A lot of anime series from the past decade have turned into major cultural hits, but there’s a whole other level of fandom that surrounds My Hero Academia. Kohei Horikoshi has created something truly special with his series that lovingly indulges in shonen stereotypes as well as functions as a passionate deconstruction of the superhero genre. There are dozens of unbelievably powerful individuals in the series and many strong Pro Heroes who the next generation of crime-fighters idolize.
My Hero Academia has made Izuku “Deku” Midoriya its priority since the very first episode, but the growing adolescent’s journey to becoming a world-famous hero has also gradually pushed the character to an overpowered place where it’s increasingly difficult to suspend disbelief over his fate.
10 He Has Multiple Quirks
There are many unique factors that bring the characters in My Hero Academia success, but one of the biggest assets for any hero or villain is a formidable Quirk. Midoriya is in quite a unique situation where he’s born without a Quirk, only to gradually acquire more than most other characters in the series. Deku learns that he has the capacity to control seven different Quirks, a luxury that surpasses the majority of his peers. Blackwhip and Float are the first additional Quirks that Deku masters, but he has multiple abilities at his disposal.
9 He Has All Might Looking After Him
There’s a hierarchy that exists within My Hero Academia’s society, and all of the top individuals on the Pro Hero Billboard Charts are legends in their own right. The former Number One Pro Hero, All Might, was Deku’s favorite as he grew up, which makes it particularly special when All Might brings Midoriya into his life. All Might provides Deku with many important opportunities, but behind them all is also an unwavering support system. All Might makes sure that Deku is as prepared as possible in whatever endeavor he tackles. He’s an important figure to have in his corner.
8 He’s The Current Bearer Of The Extremely Powerful One For All Quirk
The catalyst that helps kick off My Hero Academia in the first place is the circumstances that unite All Might and Midoriya, which ultimately results in All Might bequeathing his One For All Quirk over to the optimistic child.
Just like that, Midoriya quickly becomes one of the most powerful characters in My Hero Academia. His control over One For All is very much a work in progress, but it’s one of the most coveted Quirks and his possession of it already puts him on the track to success.
7 His Current Work Study Is At Endeavor’s Hero Agency
Some individuals in My Hero Academia are naturally powerful, but institutions like U.A. High exist to make sure that these special people can properly cultivate their powers. U.A. High allows heroes-in-training to better themselves in many ways, but the work study program at prestigious hero agencies is one of the biggest perks. Deku benefits from spending substantial time at Endeavor’s Hero Agency, which is one of the top agencies in the nation. Midoriya has an impressive foundation of knowledge and skills, but his abilities and reputation only improve through his work with Endeavor’s team.
6 He Has The Previous One For All Vestiges In His Subconscious
A major revelation with Deku’s character during the fifth season of My Hero Academia is that he discovers that he has a direct connection with all of the previous users of One For All. This is initially a confusing and overwhelming experience for Midoriya, but he learns to value these extra sage voices. A lot of the time, these vestiges of the past help Midoriya better understand their previous Quirks, but they also give him insight into the past between All For One and the original One For All user, plus general hero insight.
5 He’s Been Trained By Multiple Noteworthy Pro Heroes
There are countless cases where headstrong heroes or villains who think that they know everything will impulsively head into battle, only to become deeply humbled. It’s important for a competent mentor to help individuals hone their skills and build a foundation of principles that will support them through their lives.
Deku is extremely lucky in the sense that he’s studied under some of the strongest Pro Heroes. He begins his hero training under All Might, progresses to intensive work with Gran Torino, then studies under Sir Nighteye, only to end up as one of Endeavor’s pupils.
4 He’s Forced To Match The Strength Of Tomura Shigaraki, Who’s Gotten Exceptionally Strong
A lot of the time, in shonen anime series, a hero’s strength and progress are directly in relation to the villain that they’re up against. Tomura Shigaraki, in conjunction with All For One, set their sights on Midoriya in a very dangerous way. Shigaraki receives a serious boost in power that seems impossible to counter. This consistent heightening of Shigaraki’s power leaves My Hero Academia with no alternative other than for Deku to meet and surpass this strength. If the series took more time with Shigaraki’s progression, then the same would be true for Deku.
3 His Multiple Quirks Cover A Broad Range
Izuku Midoriya isn’t the only character in My Hero Academia to benefit from multiple Quirks, but he’s definitely someone that has the most eclectic range of powers. It’s one thing to just have several Quirks that can be used, but Midoriya’s different abilities complement each other and aren’t just all strength-based. This leaves Deku with exceptionally diverse powers where he’s capable of almost anything, with no situation that he can’t handle. Additionally, Deku is such a bookworm that he already has a lot of knowledge and is quick to master his temperamental abilities, even if it happens incrementally.
2 Plot Armor Syndrome Guarantees That He’ll Survive And Become The Number One Hero
“Plot armor” is a major problem in any long-running series, not just anime, and it’s sometimes responsible for a suspenseful anime becoming predictable. It can be difficult to find the right balance of strength for shonen protagonists, which frequently plagues Deku’s character. This isn’t helped by the fact that My Hero Academia begins with the announcement that Midoriya will succeed in his quest and become a legendary hero. It’s clear that he’s not going to die, and Deku is typically the one who always gets the big win against an enemy. It reduces any sense of danger.
1 Every Character Has His Back
Intelligence, intuition, and Quirk strength are all important in My Hero Academia, but the series also frequently emphasizes how important it is to be able to work as a team. Plenty of My Hero Academia characters function like closed-off lone wolves, but Deku is the opposite. The latest arc in the series has Midoriya head off into what seems like guaranteed danger, yet his friends are endlessly concerned over his safety. Everyone is ready to sacrifice themselves for Deku, defend him, or confess their crushes. Even those that were bullies and rivals with Deku grow to love him.