In the latest chapter of My Hero Academia, chapter 423, the Final War arc reaches its long-awaited conclusion, wrapping up the stories of All For One and Tomura Shigaraki.
In a climactic battle, Deku receives unexpected assistance from Shigaraki to finally defeat the Demon Lord. However, the resolution of Shigaraki’s character has left the fandom divided, with many feeling his end was rushed.
Why Fans Were Dissatisfied with Tomura Shigaraki’s Conclusion
The culmination of Shigaraki’s story, though dramatic, spanned only two and a half pages. Some fans felt that this brief conclusion did not do justice to the character’s extensive development throughout the series. Given the buildup towards Shigaraki’s potential redemption, many had anticipated a more drawn-out and profound farewell.
In the final moments of chapter 423, Shigaraki assists Deku, symbolizing a significant turn in his character arc. A memorable panel shows Deku standing victorious as Shigaraki’s body disintegrates under the sunlight, marking the end of the epic battle. Despite the impactful imagery, the brevity of Shigaraki’s conclusion left a segment of the fandom feeling unfulfilled.
2 and a half pages for Shigaraki's conclusion sure is… something #MHA423
— Rukasu (@RukasuMHA) May 16, 2024
Fans took to social media to express their mixed feelings about Shigaraki’s sendoff. While some appreciated the poignant, albeit brief, ending, others argued it was inadequate for a character of Shigaraki’s complexity and importance. Criticisms focused on the rushed nature of his demise, contrasting it with the more extended resolution of All For One’s story within the same chapter.
Several fans highlighted the need for a full chapter dedicated to Shigaraki’s farewell to adequately explore his redemption and the emotional weight of his journey.
Comments like, “I feel like Shiggy needed at least a whole chapter. Maybe we’ll get more next chapter,”
echoed a common sentiment. Others noted that while they understood the frustration, they found satisfaction in the closure provided.
The chapter does feature a brief but meaningful conversation between Shigaraki and Deku, where Shigaraki mentions his grandmother, Nana Shimura, and acknowledges her role in saving him from total annihilation.
This dialogue, though impactful, was considered too short by many fans who felt it lacked the depth warranted by Shigaraki’s character arc.
Fans’ reactions varied, with some expressing disappointment:
“Really feel like he needed one whole chapter for him to go properly, most of this chapter was the end of AFO, Shigaraki felt super rushed.”
Others found merit in the execution despite the brevity:
“I think it was done well personally but I can see the frustration.”
Chapter 423 of My Hero Academia delivered a powerful ending to the Final War arc, concluding the narratives of both All For One and Tomura Shigaraki.
While the chapter succeeded in portraying the epic scope of the final battle, the hurried nature of Shigaraki’s sendoff left a significant portion of the fandom desiring more. The divide in fan opinions highlights the challenge of providing a satisfying conclusion to complex characters within limited panel space.