Shigaraki’s Death in My Hero Academia: Why It’s Considered Horikoshi’s Biggest Mistake

My Hero Academia is a groundbreaking series that concluded with a whirlwind of emotions and actions, leaving fans with a plethora of thoughts and debates. One of the most contentious points among them is the death of Shigaraki Tomura, who has become a controversial character in the series’ final chapters.

Now that the dust has settled following the release of the final chapter, many fans are reflecting on what Shigaraki’s death means for the overall narrative.

The series concluded in a complex, thrilling fashion, yet many still view this plot development as a significant misstep by creator Kohei Horikoshi. Shigaraki’s demise can be considered one of the major oversights in an otherwise masterfully crafted conclusion, potentially affecting the story’s resolution.

Ending Shigaraki’s arc prematurely may represent Horikoshi’s biggest mistake, as it eliminated Shigaraki’s chance for redemption and a more profound narrative resolution.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinion and includes spoilers from the manga.

Why Horikoshi’s Decision to Kill Off Shigaraki Tomura Was a Mistake

Shigaraki Tomura as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

In My Hero Academia, Kohei Horikoshi made a significant narrative error by killing off Shigaraki Tomura, a character with a tragic backstory and an earnest quest for redemption that deserved more thoughtful resolution.

Shigaraki’s life, marked by trauma from a young age—watching his family perish and enduring manipulation and abuse from All For One—made him one of the most compelling villains in modern shonen anime. His struggle with his destructive Quirk and his harrowing past added to his depth.

Despite his destructive tendencies, Shigaraki’s vulnerabilities and fleeting moments of humanity—such as his remorse and desire for a different life—indicated he was on the brink of a major transformation.

Young Shigaraki as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The circumstances surrounding Shigaraki’s death felt more like a shock tactic, undermining the potential for a strategic and meaningful resolution. The story was so close to providing a healing and more uplifting conclusion that this abrupt death represents a missed opportunity for character development and redemption.

Ultimately, this decision deprived the audience of a profound exploration of his trauma and the possibility of redemption, which had been intricately woven into the series’ narrative.

Final Thoughts

Shigaraki Tomura’s death stands as one of the most significant missteps by Kohei Horikoshi in My Hero Academia. A character with such a deeply traumatic past and a complex path to redemption deserved an ending that honored his journey rather than merely serving as a shock value.

This arguably detracted from the masterful narrative and impacted the overall resolution of the series.