important in Hunter x Hunter, because in that arc besides introducing us to Nen it also showcase the characters training and growth as well as their Nen being manifested.

      It is a pity that the Semblances in RWBY didn't get the same treatment as Hunter x Hunter's Nen. Just imagining the possibilities if the writers at RoosterTeeth would just follow what Hunter x Hunter did, then maybe we would criticize it less and the fights would be even more engaging that it ever were.

 

article by: Spirit_Lantern