My Hero Academia hasn’t portrayed exemplary father figures, with Endeavor’s abusive tendencies being a prime example.
However, he’s not the sole dad under scrutiny. Izuku’s absent father and Shigaraki’s abusive father, Kotaro Shimura, also raise concerns among fans.
Kotaro Shimura’s character is further condemned in Chapter 417 of My Hero Academia, shedding light on his troubled past.
The manga reveals how he subjected his son, Shigaraki, to relentless abuse, contributing to the latter’s descent into villainy. Shigaraki’s upbringing, marred by abandonment and abuse, fuels his hatred toward heroes.
In a poignant scene within Shigaraki’s mind, Izuku and Nana Shimura witness Kotaro’s violent behavior towards his son. As he physically assaults Shigaraki, Nana regrets abandoning Kotaro in the past, acknowledging her role in the family’s turmoil.
The revelation does little to alleviate Shigaraki’s suffering. His traumatic experiences mirror those of Todoroki, who endured similar abuse from his father, Endeavor.
However, while Endeavor’s abuse stemmed from a desire for his son to surpass All Might, Kotaro’s actions appear to be a result of his own unresolved childhood trauma, which he projected onto his son.
This chapter was amazing!
With the inclusion of Overhaul, I’ve been thinking Shigaraki and Eri are similar in that they’ve been abused by their father figures. I think she’s the key to saving him.
Shigaraki decays, while Eri restores, think about it.#MHA417 #MHASPOILERS pic.twitter.com/zZrxHqJBMm
— #Strike4Gaza (@fubukiss__) March 17, 2024
For those following the manga, My Hero Academia is available on the Shonen Jump app. Meanwhile, the anime adaptation can be enjoyed on Crunchyroll, with the upcoming season seven set to premiere this spring. To get deeper into the series, here’s the official synopsis:
Midoriya and Shigaraki witnessing the memories that torment Shigaraki, from Nana's photo to the mistreatment he suffered from his father, Kotaro, Nana can't hold back and starts crying after facing What certain choices of hers did to her family in the future. pic.twitter.com/FT6n9EmliQ
— Ronaldinho Soccer (Ronald) (@Ronald20616191) March 17, 2024
“Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but he hasn’t got an ounce of power in him. With no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes, his life is looking more and more like a dead end.
Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny…”
