Understanding My Hero Academia: Why Quirks Defy Logic and Criticisms Miss the Mark

My Hero Academia often faces scrutiny regarding its world-building, particularly concerning Quirks, which is the power system within the series. Critics frequently argue that the evolution of these abilities and the disparity in power levels among characters lack clarity. However, this inconsistency aligns well with a scientific perspective on human evolution.

Although the exact timeline of My Hero Academia has never been specified, many fans theorize that the events occur a century or two into the future. This speculation is partly rooted in the notion that All For One has lived for over a hundred years. If Quirks have been manifesting for at least a century, it could explain the ongoing scientific confusion surrounding their nature and functionality.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Understanding Quirks in My Hero Academia: A Lack of Logical Explanation

The different One For All users (Image via Bones)

A prevalent critique directed at My Hero Academia is that Quirks lack a coherent basis, especially since they are purportedly the next phase in human evolution without an inherent logic. For instance, characters such as Katsuki Bakugo, who can produce explosions, and Spinner, who has adopted reptilian traits, exemplify this inconsistently.

Nevertheless, this ambiguity contributes to the notion that Quirks are not well understood, as they signify a new evolutionary leap for humanity. All For One, widely regarded as the first individual to exhibit a Quirk, is estimated to be around a century old, suggesting that these exceptional powers have existed for at least one hundred years.

In reality, human science took centuries to unravel fundamental aspects of anatomy and the natural world. Consequently, it follows logically that the characters in My Hero Academia would not fully comprehend Quirks or the biological mechanisms governing them, enhancing their uniqueness.

Supporting Evidence for This Perspective

Dr. Garaki as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

An illustration of the evolving understanding of Quirks throughout the series is Dr. Garaki’s Singularity Theory. This theory proposed that each new generation’s Quirks would surpass those of their predecessors. This idea holds a degree of validity, considering that individuals with Quirks are inclined to reproduce with one another, potentially resulting in offspring with even greater abilities, as seen with Shoto Todoroki.

Thus, My Hero Academia frames Quirks as a domain that remains incompletely explored and ever-evolving. This perspective reflects a realistic portrayal of scientific progress, which does not occur in isolation but instead necessitates extensive research and experimentation to enhance understanding.

Concluding Thoughts

Quirks are depicted as intricate phenomena, with even the scientists within the series struggling to grasp their biological implications. This portrayal underscores that the mysteries of this universe are still being unraveled.

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