Since its debut in 2016, My Hero Academia has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its unique and creatively constructed world. However, alongside its undeniable strengths, the show also harbors notable flaws that have yet to be tackled. Despite its immense popularity, My Hero Academia grapples with certain issues that remain unaddressed.
Among these issues are the excessive focus on certain characters and the presence of seemingly invincible characters. Additionally, the show has been criticized for relegating some of its most intriguing characters to the background. While the series boasts an array of promising directions it could take and topics it could delve into, these potential avenues remain largely unexplored.
The success of My Hero Academia has undoubtedly solidified its place in the realm of anime, yet its unresolved flaws beg for attention. As fans continue to engage with the show's universe, they hope to witness growth and improvement in addressing these persistent concerns.
8. My Hero Academia Movies: Expanding Realms, Missed Connections
The resounding success of My Hero Academia has given rise to a series of three movies, with whispers of a fourth on the horizon. Each installment offers fans fresh escapades, transporting Izuku Midoriya and his classmates into new and exciting adventures on both domestic and international fronts. These films introduce novel characters and looming threats that possess the potential to reshape the narrative landscape. However, a notable drawback is that the movies are designed as self-contained tales, diverging from the intricate tapestry of the main anime plot.
Regrettably, this disconnect results in the underutilization of prominent characters and the glossing over of pivotal character development for the central cast. One standout example lies in Bakugo's transformative narrative arc in the second movie, which ignited fervent discussions among fans. This arc, however, was subsequently retconned, relegating compelling story elements and characters to the shadows of oblivion.
7. A Depressing Reality in My Hero Academia: The Rapid Loss of Faith in Heroes
One of the most disheartening aspects of the My Hero Academia universe is how swiftly public faith in heroes crumbles after the departure of All Might. The shift is so abrupt that everyday citizens turn against the heroes, their sudden animosity painting these valiant figures as the very villains they are sworn to combat.
The Pro Heroes and aspiring heroes, who dedicate themselves to safeguarding society and facing danger head-on, find themselves marginalized and ostracized as scapegoats for the havoc wreaked by villains. While it's true that heroes are not without their vulnerabilities, they certainly cannot be held accountable for the destruction orchestrated by malicious individuals. Witnessing even seasoned heroes succumb to disillusionment is heart-wrenching, and the speed with which this deterioration occurs feels almost cruel in its immediacy.
6. Uraraka's Journey of Growth and Transformation
Ochaco Uraraka, one of the lesser-highlighted characters in My Hero Academia, falls victim to one of the show's most glaring character missteps. Initially introduced in the first season with promise as a budding hero, Uraraka exuded a blend of kindness and determination that hinted at her potential. While she showcased developing camaraderie with Midoriya, her aspirations seemed rooted in her desire to follow her hero's path and help her parents. Regrettably, Uraraka's narrative trajectory took a disheartening turn, evolving into a character arc that has left many fans disappointed.
The initial seeds of Uraraka's character assassination are sown when her motivations appear to shift from aspiring to be a hero for the greater good to wanting to gain Midoriya's admiration. This subtle transition overshadowed the individuality and depth that she initially conveyed. What emerges is a portrayal where Uraraka's actions and decisions revolve almost exclusively around her connection to Midoriya. Her character seems to lose its agency and essence, reduced to the shadow of her interactions with the male lead. Even her internal struggle, supposedly about overcoming personal feelings to focus on heroism, inadvertently reinforces this one-dimensional attachment.
Uraraka's narrative downfall becomes even more apparent when her interactions with Toga are examined. What could have been a layered rivalry is instead steeped in a narrow context, where both characters' sentiments towards Midoriya serve as the primary motivator for their conflict. The reduction of Uraraka's depth to a single fixation undermines her potential to be a multi-dimensional character who can grow and evolve independently of her connection to Midoriya.
5. The Absence of Consequences in Midoriya's Journey
At the outset of the series, Izuku Midoriya stepped onto the stage as a promising protagonist, embodying the quintessential underdog narrative while steadfastly chasing his dream of becoming a hero. His journey was marred by initial naivety, leading to tangible consequences whenever his nascent Quirk was pushed to its limits. Yet, as the seasons progressed, Midoriya's trajectory has taken a significant turn, ushering him towards an aura of invincibility.
