My Hero Academiapresents an unbelievable twist on typical superhero stories,making superheroes the vast majority. For those born without Quirks, the supernatural abilities from which characters derive their otherworldly powers, life can be quite difficult and alienating. Interestingly, Kohei Horikoshi chose two characters who were born Quirkless to center the story around, rather than focusing on those already gifted with remarkable superhero powers since birth.
Horikoshi, the talented creator behindMy Hero Academia, described some of his thoughts behind the epic superhero story in an interview posted onu/Nakurawari’sReddit page. He revealed the“vertical axis” that ties the story together: Izuku Midoriya and All Might’s mentor-mentee relationship and their respective hero’s journeys.
This makes sense, since they are two of the most important characters in the series, and most of the crucial events and arcs are centered around the development of these two heroes. Interestingly,although Deku is often considered as the main character, in a way, the story is just as much about All Might.
All Might and Deku Are the Vertical Axis in the Story ofMy Hero Academia
He Explains That the “Horizontal Axis” Consists of the Side Characters’ Stories
All Might “passes the torch”,in the form of his Quirk, on to a younger character who will carry his legacy after he can no longer fight like he used to. Although they are in very different positions and stages of life, their stories parallel one another, as they both face weaknesses and challenges but persevere in spite of external and internal difficulties. Horikoshi explains that, “This series is the story of Izuku and All Might, and I plan to make their story the main focus of the plot line, and the “vertical axis” that runs through the main story.”
Deku and All Might cross paths pretty early on inMy Hero Academia,after the former becomes completely emotionally shattered bythe bullying he faces from classmates, particularly Bakugo, due to his lack of a Quirk. The Symbol of Peace and the young U.A. student encounter one another by chance, but it leads All Might to notice heroic aspects of himself in the boy and choose topass on his One For All Quirkto Izuku Midoriya. All Might even trains Deku, ensuring he is strong enough to inherit such a powerful skill and that it isn’t too much for him to handle.
Both Characters Face Similar Setbacks, Such as When Using Their Quirk, One For All
In Spite of Nearly Insurmountable Difficulties, They Both Continue Working Hard To Protect Innocent People
Although Izuku is a fairly inexperienced high schooler training to be a hero and All Might is an established superhero with years of experience, an esteemed reputation, and the title of Symbol of Peace,their stories compliment each other more than one might expect. Deku possesses a lot of All Might’s best traits: wisdom beyond his years, a willingness to learn, and most importantly, an undying desire to help others. They were both born with no Quirk, but still possessed many of the predominant hallmarks of a hero, making them undeniably great in spite of an absence of superpowers.
As the story ofMy Hero Academiacontinues, it becomes evident that All Might is not infallible or unbreakable like his fans and Deku may believe. He is only capable of using One For All for short periods and requires significant recovery time afterward. Similarly, it takes Deku a whileto use One For Allat its full capacity without severely injuring himself. This is another aspect they share in common with each other. Theyboth have difficulties and weaknesses that impact their work as heroes, but work diligently to overcome any setbacks that stand in their way.
Deku and All Might’s Stories Intersect Wonderfully and Meaningfully
Izuku Grows Stronger To Take All Might’s Place and Honor His Legacy When He Can No Longer Work as a Hero
Unfortunately, as Deku grows more skillful, brave, and physically advanced by the day, All Might is on a gradual decline in power, becoming weakened by age. It is tragic for Deku to realize that he must step up and replace the idol he has adored and looked up to his entire life, but it is also a tremendous privilege for him to honor his hero in this way, taking up the torch.Their stories beautifully intersect in this way: as Deku levels up,All Might diminishes in power, making way for the noble successor he chose to fill his position.
Horikoshi has masterfully woven Deku and All Might’s stories together in even more ways, giving them not only similar struggles and a shared lack of a Quirk, but also the same type of altruistic bravery that is so rare to find in an often selfish world. Deku and All Might protect innocent humans and fight for justice simplybecause it is part of their moral codeand expect nothing in return. Some other heroes inMy Hero Academiaare indeed commendable for their efforts, but definitely have ulterior motives, primarily seeking fame and money for their hero work.
My Hero Academia’s Deku Just Proved He’s More Powerful Than All Might
In chapter 315 of My Hero Academia, Deku surpasses his hero All Might, and not just by wielding the quirks of former All For One users.
Deku’s Hero Journey Could Never Have Happened Without All Might
By Passing One for All to Izuku, All Might Helped Create One of the Greatest Heroes of All Time
Although Deku is the main protagonist and many episodes focus primarily on him and his life at U.A. High and beyond, Horikoshi gradually unveils All Might’s story throughout the seriestoo, drawing attention to the ways his story relates to Deku’s. Theybring out each other’s best qualitiesand share in trials that have unfortunately afflicted both of them at one point or another.My Hero Academiais undoubtedly Deku’s story, butnone of it would have been possible had All Might not noticed his potentialand gifted his Quirk to the aspiring young hero, forever linking their lives together.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
