Why My Hero Academia Fans Believe Mineta is a “Good Character”

My Hero Academia boasts an extensive ensemble of characters unlike any other in the Shonen genre. Among this diverse cast, Camie Utsushimi from Shiketsu High School has garnered a substantial following within the fandom.

In contrast, Minoru Mineta stands out as one of the most contentious figures, often regarded unfavorably by viewers, a sentiment echoed in some circles towards Shigaraki. Recently, fandom discussions have surfaced suggesting that the narrative would have benefitted from Mineta’s absence from U.A.’s Class A, a line of thinking that overlooks his integral role in the storyline and reduces his character to mere comedic gags.

Disclaimer: This article includes potential spoilers for the My Hero Academia series and represents the author’s perspective.

My Hero Academia: The Downfall of Mineta’s Character Amid Comic Relief

Mineta is perceived by many as one of the less remarkable characters in Class A, possessing a quirk that functions like a basic adhesive without unique attributes. His questionable acceptance into the hero academy raises eyebrows, especially as his character is mainly defined by his role as comic relief and his lecherous tendencies.

While his humorous moments certainly contribute to the series, they are often overshadowed by his objectionable traits, rendering him less appealing to fans. Nonetheless, he has played a significant part in the plot, being one of Izuku Midoriya‘s close allies and surprisingly earnest in his aspirations to be a hero.

Throughout the series, Mineta has unexpectedly assisted his classmates, such as rescuing Tokoyami from quirklessness and supporting Sero during the crucial final combat evaluations. His character has potential; however, his reliance on outdated, overly sexualized humor has detracted from his overall appeal.

The Fan Response to the Original Post

The initial comment was shared by a user on X (formerly Twitter), known as @valintinesbear, featuring an image of Camie with the caption:

“MHA AU where everything’s the same but Camie is in Class 1A instead of Mineta.”

Responses varied, with numerous fans acknowledging that Mineta’s character had merit, yet lamenting the lack of depth and development that could have showcased his true potential. Some fans argued that he could have emerged as one of the series’ most entertaining personalities had his unsettling characteristics been addressed.

“Do you think they’d actually address that behavior with Mineta, making him a better character?”one user inquired.

“Honestly, Mineta might have been the best character if he wasn’t so peculiar 😭😭 He’s actually hilarious,”another user commented.

Some fans pointed out a misunderstanding of Mineta’s character, asserting that, if his more eccentric traits were disregarded, he is quite well-crafted. They emphasized his heroics, such as preventing Sero’s failure and thwarting All For One’s attempt to steal Tokoyami’s power.

“It’s 2024, and people still have a negative take on Mineta, smh 😔,”one user commented.

“If it weren’t for Mineta, Tokoyami would’ve lost his quirk, and Sero could have failed his Practice Exam,”another user asserted.

The series recently concluded with chapter 430, while the anime is presently in its seventh season, adapting the War arc and showcasing All Might‘s epic showdown against AFO.

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