Midoriya's evolution is underscored by his consistent triumph over adversities that once posed genuine threats. Regardless of warnings from peers about the potential for permanent injury, he emerges unscathed from each ordeal, perpetuating an air of invulnerability. Bolstered by the incorporation of new Quirks bestowed by One For All, Midoriya's physical prowess is on a continuous ascent. However, this very ascent carries a double-edged implication - the once-heightened stakes have now somewhat diminished.
As Midoriya transcends his initial limitations, the suspense that once surrounded his every move appears to wane, resulting in a possible dampening of fan engagement. His newfound capabilities, coupled with his remarkable resilience, may have inadvertently muted the tension that makes for an engaging narrative. This shift prompts a reevaluation of Midoriya's character arc, raising questions about the sustainability of his invincibility and the vitality of his ongoing journey.
4. The Absence of Complex Villains in My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia boasts a diverse array of villains, some of whom could be contenders for the title of the most despicable antagonists in the anime realm. While characters like Stain, Twice, and possibly Toga bring complexity and nuance to the antagonist side, the majority of the villains are portrayed as sinister figures with a penchant for chaos.
Interestingly, the series appears to struggle with maintaining multifaceted villains. When a character with depth emerges, the narrative often leads them to a swift exit. Stain, whose ideology questioned the hero society's flaws, was incarcerated, and Twice met his end during the War Arc. Even Lady Nagant, who took on a villainous role to challenge corrupt heroes, faces significant peril. Conversely, many other featured villains remain relatively one-dimensional, driven solely by a desire for power and societal destruction.
3. The Complexity of Endeavor: Exploring Redemption and Beyond
Endeavor's character arc in My Hero Academia is nothing short of controversial, evoking a spectrum of opinions from viewers. While many perceive him as a resolute hero who effectively tackles challenges, a stark contrast exists between this public persona and the perception held by his own family – a portrayal that forms a central narrative focus in the series. My Hero Academia dedicates substantial time to exploring Endeavor's journey of self-redemption, a quest to mend his past transgressions.
However, the manner in which this redemption arc is executed appears to raise pertinent questions. Throughout the narrative, there seems to be a calculated effort to humanize Endeavor and underline his remorse, often subtly insinuating that his children are inclined to forgive and move beyond his past mistakes. Yet, amidst this concerted attempt, a lingering sense of unease arises. The show's trajectory delves into Endeavor's complexities and attempts to showcase his transformation, yet it leaves a lingering concern that his atonement lacks sufficient accountability for the magnitude of his past actions.
2. Addressing Female Heroism Gap
While "My Hero Academia" has captivated audiences with its unique superhero universe, it has also come under scrutiny for its handling of female characters, particularly female heroes. Among the spotlight-stealing villains like Toga, many female characters find themselves overshadowed by their male counterparts, raising concerns about the portrayal and treatment of women in the series.
A striking issue that emerges is the vulnerability of female heroes in comparison to their male peers. Instances like Ragdoll losing her Quirk, Mirko suffering the loss of an arm, and Midnight meeting a tragic fate on the battlefield underscore the unequal struggles female characters endure. Even among the student body, female characters often occupy minor roles, with instances like Mina Ashido's missed opportunity to confront Gigantomachia being overshadowed by her male counterpart Eijiro Kirishima. The female ensemble of "My Hero Academia" boasts rich potential for depth and development, but it appears that the narrative often sidelines them in favor of their male counterparts.
1. Young Heroes in Adult Battles
At its core, My Hero Academia revolves around the journey of young individuals aspiring to become esteemed heroes. These individuals are not just your average teenagers; they are high school freshmen embarking on the path of hero education. A curious aspect of the series is that despite their status as adolescents, the students of Class 1-A find themselves frequently engaged in combat situations. While the seasoned adult Pro Heroes confront hidden adversaries behind the scenes, many of the show's young characters are thrust onto the frontlines of battle.
Interestingly, the narrative of My Hero Academia often emphasizes the need to shield these youngsters from harm's way. However, there's a paradoxical dynamic at play where these very students, who are still honing their skills, are not only permitted but at times encouraged to face some of Japan's most perilous villains. This becomes evident as even figures like Midoriya engage in vigilante activities with support from heroes like All Might, Best Jeanist, and Hawks. Undeniably, the young heroes of Class 1-A display remarkable prowess, but the series raises a valid concern about the realism and prudence of allowing them to partake in such high-stakes battles, especially considering their limited training experience.
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