The shonen demographic often has protagonists withthe most personality, bombastic fighting styles, and raw conviction. Two such shonen protagonists are My Hero Academia’s Izuku Midoriya and Black Clover’s Asta. Between the two, however, surely one must be more compelling than the other. From their backstories, goals, and accomplishments, it's highly probably that one of these heroes exceeds the other.

While Midoriya started off as an outcast in a world of superhumans, all he wanted to do was save people with a smile on his face, much like the hero he idolized, All Might. His origin was that of a true underdog. Asta’s backstory is remarkably similar, but with some interesting differences. Similarly to the young Deku, Asta was born without magical abilities in a high fantasy setting. In Asta’a world, however, everyone has the ability to use magic, however weak or strong it may be. Couple that with his impoverished childhood and lack of knowledge about his parentage, and Asta is all the more tragic.

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Differing Personalities

Izuku Midoriya/Deku in My Hero Academia extending a helping hand.

The personalities of these two shonen heroes reveal even more compelling differences. Midoriya is more of a reserved and analytical individual making up for his lack of charisma to speak directly to or intimidate people. This, however, does make the moments where he explodes with anger and passion ferociously satisfying. Asta on the other hand is brash, loud, and headstrong. While Midoriya has his moments Asta is a full-speed freight train with overwhelmingly high energy. This comparison can make Midoriya seem more layered and realistic.

A shonen protagonist’s goal is arguably the most defining trait of both the character and the anime itself. For Midoriya, it is to save people with a smile and become the number one hero. He is not in it for the glory, but rather the feeling of saving people and inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves, just as All Might did for him. Asta’s goal is to become the Wizard King, shattering the glass ceiling of poverty. While these goals are very similar, the key difference lies in their reasoning. Asta’s goal is about proving what he is capable of and defying expectations, while Midoriya’s is more for the sake of others.

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Raw Strength and Physical Prowess

Asta With The Demon-Dweller Sword

In terms of their physical abilities, the pair are leagues different from each other. Midoriya inherited the One for All power from All Might, granting him super powered capabilities, meaning he is stronger and faster than a normal person to a drastic degree. It sounds simple because it is, but that is what makes it so effective. While, as of this writing, Midoriya has not yet harnessed the full power of One for All, he will surely overpower everyone in his world when he does. There are also hidden powers within One for All that add more than just super powered strength and speed to Midoriya’s toolbox.

Asta is not completely powerless from the start, unlike Midoriya. Asta, instead of magic, has anti-magic. With this, he is able to negate the magical abilities of others. He is also able to harness the power of his inner devil and use that for drastic boosts in speed and power. When comparing this to Midoriya’s One for All, it seems a winner of a hypothetical fight between them could be reached.

From where Midoriya currently stands, he can only use a fraction of One for All’s power in a stable manner. With this in mind, Asta would likely be able to overpower Midoriya. However, if Midoriya were to harness the full power of One for All (which he has done before, albeit with damage to himself), that should give him the edge he would need to overpower Asta. As powerful as Asta is, it does not seem likely that he could take a direct hit from the full force of One for All.

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Accomplishments and Heroism

Izuku Midoriya ready to be a hero as Deku in My Hero Academia.

When it comes to feats accomplished, both have worked hard to further their goals, but the win for this one would have to go to Asta. Midoriya has done much good, saving people, defeating strong villains, and helping his friends, however, Asta has accomplished all of this, but on a scale spanning kingdoms. His world is more fantastical than Midoriya’s, leading to large-scale adventures and situations. Asta has battled wizards, monsters, and otherworldly beings. His exploits have brought him in the company of devils and kings and placed him in environments that a more grounded world like Midoriya’s would not allow.

Midoriya has the more layered personality and more altruistic goal, while Asta has the more tragic backstory and greater accomplishments. The winner, it would seem, lies in their physical abilities. In Midoriya’s current state, Asta would surely claim victory, but knowing the true power within One for All, perhaps that would be enough to declare Midoriya the winner.