Summary
Unique to manga, My Hero Academia's linear plot ensures impactful decisions without needing retcons or miraculous resurrections. The heroes and villains in My Hero Academia must face the end result – there is no redemption in between like in American comics. Deku's selfless determination in My Hero Academia makes him a true hero, making his choices all the more important to the story.
My Hero Academy, a popular manga series created by Kohei Horikoshi, tells the story of Deku as he becomes the World's Greatest Hero. Of course, the series is inspired by American superhero comics, of which Horikoshi is a huge fan. Although the series has side stories and spin-offs, it never strays from the original concept. From the time Izuku begins training with All Might until the Final War arc, Deku's fight against the forces of evil has always been the focus of the story.
Although this may seem limiting at times, that's an incredible advantage that Horikoshi's work has over its American counterparts. Once an event occurs in manga, it can rarely be overcome, barring a sudden recovery or miraculous resurrection. This is further demonstrated through the villains that the protagonist faces as the story progresses. Unlike villains in American stories, who tend to switch sides when the story calls for it, villains in My Hero Academia do not have that privilege.
My Hero Academia's villain has only one chance
My Hero Academia was created by Kohei Horikoshi, the anime adaptation was produced by Studio Bones
For decades, American superhero stories have been notorious for not having a clear plot. This gives incredible flexibility to the writers, who have the ability to work with intriguing and innovative concepts while not really affecting the series' universe. For this, the villains in these types of works can become what each iteration's plot requires them to become.. They can become heroes for a short time and return to their evil ways after a while. This isn't a problem and is part of what makes American superhero stories so beloved around the world.
The world created by Horikoshi does not follow the same rules. A villain can be redeemed by the Heroes or continue their evil path, with no middle ground. For example, after his encounter with Deku in chapters 176-180, the villain named Gentle Crime chose to recover and become a better man. On the other hand, Muscle is still the fiercest villain that Izuku knows, and Izuku defeats him once and for all in chapters 307 and 308. This adds weight to the decisions of the villains in the universe. this pillar.
Deku knows the importance of his choices
His determination to redeem Shigaraki proves that he knows there is no turning back.
Tomura Shigaraki, one of the main antagonists of the series, is described by most of the characters as unforgivable. The pain and destruction he caused during his time as a student of All For One will never be forgotten or forgiven. In chapter 305, even his grandmother, Nana Shimura, advises Deku not to let the young villain live because he has become too dangerous. Not yet, Deku decides to ignore those who think Shigaraki cannot be saved and still tries to save Tenko. This decision serves two important purposes for the story.
The first is to show how heroic and selfless Izuku is, presenting him as the embodiment of a true Hero. The second is to admit that Deku knew Shigaraki wouldn't get a second chance to redeem himself after being defeated. If Shigaraki refuses to live as a changed man, Deku will be forced to end his life while he is still a villain. Nothing will happen, Midoriya will keep Shigaraki alive as a redeemed person or will kill him as a villain.
The difference between these two genres is what allows My Hero Academia to make the characters' decisions more important to the story.
If My Hero Academia were a traditional American superhero story, this wouldn't be such a difficult decision. Deku can either kill or help Shigaraki become a hero, but the decision will most likely be reversed in the future for Midoriya to fight his greatest enemy once again. This has happened many times with heroes like Spider-Man, who helped villains redeem themselves but turned them evil again some issue later. While this is a completely valid storytelling method, it negates some of Deku's efforts to save Tenko.
One Story Vs Multiple Continuities
Most manga are not rebooted as often happens with American comics
When a manga story ends, it is very rarely rewritten. The possibility of a sequel being created is still there and it has happened with many famous series in the past. Beloved stories like Dragon Ball or Naruto continue years after their conclusion to further expand their universes. However, this was done with the understanding that the events of the prequel could not be changed, forcing the sequel to follow the rules previously established.
American comics don't work with the same formula. Comic book characters are created to last for decades, bringing joy to countless generations. It's rare for a famous American superhero to completely retire, most have been around since the dawn of the genre. This need for new stories is the reason why comics rarely follow a single plot. For example, when Superman died fighting Doomsday, the writers needed to bring him back to continue his adventures. His death remains a shocking event, but it cannot be the end of him.
The difference between these two genres is what allows My Hero Academia to make the characters' decisions more important to the story. However, this could also go against Horikoshi's story, as fans have seen many times in the past. Some of the manga creator's decisions in the past were unpopular with audiences, such as Bakugo's miraculous recovery after near death. Having a linear plot can help the events in the series have more impact but can also be disastrous when the reader isn't interested in what's going on.
Both mediums have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to storytelling. Horikoshi is aware of this, which is why he has done an incredible job focusing on the benefits of manga. He made sure to create a story where the characters' decisions would have a major impact on the development of the series. Manga likes My Hero Academy and American comics have fans around the world who celebrate their unique storytelling of epic adventures. These mediums should be equally appreciated as they are both beloved aspects of modern culture.
All chapters of My Hero Academy available to read on Manga Plus.