On August 5, 2024, Kohei Horikoshi’s magnum opus came to a close, prompting fans to look back on their beloved My Hero Academia characters. As they revisit each character’s story arc, they are reminded of the profound impact these characters had on them.
My Hero Academia has brought to light some of the most beloved anime characters of the new generation, captivating millions of readers worldwide with their distinctive personalities and compelling growth throughout the series.
Despite the large cast, not all characters were able to fully showcase their strengths. However, many still managed to make a lasting impact on fans. These beloved characters continue to be remembered even after the series ended, thanks to their well-written storylines. Therefore, this list will highlight the top 10 best-written characters in My Hero Academia.
Top 10 Best-Written Characters in My Hero Academia
Shota Aizawa (Eraser Head)
At the beginning of the series, Shota Aizawa, also known as the Pro Hero Eraser Head, was a strict homeroom teacher for the Class 1-A students at U.A. High. His initial appearances portrayed him as aloof, distant, and indifferent. He was also known for having high standards for his students and would not hesitate to expel them if he believed they were not fit for U.A. High.
Despite his initial rough and tough demeanor, Aizawa’s character evolved as the series continued, revealing a softer, more genuine, and caring side to him. His journey remains one of the most impactful in the entire My Hero Academia franchise, as fans still look back on how much he grew and developed throughout the course of the series.
Toshinori Yagi (All Might)
All Might’s character in My Hero Academia embodies the classic archetype of a superhero found in traditional comic books. He is a towering, muscular figure who uses his vibrant smile to inspire hope and spread positivity as he rescues those in need.
Despite his powerful image as All Might, Toshinori Yagi is actually a Quirkless boy who always aspired to be a Symbol of Peace for the people. As the story progresses, readers discover that behind the mask of the former No. 1 Hero lies a regular, powerless man with a strong dream.
Despite portraying the ideal hero as All Might, it can be argued that Toshinori’s character was crafted to personify the world’s greatest hero, while concealing his imperfections and weaknesses.
Chizome Akaguro (Stain)
Chizome Akaguro, also known as the Hero Killer Stain, held a significant impact on the series as one of its most influential villains. His radical beliefs left a lasting effect on the story and its characters, extending beyond the events of the Hero Killer arc.
Despite being at odds with the superficial norms and nature of the Hero society, his personal belief that true heroes, like All Might, are the only ones deserving of existence was a major driving force. This ideology not only inspired numerous villains around the world, but also ultimately led to the formation of the League of Villains.
Undoubtedly, Stain was one of the most brilliantly crafted characters in the entire series. His ability to challenge others’ beliefs and force them to confront their own ideals made him a pivotal force for transformation.
Yuga Aoyama
Yuga Aoyama initially served as a source of comedic relief, known for his flamboyant and silly demeanor, and was rarely taken seriously by anyone. As the series progressed, Aoyama’s character took a darker and more tragic turn. One of the most shocking plot twists revealed him to be the U.A. Traitor.
As further details of his past were uncovered, it became clear that his act of betrayal was influenced by All For One’s manipulation. Aoyama’s entire family was indebted to All For One after he granted a Quirk to a previously Quirkless Aoyama. However, as his inner turmoil and remorse for betraying his friends were brought to light, his actions became more relatable and human, allowing people to sympathize with him.
Izuku Midoriya (Deku)
The development of protagonist Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, in the series is characterized by his transformation from a timid and powerless boy to becoming the world’s top hero. Deku is widely recognized as one of the most skillfully developed protagonists in the world of anime, due to the gradual, intricate, and relatable nature of his journey throughout the series.
Despite possessing the greatest power in the world, Deku, like many others, constantly battles with self-doubt and an unrelenting drive to prove himself. As the series came to a close, Deku successfully achieved all of his goals, such as surpassing his childhood hero All Might to become the world’s greatest hero, putting an end to All For One’s reign of terror, and eradicating all of the hatred in Tenko Shimura’s heart, ultimately saving his soul.
Shoto Todoroki
Similarly to Aizawa, Shoto Todoroki’s demeanor was initially cold and distant. This was a result of the continuous physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon him by his father, Enji Todoroki, also known as the Pro Hero Endeavor, throughout his childhood.
Despite being born as a result of a Quirk Marriage, Shoto’s early years were plagued with suffering and resentment towards his father. As a result, he initially refused to embrace the fire aspect of his Quirk, which could be seen as a rejection of his father’s influence on his life.
Despite initially struggling with his father’s side of his Quirk, Shoto eventually learned to embrace it over time. This newfound acceptance fueled his determination to carve out his own path towards becoming a Hero. His transformation and journey towards self-acceptance is a masterful display of character growth, solidifying his place as one of the most well-written characters.
Tenko Shimura (Tomura Shigaraki)
Undoubtedly, among the new generation of anime villains, Tomura Shigaraki stands out as one of the most tragic. His backstory alone is enough to make him the most compelling antagonist in the series.
Despite being born as Tenko Shimura and enduring constant abuse from his father, it was All For One who ultimately pushed him towards a path of villainy. Unlike All For One, his disdain for the Hero society stems not from a thirst for power, but from a traumatic past full of suffering and heartache. Observing his transformation from a kind and innocent child to a minor villain, and eventually to a leader with radical beliefs, was a captivating spectacle.
Enji Todoroki (Endeavor)
Enji Todoroki, also known as Endeavor in My Hero Academia, serves as a prime example of how even the most detestable individuals have the potential for transformation.
Despite his past as an abusive husband and father, obsessively fixated on surpassing All Might, his journey towards redemption and making amends is one of the most captivating plotlines in the series. His unwavering determination to change, even if it may be too late, along with his overwhelming sense of self-loathing and guilt, only adds more complexity to his character.
Katsuki Bakugo
Katsuki Bakugo has undoubtedly become the most beloved and favored character in My Hero Academia, largely due to his impressive growth and development throughout the series.
At first, Bakugo was a bold, conceited, and persistent bully, but his path towards self-discovery and humbleness is one of the most skillfully developed arcs in the series. Beneath his tough facade, he is a kind and sincere young man who greatly admires his childhood idol, All Might, and strives to earn his recognition. His journey throughout the series, learning to let go of his desire to be superior and understanding that the world does not revolve around him, solidifies his position as one of the most thoughtfully crafted characters in the series.
Hawks’ Real Name: Keigo Takami
Despite his charming and laid-back demeanor, Keigo Takami, better known as the Pro Hero Hawks, is a beloved character among fans. However, his outward persona is merely a facade, as his past is marked by a difficult upbringing filled with isolation and hardship.
Throughout the Paranormal Liberation War arc in My Hero Academia, the masterful portrayal of his internal struggles and morally ambiguous actions as a double agent within the League of Villains solidified him as one of the most captivating and well-developed characters in the series.
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