With the conclusion of My Hero Academia approaching, it is now the perfect opportunity to examine the main heroes and evaluate their true worth.
My Hero Academia, like many other shonen manga and anime series, features a diverse group of characters. However, our attention is drawn to the core group: Class 1-A.
The extensive main cast offers a wider range of characters to support. However, this also leads to unequal distribution of screen time and character development. Popular students such as Deku, Bakugo, Shoto, and Ochako receive well-crafted storylines, while lesser known characters like Sato, Ojiro, Koda, and Sero are given minimal attention.
Despite this, creator Kohei Horikoshi ensures that everyone is given an opportunity to showcase their strengths. Although many rise to the occasion, there are a few who fall short. As I reflect, I am determining which characters stood out and which did not.
Minoru Mineta (Grape Juice)
It should come as no surprise that Mineta ended up in last place. He embodies the stereotypical pervert trope that is often seen in My Hero Academia, making him the worst of the group in every imaginable aspect.
With his constant inappropriate behavior towards both his female classmates and authority figures, Mineta proves to be a disruptive presence in every scene he appears in. And if that wasn’t enough to make him unlikable, his cowardly nature and lack of redeeming qualities only further cement his unlikeable character.
Despite occasional moments of glory in My Hero Academia, the main character’s unchanging persona and underwhelming Quirk have failed to win over fans.
19. Rikido Sato (Sugarman)
Although My Hero Academia is acclaimed for its expertly developed characters, this cannot be said for every character, particularly Rikido Sato, also known as Sweets Hero: Sugarman.
Despite being a part of Class 1-A, Sato remains a bit of a mystery to us. All we know is that his Quirk is called Sugar Rush and that he has a passion for baking. He is an average student, lacking in fighting skills and has not played a significant role in the story. Like a few other characters in Class 1-A, he simply exists without much impact on the overall plot.
Mashirao Ojiro (Tailman)
Despite possessing a Quirk that slightly modifies his physical appearance (a tail), Ojiro is known as the ‘most average person in Class 1-A’. He relies on his mastery of martial arts in battle, making him a relatable and down-to-earth character.
Despite Mineta’s perverse antics, he still manages to capture viewers’ attention, while Ojiro, an average character like many others in My Hero Academia, often fades into the background.
17. Koji Koda (Anima)
Despite sharing a similar role in the story as Sato and Ojiro, Koda’s character is slightly more developed. Throughout the story, we witness his efforts to overcome his shyness and improve his teamwork with his classmates. He remains determined in his pursuit of becoming a hero.
Despite his timid and introverted nature, he is a heteromorph who has a deep love for animals. Thanks to his Quirk, Anivoice, he is able to effectively communicate with all types of creatures, including insects and ants. This proves to be incredibly beneficial during the Final War.
Pinky: Mina Ashido
Despite her extroverted, fun, and confident nature, Mina often finds herself overshadowed by her classmates in the story.
It is unsurprising, considering the diverse cast of My Hero Academia, that she has not received much attention. Additionally, her Quirk’s lack of strength has contributed to her remaining in the background.
Regrettably, even when she does receive her allotted screen time, it consistently falls short without any emotionally impactful moments. There are no gripping one-on-one battles for us to root for her in, nor any scenes showcasing her pushing beyond her capabilities.
Hanta Sero (Cellophane)
It is common knowledge that My Hero Academia draws inspiration from American superhero comics. Kohei Horikoshi himself has acknowledged this and even included a character as a tribute to Marvel.
Upon meeting Sero for the first time, one cannot help but draw comparisons between his abilities and those of Spider-Man. Additionally, it is worth noting that this teenager is a fan of an American superhero who bears a striking resemblance to our very own Spidey.
Despite being a fan of his inspiration, Sero never quite reaches the same level of success. He often serves as comic relief alongside Kirishima and Kaminari, but his amiable nature and inclusion in the ‘BakuGang’ have contributed to his rising popularity.
14. Kyoka Jiro (Earphone Jack)
Jiro, the resident rockstar of Class 1-A, is known for being one of the most relatable heroes in My Hero Academia. Despite being an introvert, she has a love for music and is always playful with her friends.
Despite having the option to follow in her parents’ footsteps and become a musician, Jiro bravely chooses to become a hero. While she may not receive as much screen time as her classmates, she makes every moment count when she does appear.
