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Once the good olโ Big Three of Anime either ended or settled down, fans were hot on the heels of the New Big Three to keep their Shounen thirsts quenched. While One Piece is definitely still ongoing, some fans looked to three big titles to keep the legacy going: Black Clover, Kimetsu no Yaiba, and My Hero Academia. Of course, there are many variations of the new Big Three, but Iโm here today to discuss the ending of the My Hero Academia manga.
Needless to say, this article is full of spoilers!
My Hero Academia began as a humble Japanese manga series, both written and illustrated by the talented mangaka Kลhei Horikoshi. It got serialized in Shueisha’s shลnen manga magazine Weekly Shลnen Jump, releasing a grand total of 41 tankลbon volumes from July 2014 up until August 2024. When the fateful ending reached the fans, the reactions were largely mixed: some praised the great depth of the tale, while others saw it as wasted potential with a lackluster ending. So, letโs look at both sides of the story and re-evaluate where we stand!
First, Letโs Go Over the Endingโฆ
To put it very short, Deku loses his acquired quirk, One For All, in the final battle against series antagonist Shigaraki and ends up quirkless again. Regardless, he recovers from his injuries, returns to U.A., and even graduates alongside his comrades. Then, we get treated to Chapter #430, where the highly anticipated time skip has occurred, and we meet the gang eight years in the future. It turns out Deku has chosen to become a teacher at U.A. himself, while his friends have evolved into infamous heroes.
But before we can start to feel bad for the MC in some sense, he receives a very important gift from All Might once more: a mechanical suit crafted by Hatsune Mei and an overseas friend (probably Melissa Shield), funded by the good olโ Class 1-A. This suit lets Deku join his friends and become a hero once more, despite his circumstancesโa happy ending for all!
If We Are to Look at Some Characters in More Detail at the Conclusionโฆ
- Deku returns to U.A. despite his horrible injuries and even continues the hero course alongside his friends. Being left with just the fading embers of One For All, he strives to study hard, and their graduation is seen in Chapter #430.
- All Might, despite being very old now, is still doing fine despite his war injuries.
- Aoyama had left U.A., and Shinso joined Class 1-A in his place.
- Fan-favorites Bakugo and Shoto have become top heroes (nothing surprising there).
- Kirishima had also become a very popular hero, especially among men!
- Shoji had won the Imamura Peace Prize for the peaceful resolution of conflicts involving discrimination against heteromorphs.
- Iida, Uraraka, Asui, and Yaoyorozu are all touring elementary schools around Japan while conducting quirk counseling.
- Kouta joins the hero course at U.A., just like he dreamed.
- Mei kicks off her very own design agency.
- La Brava began her own coding company titled Gel Inc.
- Spinner goes on to publish the book League of Villains, where he recounts the tale of the final battle from the villains’ point of view.
Now, Letโs Look at the Gripes About the Endingโฆ
While the central conflict gets resolved, we donโt get to see Deku realizing his dream perfectly, and instead, he chooses to become an educator, much like All Might did too. This is fine if you view it as the evolution of a childish dream into something much bigger and more mature, because teachers have extremely high societal standing in Japan, and they are the ones who build the future by nurturing the next generation. However, the disappointment of him losing his quirk and not ending the series as the hero he always wanted to become is somewhat sad.
Following the battle finale, things wrapped up rather abruptly in just three chapters, leaving several key issues unresolved. These unresolved moments caused a divide among fans, with some feeling satisfied and others frustrated by the lack of closure. Some of the most notable unresolved moments include:
- Dekuโs father remains a mystery, despite promises from the mangaka that we would eventually meet him.
- Eri’s fate is left up in the air, with her unique quirk and background hinting at untapped potential that fans were eager to explore.
- Dekuโs strained relationships with his classmates, especially due to “conflicting schedules,” left much to be desired in terms of closure.
- Despite his great sacrifice, Deku is handed a magical briefcase and is instantly back to being a hero, raising questions about the true cost of his sacrifices.
- The many “battles” are largely dialogues rather than action-packed confrontations, with the overuse of talk-no-jutsu, where villains are either killed off or suddenly change their minds.
- Shigaraki’s arc, while compelling, felt too much like a “Madara Uchiha” from Naruto, with his overwhelming powers and convoluted defeat leaving some fans unsatisfied.
- Finally, Deku and Ochaco’s romance, which had been carefully developed throughout the series, was left unresolved, leaving fans disappointed that this key relationship wasn’t given the attention it deserved.
