10 Areas for Improvement in the Ending of My Hero Academia

After a successful 10-year run, the well-known manga series My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi has come to an end. Chapter 430 serves as the final chapter, wrapping up the story of the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya. As is common with the conclusion of a series, it features group photos of all the characters together for a final time, heartfelt farewells and goodbyes, and a concluding narration to tie up any loose ends in this long-running narrative.

Despite the emotional conclusion, it failed to meet the high expectations of certain fans. While the chapter provided a gentle ending to Deku’s journey, it lacked the impactful punch that readers have come to anticipate from this beloved series. In contrast to other manga’s final chapters, both within and outside the shonen genre, My Hero Academia’s finale has left numerous fans feeling dissatisfied.

The conclusion effectively covered the essential elements of the story, but it failed to have the powerful impact that many fans had anticipated.

This article is the writer’s personal opinion and is not listed in any specific order. It contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga.

Improving the Power Suit and Introducing Deku’s Father: 8 Ways My Hero Academia’s Ending Could Have Been Better

1) Background of Deku’s father

Izuku Midoriya and Inko as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The inclusion of Deku’s father in My Hero Academia could have added a deeper emotional and storytelling layer to the series’ finale. Throughout the story, Deku’s father remains a mystery, never fully revealed. Further details about his role in the hero society and his relationship with Deku’s journey could have enhanced fans’ understanding of Deku’s motivations and familial background.

By revealing a surprising twist about his father’s role in the formation of Hero Society or a remarkable legacy he left behind after his death, the story’s ending could have been made even more profound and intimate. This would have connected Deku’s past with his current acts of heroism, providing deeper layers of complexity and understanding for his unwavering determination and motivations.

Memorable Final Twist

A series can be greatly enhanced by a memorable twist at the end, leaving a lasting impression on fans. While the ending of My Hero Academia was pleasant, it lacked a standout element that would make it truly unforgettable for viewers. The final scenes, including Deku’s conversation with Dai, were enjoyable, but they did not have the same impact as a surprising twist or original concept that would leave a deep resonance.

Despite the differences between them, both Naruto and Bleach ended on a powerful note that left a lasting impact on their fans. In the final episodes of Naruto, the protagonist successfully accomplished his ultimate goal, while in Bleach, a new generation was introduced with elements of humor and positivity. Both shows effectively reiterated their main messages and left viewers contemplating them long after the series ended.

The final twist in My Hero Academia could have been a memorable turning point that encapsulates the core of the series and leaves readers with a thought-provoking conclusion to ponder in the years to come.

3) The Relationship between Izuku Midoriya and Ochaco Uraraka

Ochako Uraraka and Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Although My Hero Academia primarily focuses on heroism, there are indications throughout the series that a romantic relationship could blossom between Izuku Midoriya and Ochaco Uraraka. Fans have noticed subtle moments between the two characters, such as heartfelt conversations and meaningful gestures like Uraraka giving Midoriya an All Might keychain.

One possible approach to address this situation could involve including an epilogue following the main storyline. Within this extra segment, viewers could witness Midoriya and Uraraka finally confessing their love for each other and possibly sharing a meaningful experience. This could deepen the bond between these two characters and satisfy fans who hoped for their union in future stories.

By incorporating this approach, the series could have acknowledged the love story without overshadowing the main plot. It could have concluded with a poignant ending, reflecting the growth and development of the characters throughout the series.

4) Highlighting Heroes from Different Nations

Cathleen Bate as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The setting of My Hero Academia is primarily in Japan, with a strong emphasis on the country’s heroes and students at U.A. High School. While the story briefly touches on the global aspect, it does not delve deeper into it. This missed opportunity could have added more depth to the series’ setting.

By including these roles in the final moments, it could have effectively demonstrated the far-reaching effects of conflict and the diverse forms of heroism present in societies around the world. This would have emphasized the global dangers and also showcased the collective unity of all Earth’s heroes.

Improving Deku’s Power Suit

In the final moments of My Hero Academia, Deku’s power suit was meant to represent his ability to overcome challenges and adapt. However, it felt somewhat disconnected from the story’s earlier themes of personal growth and independence. By making appropriate modifications to the suit, the ending could have been even more impactful by effectively tying it to Deku’s character development.

The suit could have been designed to accentuate and harmonize with his special abilities, symbolizing his personal growth rather than simply following a standard futuristic trend. Such a suit, reflecting his journey from a powerless student to a heroic figure with a distinctive style, would have enhanced the thematic elements of the story.

Additionally, by considering the suit not just as a tool but also as a representation of his ingenuity and cleverness, it could have potentially strengthened Deku’s evolution into a hero in a more cohesive manner.

