In the latest episode of the My Hero Academia anime, fans of Kohei Horikoshi’s series who have not read the original manga were surprised by the return of Gentle Criminal. This revelation shocked many, as there was minimal setup for his reappearance in both the anime and the manga.
Despite the lack of prior hints, My Hero Academia fans welcomed this comeback, particularly due to Danjuro Tobita’s status as a fringe fan-favorite character. This return has undoubtedly solidified his popularity, positioning Gentle Criminal as a character who has the potential for redemption thanks to Izuku “Deku” Midoriya.
However, Gentle’s return and redemption arc in My Hero Academia stands out as unique compared to other arcs in the series, like Pro Hero Endeavor’s. It represents one of the most impactful redemptions in the series, reinforcing the manga’s central themes.
My Hero Academia skillfully explores themes of redemption and heroism through Gentle Criminal
A key element of Gentle Criminal’s return is his desire to redeem himself in Deku’s eyes, who has inspired him to view life from a different perspective.
This narrative also emphasizes the overarching theme of heroism, particularly in relation to Deku. Just as Deku was motivated by All Might to become a hero, he now inspires former villains, encouraging them to embrace their hero-like qualities. This approach reinforces the main themes of heroism, especially with Deku’s intent during the final war to save Tenko Shimura from Tomura Shigaraki.
The theme of redemption is intricately woven throughout My Hero Academia, especially illustrated by Pro Hero Endeavor and the Todoroki family. Gentle’s redemption arc illustrates that individuals do not always require a heroic label or public validation to pursue change; often, a simpler realization inspired by one person’s heroic deeds can be enough.
Furthermore, Gentle’s redemption touches on the fundamental question of what defines a villain in the series. Deku’s determination in the upcoming war arc exemplifies this idea; despite Shigaraki’s past actions, Deku believes in the possibility of goodness within him and seeks to bring it forward. This philosophy positions Gentle as a representation of the duality of human nature, emphasizing that everyone is capable of choosing between good and evil.
Altogether, these elements converge to create the most compelling redemption arc in the series, surpassing Endeavor’s storyline by encompassing richer themes that resonate with the core message of My Hero Academia. Notably, this redemption unfolds during the final arc, reinforcing Deku’s belief in saving rather than eliminating Shigaraki. Given these insights, it becomes evident that Gentle Criminal’s redemption arc is one of the finest crafted by Horikoshi throughout the series.
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