Summary
Kohei Horikoshi’sMy Hero Academiafits all the criteria for a typical shonen series, and it does well to feature captivating moments that are bound to inspire the viewers, a crux expected from a shonen series. If anything,My Hero Academia’s strongest aspect is how it does not fail to inspire through every narrative. The whole premise of Horikoshi’s manga is about an inspirational journey featuring the main protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, who is ready to overcome the limitations imposed on him.
Izuku continues to pursue his dream of becoming a hero, even despite the initial lack of quirks. Deku’s journey of becoming the greatest hero thus becomes very inspiring, which has also encouraged fans to follow their dreams and break the barriers set on their profound journey. As themanga has finally reached its climax, there’s no better time for fans of the series to reflect on some of the franchise’s most iconic moments.
10Deku’s Body Moving On Its Own
Episode 2, “What It Takes to Be a Hero”
Izuku Midoriya’s inspiration for becoming a herostems from his desire to save people, a motivation that arose in Deku by watching All Might. Due to being born quirkless, Izuku wouldn’t ever become a hero in society’s eyes. But this doesn’t stop Deku from admiring heroes and, before being given a quirk by All Might, Deku strives to help others in any way he can.
Deku’s motivation to save people is highlighted for the first time when he leaps in to protect his childhood friend, Katsuki Bakugo, from being devoured by a villain. Izuku later explains that his body moved on its own upon seeing someone in need of saving.
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9Deku Forcing Shoto To Use His Flame
Episode 23, “Shoto Todoroki: Origin”
My Hero Academiais the perfect example of a battle shonen, and as such, features pages filled with action-packed moments. One of the standout fights early in the series is Shoto Todoroki vs. Izuku Midoriya. This battle is not just aboutspectacular animation and fightchoreography; it carries deep emotional significance. Todoroki reveals that he refuses to use his fire quirk as a way of rejecting his father’s influence, aspiring to become a great hero on his own terms, even if it means risking defeat.
However,Deku inspires, some might say forces, Shoto Todorki to use his fire quirk, which results in an epic finale. While this fight is captivating, it also showcases Deku’s ability to inspire others as a hero. Kohei Horikoshi projected the inspirational element in his protagonist very well, which is arguably the most needed trait for a shonen series' protagonist.
8Gentle Criminal’s Scam Is Heartbreaking
Episode 85, “School Festival Start!!”
Though most villains fromMy Hero Academiahave either very tragic or malevolent reasons for becoming a villain, Gentle Criminal’s reasons for becoming a villain are heartbreaking. Due to the failure to achieve his dream of becoming a hero, Gentle Criminal, Danjuro Tabito’s journey takes a very sorrowful path. After a fateful incident,Tabito’s passion for becoming a hero reignites, but the methods that Gentle Criminal sorts are unconventional.
Hoping to infiltrate the U.A. on a special occasion, Gentle Criminal plots a nefarious plan with his partner, La Brava. Deku nearly thwarts Gentle, but La Brava’s quirk helps the pair get ahead of the young hero. Despite Gentle Criminal’s efforts, Deku prevails. Understanding Gentle Criminal’s plight, the young hero relates to his situation instead of getting mad. While Deku’s emotional response is admirable, thebond between La Brava and Gentle Criminal,, driven by love, is even more inspiring.Their relationship underscores the powerful theme that love can overcome any obstacle.
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7There Are No Side Characters
Episode 144, “Division”
Before the final battle inMy Hero Academiatakes palce, the heroes take extensive measures to lure All For One out of hiding. Orchestrating a grand entrance for all the heroes to ambush All For One and the villains and eventually separate them involves various key characters. One of the primary characters used to set this trap isNeito Monoma from Class 1-B. Neito Monoma expresses his feelings about how his quirk is not suitable for playing the main character.
But, Sekijiro Kan, Class 1-B’s homeroom teacher comforts Neito Monoma with a profound statement, “There are no side characters”. A powerful message that makes Neito realize his urgency for the matter and how no one else could fulfill this role. This notion is a prime example of how the series inspires and imparts valuable life lessons, demonstrating that everyone has a crucial part to play in their own narrative, and the lives of everyone around them.
6Endeavor Becoming A Symbol Of Peace
Episode 88, “His Start”
Endeavor’s lifelong dream has been to surpass All Might, and when it seemed impossible for the hero to achieve it with his strength, the hero incorporated his dreams into his children, which resulted in many casualties later on. This incidentally made Endeavor one of the most hated characters of the series. However, when All Might retired, the Flame Hero became the number-one hero by default, but the public was skeptical about the hero’s position.
