How My Hero Academia’s Plot Undermines Its Narrative Concept

My Hero Academia embarks on its narrative within a world where superpowers are commonplace, significantly influencing professions, relationships, education, and various other facets of life. Early on, readers are introduced to pivotal characters, Tomura Shigaraki and All For One, establishing a conflict that intersects with the protagonist, Izuku “Deku”Midoriya— the bearer of the One For All Quirk. At a glance, this premise might seem somewhat predictable.

Legacy conflicts and formidable antagonists are familiar tropes in both manga and anime, and My Hero Academia adheres to this formula. Nevertheless, the intriguing premise of a society molded by superpowers and its deviation from standard human civilization presents a unique opportunity for exploration, which creator Kohei Horikoshi occasionally hints at throughout the manga.

**Spoiler Alert:** This article contains plot spoilers.

An Examination of the Unique Potential in My Hero Academia’s Original Narrative

Impact of Shigaraki and All For One on the storyline (Image via Bones)

The foundational idea of the series revolves around a community influenced by heroes and superhuman abilities, presenting a fascinating narrative opportunity. The early chapters showcase Izuku “Deku”Midoriya, a protagonist without a Quirk, illustrating the societal treatment of those lacking powers and the repercussions of such discrimination.

Contrastingly, the ongoing storyline takes a more conventional turn, prioritizing the evil overlord All For One and the chaotic Tomura Shigaraki, both of whom are largely defined by their Quirks. Their extreme nature overshadows the social issues hinted at in the initial chapters, as All For One’s influence becomes a predominant force, diminishing the relevance of the unique societal aspects.

While Kohei Horikoshi indeed crafted a world rich in diversity and potential for thoughtful exploration, the saga of One For All users battling against All For One overshadows more nuanced societal narratives.

This shift considerably impacts character arcs; the evil overlord serves as the primary source of turmoil in the world, casting Deku, the main character, into a role that often seems overly reliant on the “chosen one”archetype.

Additional Perspectives to Consider

Deku’s character could benefit from this alternative approach (Image via Bones)

A version of My Hero Academia that omits the One For All legacy could have enhanced Deku’s character development. Focusing on his aspirations of becoming a true hero while addressing his personal insecurities would provide a much sharper narrative lens, yielding deeper growth.

Furthermore, reimagining the series in a manner with more slice-of-life elements could allow for enriched character development. With a sizable cast, this approach would grant more space for exploration of their individual stories and dynamics.

Concluding Thoughts

Each reader or viewer may envision My Hero Academia differently, but it’s evident that greater attention to hero society and its intricacies would offer a compelling narrative. This direction might provide substantial growth for various characters, rather than adhering strictly to a superhero epic.

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