One of the My Hero Academia Ending’s Biggest Deku Mistakes Involving Dai

Despite numerous criticisms directed towards the My Hero Academia ending, most of which revolve around the author’s treatment of protagonist Izuku “Deku”Midoriya, the final chapter has faced backlash for specific scenes.

Recently, there has been a thorough analysis of the scene in which he converses with Dai on Reddit, exposing several noticeable discrepancies. The discussion on the platform revolves around the revelation that in the My Hero Academia finale, Deku encourages a young boy named Dai to pursue his dream of becoming a hero.

Similarly to the protagonist’s first encounter with All Might in the beginning of the story, this concept holds true. However, when examining Deku’s current role as a hero and the choices he has made during the eight-year time skip in chapter 430, this idea falls short. This is highlighted by the contrasting remarks made by All Might at the start of the manga.

Please note: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Explaining why the scene between Deku and Dai in the My Hero Academia ending doesn’t work

Deku's ending has been heavily criticized (Image via Bones) — Deku’s ending has been heavily criticized (Image via Bones)

In the final chapter 430 of My Hero Academia, there is an eight-year time skip that includes a scene where Deku, now a UA teacher without a Quirk, is seen talking to a boy named Dai. This young boy is hesitant about pursuing his dream of becoming a hero due to his seemingly useless Quirk. In a parallel to Deku’s initial meeting with All Might at the beginning of the series, he reassures Dai that he has the potential to become a hero.

Despite Deku having sufficient training and resources to continue being a hero, the execution of the My Hero Academia ending fails as he loses his Quirk and is no longer able to fulfill his role. This outcome is disappointing, especially considering that All Might had provided him with a special suit in the last chapters of the manga.

Moreover, it is not effective because Izuku begins as Quirkless and Dai possesses a weak Quirk, making their circumstances distinct from the start. Additionally, All Might’s caution to the main character about pursuing heroism is understandable, given the methods of the top-ranked Pro Hero.

Despite this, Deku fails to demonstrate any concern for Dai’s future or offer any advice on how to adapt to the challenges of being a hero. This behavior is uncharacteristic of Deku, as he could potentially be sending an inexperienced and ill-equipped young boy into a dangerous profession.

The Issues with Deku’s Ending

Despite receiving some negative feedback, the My Hero Academia ending has faced criticism for various aspects, particularly in regards to the development of Deku’s character following the eight-year time jump.

The author, Kohei Horikoshi, places great importance on his protagonist’s decision to relinquish his hero status and give up the One For All embers. This appears to contradict his message about the potential for anyone to become a hero, as exemplified in his conversation with Dai.

Despite saving the world in the My Hero Academia ending, Deku appears to have been overlooked by his UA classmates. His lack of a romantic partner is also evident, with no confirmation of his potential relationship with Ochaco Uraraka. This gives the impression that the protagonist gains nothing from his heroic actions and only feels fulfilled when he possesses extraordinary abilities.

Instead of ending on a bittersweet note, Horikoshi’s conclusion in My Hero Academia shows All Might gifting the protagonist with a special suit to combat crime. This raises the question of how the protagonist is able to obtain a suit in less than a year, especially in contrast to Izuku’s eight years of training and his role as the savior who defeated All For One and Tomura Shigaraki.

Final Thoughts

Despite its attempts, the My Hero Academia finale falls short in portraying Deku’s character, as seen in his conversation with Dai which highlights these shortcomings. This scene is not thematically cohesive and presents numerous inconsistencies within the story’s universe.

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