Itโs not that any of this is downright horrible and unacceptable, but more along the lines of not living up to its potential. We know this mangaka is capable of amazing work, as evident earlier on in the series, but it all felt lost by the end.
The Defense Goes as Followsโฆ
Deku bids farewell to One For All all in an effort to get through the leaden mass of hatred and finally reach Shigaraki. While he does succeed, All For One seizes control of Shigaraki’s body, and the ones who help Deku are Class 1-A. Even though he was left with mere embers, Deku continues to push against All For One. During this, the villain notes that it is the protagonistโs sheer perseverance, despite his weaknesses, that pushes him to keep fighting. Going back to the original premise, this finale showed that it was never about the quirk, but rather Dekuโs ability to motivate and inspire others, which makes him the greatest hero!
In the post-timeskip, we see the timeless hero encouraging a young boy named Dai, who, much like him, wants to be a hero despite his relatively weak quirk. This kid is a mirror image of the Deku we had at the start of the series, being timid but instinctively moving to help others. Yes, he did not become the next Symbol of Peace like All Might, but he did grow into an inspiring figure, fighting his final battle in urging quirk society to embrace change for the better.
While itโs true that Deku didnโt become the greatest hero and achieve his dream in the most literal sense, it is clearly stated that Dekuโs dream did come to fruition earlier on, and he is considered to be a hero on par with All Might by the finale. This is evident through Dai stating the names of the heroes everyone is going crazy about, which includes Deku.
Midoriya Izuku starts off as a quirkless boy desperate to become a hero and win othersโ approval. By the end, he has developed into a man who is happy living a quirkless life, having already reached his dream years ago.
Deku himself says that his dream came true, and he is now going to plant dreams in others. He is the greatest because he sacrificed his quirk and future as a heroโthings he wanted so much at firstโfor the greater good. Being the greatest hero is not about being the fan-adored Number One, nor being rich and famous, but putting others before oneself.
Yes, Deku is a teacher now, but he is very happy with his life and is doing a great job of teaching others about quirks. This inherent passion of his makes him the best teacher for future heroes. At the same time, he is happy for his friends’ successes and achievements, and in no way feels left behind or sour. He was never the kind of guy to feel jealous, resentful, or miserable after seeing other peopleโs happiness, no matter where he may be.
1. Themes and Philosophical Depth:
The Power of Legacy:
My Hero Academia delves into the passing of the torch from one hero to the next, particularly through the relationship between All Might and Deku. All Mightโs legacy is not just about his status as the Symbol of Peace, but also his role in inspiring the next generation. Dekuโs journey reflects the evolution of what it means to be a hero: itโs not just about power, but the responsibility that comes with it. As Deku grows, he learns that being a hero is about more than just defeating villainsโit’s about nurturing others, building the future, and guiding the next generation, just as All Might did for him.
Sacrifice vs. Selfishness:
The theme of sacrifice runs throughout the series, with Deku consistently giving up his own desires for the greater good. This starkly contrasts with Shigaraki, who is driven by selfishness, vengeance, and destruction. While Dekuโs sacrifices ultimately lead him to the understanding that heroism transcends power, Shigarakiโs path of destruction demonstrates the destructive consequences of selfish ambition. This juxtaposition highlights the moral dimensions of heroism, showing that true strength comes not from one’s abilities, but from the ability to put others before oneself.
2. Character Development Analysis:
Dekuโs Emotional Growth:
Dekuโs evolution is as much psychological as it is physical. Initially desperate for approval and recognition, Deku grows into someone who is comfortable with who he isโquirkless, yet powerful through his ability to inspire and lead others. The loss of his quirk is pivotal, but it marks the culmination of his emotional journey, where he accepts his limits and learns that heroism is not defined by the powers one holds but by the heart and resolve to fight for others.
Shigarakiโs Journey:
Shigaraki’s transformation from Tomura into a terrifying villain is a complex one. His descent into villainy is fueled by deep trauma, loneliness, and a thirst for vengeance against society. His relationship with All For One is pivotal, as it mirrors Dekuโs relationship with All Might, but in a more twisted and manipulative manner. While Dekuโs growth is rooted in his ability to inspire, Shigarakiโs is built on exploiting his pain and anger, making him a reflection of what Deku could have become if his path had been different.
3. Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact:
Fan Reactions to the Ending:
Fans worldwide have had mixed reactions to the conclusion of My Hero Academia. In Japan, where teachers are highly revered figures, Dekuโs choice to become a teacher aligns with the cultural value of nurturing the next generation. International fans, however, may have expected a more traditional โheroicโ conclusion with Deku achieving his dream in the most literal sense. This cultural difference provides a unique lens through which we can appreciate the mangaโs deeper themes and how heroism is perceived in different societies.