Ever since she rocked the U.A. cultural festival and fought against All For One, even losing her ear in the process, she has effortlessly captured the spotlight. Her singing even brought a smile to Eri’s face for the first time in years, solidifying her as a true superhero in my eyes.
13. Mezo Shoji (Tentacole)
Despite the repeated acknowledgement of the challenges faced by heteromorphs in My Hero Academia, Spinner’s response to prejudice was to join the dark side, while Shoji chose to use his experiences to become a hero and save others.
This quality alone sets him apart as one of the greatest heroes. Moreover, he consistently puts the well-being of his classmates first, displaying genuine care and kindness. Additionally, he frequently defends the girls from Mineta, which speaks volumes about his character.
Tsuyu Asui (Froppy)
It is impossible not to love Tsuyu. Even the most unfeeling fans are sure to appreciate this compassionate and direct aspiring hero. Along with her distinctive frog-like traits, she was destined for success.
Despite being a courageous girl who is determined to defend her friends, Tsuyu is also pragmatic. This is evident when she disagrees with Kirishima’s proposal to save Bakugo. It is not necessary for all heroes to be impulsive and willing to sacrifice themselves; we also require individuals who can consider the long-term consequences.
11. Denki Kaminari (Charger Bolt)
Despite not being the most skilled fighter or the most intelligent, Kaminari compensates with his comical behavior. As a member of the “BakuSquad”, he can often be found spending time with Kirishima and Sero, and he has no qualms about teasing the user of Explosions.
However, even though he is typically seen as a comedic character, he possesses an extremely potent Quirk that, if utilized effectively, could rival Bakugo’s Explosion.
Unfortunately, we do not have the opportunity to witness him fully utilizing Electrification’s capabilities. However, his interactions with his fellow classmates and eventually Shinso are sufficient to secure him a prestigious position on this list.
Momo Yaoyorozu (Creative)
Apart from Shoto, Momo is the only other student who received a recommendation to attend U.A. She is known as the most intelligent and wealthiest member of the class, and her Quirk is considered one of the most complex among her classmates.
To put it bluntly, without Momo as its owner, Creation would not be utilized to its full potential, highlighting her exceptional intelligence.
Momo’s growth as a character centers around her self-assurance and leadership abilities. Initially, she faces difficulty in making decisions, but as time progresses, she overcomes this obstacle. Not only does she push her Quirk to its limits, but she also motivates her classmates to strive for their own personal best.
Fumikage Tokoyami (Tsukuyomi)
It’s no question that out of the 20 students in My Hero Academia Class 1-A, Tokoyami possesses the most distinct appearance. His bird-like head and human body make him impossible to miss.
Dark Shadow, his Quirk, is an incredibly fascinating ability within the story. This is due to the fact that it is not simply a power, but rather an independent entity with its own distinct personality residing within him.
Despite having great potential as a character, Tokoyami’s full potential is not fully explored in the story. Nevertheless, we do get a glimpse of his growth and development after completing his internship under Hawks. The two have an endearing dynamic and it is heartwarming to witness Tokoyami’s progress under Hawks’ mentorship.
8. Toru Hagakure (Invisible Girl)
For a while, Class 1-A’s invisible girl went unnoticed by everyone, including myself. It wasn’t until fans speculated that she might be U.A.’s traitor that she gained some curiosity.
The true value of Hagakure is not revealed until the U.A. Traitor Arc. Even though she is often overlooked due to her invisibility, her significant role in the series becomes evident. Additionally, her character design in My Hero Academia is considered one of the best (as long as one doesn’t overthink it).
7. Yuga Aoyama’s (Can’t Stop Twinkling) Quirk
Unlike Hagakure, Aoyama immediately catches our attention. However, it is not for positive reasons. With an excessively flashy appearance and a lackluster character design, accompanied by a weak hero name, he does not leave much of an impression on me.
After discovering the truth about him, it is impossible not to view him in a different way. He represents what Deku could have potentially become if their circumstances had been altered and Deku was not the person he is.
Despite this, Aoyama’s relatability and humanity are what sets him apart. While individuals like Deku may be rare, vulnerable individuals like Aoyama are constantly taken advantage of. However, his redemption after the reveal is truly inspiring.
