1. Sumika Fujimiya
From Menacing “Big Bro” to Gentle Beauty
Sumika from Uncle from Another World is the poster girl for transformation. As a kid, she was tomboyish, aggressive, and had a fierce look that earned her the nickname “Fujimiya the Big Bro.” Her behavior left poor childhood friend Takafumi traumatized. But puberty hit hard—in the best way.
In middle school, she shed her rough exterior, grew out her hair, picked up glasses, and revealed her natural curves. Now calm and soft-spoken, she plays the rational, occasionally fan-service-y character in the show’s modern-day setting. From intimidating brute to bookish bombshell—what a ride!
2. Nezha
Adorably Creepy to Heroically Fearsome
In the Nezha movie series, our titular character starts off as a quirky, scrappy little kid with intense makeup, huge panda eyes, and a devilish grin. He’s equal parts weird and endearing—like your mischievous cousin who might also be possessed.
After a dramatic demonic transformation, he turns into a powerful, flame-haired teen warrior, complete with glowing red eyes and fiery tattoos. He’s still rebellious and hot-headed, but now fights for justice, slowly winning the world’s respect and healing from deep-seated loneliness.
3. Lambo
The Crybaby Cow Who Grew Up (Sometimes)
Lambo from Reborn! is technically a hitman… but also a whiny five-year-old dressed in a cow-print onesie. He’s full of energy, constantly making a mess, and always at the center of noisy quarrels with other characters.
But wait—enter the Bovino Family’s secret weapon: the 10-Year Bazooka. One shot, and Lambo switches places with his suave 15-year-old self for five minutes. “Adult Lambo” is cool, composed, and everything the younger version isn’t—proof that even the most chaotic kids can grow up (eventually).
4. Masamune Makabe
From Chubby Victim to Handsome Schemer
Masamune from Masamune-kun’s Revenge had a rough start. As an overweight and timid child, he was bullied and mockingly nicknamed “Piggy.” After a particularly painful rejection, he disappears from town.
Years later, he returns as a tall, muscular heartthrob with a serious grudge. Thanks to years of brutal self-discipline under his grandfather’s “tough love,” he’s here to exact revenge on the girl who broke his heart. But beneath the abs and sharp looks is a boy still deeply insecure about his past.
5. Warm Sheep (Nuanyangyang)
From Puffy Fluff to Star Performer
In Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, Nuanyangyang started out as a plump and gentle little lamb. Fast-forward to adulthood: she becomes tall and slim, with wide eyes and fluttering lashes—and even becomes a pop singer.
Despite the makeover, she remains her kind-hearted, soft-spoken self… until someone pushes her too far. Then she transforms into a force to be reckoned with—both physically and emotionally. She’s a big-hearted sheep with serious instincts and strength.
6. Hinata Shintani
Vegetables, Not Vengeance
From Maid-sama!, Hinata was a chubby, food-obsessed kid who made a childhood promise to always stay by Misaki’s side. Back then, he was clumsy, round, and sweet-natured.
After moving to a remote village with few sweets and lots of vegetables, he returns in high school slim, athletic, and surprisingly popular with girls. But his heart still belongs to his childhood crush. A glow-up rooted in dedication and diet!
7. Sung Jin-Woo (Cheng Xiaoyu)
The Weakest Hunter Turned Walking Perfection
In Solo Leveling, Jin-Woo starts off as the world’s weakest hunter—scrawny, exhausted, and perpetually half-dead-looking. But once he awakens his unique “System” ability, it’s like a full-body upgrade.
He grows taller, gains lean muscle, sharpens his features, and suddenly walks around like a K-pop star with a broadsword. Fans joke that his leveling system comes with a free plastic surgery package—and honestly, they’re not wrong.
Final Thoughts
These characters show us that how you start doesn’t define how you finish. Childhood awkwardness, unfortunate fashion choices, or even demonic inheritances can all be overcome. Whether it’s through effort, growth, or a little anime magic, the glow-up is real—and oh so satisfying to watch.