My Hero Academia is full of compelling characters, starting with the students from Class 1-A -- all of whom have personality traits that make them worthy of being Pro Heroes. But when it comes to being courageous and compassionate, Eijiro Kirishima is probably one of the best students in the group -- and that's why he's become such a fan favorite.
Kirishima's always had great scenes, but the series has also amped up his character arc during the third and fourth seasons. And if one thing is becoming clear, it's that Kirishima is definitely best boy material.
Here are ten moments that prove Kirishima is best boy.
10 When He Worries About His Classmates At The USJ
The USJ incident during My Hero Academia's first season is one of the first times the students of Class 1-A are faced with actual villains -- and Kirishima is one of the first people to rise to the occasion. Not only do he and Bakugo move to fight Kurogiri before anyone else, but neither hesitates to fight the villains in the Collapse Zone.
And after they've defeated the villains, Kirishima suggests they go and help the others. His bravery and loyalty both stand out during this scene, and both are high on the list of reasons he's best boy.
9 When He Offers To Be Bakugo's Front Horse
If there was ever any doubt that Kirishima is one of the bravest characters from My Hero Academia, let the record show that he was unafraid of approaching Bakugo even during the anime's first season. The two hardly knew one another when the Sport's Festival started, but that didn't stop Kirishima from approaching Bakugo to win first place.
It's hard not to admire Kirishima's confidence here -- especially knowing how little self-esteem he had prior to signing up for U.A. High.
8 When He Chooses His Hero Name
When the time comes to choose hero names, Kirishima is one of the few students who already has a good idea of what his will be. He announces that he'll be going by the name "Red Riot" in the field, and the reason is because he wants to be like his own idol, Crimson Riot.
It's admirable that Kirishima wants to live up to the name of a great hero like Crimson Riot, and his willingness to take on that responsibility highlights that he isn't afraid of having high expectations hoisted upon him.
7 When He Respects His Female Classmates
It's no secret that Mineta has no respect for the girls of Class 1-A, constantly attempting to hit on them or violate their privacy in some perverted way. Unlike Kaminari, who typically goes along with Mineta's plans, Kirishima doesn't put up with them. In fact, when Mineta gets himself worked up, Kirishima even tells him, "That's about enough out of you."
We respect Kirishima because he respects women -- and that, sadly, isn't always a quality that's easy to come by.
6 When He Suggests Class 1-A Rescue Bakugo From The League
Fans who thought Deku and Todoroki would be most affected by Bakugo's kidnapping during season three clearly weren't prepared for Kirishima's response to it. Loyal as ever, he loudly proclaims that Class 1-A needs to go find his friend -- especially since he wasn't able to help him at camp.
This is one of Kirishima's biggest moments in the anime, and it shows what a true friend he is. And the fact that he winds up being the biggest part of the group's rescue mission isn't lost on fans either.
5 When He's The First To Comfort Asui After They Rescue Bakugo
After the Kamino Ward incident, Class 1-A gets quite a scolding from Eraserhead. And that scolding is probably hardest on Asui, who tried to prevent her friends from getting mixed up in Bakugo's kidnapping -- although she didn't actually tell a teacher or do anything to physically stop them from running off to rescue him.
And when Asui gets upset about the whole thing and feels bad about the newly created gap between her and her friends, Kirishima is the first person to step in and comfort her. Can we talk about how he starts crying because she's crying, too? Talk about a good pal.
4 When He Blocks Suneater From Getting Shot
By the time viewers hit My Hero Academia season four, it's no surprise that Kirishima is both brave and loyal. Even still, watching him block Amajiki from getting hit with a bullet only raises viewers' respect for him. And sure, he can harden and take less damage from such a hit -- but it still takes guts to jump in front of a bullet for someone else.
Given that, there's definitely truth to Amajiki's sentiment that Kirishima shines like the sun.
3 When He Empathizes With The Villain
Being as kind and compassionate as Kirishima is can sometimes have its flaws, and fans see that during Red Riot's debut. When Kirishima begins his work study for Fat Gum, he and his mentors run into villains and he chases one down -- only to be fooled by the guy's sob story and have to deal with a surprise attack.
Even if it was a moment of weakness, though, Kirishima's ability to empathize with the enemy can be seen as a strength in a lot of ways. After all, saving people isn't always a physical thing.
2 When He Reveals How Hard He Worked To Get Into U.A. High
During the most recent episode of My Hero Academia, fans get a look at Kirishima's backstory -- and, as it turns out, our favorite redhead wasn't always as strong or confident as he is now. During middle school, Kirishima often doubted himself and was too afraid to step in and defend others.
But by working hard to change the way he thinks -- and training, of course -- Kirishima turns himself into the hero he is now. And that's a backstory we can get behind.
1 When He Attempts To Save Fat Gum From Rappa
During the raid on the Shie Hassaikai's headquarters, Fat Gum and Kirishima get separated from the group and cornered by two of Overhaul's best fighters: Rappa and Tengai. And although Fat Gum has a back-up plan, the two make it difficult for the heroes to take them down.
Just when it looks like Fat Gum may lose to Rappa, though, Kirishima jumps in front of him -- despite the fact that he's already badly injured. By doing this, Kirishima proves once more how brave and loyal he is. (And he gives Fat Gum an opening to land a hit on Rappa, essentially saving the day.)