My Hero Academia’s handling of a controversial topic finally comes full circle with Eri and the Todoroki family

Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has recently reached a crucial stage with the conclusion of the final battle. The current focus of the story is on the aftermath of the war, as it delves into unresolved storylines and brings closure to loose ends.

From the start, the series has incorporated a highly sensitive and contentious subject matter – the abuse of children – as a central aspect of the plot. This recurring theme has had a profound influence on the story, shaping the development of the characters and their respective journeys. The mistreatment of young individuals, specifically within the Todoroki household and in Eri’s narrative, is prominently featured and plays a significant role in the overall narrative.

The recent chapters of the My Hero Academia manga, specifically 426 and 427, bring a resolution to a long-standing issue by providing closure for Toya Todoroki (Dabi) and Eri.

The mangaka explores the consequences of their traumatic pasts in these chapters, providing a sense of closure and healing that could potentially aid them in overcoming their past traumas and moving forward.

Please be aware that this article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga.

Kohei Horikoshi addresses a long-standing controversial issue in My Hero Academia’s latest chapters

The central plot of My Hero Academia masterfully incorporates the complex and contentious issue of child abuse, with a strong impact on the story. This theme is prominently portrayed through the mistreatment suffered by key characters including Toya/Dabi, Shoto, Eri, and Tenko Shimura/Tomura Shigaraki in their formative years.

The severe treatment of his four children by Endeavor deeply affects every individual in the Todoroki family, just as Overhaul’s mistreatment of young Eri results in lasting damage. In a similar manner, Tenko’s upbringing under the strict hand of Kotaro Shimura ultimately leads to his transformation into Tomura Shigaraki, the main antagonist in My Hero Academia.

Toya and Tenko’s troubled pasts lead them down a similar dark path towards villainy, resulting in their transformation into the infamous villains Dabi and Tomura Shigaraki. The traumatic events of their childhoods significantly influence the direction of the story.

Despite the ongoing narrative addressing these sensitive topics, there were still unresolved issues for characters such as Dabi and Eri. While Endeavor had begun atoning for his past mistreatment and reconciling with his son Shoto, Dabi and Eri’s stories had yet to find resolution. Kohei Horikoshi has consistently maintained a focus on these important themes throughout the series.

In the latest manga chapters, 426 and 427, the mangaka has provided closure for Dabi and Eri as My Hero Academia’s story reaches its Final War Arc’s conclusion.

Eri and Dabi find closure in My Hero Academia chapters 426 and 427

Endeavor and the Todoroki family visit Dabi (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha)

In chapter 426 of My Hero Academia, the focus of the story is on Endeavor and the Todoroki family as they visit Dabi in his hospital room, knowing that his death is imminent. Endeavor takes responsibility for his past mistakes and mistreatment of Dabi, offering heartfelt apologies for neglecting him. He makes a promise to make amends by watching Dabi’s video denouncing him every day and visiting him regularly to have conversations.

The family, Shoto included, makes a promise to visit Dabi frequently. Inquiring about Dabi’s preferred food, Shoto is the only one to receive a response, learning that they both share a love for Soba. As the family departs, Dabi apologizes to Shoto for his actions. Meanwhile, outside, Endeavor continues to seek forgiveness from his other children and vows to dedicate the rest of his life to making up for his past mistakes.

Toya’s tragic story, which was influenced by his abusive upbringing under Endeavor, finds closure as the narrative delves into the root of his pain that ultimately led him down the path of seeking revenge and becoming a villain.

The Boss tells Chisaki to atone for Eri's abuse (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha) — The Boss tells Chisaki to atone for Eri’s abuse (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha)

In chapter 427, while addressing the tragic end of Shigaraki and Spinner’s friendship, the story also depicts the Shie Hassaikai Boss visiting Overhaul, also known as Kai Chisaki, in jail. The boss reveals to Chisaki that their group has fallen apart due to his actions.

Despite Chisaki’s apology, the boss considers it too little, too late and instructs him to spend the rest of his days apologizing to Eri for the abuse and trauma he caused her. The boss stresses the importance of Chisaki never forgetting the harm he inflicted upon Eri, even if she eventually moves on and forgets about him.

In the chapter, Mangaka Kohei Horikoshi ensures that Chisaki faces the consequences of his actions towards Eri, providing her with the much-needed closure.

Final thoughts on coding

The most recent chapters of My Hero Academia effectively resolve the ongoing plotline of child abuse. By addressing this delicate topic and granting the characters closure, the mangaka highlights the significance of healing and progressing.

The conclusion of these chapters evokes strong emotions as it addresses the mistreatment suffered by Eri and Toya Todoroki. This resolution showcases the mangaka’s commitment to tackling and resolving the dark theme that has greatly influenced the storyline.

The Mangaka stresses the importance of finding closure for Toya and Eri in order to overcome their past traumas.

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