Endeavor needed a chance to prove himself to become the new Symbol of Peace, especially since All Might’s retirement, society was in desperate need of one. Endeavor’s fight against a high-end Nomu saw the number one hero pushing his limits and, after defeating the Nomu, Endeavor stood resolute, raising his hand into the air – a powerful gesture symbolizing his commitment to becoming a beacon of peace.Regardless of the hatred directed towards him, this inspiring moment is bound tostir anyMy Hero Academiafan, cheering for Endeavor’s redemption.
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5All Might’s Final United States of Smash
Episode 49, “One For All”
We mentioned earlier that Kohei Horikoshi’sMy Hero Academiadoes a better job of inspiring than any other shonen series, and All Might’s final punch is by far one of the most inspiring moments that can compel anyone to stand up and cheer. This scene has a lot of deeper roots and conveyswhat made All Might a symbol of peace. Before All Might arrives at the Kamino ward, All For One terrorizes the area and kills hundreds of people in the process.
All Might’s arrival serves as a beacon of hope in the darkness engulfing the Kamino Ward, but the battle between All For One and All Might soon takes a perilous turn. After almost being killed by the villain, All Might uses the final embers of One For All. Despite the crushing circumstances,witnessing All Might unleash his remaining strength to deliver a devastating blow to the villain is profoundly inspiring, which has surely become one of the most iconic and inspiring moments in anime’s history.
4We Are Here
Chapter 421, “We Are Here”
Kohei Horikoshi has created a great notion in his manga through All Might’s iconic saying, “I am here.” While the words are very simple, they carry profound meanings. These words represent hope in the darkness, prompting the listeners to get up again and face the situation with moral support. This sentiment is poignantly depicted in chapter #421 ofMy Hero Academia.
When Deku finds himself defenseless, with both arms incapacitated and Shigaraki poised to deliver a final blow, Class 1-A arrive with other heroes from the warp gates to defend Deku,a moment inMy Hero Academiathat mirrors the iconic scene from Avenger’s Endgameis the epitome of series' “I Am Here” notion. The culmination of the scene results in Deku getting up again, fueled by newfound hope and determination, ready to confront Shigaraki with renewed vigor.
3You, too, Can Become A Hero
My Hero Academiahad defined at its commencement why the series was going to become one of the greatest shonen series ever to exist. Deku’s dream of becoming a hero is reignited when All Might himself, the person Izuku admires the most in the world, tells him that he can become a hero. While the whole world continuously reminds Deku that he could never become a hero, his to-be mentor tells Midoriya thatbeing a hero doesn’t mean having a powerful quirkbut a desire to save people.
This moment is so inspiring that it will no doubt have any fan or a new viewer alike cheer for Deku, and it wouldn’t be surprising if this scene incidentally inspires viewers to pursue their own dreams.Kohei Horikoshi’s manga encapsulates the powerful notion that to pursue one’s dreams, unwavering belief is essential, especially when faced with skepticism and doubt from others.
2Mirio Protecting Eri
Episode 74, “Lemillion”
Kohei Horikoshi has repeatedly conveyed in his manga that being a true hero revolves around the unwavering desire to protect others, a conceptembodied by many remarkable characters. Among these heroes,Mirio Togata stands out as an exemplar alongside Deku and All Might. Born with a not-so-great quirk, Mirio Togata defies all limitations through hard work and dedication and ends up making his quirk, a weakness, into his greatest strength.
In addition to this, Mirio’s desire to save people is outside the charts, which is truly shown when Lemillion fights Overhaul, without any quirks and while protecting Eri. Despite being stripped of his quirk, Mirio valiantly faces one of the series' most formidable villains alone. His unwavering resolve and selflessness nearly lead to victory, showcasing his extraordinary strength of character. This battle is very intense and will have every fan on the edge of their seats, passionately cheering for Mirio to emerge victorious against all odds.
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1Deku Becomes Kota’s Hero
Episode 42, “My Hero”
Perhaps, the most inspiring moment inMy Hero Academiais when Deku gives his all to protect Kota, and in the process, Izuku even surpasses his limits. Before the gripping battle, Kota expresses his frustration about how someone could risk their lives to protect someone unknown. As Deku almost loses his life while protecting him, Kota grasps the true essence of heroism, inadvertently declaring Deku as his hero.
Deku’s fight against Muscular is truly the culmination of what makes him special. Without hesitation,Deku leaps to protect Kota, pushing himself beyond his limits. In a moment of intense determination, Deku delivers a punch with a force exponentially greater than his usual strength. The gripping narrative at this moment ofMy Hero Academiawill have any fan shedding a tear by the sheer inspiration and will compel any fan to stand up and cheer for Deku.
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.
