Any fan of My Hero Academia is already completely aware of Deku right? He's the leading character, and thus one of the most obvious figures in the series. So, let's dive a bit deeper into his characteristics, shall we?
What are all of the ways in which Deku is a unique leading character? What about all of the ways he's actually quite generic? But, which is more accurate, that he's unique, or generic? Today, we're going to talk about five from each category, and leave the ultimate decision up to you. Beware: this list contains spoilers from the manga.
10 Unique: He's Not Afraid to Show His Feelings
One of the many things we love about Midoriya is that he's not afraid to show his feelings. It isn't every day that you get to find a hero who cries, let alone one who feels comfortable with tears of joy and sadness. Yet that is something we've come to know and expect from Deku. Yes, it sometimes confuses All Might, but that's simply another reason to love Midoriya all the more.
9 Generic: All The Power-Ups
While Midoriya is an amazing character, we've got to admit that there's a lot of potential for him to become overpowered. First, there's the obvious fact: he's gained an extremely powerful quirk, one that we know has almost limitless potential.
Then there's the fact that other quirks appear to have come along for the ride. The quirks of the others before him got handed down alongside One For All, meaning that there are more power-ups in Deku's future.
8 Unique: He Doesn't Think the World of Himself
It might be easy for heroes in training to think highly of themselves. We've seen that countless times in other series in which the main hero thought he was amazing, even if he never actually vocalized that thought.
That is not the case with Deku. He's constantly pushing himself to do more, to do better. That is partially because he really does want to save everybody. It's also partially because he can't overlook his failings.
7 Generic: A Powerful Support System
We've seen the story before. A powerful hero in training gets the help and guidance of an even more powerful hero. In this case, that is the tale of Deku and All Might, and powerful people just seem to surround themselves around Deku.
That's an element we're all too familiar with. While we'll never tire of seeing so many characters all at once, we've got to admit that this is an element to be found within the series.
6 Unique: He Wants to See All His Friends Become Heroes
One thing we absolutely adore about Deku is that he wants all of his friends to succeed alongside him. Even the ones that treat him horribly, like Bakugo. He wants to be the best, sure. He also wants there to be other heroes climbing that ranking board alongside him.
The truth of the matter is, if Deku ended up being a lower ranking than his friends, he would truly and sincerely be happy for them. Just look at the offer he made to Mirio, and the truth of his spirit is made clear.
5 Generic: Connection to the Enemy
It seems like every leading hero these days has a personal connection to their antagonist. In the case of MHA, there are several connections to be found. The first is obvious: Deku inherited the battle through All Might.
He and All For One are destined to battle, either directly, or through All For One's successor (Shigaraki). There are other potential ties between these two as well, but many still fall under the "suspicion" category.
4 Unique: Different View of the World
Deku is an unfailingly positive character, and that is why he stands a solid chance at becoming the Symbol of Peace. It's also why we love him so much. His way of viewing the world is so different from our own—and different from many other protagonists as well.
The world is not black and white to our hero. He sees the good in everybody, even though who spend their days making him miserable. It's because he's so willing to make an emotional connection during each and every battle that the fights bring so much impact.
3 Generic: His Success
It seems like every leading protagonist has solid odds at succeeding in their dream, and that includes Deku. We still don't know if he'll become the next Symbol of Peace like he so desperately wishes.
We do know that he's on the path to becoming a hero. More than that, he'll become a symbol of his own if he keeps up the way he's going. Perhaps that makes him a little bit generic since he's certain to succeed in at least some of his goals... but we're okay with that.
2 Unique: He's Allowed to Fail
Conversely, while Deku is certainly succeeding in some elements, he's failed, as well. He isn't perfect at everything right from the start, nor has he won every battle he's been thrown into, though, thankfully, he's won when it counts.
The fact that Deku is allowed to fail, and learn from those failures, means so much. It makes his character, and the series surrounding him, feel so much more real. It also gives us even more reasons to root for him.
1 Generic: An Inspiration to All
Lastly, let's discuss the elephant in the room. Deku's trial to become a hero, to save everybody he can, is truly inspirational. It's something we've seen hundreds of times in hundreds of series. Yet, it still carries so much impact.
It just goes to show that this is a trope we'll never get sick of. That we'll never stop rooting for. So, while Deku's goal may not be unique, we still find ourselves supporting him with everything we have.