Exploring Horikoshi’s Portrayal of Gentle and La Brava in My Hero Academia: A Reflection of the Series’ Core Themes

The character arcs of Gentle and La Brava in My Hero Academia exemplify poignant interpretations of the show’s core themes. Kohei Horikoshi, the mangaka, adeptly crafts intricate characters and narratives that explore the nature of heroism and redemption throughout the series.

Their evolution from misunderstood villains to redeemed characters acts as a compelling reminder of humanity’s capacity for change and emphasizes the substantial impact of societal influences on individual destinies.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga series and reflects the author’s opinions.

Transformation of Gentle and La Brava: From Villains to Heroes in My Hero Academia

Gentle and La Brava when they are apprehended (Image via Studio Bones)

Gentle Criminal, whose real name is Danjuro Tobita, along with his partner La Brava, or Manami Aiba, start as minor antagonists in My Hero Academia. Although they engage in criminality, their true motivations stem from a deep-seated need for love and acceptance, rather than malice.

Danjuro’s backstory is marked by social rejection and consistent failure. Once an aspirant hero, his dreams disintegrated following numerous unsuccessful attempts to save others, leading to his expulsion from hero school and subsequent social isolation. This rejection compelled him towards a life of crime, driven not by hatred but by a desperate longing for recognition.

Gentle after he stops prison inmates from escaping (Image via Studio Bones)

La Brava, similarly, faced isolation due to her unrequited love and her skills in hacking, being ostracized as a child for her perceived stalker-like behavior. Her encounter with Gentle instilled in her a sense of purpose and belonging, turning her into a staunch supporter of his actions.

The confrontation between Gentle and Deku compels Gentle to confront his philosophical shortcomings and the ramifications of his actions. This struggle prevents both Gentle and La Brava from descending further into villainy and initiates their journey towards redemption.

Through this narrative, Horikoshi emphasizes that understanding and authentic connections can facilitate redemption. The decision of Gentle and La Brava to risk their lives to protect others and assist the heroes during the Final War illustrates their remarkable transformation from villains to independent heroes.

Gentle’s commitment to safeguarding the students, coupled with La Brava’s hacking prowess employed to aid the heroes, affords them a second chance. Their arc of redemption underscores the profound impact of love, loyalty, and the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity for change.

My Hero Academia: Shigaraki’s Tragic Journey

Shigaraki battling Deku as seen in season 7 episode 13 (Image via Studio Bones)

Tomura Shigaraki, originally Tenko Shimura, embodies a more tragic narrative within My Hero Academia. His spiral into villainy is characterized by a traumatic upbringing and manipulation from his adoptive father, All For One. Unlike Gentle and La Brava, Shigaraki’s story is largely propelled by his inner turmoil and struggle against All For One’s dominance.

Ultimately, Shigaraki’s tale serves as a poignant warning about the repercussions of neglect and the darker facets of heroism. Although he breaks free from All For One’s grip, he ultimately meets his demise, leaving behind a sorrowful legacy.

His belated change of heart, while insufficient to save his life, poignantly illustrates the potential for redemption even in dire circumstances. Shigaraki’s narrative highlights the importance of striving to understand and empathize with others, regardless of timing.

Conclusion

Horikoshi frequently delves into how societal treatment influences an individual’s trajectory toward heroism or villainy. Alongside Shigaraki, the mangaka’s portrayal of Gentle and La Brava innovatively enhances the exploration of heroism, atonement, and the societal factors that shape individuals in My Hero Academia.

While Shigaraki’s tragic fate illuminates the effects of neglect and the complexities of redemption, Gentle and La Brava illustrate the transformative power of understanding and connection. Together, these narratives reaffirm the series’ central themes and provide profound insights into humanity’s universal potential for change.