Summary
Among the currently running shonen series,My Hero Academiatakes a more lighthearted tone, but has its share of serious moments too. Scenes such as Bakugo getting kidnapped by the League of Villains, heartbreaking character deaths, and Deku dealing with tearful moments of defeat against nearly insurmountable obstacles give the series a darker tone than may be expected based on its bright animation style and upbeat reputation. Horikoshi explained how he manages to keep the series lighter in spite of these gloomy occurrences.
Kohei Horikoshi, creator ofMy Hero Academia,discusses how side characterslike Ochaco and Ida add bright, happy moments to the story amidst the more serious and tragic plot points.
“If there were only Izuku and Bakugou there, then sometimes things might turn out really scary, and Iida and Ochako can mediate their relationship by being their, slowly finding a balance point… that’s what I was thinking when I drew the scene. I’m touched that you’re able to see this.” - Kohei Horikoshi
Characters like Ochaco and Ida offer support and encouragement to main heroes like Bakugo and Deku, as well as keeping the story interesting and varied with their own side plots, including interpersonal struggles and working through a lack of confidence in themselves. At times,My Hero Academiacan get pretty dark and grim, with deaths and violent plots involving horrific villains, so these characters keep the series optimistic.
Ochaco Is a Positive Force in My Hero Academia
Her Encouragement and Positivity Brighten up the Series’ Darker Moments
Interestingly, Horikoshi notes Ochaco and Ida specifically as characters who keep the series bright. Ochaco isarguably the most positive character inMy Hero Academia,always encouraging those around her to keep pushing onward in spite of struggles. She herself is a hard workerwith an inspiring motivation to become a hero: supporting her parents the same way they provided for her during her childhood. Her bubbly, upbeat outlook and ever-present smile help to brighten up even the most dismal moments in the series, as her supportive words uplift other characters who may be losing motivation, especially Deku in particular.
Deku and Ochaco have romantic feelings for one another, very strongly on Ochaco’s side in particular. This contributes an added fun element of romance toMy Hero Academia,giving fans an adorable couple to root forin spite of the chaos of all the fighting and evil around them. Even as just friends, Ochaco is still one of Deku’s greatest supporters, dispensing words of advice and positivity such as, “Let’s all work hard together and laugh together again!” Even during the series' darkest moments, her presence offers hope to both her fellow students and the viewers ofMy Hero Academia.
Characters Like Ochaco and Ida Are Upbeat but Not Unrealistic
They Face Struggles Too, but Mostly Brave These Challenges With a Cheerful Outlook
Ida was another example Horikoshi gave of a character who keepsMy Hero Academiaoptimisticand enjoyable. Tenya Ida takes his hero career very seriously, eager to live up to the shining example his brother, Tensei, who is also a hero named Ingenium, modeled for him. He is a true leader, taking the role of Class 1-A’s representative.He also dispenses wisdom to his classmates, such as “Because giving help that’s not asked for… is what makes a true hero.” Ida consistently reminds those around him how to be a hero, and he bravely exemplifies it himself every day.
Ida and Ochaco’s lives are not simple or completely stress-free, though, they face struggles and setbacks like everyone else inMy Hero Academia.Ida’s brother, Tensei, was gravely injured by the Hero Killer, Stain, and even became partially paralyzed, devastating Ida. Ochaco has candidly admitted her challenges with anxiety, financial issues in her family, and coping with the deaths of other heroes close to her.Horikoshi ensures thatthese characters are still realistic, and their lives are not so outlandishly perfect as to not be relatable. They deal with troubles too, but overall face situations with a refreshing positivity.
One My Hero Academia Student Had to Undergo the Most Brutal Power-Up
In order to power up his Quirk, one My Hero Academia student had to undergo a brutal family ritual which involved removing parts of his body.
Side Characters Help “Mediate” Bakugo and Deku’s Relationship
Advice and Assistance From Others Were Integral in Resolving Bakugo and Deku’s Conflicts
Less high-stakes side plots, like Ida wanting to become an accomplished hero like his brother and Ochaco fighting to support her parents, add more lighthearted elements to the story. These characters alsohelp Bakugo and Dekuwith their tumultuous bond, helping to “mediate their relationship,” as Horikoshi describes it. Bakugo and Deku’s relationship began withBakugo bullying the latter, so help from others is definitely useful in forming a new, healthier friendship. Horikoshi described these characters as being Bakugo and Deku’s “balance point.” Their interactions are oftentimes emotionally-charged and quite cruel on Bakugo’s part, as he relentlessly slings insults at the other hero.
However, other characters in the series have helped the pair gradually work through their problems and even start to become friends. By serving as confidants and positive forces in Bakugo and Deku’s lives, characters like Ochaco and Ida not only keep the series happier as a whole, but assist Bakugo and Deku in forming a less hostile relationship that is mutually beneficial and less competitive.My Hero Academiawould not be the same without the cast of side characterswho all bring their own unique experiences and moments of encouragement to the oftentimes darker aspects, improving both themselves and others around them.
My Hero AcademiaContains Slice-Of-Life Elements
These Realistic and Lighthearted Moments Balance Out the Darker, More Violent Scenes
My Hero Academiais an action shonen at its core, butincorporates slice-of-life elements too. It focuses heavily on interpersonal relationships, both the good and the bad. There are numerous scenes of the characters at school, going to classes, worrying about studying for tests, participating in school plays, and just living life as high school students. Although the larger plot of the series focuses on heroic clashes with villains, these more average and typical moments depicting normal teenage behavior rootMy Hero Academiasomewhat in the real world and keep it brighter and balanced, just like Horikoshi intended.
Source: Kohei Horikoshi, Reddit,interview transcribed by Nakurawari
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a multimedia franchise that follows a young boy named Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without superpowers. These superpowers, known as “Quirks” are found in most people after birth, but Izuku wasn’t so lucky - until a fateful encounter with All Might, Japan’s greatest hero, Izuku inherits his Quirk and enrolls in U.A. High School to learn the true meaning of heroism. Alongside his classmates, each endowed with unique abilities, Izuku faces rigorous training and lethal threats from villainous forces.
