Can’t Unsee the Inspiration – My Hero Academia Fans Shocked by Yuga Aoyama’s Folgore-Inspired Design

Despite the conclusion of My Hero Academia, Yuga Aoyama’s appearance in the final panel has remained a highly talked about element of the manga’s ending. This serves as confirmation from mangaka Kohei Horikoshi that the beloved character was able to regain his status as a Pro Hero and be reunited with his comrades.

Similarly, Aoyama’s popularity among My Hero Academia fans has only increased, as they are now even more enthusiastic about delving into his origins both within the series and in the real world. In fact, fans recently unearthed an early concept design for Aoyama, which shows that he drew inspiration from Parco Folgore from Zatch Bell!.

Zatch Bell!’s Folgore’s Influence on the Creation of My Hero Academia’s Iconic Character

The initial concept design for Aoyama can be viewed on the unofficial My Hero Academia wiki website. On this platform, fans are able to access the complete design along with Horikoshi’s Japanese annotations. These annotations provide Aoyama’s name, Hero Name, Quirk details, and various characteristics, one of which can be interpreted as “not as unintelligent as Folgore.”

Based on Aoyama’s overall design, it is evident that this is a nod to Parco Folgore from the Zatch Bell! series. Folgore, who plays a significant role in the ongoing sequel, is a lively and expressive character in Makoto Raiku’s manga and anime. He shares a strong connection with the protagonist, similar to Aoyama, and both characters incorporate rose symbolism in their memorable moments and appearances.

Keeping this in mind, it is evident that Raiku’s manga and character have significantly influenced the events and development of My Hero Academia, including one of its most beloved characters. Aoyama, in particular, plays a crucial role in the third and final act of the series, and his absence would greatly alter the course of the story. Though not as influential, Folgore and his partner Kanchomé are still prominent characters who make it to the top 10 in the central tournament of the series.

Fan Reaction

It has been noticed that both My Hero Academia and Zatch Bell! fans are expressing their thoughts on the rediscovery. Many are questioning how they didn’t see it sooner and celebrating their instincts. Additionally, there are comments on how obvious it is now, in retrospect, that Horikoshi would be a fan of Raiku’s series.

“Horikoshi being a gash bell fan makes a lot of sense, a bunch of people with very specific powers using them in really creative ways,” pointed out one fan.

“I KNEW THERE WAS SOME CONNECTION,” proclaimed another.

“OMG I made that comparison when I first seen Aoyama! [3x crying emojis],” celebrated a third.

Some are regarding Horikoshi’s criticisms towards Folgore with greater gravity, arguing that his claims about Folgore’s foolishness are not only incorrect but also potentially defamatory.

“I won’t take this libel of best boy Folgore

Leave him alone Hoirkoshi,” dissented one devoted Folgore fan.

“The assumption that Folgore is stupid, Horikoshi please,” dismissively posted a second.

“He clearly hasn’t seen folgore locking in,” suggested yet another.

“folgore is goofy at times but serious when he needs to be,” pointed out a final fan.

It is evident that Horikoshi’s Aoyama was heavily influenced by Raiku’s Folgore, regardless of personal perspective. This influence is reflected in Aoyama’s appearance, personality, and role in the story. It can also be assumed that Horikoshi pays tribute to Raiku’s manga, especially considering his age and potential exposure to the series during his formative years.

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