One of the most popular anime to recently captivate audiences is the shonen and superhero celebration, My Hero Academia. The anime series follows Izuku Midoriya as he enrolls at U.A. High to achieve his dream to become the city’s number one professional hero. Five seasons in, My Hero Academia has pushed its many characters to challenging places, and it’s truly exciting to see these individuals come into their own as heroes.

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A lot has happened since the start of My Hero Academia, which allows certain characters to resonate more strongly than others as the series continues to grow and change. My Hero Academia is full of enjoyable characters, but some are especially lovable.

10 Hitoshi Shinso Proves Himself As A Valuable Hero-In-The-Making

Shinso smiling My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia’s latest season devotes a large amount of time to the Joint Training Competition between U.A. High’s Class 1-A and 1-B students. This mock tournament is an excellent showcase for how much everyone has grown, but it also becomes a qualifying exercise for Hitoshi Shinso to prove that he deserves to be let into the hero course. Shinso embodies the traits of a true hero and stands out even though his Quirk has always made him lone wolf. Shinso’s dedication and the potential that Shota Aizawa sees in him speaks volumes.

9 Kyoka Jiro’s Passion Fuels Her Even Outside Of Battle

Anime My Hero Academia Kyoka Jiro Singing Concert

My Hero Academia juggles dozens of characters, each with their own Quirks, and it’s to be expected that some of these abilities come across more like visual gags than practical abilities. Kyoka Jiro’s Earphone Jack Quirk initially seems like a hindrance, but she has slowly developed it into a powerful resource. Jiro doesn’t get to be an asset in battle very often, but her joyful performance during U.A. High’s School Festival is a series highlight and demonstrates why everyone enjoys her company. She’s proof that there’s plenty of value to heroes beyond their physical strength.

8 Ochaco Uraraka Is My Hero Academia’s Ultimate Sweetie

MHA Ochaco Uraraka Flustered My Hero Academia

Ochaco Uraraka is one of the first characters to really pop in My Hero Academia, and she’s an early member of Midoriya’s close inner circle of friends. Uraraka’s Zero Gravity Quirk is incredibly powerful, but also highly creative.

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Many fans have been eager to see a romance blossom between Uraraka and Midoriya, but this relationship continues to move at a glacial pace. Nevertheless, Uraraka is a constant beacon of joy and her embarrassment around Midoriya humanizes her even further. Uraraka sometimes recedes into the background, but her presence is always felt.

7 Tsuyu Asui’s Unusual Quirk Makes Her A Constant Delight

Anime My Hero Academia Tsuyu Asui Ready

It can often be frustrating when My Hero Academia squanders certain characters with potential because of the excessive size of the cast. Tsuyu Asui is an early standout from the series thanks to her atypical Frog Quirk and how well she is able to use it. Asui’s Quirk is deceptively versatile and has saved the day on multiple occasions, yet she’s not someone who gets to typically lead the charge in battle. Asui has comfortably become a supporting character, but her quirky personality and level-headed approach to battle strategy help her shine.

6 It’s Impossible To Not Root For Shoto Todoroki And The Adversity He’s Overcome

shoto using ice

There are plenty of characters in My Hero Academia who quickly prove that they’re destined for greatness. Shoto Todoroki rises to the top of his class with his powerful, two-in-one Half-Cold Half-Hot Quirk. My Hero Academia has detailed Todoroki’s painful childhood and the trauma that he still carries with him in response to his relationship with his father, Endeavor. Todoroki’s progress, both as a hero and emotionally, are extremely satisfying and make him one of the series’ most well-rounded heroes.

5 Bakugo Wears His Emotions On His Sleeve, But Has A Heart Of Gold

katsuki bakugo my hero academia

There’s a fine line between hate and love. Katsuki Bakugo has an incendiary and temperamental personality that’s a perfect fit for his Explosion Quirk. Bakugo gives Midoriya a lot of grief and is comfortable to fill the role of bully during his youth, all of which makes his emotional growth even more impressive.

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Bakugo still struggles to keep his emotions in check, but that’s part of his unpredictable charm. He’s passionate and volatile, but his commitment to heroics and his friends is never in question.

4 All Might Truly Values The Public’s Safety And The Next Generation Of Heroes

MHA All Might Quirk

My Hero Academia usually focuses on the prospective hero students, but U.A. High’s faculty and the current crop of Pro Heroes are still vital characters. Toshinori Yagi, better known by his hero name, All Might, is the former Number One Pro Hero, and he’s worked hard to earn the public’s trust. All Might carries a dangerous secret and becomes more of a liability, but he never stops thinking about the future and how to keep society safe. His softer side comes out even more with all of the work he’s done with Midoriya and Bakugo.

3 Izuku Midoriya Is The Epitome Of A Hero And An Inspiration To All

my hero academia izuku deku midoriya clenches fist with broken finger

It’s essential that any anime series has a protagonist who the audience cares about and wants to root for, which makes it surprising how many shonen anime begin with problematic main characters. Midoriya’s passion for heroics is present from the very start of My Hero Academia and it’s deeply endearing to see his initial Quirk-less status not interfere with his dreams. Midoriya continues to grow into a more impressive hero who properly understands what’s expected of him and will always put the well-being of others above himself.

2 Mirio Togata Is A Selfless Legend With Zero Ego

mirio togata giving the thumbs up

My Hero Academia can be quite skilled when it comes to character development. Mirio “Lemillion” Togata enters the series fairly late in the game, but it doesn’t take long for him to be a character who easily rivals Midoriya in terms of likability. Togata is a member of the prestigious Big Three, and he was even considered to be All Might’s One For All successor before Midoriya. Togata’s constantly cheerful demeanor goes a long way, and he’s sacrificed his Quirk to save Eri, a gesture that remains one of the most honorable acts out of the entire series.

1 Eri Is Pure Innocence And Joy Who Must Be Protected At All Costs

Eri experiences a pure smile during UA High's School Festival in My Hero Academia

Season four of My Hero Academia dabbles in some extremely dark territory for the anime, particularly with Kai Chisaki’s use of Eri as a living science experiment. Eri’s entire perception of the world is infected by her traumatic youth, which she thankfully gets rescued from. It’s a major relief to see Eri achieve some sort of normalcy and be able to appreciate the joys of childhood. Her awe over humble pleasures is always adorable and she’s someone who deserves endless happiness after her difficult life. She’s a mascot of purity for My Hero Academia.

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