Summary
My Hero Academia pays homage to Marvel's Avengers: Endgame in chapters #420 and #421, presenting themes of unity and support. Kohei Horikoshi's love for Marvel comics is evident in his work, with iconic moments and characters like Iron Man and Spider-Man. My Hero Academia interweaves Western comic book influences into its story, connecting fans from both universes and solidifying its superhero status.
Warning: Contains spoilers for chapter #421 from My Hero AcademiaKohei Horikoshi continues to express his love for popular Western comics, especially Marvel, in his manga, My Hero Academy. While Horikoshi may not have explicitly expressed his love for Marvel or other Western comic-inspired media, it is evident through various instances in which moments Iconic etchings from Western comic series are recreated in his work. Given My Hero Academia is a series inspired by superheroes, the pinnacle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, also included in Horikoshi's manga.
Chapters #420 and #421 of My Hero Academia, titled “From Aizawa” and “We Are Here” respectively, pay subtle homage to Marvel's Avengers: Endgame. When all seems lost for protagonist Izuku Midoriya, Class 1-A enters through portals created by Kurogiri, rekindling Deku's hope as he realizes he is not alone.
This scene serves as the perfect embodiment of My Hero Academia's central theme, emphasizing that no one should face adversity alone. By referencing an iconic Marvel moment in the series' final arc, Kohei Horikoshi effectively bridges fans from both universes, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective joy.
My Hero Academia's Avengers: Endgame Homage is more than just a reference
My Hero Academia nods to the pinnacle of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in many ways.
The creation of this scene in both My Hero Academia and Avengers: Endgame serves as a powerful storytelling device, conveying a universal message of unity and support.
Chapter #421 of My Hero Academia begins with the students of Class 1-A entering the battlefield just as Deku is teetering on the brink of defeat. This chapter has a prominent double spread depicting many portals opening, allowing heroes with fighting abilities to join the fight. This scene is clearly inspired by Avengers: Endgamewhere there seemed to be no hope left before Thanos and his army, only for portals to open across the battlefield, bringing countless heroes to turn the tide.
The creation of this scene in both My Hero Academia and Avengers: Endgame serves as a powerful narrative device, conveying a universal message of solidarity and support. What's quite interesting is that both sequences were created nearly a decade after their respective media's inception. While it may be coincidental, the similarities are hard to ignore, drawing comparisons between the two iconic moments. Going forward, it's clear that the heroes of My Hero Academia will likely achieve victory over evil through their unity and collective strength, mirroring the outcome of the Avengers' victory in Endgame.
Kohei Horikoshi's previous inspiration from Marvel comics
My Hero Academia also has other moments inspired by Marvel comics, like giving All Might An an Iron-man-like suit
Horikoshi weaves Marvel Comics references throughout his work, seizing every opportunity. In addition to his unmistakable homage to the iconic scene in Avengers: Endgame, there are plenty of instances where he pays homage. A notable example is giving All Might a suit reminiscent of Iron Man's armor. This suit closely mirrors Tony Stark's creation, allowing All Might to not only fly but also enhance his punching power through mechanical enhancements.
Many other times Marvel has inspired My Hero Academia. For example, Twice and Tsuyu Asui have similarities to Deadpool and Spider-Man. While Twice's personality and suit resemble Deadpool's, Asui copies Spider-Man's iconic sitting pose. Furthermore, Deku's abilities, such as Blackwhip and Danger Sense, are inspired by Spider-Man's Web Launchers and Spider Sense. These nods Marvel Comics contribute to the rich tapestry of My Hero Academyuniverse, cementing its position as one of the top superhero series in both anime and manga.
