The My Hero Academia final war commenced with significant anticipation but faced a rocky start, leaving Japan vulnerable amidst a severe Villain outbreak. Star and Stripe, America’s No. 1 Hero, entered the fray to aid Japan at All Might’s request but tragically fell short against Tomura Shigaraki.
Star and Stripe, also known as Cathleen Bates, possessed the potent Quirk “New Order,” capable of altering reality by naming and touching objects.
Her introduction in the series was heralded as a pivotal moment, showcasing her remarkable abilities and combat prowess akin to All Might himself. Her admiration for All Might stemmed from a childhood incident where he rescued her family from robbers in Los Angeles, shaping her path toward becoming a Pro Hero.
Star and Stripe’s Potential Was Wasted
Despite her reputation as America’s top Hero, Star and Stripe’s encounter with Shigaraki proved fatal, raising questions about the utilization of her character’s potential. Her swift exit in just two episodes left viewers feeling her abilities were underutilized, particularly considering her significance and parallels with All Might.
The missed opportunity for Star and Stripe to reunite with her idol, All Might, added emotional depth that could have enriched the narrative. A mentor-student dynamic between Star and Stripe and Deku, under All Might’s tutelage, held promise for character development and lessons in heroism.
Horikoshi could have leveraged Star and Stripe’s character more effectively, highlighting her as a symbol of hope and strength akin to All Might. Her survival could have provided an impactful ally for the Heroes in the final battle and enriched Class 1-A’s exposure to international heroes.
Ultimately, while Star and Stripe’s contribution in neutralizing Shigaraki’s Quirks was significant, her premature exit underscored missed narrative opportunities. Her potential to evolve beyond her initial portrayal as America’s No. 1 Hero remains unexplored, leaving fans to ponder what could have been in this pivotal moment of the My Hero Academia saga.
