Why Deku becoming a teacher at U.A. is a bad ending for the character in My Hero Academia, explained

The last chapter of My Hero Academia was published on August 5, 2024, and it showcased Deku as a teacher after his years of dedication as a hero. This aspect of the chapter sparked discussion among fans, who questioned Kohei Horikoshi’s decision to have the protagonist become a teacher instead of achieving his dream of becoming a hero.

Fortunately, the criticism from the fandom regarding this slight detail is justified, as it significantly affected the overall ending of the series. While Izuku did ultimately become a hero with his Iron Suit, he spent 8 years without any major action. This was made even more unfair and unsatisfactory by the fact that while he was a teacher, all of his classmates were able to fully enjoy their lives as heroes, which was the main issue with Deku’s ending.

This article includes potential spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga series and reflects the author’s personal opinion.

Did Deku’s ending in My Hero Academia’s final chapter feel undeserved?

Izuku Midoriya as a teacher (Image via Shueisha)

The concluding chapter of My Hero Academia began with a monologue from Izuku Midoriya, indicating that the entire series had been narrated by the main character. Shota then inquired about their upcoming class, disclosing that Izuku had become a teacher at U.A. High School after completing his studies.

Despite an 8-year time skip, Izuku persisted in his role as a teacher at U.A. High School. Meanwhile, his former classmates had embarked on their individual paths in the world of heroism. Shouji, in particular, garnered numerous accolades for his work as a pro hero, advocating for the rights of heteromorphs.

Uraraka and the other students after the time skip (Image via Shueisha)

Iida, Momo, Tsuyu, and Uraraka were touring grade schools all over Japan to provide guidance to students about quirks through Uraraka’s Quirk Counselling Expansion Project. Bakugo and Todoroki were both highly skilled Pro Heroes, each striving to claim the top spot.

In addition, many new students were eager to join Hatsume’s company since she had opened her own business. Lemillion and most of the other students and graduates had also achieved success in becoming top-rated heroes.

Izuku Midoriya as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

Despite being the most enthusiastic about becoming a hero, Izuku’s position as a teacher is now being questioned due to the possibility that the majority of his classmates from Class A may have retired and joined welfare programs for the advancement of future heroes.

Despite everyone else being hailed as heroes, Deku was left behind to become a teacher. Aizawa’s observation is crucial as it highlights Izuku’s feelings of loneliness and being left behind. Therefore, Izuku’s role as a teacher at the conclusion of My Hero Academia may not have been the most favorable ending for his character.

Reflections and Conclusions

Izuku and Class A at the end of the finale chapter (Image via Shueisha)

Following the climax of the chapter, All Might summoned Izuku to present him with a new suit, modeled after the one All Might wore during the battle against All for One. Initially hesitant, Izuku eventually accepted the gift after All Might assured him that he deserved such a prestigious reward.

Despite the suggestion that he ultimately became a hero, it was not entirely fair to him as he had neglected his physical abilities for the past 8 years. As a result, he struggled to operate the new suit and required training to fully make it his own. This only added to Izuku’s unfortunate fate by the end of the series.

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