My Hero Academia brings an unbelievable twist to the usual superhero stories, make superheroes the majority. For those born without Quirks, the supernatural abilities that characters gain from superpowers, life can be quite difficult and strange. Interestingly, Kohei Horikoshi chose two characters born without Quirks to center the story, rather than focusing on those who were gifted with remarkable superhero powers from birth.
Horikoshi, the talented creator behind My Hero Academia, described some of his thinking behind this epic superhero story in an interview posted on u/Nakurawari's Reddit page. He revealed The “vertical axis” that ties the story together:The teacher-student relationship between Izuku Midoriya and All Might and the journey of each hero.
This makes sense, as they are two of the most important characters in the series, and most of the major events and arcs focus on the development of these two heroes. Interestingly, Although Deku is often considered the main character, in a way the story is also about All Might..
All Might and Deku are the vertical axis in the story of My Hero Academia
He explains that the “Horizontal Axis” includes the stories of the supporting characters.
All Might “passes the torch”,in the form of his Quirk, shifting to a younger character who will inherit his legacy after he can no longer fight as he once did. Although they are in very different positions and stages of life, their stories parallel each other, as they both face weaknesses and challenges but persevere despite external and internal hardships. Horikoshi explains, “This series is the story of Izuku and All Might, and I intend to make their stories the main focus of the plot, and the ‘vertical axis’ that runs through the main story.”
Deku and All Might crossed paths quite early in My Hero Academia, after Deku had a complete emotional breakdown due to being bullied by his classmates, especially Bakugo, due to his lack of a Quirk. The symbol of peace and the young UA student met by chance, but it was this that caused All Might to recognize the heroic side of himself in the boy and choose to passing on his Quirk One For All with Izuku Midoriya. All Might even trained Deku, making sure he was strong enough to inherit such a powerful skill and that it wasn't too much for him.
Both characters face similar obstacles, such as when using their abilities, One for All
Despite nearly insurmountable odds, the two continue to work hard to protect the innocent.
Although Izuku is a fairly inexperienced high school student training to become a hero and All Might is an established superhero with years of experience, a respected reputation, and the title of Symbol of Peace, Their stories complement each other more than one might expect.. Deku possesses many of All Might's best traits: wisdom beyond his years, a willingness to learn, and most importantly, an undying desire to help others. Both were born without Quirks, but still possess many of the hallmarks of a hero, making them undeniably great despite their lack of superpowers.
As the story of My Hero Academia continues, it becomes clear that All Might is not as invulnerable or unbreakable as fans and Deku might believe. He can only use One For All for short periods of time and needs a significant recovery time afterwards. Likewise, it takes Deku a while to use One For All at its maximum without being seriously injured. This is another aspect they share with each other. They Both have struggles and weaknesses that affect their work as heroes.but work hard to overcome any obstacles that come their way.
Deku and All Might's stories intersect in a wonderful and meaningful way
Izuku becomes stronger to replace All Might and honor his legacy when he can no longer work as a hero.
Unfortunately, as Deku grew in skill, courage, and physical advancement, All Might was slowly fading in strength, becoming weak with age. It was tragic for Deku to realize that he had to step up and replace the idol he had admired and worshipped all his life, but it was also a great privilege for him to honor his hero in this way, to take up the torch. Their stories intersect beautifully in this way.: As Deku levels up, All Might's power diminishes, making way for the noble successor he chooses to take his place.
Horikoshi has cleverly interwoven Deku and All Might's stories in even more ways, giving them not only similar struggles and a shared lack of a Quirk, but also the same kind of selfless courage that is so rare in a world that is often selfish. Deku and All Might protecting the innocent and fighting for justice is simply because it is part of their moral code and don't expect anything in return. Some of the other heroes in My Hero Academia are actually commendable for their efforts, but definitely have ulterior motives, mostly seeking fame and money for their heroic work.
Deku's Hero's Journey Couldn't Happen Without All Might
By bestowing One For All upon Izuku, All Might helped create one of the greatest heroes of all time.
Custom image by Rodrigo Sandoval Lahut
Although Deku is the main character and many episodes focus primarily on him and his life at UA High and beyond, Horikoshi also gradually reveals All Might's story throughout the series, drawing attention to how his story relates to Deku's. They bring out the best qualities in each other and share unfortunate trials that have affected both of them at some point. My Hero Academia It's definitely Deku's story, but None of this would have been possible if All Might hadn't realized his potential. and gifted his Quirk to the aspiring young hero, binding their lives together forever.
Source: u/Nakurawari on Reddit
