The Greatest Mistake of My Hero Academia’s Ending: Shigaraki’s Quirkless Status

The finale of My Hero Academia has ignited a heated debate among fans, particularly regarding the portrayal of Tomura Shigaraki. Author Kohei Horikoshi’s creative choices for this pivotal character have sparked contrasting opinions, most notably the revelation that Shigaraki was not Quirkless as initially believed, but possessed a conventional Quirk from the start.

During the climactic showdown in the My Hero Academia manga, it was disclosed that the infamous All For One had manipulated Shigaraki in his youth, taking away his original Quirk, before bestowing the Decay ability upon him. This act was calculated to shatter his family and instill deep psychological trauma.

This narrative twist brings to light a compelling dichotomy when juxtaposed with the relationship between Deku and All Might. Unfortunately, Horikoshi appears to have overlooked this intriguing thematic parallel.

Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers for the series.

Unfulfilled Potential: Shigaraki’s Character Development

Shigaraki and All For One as seen in the anime (Image via Bones). — Shigaraki alongside All For One in the anime adaptation (Image via Bones).

Initially, fans assumed that Tomura Shigaraki, originally Tenko Shimura, was born with Decay and inadvertently caused his family’s demise. However, the truth unveiled during the final battle exposes that All For One orchestrated the entire scenario, implanting the Quirk within Tenko. This revelation signifies a missed opportunity for deeper narrative complexity from Kohei Horikoshi.

Imagining a Quirkless child manipulated by All For One would have created an impactful contrast with All Might’s mentorship of Deku. Where All Might recognized Deku’s potential as a hero and successor to his legacy, All For One viewed Tenko solely as a tool for vengeance against heroes, employing him to fulfill his own dark ambitions.

However, by granting Shigaraki an existing Quirk, Horikoshi diminished what could have been a profound parallel, subsequently weakening the emotional weight of Shigaraki’s story arc and the overall stakes of the climactic confrontation.

The Shortcomings in Shigaraki’s Arc

Tenko Shimura and Tomura Shigaraki as seen in the anime (Image via Bones). — The evolution of Tenko Shimura to Tomura Shigaraki (Image via Bones).

Numerous inconsistencies marred Shigaraki’s representation in the final arc. Notably, his inability to defeat any heroes throughout the war undermined his reputation as a fearsome adversary. In comparison to Overhaul, who successfully incapacitated notable heroes like Sir Nighteye, Shigaraki’s failure to make an impact reduced his perceived threat level.

While the twist involving All For One was met with a mostly favorable reception, it simultaneously marginalized Shigaraki’s autonomy as a villain. The implication that his entire existence had been scripted by All For One detracts from the gravitas of his character, ultimately rendering his negative character trajectory less compelling.

Moreover, the absence of an intense showdown between Shigaraki and Izuku “Deku”Midoriya reduced the climactic tension. Deku’s consistent attempts to connect with Shigaraki’s humanity undermined the full display of their ultimate powers, leading to a diluted confrontation.

Conclusive Insights

In retrospect, Kohei Horikoshi’s decision to establish Tomura Shigaraki as a character with an existing Quirk rather than as Quirkless represents a missed narrative opportunity, especially in light of the All For One twist. This choice not only failed to deepen the thematic parallels between Deku and All Might but also lessened the emotional stakes of Shigaraki’s journey.

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