5 Must-See My Hero Academia Ending Fan Theories That Should Have Been Canon (& 5 That Horikoshi Wisely Ignored)

The conclusion of My Hero Academia has sparked significant debate among fans, with many feeling it detracted from the overall narrative. Various theories circulated within the community about alternative paths the story could have embraced, some of which fans believed warranted canon status, while others were viewed as less favorable.

As we consider the future implications of the My Hero Academia finale, it’s clear that its reputation will be mixed, with certain fan theories hinting at possibilities that may have enhanced or diminished the experience, depending on the choices made by creator Kohei Horikoshi. The fates of characters, whether they faced demise or secured their powers, as well as deepening established lore, are aspects that fans find intriguing.

Note: Spoilers for the My Hero Academia series are included in this article.

5 Compelling My Hero Academia Ending Theories That Should Have Become Canon

1. The Demise of All Might

All Might's potential demise (Image via Bones) — All Might’s potential demise (Image via Bones)

The narrative hinted at All Might’s possible death, leading to a narrative twist that his survival felt somewhat unexpected. Given his stature, many fans believed that a more impactful conclusion for All Might was warranted in the My Hero Academia finale.

Fans generally felt that All Might’s noble end should have occurred during his battle against All For One in the Kamino arc, as his later confrontation in the final war felt less meaningful, given the intervention of a mechanical suit. This provided him another chance to face his foe directly, showcasing that a hero could thrive without Quirks.

An ultimate sacrifice from All Might to save lives and ultimately defeat All For One would have offered a fitting end, especially when taking into account that the final blow to their enemy was dealt by Katsuki Bakugo, a character with no ties to All For One.

2. Deku’s One For All Successor

Deku needed a successor (Image via Shueisha)

Throughout the series, especially towards its conclusion, one prevailing theme was generational change, embodied by the mentor-student bond between All Might and Deku, which also contained a paternal essence.

It would have been fascinating for Deku to evolve as a user of One For All, mastering its full potential while preparing the next generation of heroes. His Quirkless status and prolonged hiatus from heroism for eight years have not resonated well with fans, suggesting that such an arc could have been received more positively.

This path might have also paved the way for a possible sequel if Horikoshi had intended to revisit the universe.

3. Transformations in Hero Society

Hero society needed more evolution (Image via Bones)

A prominent exploration in the narrative was the judgment passed on individuals and the resulting detrimental consequences. Although the My Hero Academia finale hinted at the need for reform within the hero society, it surprisingly did not delve deeper into this critical theme.

Many fans speculated that the concluding battle might lead to the eradication of Quirks or a complete system overhaul, yet the eight-year time jump showed that the ranking system remained largely unchanged, with heroes still engaging in commercials and merchandise deals.

While characters like Mezo Shoji and Ochaco Uraraka worked to assist individuals struggling with their Quirks, these efforts were presented too late and lacked depth, undermining a vital aspect of the story that needed a proper resolution.

4. The Quirk Singularity Doomsday Theory

Dr. Garaki's Quirk Singularity Theory (Image via Bones) — Dr. Garaki’s Quirk Singularity Theory (Image via Bones)

Dr. Garaki introduced a compelling piece of lore with the Quirk Singularity Theory, proposing that the abilities are becoming progressively more formidable through successive generations, as seen with Shoto Todoroki.

While this theory holds considerable weight, it was frustrating that the My Hero Academia ending did not tackle it more thoroughly. Its omission leaves fans questioning its significance in the grand narrative.

5. Deku Acquiring Shigaraki’s Decay Ability

A merging of destinies could have been profound (Image via Shueisha)

Deku and Shigaraki’s journeys have always mirrored one another, and there was speculation that Deku might lose One For All during their climactic battle and inadvertently inherit Shigaraki’s Decay Quirk.

This theory revolved around Tenko Shimura, Shigaraki’s youthful self, initially striving to become a hero but ultimately failing due to circumstances beyond his control. If Deku gained this Quirk, it could symbolize him continuing Tenko’s legacy.

Though this ending would likely spark controversy, it would have enabled Deku to persist in his heroic endeavors while allowing Shigaraki to meet the villainous fate he sought.

5 My Hero Academia Ending Theories That Were Wise to Disregard

1. All For One as Deku’s Father

A criticized theory about lineage (Image via Bones and Shueisha)

One of the most infamous theories revolved around the notion that All For One might be Deku’s true father—a theory that gained traction due to the absence of Deku’s father, Hisashi. This rumor drew from various narrative coincidences, such as Garaki’s connection to Deku’s Quirkless diagnosis.

The theory proposed that All For One was scouting potential successors, akin to Tomura Shigaraki’s situation. Ultimately, avoiding this narrative thread was a victory for the series, as it would have needlessly constricted its expansive universe and felt overly convenient.

2. Deku’s Demise at the Story’s Conclusion

Deku’s demise was a bleak theory (Image via Bones)

Many fans speculated that it would have been dramatic for Deku to sacrifice himself heroically against Shigaraki or All For One, but such an outcome would have betrayed his character’s growth and the overarching message of hope present in the series.

3. Tomura Shigaraki’s Redemption Arc

The potential for Shigaraki's redemption (Image via Bones) — The potential for Shigaraki’s redemption (Image via Bones)

During the manga’s run, a chilling possibility loomed: Tomura Shigaraki could receive a redemption arc after a significant and destructive journey. Fans were concerned that Deku would connect with Shigaraki’s humanity, which many felt undermined the villain’s terrible actions.

While Shigaraki’s backstory held tragic elements, he remained responsible for numerous atrocities. Bestowing him a redemption arc would compromise Deku’s character development and diminish the gravity of Shigaraki’s role as the main antagonist.

4. Deku Bestowing His Quirks to Classmates

The theory of shared power (Image via Shueisha)

A significant component of the finale was that Deku didn’t face challenges alone but united with his friends and classmates. Consequently, the idea that he would divide One For All among them would have contradicted the essential nature of Deku’s hard-earned abilities.

This would have felt awkward, as Deku required extensive training to master his powers. It also risks diluting the personal stakes tied to One For All’s legacy and the relationship between Deku and his predecessor, All Might.

5. Deku Always Having a Hidden Quirk

Deku's potential hidden power (Image via Bones) — Deku’s potential hidden power (Image via Bones)

A fundamental aspect of the story was Deku’s Quirkless start, shaping his early interactions and the essence of his character. The idea that he possessed a hidden Quirk would undermine the entire narrative arc and motivations established throughout the series.

Some speculated that during the climactic battle, he might unlock a power from his parents, but this would feel overly contrived and inconsistent with past events depicted in the story.

Conclusion

The finale of My Hero Academia is likely to remain a topic of contention within its fandom for the foreseeable future. These theories illustrate various potential paths that the narrative could have explored, though the reception will vary based on individual interpretations.

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