Horikoshi’s Possible Intention to Keep Deku Quirkless at the End of My Hero Academia

Despite the conclusion of its final arc and the beginning of its epilogue, My Hero Academia continues to leave fans questioning whether Deku will retain his Quirkless state. This ties back to the central theme of the series that anyone, regardless of their abilities, has the potential to become a hero, as seen through Deku’s recent loss of his One for All Quirk.

Despite the ongoing development of the story, there is speculation that Deku may regain his Quirk, potentially altering the direction of the narrative. Excitement is building among fans as they eagerly await the release of chapter 426 on June 30, 2024 for further insights.

Please be aware that this article contains major spoilers for the My Hero Academia series.

My Hero Academia: The Possibility of Deku Remaining Quirkless for the Plot

Izuku and all of the previous One For All holders as shown in the anime (Image via Bones)

The overarching theme of My Hero Academia centers on the idea that anyone, regardless of possessing a Quirk or not, can become a hero. This is exemplified by the main character, Izuku Midoriya, who ultimately loses his One for All Quirk.

Despite causing disappointment among many fans, a significant portion of the fanbase holds the belief that Deku’s lack of a Quirk aligns with the fundamental theme of the story. This is emphasized by All Might’s original message to Deku, which conveys the idea that anyone, regardless of their Quirk, has the potential to become a hero.

MHA went through two previous versions before reaching its current form. The initial draft, titled My Hero, centered around Jack Midoriya, a middle-aged equipment salesman with no abilities. The second version focused on Mikumo Akatani, a Quirkless teenager living in a world full of superpowers, who relied on luck and makeshift tools to overcome challenges. In both iterations, the main characters were without powers but found ways to forge their own paths.

Izuku as shown in the anime (Image via Bones)

Despite his current state, Izuku Midoriya’s struggle remains a constant aspect of his life. From his relationships to the powers he has inherited, Deku rarely gets a moment of respite. He is constantly faced with attacks from villains and unexpected developments related to his Quirk.

The recurring theme portrayed by Deku and his past forms is one of perseverance. He serves as a testament to the fact that no matter how difficult or unglamorous it may appear, people can endure struggles and continue progressing. Along the journey, he serves as a source of inspiration for others, encouraging them to support and join him.

The chapter “Izuku Midoriya: Rising”reinforces the theme that having powers is not as important as having the heart to do what is right. The ending of My Hero Academia solidifies this idea as it is revealed that Deku becomes the number one hero in the future, with the entire story being a recollection of his journey.

As such, it is highly probable that Deku will continue to earn recognition and admiration as a hero, even without his Quirk. This result perfectly embodies the main theme of the series.

Young All Might as shown in the anime (Image via Bones)

In light of this, it is vital that Horikoshi maintains Deku’s Quirkless state and does not undo this important element of the plot. Reinstating his Quirk would diminish the impactful message that anyone can become a hero, regardless of their abilities. The narrative began with Deku’s lack of a Quirk and it should be concluded with a reaffirmation of this core concept.

Despite his lack of a Quirk, Deku embodies the central message of the series: that being a hero is not defined by having superpowers, but by possessing courage, determination, and the drive to protect others.

Concluding Thoughts

The My Hero Academia manga’s epilogue is currently ongoing, leaving open the possibility of Deku regaining his Quirk and completely altering the story. Fans are eagerly anticipating the potential developments that could change the narrative’s conclusion. The release of Chapter 426 on June 30, 2024 is highly anticipated, as it will likely provide more insight into Deku’s ultimate fate.