Ensuring Thematic Clarity

All Might as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The ending of My Hero Academia could have been enhanced by incorporating a stronger connection between thematic elements, resulting in a more cohesive finale. Throughout the series, there was a prominent focus on conflicting ideas, such as the true definition of heroism versus the significance of strength. This could be the reason for the disjointed feeling of the final part. To resonate more with viewers, the conclusion could have implemented a clearer theme.

By continuously emphasizing that true heroism stems from one’s inner qualities rather than just their abilities, the series could have ultimately demonstrated this through Deku’s actions and decisions, as envisioned by Kohei Horikoshi.

Had the conclusion of the story centered around a single, well-defined theme, it could have delivered a more impactful and cohesive message. This would have enabled fans to reflect on the main values of the series and given them an ending that not only tied up the plot, but also left a lasting impression by reiterating the central message in a profound and unforgettable way.

Enhancing Emotional Resonance

Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The story could have been improved with a more emotional ending. Throughout the narrative, there were numerous poignant moments leading up to the final chapters. By emphasizing the personal sacrifices and growth of characters such as Deku, the impact of the story could have been heightened even more.

A heightened sense of emotion could have been achieved by delving further into Deku’s internal struggle after losing his abilities and including additional scenes in which he displayed vulnerability and reflection.

The conclusion would have had a greater impact if it centered on character-driven resolutions and allowed for sincere and heartfelt goodbyes. A more emotional ending that depicts the characters’ growth and sacrifices would have resulted in a more powerful farewell.

Commitment to a Downer Ending

Young Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

A more somber conclusion could have added layers of depth and thoughtfulness to My Hero Academia. The manga follows Deku’s arduous path of overcoming challenges with unwavering determination. If Kohei Horikoshi had opted for a bittersweet ending where Deku permanently loses his powers but discovers alternative ways to make a difference, it would have highlighted the difficulties of becoming a hero and the sacrifices it entails.

The message that true heroism does not solely rely on possessing extraordinary abilities could have been highlighted by this approach. Rather than equipping Deku with a new suit to level the playing field, a tragic conclusion could have offered valuable lessons on resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.

The series’ concepts about what truly makes someone heroic and the importance of inner fortitude – even without any external abilities – could have been further emphasized in the ending to make it stronger.

Contributions of Neglected Class 1-A Heroes

The Class 1-A students were essential to the plot of My Hero Academia, yet they were not given adequate attention in the final portion of the story. In order to enhance the ending of the series, it would have been beneficial to showcase these often overlooked heroes and highlight their significance. Each member of Class 1-A possesses unique, powerful abilities and has shown growth throughout the story, making them vital in bringing an end to conflicts and solving major issues.

If Kohei Horikoshi had included their contribution, it could have been interpreted as a homage to their growth throughout the series. A more comprehensive conclusion would highlight that the ultimate victory was a result of the combination of each hero’s abilities and progression.

This would highlight the importance of teamwork, showcasing the valuable contributions of each individual towards achieving a larger goal. It would emphasize the collaborative efforts of U.A. High School students in conquering the ultimate obstacles.

Origins of Quirks

Luminescent Baby as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The source of Quirks, an enduring mystery in My Hero Academia, has consistently sparked speculation and captivated fans. By delving into this aspect, the story could have been concluded in a more impactful and cohesive manner.

By delving into the origins of Quirks in the previous series, we could have gained insight into the true essence of energy within this storyline and beyond, potentially providing even deeper significance for the characters and their world.

A deeper understanding of the source of Quirk, whether it was a hidden historical event or a groundbreaking scientific discovery, could have sparked more creativity in the narrative and added intrigue to the final plot. Revealing the truth about this mystery could have resolved lingering questions and connected the ultimate conflicts to a broader understanding of the Quirk phenomenon.

Final Thoughts

Despite being a fitting conclusion for Izuku Midoriya’s journey, the ending of My Hero Academia lacked certain elements that could have elevated its impact. While the story tied up loose ends and allowed characters to acknowledge their growth, it lacked any significant twists or overarching themes that could have left a lasting impression.

Despite its conclusion, My Hero Academia could have felt more complete and comprehensive had it focused on three key aspects. The first could have delved into Deku’s enhancement of his power suit, the second could have incorporated international heroes, and the third could have showcased the contributions of often overlooked members of Class 1-A.

My Hero Academia: 5 best end-of-series Class A character designs (& 5 that barely changed by the end)
“I’m not ready to say goodbye”- My Hero Academia fans lament series’ imminent August 5 conclusion
My Hero Academia final chapter gave one couple a happy ending, and it’s not Deku and Uraraka
How Erased anime’s ending ruined the whole series, explained