“My Hero Academia” has long stood as a pillar in the anime and manga community, captivating audiences with its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and high-stakes battles. Yet, the series may have just made a critical error that could impact the trajectory of its finale and the legacy of its protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku.
The Ripple Effect of All Might’s Survival
Chapter #404 has thrown fans for a loop, revealing that All Might, the former number one hero and mentor to Deku, has narrowly escaped the clutches of death thanks to the combined efforts of Katsuki Bakugo and Deku. While this twist in the tale has undoubtedly brought relief to the fans who have grown to love All Might, it raises questions about missed narrative opportunities and the lasting impact on Deku’s character development.
All Might, with his unwavering strength and fatherly presence, has been a bedrock for Deku and heroes everywhere. His retirement marked the end of an era, and his potential death had the power to usher in a new, albeit painful, chapter for the world of “My Hero Academia.”
All Might’s Death: A Doorway to Deeper Conflict
The demise of All Might could have added layers of complexity to the final face-off between Deku and Tomura Shigaraki, forcing Deku to grapple with his convictions and the nature of his kindness. The loss of such a pivotal figure in his life would compel Deku to reevaluate his decision to save Shigaraki, introducing a level of internal conflict and nuance that has been absent from the series.
Deku’s unwavering belief in redemption, even in the face of Shigaraki’s heinous acts, is a testament to his character. However, All Might’s death could have served as a catalyst for change, challenging Deku’s ideals and forcing him to confront the harsh realities of their world.
As Shigaraki himself points out, All Might’s death would have been a stark reminder of the consequences of their battle, highlighting the atrocities committed by Shigaraki and All For One. While the series has not shied away from killing characters in the past, none of those deaths would have struck as close to home for Deku as All Might’s would have, adding a personal and poignant layer to their final confrontation.
My Hero Academia’s Struggle with Plot Armor
The decision to save All Might brings to light a recurring issue within “My Hero Academia”: its reluctance to kill off major characters. This pattern mirrors that of Western superhero comics, where beloved characters often find miraculous ways to escape death. While this isn’t inherently problematic, it does highlight the series’ ongoing struggle with plot armor, diminishing the stakes and emotional weight of its battles.
New My Hero Academia ‘Black Deku’ figure pic.twitter.com/mUR9XvqUhw
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All Might’s brush with death in Chapter #404, coupled with a heartfelt glimpse into his past, set the stage for a powerful and fitting farewell to the character. His death would have allowed Deku to step fully into his role as his successor, just as All Might did after the death of his own mentor, Nana.
Looking Towards the Horizon: What’s Next for My Hero Academia?
Despite this misstep, “My Hero Academia” is barreling towards its climax, with the final showdown between Deku and Shigaraki on the horizon. While All Might’s fate has been decided for now, the series still has the potential to redeem itself and deliver a finale that lives up to the legacy of its characters and the journey they’ve undertaken.
In the end, only time will tell if “My Hero Academia” can navigate these narrative waters and provide a satisfying conclusion to its epic saga. But one thing is certain: the fate of All Might and its impact on Deku and the world of “My Hero Academia” will be a topic of discussion among fans for years to come.
