While My Hero Academia was initially thought to be just another superhero series with extraordinary characters saving the day and lacking depth, Kohei Horikoshi’s story stands out for its deeper look at what it means to be a hero.
My Hero Academia has connected with fans by showing how Izuku Midoriya and his friends became great heroes, thanks to Horikoshi’s unique view of heroism.
In a recent interview, Horikoshi shared his special perspective on what makes a true hero, which helps explain why the series is so unique.
From Legendary Feats to Everyday Support, My Hero Academia Reflects His Evolving Views
Horikoshi told VIZ Media that his idea of heroism has evolved over time. He used to think that heroes were those who could achieve feats that others couldn’t, like characters such as Goku or famous people like One Piece’s creator, Eiichiro Oda. However, he now sees heroes as those who support others, lend a helping hand, or offer encouragement.
“As I entered my 30s, I began to appreciate those people nearby who offer support, which ties into the current story of My Hero Academia. My appreciation has been growing toward the people who extend a helping hand or offer encouragement. For example, Imamura-san, my editor, has been a huge supporter.
I’ve grown to see these everyday helpers like him as heroes too. So now, I think anyone can be a hero, including those who support me closely”. – Kohei Horikoshi
Horikoshi believes that anyone can be a hero. His view of heroism extends beyond the extraordinary to include those who help others in everyday life. This belief is reflected in the story of My Hero Academia.
From All Might’s Flawed Solitude to the True Value of Unsolicited Help
The series questions what makes characters good or bad and challenges the typical idea of heroism in a society where being a hero is just another job or something taught in school. For example, Stain views most pro-heroes as fake and only interested in money or status. He judges them harshly but later changes his perspective.
Initially, My Hero Academia presents All Might as the ultimate hero, a powerful symbol of peace who faces threats bravely and alone. However, the story later shows that All Might’s approach of handling everything by himself was flawed. It demonstrates that accepting help from others is crucial to success.
The core message of My Hero Academia is about heroes who help others without being asked. This idea is highlighted by All Might’s quote during the U.A. Sports Festival Arc, when Deku loses a fight against Todoroki to help him embrace his own power.
“Giving help that’s not asked for is part of what makes a true hero” All Might, chapter 40.
My Hero Academia’s Core Message: True Heroism Lies in Compassion and Helping Others
This quote is a recurring theme in My Hero Academia. Deku mentions it to Ida when he saves him from Stain in chapter 52. Ida later repeats the quote to Deku in chapter 321 of the Dark Hero Arc. This highlights that being a true hero is not about having strength but about genuinely wanting to help others.
Just like Deku tried to save Tenko, real heroes are involved in others’ lives because of their compassion; they are people who help those in need.
My Hero Academia follows Deku’s journey after All Might told him he could become a hero even without a quirk. The story and the author, Horikoshi, show that Deku was already a hero from the beginning. He was willing to risk himself to save Bakugo from the Sludge Villain, even when Bakugo told him to go away.
The series teaches that everyone can be a hero. It encourages viewers to consider others and offer help even when it’s not requested. My Hero Academia shows that supporting others makes you a hero and creates a better world, which is what makes the story so special.