Influence on the Shounen Genre:
The ending of My Hero Academia marks a significant departure from traditional shounen endings. Rather than focusing on a final, climactic battle where the protagonist achieves ultimate power, the series subverts expectations by having Deku lose his quirk and find a new way to be a hero. This evolution may signal a shift in how future anime and manga will approach the genreโplacing more emphasis on emotional growth, legacy, and the complexities of heroism rather than simply physical triumph.
4. Comparative Analysis with Other Manga/Anime:
Comparison with Other โBig Threeโ Series:
When comparing My Hero Academia to other series in the “New Big Three,” such as Black Clover and Kimetsu no Yaiba, Dekuโs journey stands out. While Asta from Black Clover and Tanjiro from Kimetsu no Yaiba follow more traditional hero arcsโrising in power to fight overwhelming oddsโDeku’s path is more introspective. He begins the series as a quirkless boy and ends it not by attaining ultimate strength, but by embracing a new role as a teacher, continuing All Mightโs legacy in a way that transcends the usual shounen tropes of physical power.
Reflection of Shounen Tropes:
My Hero Academia both adheres to and subverts many classic shounen tropes. Dekuโs journey starts like many traditional shounen protagonistsโhe strives to be the strongest, against all odds. However, the series flips this trope on its head when Deku loses his quirk, demonstrating that heroism is not about being the strongest but about inspiring and protecting others, even in the face of immense personal sacrifice. This subversion of the “overcoming all odds” trope is a comment on the unrealistic expectations often placed on shounen protagonists and highlights the deeper, more human side of heroism.
5. Inclusion of Imagery or References:
Illustrative Moments:
A powerful moment in the finale is when Deku receives his mechanical suit from All Might. This suit is not just a toolโit’s a symbol of Dekuโs evolution. It represents his journey from a quirkless boy desperate to be a hero, to a man who has found new ways to be a symbol of peace and inspiration, even without the power he once relied on.
Quotes from the Series:
A poignant quote from Deku in the final chapters is when he realizes that his dream has already come true. He says, โIโm no longer that boy who needed to be saved. I am the one who will save now.โ This line encapsulates his growthโfrom a hero seeking approval to a man who has found his true purpose in inspiring others and guiding the next generation of heroes.
6. Looking Forward:
The Future of My Hero Academia:
While the manga has concluded, the My Hero Academia franchise is far from over. The anime continues to evolve, with Season 8 expected to cover the second half of the war and the epilogue. Fans can also look forward to the potential for new story arcs, spinoffs, and deeper exploration of characters who were underdeveloped during the mangaโs run.
The Role of New Generations of Heroes:
Dekuโs story may have concluded, but his influence will likely continue to shape the next generation of heroes. The question remains: who will carry the torch once this generation of heroes has passed on? This could open up new narrative possibilities, exploring how the legacy of heroes is carried forward and how the world continues to evolve as Deku and his friends retire from the frontlines.
While the manga officially ended in Chapter #430 on the 4th of August 2024, thereโs still much awaiting us fans on the horizonโฆ
- The My Hero Academia anime is still ongoing, and we are on track for the epic final Season 8 sometime in 2025. This season will cover the second half of the war and the epilogue.
- My Hero Academia: You’re Next – If you havenโt caught the Fourth Movie yet, now is the time.
- My Hero Academiaโs Spin-Offs – The spinoff series My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions, done by a former assistant of Kohei-sensei, focuses on unusual pairs of characters sent off on missions. While these are not considered canon in general, they are a great way to get to know certain characters more.
- The light novel series My Hero Academia: School Briefs – These function as side stories set in between the major events of the main series, currently having released up to six volumes.
- My Hero Academia Vigilantes – This is a canonical prequel series with a bunch of new and old characters. It has a total of 15 volumes and follows the tale of an All Might fanboy named Koichi Haimawari, who didn’t make it into U.A. and decided to become a vigilante instead.
Thus concludes this article on the My Hero Academia ending, which many fans hold vastly different opinions on. Whichever side youโre on, you are allowed to feel what you feel without warping the reality of the ending that was made clear. There are plenty of things to both praise and rant about, and a bucket load more of stuff just open to interpretation!
So, be open-minded and civil when discussing this ending, because everyone has their own different experiences with this series and are allowed to form their own opinions. More importantly, where do you stand?
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