Summary
Deku's Dark Heroes arc is important and is a callback to his vigilante days, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in the series. Chapter #418 highlights Deku's growth and understanding towards villains like Shigaraki, reflecting the lessons learned from the Dark Hero Arc. The Dark Heroes arc challenges Deku's beliefs, expands his worldview, and prepares him for the final battle, demonstrating the complexity of hero society.
Warning: Contains spoilers for chapter #418 of My Hero Academia.
My Hero Academy'S Dark Hero Arc was more important to the series' finale than fans thought, and recalling one of the best moments in the latest chapter proves it. My Hero Academia's story is at a pivotal moment when Deku finally overcomes Shigaraki's defenses to save him. When trying to contact him, Deku recalls an important moment from his vigilante days, hinting at the importance of the Dark Heroes Arc to Deku's character and the series' final arc. story.
In chapter #418 of My Hero Academia, Deku continues to hold Shigaraki tightly despite the latter's protests. Even though his arm had disintegrated, Deku still held little Tenko's hand tightly. he especially remembered the peace it brought him when Iida similarly held his hand in the Dark Hero Arc.
The moment Class 1-A rallied to reach Deku and end his isolation was easily one of the best moments of the Dark Heroes Arc and clearly left quite a lasting impact for Deku. This arc not only helps Deku expand his worldview, but also allows him to empathize more with Shigaraki, as seen in the latest chapter.
Deku's Dark Heroes arc highlights the need for compassion
Dark Deku's isolation helps him empathize with Shigaraki
Although it may seem insignificant, this simple act of holding hands holds a lot of meaning in My Hero Academia. Ultimately, it was this action that led to the creation of One For All, when the second user, Kudo, approached Yoichi at his lowest level. Now that Deku has witnessed the painful memories in Shigaraki's heart, so has he. emulate the spirit of One for All by contacting Shigaraki, regardless of the damage he and his body suffered.
As hinted in the callback to the Dark Hero Arc in chapter #418, Deku understood the comfort this simple act could bring, he experienced it himself when his friends reached out to him when he was at his worst. Just like how Deku had to overcome Shigaraki's walls in the present, Class 1-A also had quite a difficult time overcoming Deku in the Dark Hero Arc. Like Shigaraki, Deku is also at his worst, isolated and burdened by the duty he must fulfill because of the power he carries when someone finally takes his hand.
The purpose of the Dark Hero Arc was fulfilled in the Final Battle
Admittedly, Deku has always been highly empathetic and his ability to believe in the good in people is one of his most admirable qualities. However, only thanks to the Dark Hero Arc was Deku able to do that. broaden your worldview to better understand even those considered bad people by society. The purpose of Dark Hero is to open Deku's eyes to the ugly truth of hero society and force him to contemplate what exactly makes humans become villains, which ultimately satisfied in the final battle.
Although Deku is still an optimistic person, he is no longer as naive as before. understand that Shigaraki and the League of Villains are complex, nuanced individuals created by their circumstances and the shortcomings of heroic society. As such, Deku understands that he will not be able to understand people like Toga and Shigaraki from a normal perspective and all he can be sure of is that there is still humanity hidden deep within them.
Overall, the Dark Hero Arc is an important part of My Hero AcademyDeku's story and his character's backstory continually challenge Deku's beliefs and his views on hero society. The themes introduced in this arc continue to come into play in the final battle, and the arc itself will continue to grow in importance as the series nears its conclusion.
My Hero Academy available from Manga Plus and Viz Media.