Tenya Iida (Ingenium)
At the beginning of My Hero Academia, I had predicted that Iida would play a significant role as one of the core characters in the series. This held true until the Vs. Hero Killer Arc, when Iida seemed to get lost among the other students in Class 1-A.
Despite facing challenges, the class representative makes a remarkable comeback during the Final War. In fact, it is largely due to his efforts that Shoto is able to reach his family just in time and prevent Dabi from harming them, ultimately saving their lives.
Despite being seen as an assisting character for Shoto, Iida possessed great potential. He was also a close friend of Deku and Ochako, but unlike them, he did not receive as much attention. Perhaps if he had, he would have ranked higher among the best characters in My Hero Academia.
5. Character Profile: Eiijiro Kirishima (Red Riot)
Individuals who loudly boast about their masculinity often do not come across as such… unless they happen to be like Kirishima. He is a strong, amiable, and honorable person, with a kind heart and a great deal of patience. It is no surprise that he was able to befriend Bakugo, given his qualities.
Despite the fact that his friendship with Bakugo is not the only aspect of his character, it undeniably earns him favor with fans. Their humorous and endearing dynamic is incredibly entertaining.
It is worth noting that Kirishima is an incredibly courageous individual who recognizes his weaknesses and strives to overcome them. Additionally, his unwavering moral code makes him a remarkable hero.
4. Ochako Uraraka (Uravity)
Ochako is a prime example of the progress made by female protagonists in anime. Unlike Naruto’s Sakura and Bleach’s Orihime, Ochako is a well-developed character with her own unique personality and ambitions, while still possessing the same kindness as her predecessors.
Despite occasionally falling into the tiresome shonen romance trope, Ochako never allows it to hinder her ambitions. She prioritizes her desire to save others and achieve her dream above any feelings she may have for Deku (as she should).
Despite the light-hearted appearance of Ochako’s Quirk, she effectively utilizes it in combat through her expert martial arts abilities. It is refreshing to witness a shonen heroine taking charge of her own battles and emerging victorious like a skilled warrior, rather than relying on the protagonist for assistance.
Shoto Todoroki (Shoto)
Shoto stands out among all the Class 1-A characters in My Hero Academia with his protagonist-like energy. His distinctive appearance and formidable Quirk, coupled with a well-developed backstory and deep-seated issues with his father, contribute to his compelling character.
Despite starting off the series rather unremarkably, his character became more intriguing during the U.A. Sports Festival when we were given insight into his backstory, ultimately leading to the intense showdown between him and Deku (which also involved explosions).
Ever since, Shoto has continuously improved himself. Not only has he gained more strength, but he has also undergone significant character growth. He has learned to let go of his resentment towards his father and embrace his entire Quirk, becoming the hero that Endeavor could never be.
Katsuki Bakugo (Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight)
I must admit, I was aware from the start that Bakugo would undergo significant character development after initially behaving as a bully. However, I could not have foreseen the extent to which his redemption arc would be well-crafted and moving.
It can be challenging to truly understand Bakugo as his explosive personality often masks his true self. However, as time goes on, we discover that behind his arrogant and hot-headed demeanor, there is an insecure individual who struggles to openly express his true emotions.
Throughout the series, Bakugo’s development as a character is centered around his dynamic with Deku. For the majority of their lives, he constantly bullied Deku. However, as the story progresses, we come to understand Bakugo’s deep-seated feelings of inferiority towards Deku, which manifested in his aggressive behavior.
1. Izuku Midoriya (Deku)
There is no surprise that the top spot is occupied by the protagonist himself, as he has truly earned it through his growth throughout the story. Deku’s perspective has shifted from a black-and-white view of the world to a more nuanced understanding of its complexities.
Despite initial criticism of My Hero Academia for being too similar to Naruto with its kind yet underdog protagonist and rival, Deku has proven his worth and silenced doubters with each arc through his growth in strength and character.
While Deku may not be similar to Naruto, his compassion and understanding are unique to him, just like his flaws. He begins at the bottom and perseveres until he is deemed worthy of using the ultimate Quirk bestowed upon him by his role model. And in the end, my wish is for him to retain One For All and fulfill his destiny as the greatest hero he is meant to be.
Interested in learning more about these superheroes? Take a look at the significant deaths of the main characters in the series. Additionally, discover the fate of All For One and Shigaraki, as well as the resolution of the Todoroki family’s story.
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