Summary
Deku's journey in My Hero Academia shows that being the greatest hero means inspiring others to take action themselves. Hard work, tenacity, and the ability to understand the villain's motivations make Deku the greatest hero. The film highlights Deku's selfless actions and ability to inspire others, showing why he is the greatest hero.
by Kohei Horikoshi My Hero AcademyIts main premise always focuses on its main character, Midoriya Izuku aka Deku, become the greatest hero. However, the definition of what makes someone the greatest hero is very different from what viewers may understand from the beginning of the film. While it was clear that Deku would become the greatest hero when he defeated the ultimate villain and freed the world from the horrors of villainy, the climax of Deku's journey proved this. that's completely different.
The ending of My Hero Academia reveals that Deku's resilience and ability to inspire others is what makes him the greatest hero. This is why Deku could probably never become a Symbol of Peace, as the title requires one to be stronger than anyone and independent, which is the opposite of Deku's dependence on others and his ability to inspire them act on your own instead of waiting to be saved. This concept makes Deku the greatest hero to ever live, and these moments have been subtly incorporated into the series multiple times.
10 Deku realized he had to work harder than everyone else
Episode 5, “What Can I Do Now”
Even after being given a powerful ability, it doesn't make Deku the strongest or greatest hero. Opposite, Deku was in great danger for possessing such a powerful ability., and using his ability recklessly will cause his body to be destroyed. Therefore, Deku had to work very hard to get powers from All Might.
Additionally, Deku continues to work harder and one of the first moments that highlights this is during the uncanny comprehension test. Realizing his limitations, Deku begins to use his limited powers, which will not hinder him from using his powers while also working harder to master it.
9. Acknowledge the bad guy's reasons for his actions instead of getting angry
Episode 85, “The School Festival Begins!!”
Kohei Horikoshi has tried to create villains for good reasons and one of the best examples in My Hero Academia is Gentle Crime. On his way to becoming a hero and achieving his dream, Danjuro Tabito has encountered many failures and ultimately chooses the wrong path to pursue his dream. Gentle Crime wants to be known to the world and his latest scheme will bring the school festival to a halt.
Deku tries his best to stop Gentle Crime and in the process, understand the motives behind Gentle's sinister plots. Deku tells Gentle Crime that he needs to stop him because he understands his situation better than anyone else and even comments that they are similar. This scene highlights Deku's attempt to understand the reasons behind villains' actions instead of simply viewing them as pure evil, making Deku an inspiration for villains. follow the right path.
8 Midoriya faces his fear with a smile
Episode 37, “Katsuki Bakugo: Origins”
One of the previous tests given to the students involved escaping while fighting a pro hero. It was fate that Bakugo and Izuku had to face All Might. Although the duo did not get along, they made a good plan to escape the area and pass the test, but All Might was too strong. As Midoriya approached the exit, he tried to bait himself to create an opening for Bakugo to escape. However, All Might instead went after the hot-tempered Bakugo, crushing him.
Realizing that Deku could use this opportunity to escape, All Might remained vigilant. However, Izuku rushed forward and punched All Might while smiling, Remember All Might's teaching to smile in the face of enemies, because he feared All Might right then and freed Bakugo instead. All Might then commented that Deku's priority of helping others, even in dire situations, is what sets him apart and makes him a truly great hero.
7 Prioritize saving others over passing the exam
Episode 4, “The Beginning”
To get into UA, Deku had to take several tests, but the one that highlighted Midoriya's heroic abilities was one where participants had to defeat robots to gain points. Having just learned his Quirk and not knowing how to use it, Deku found himself with almost no points near the end of the test. When a giant robot, worth zero, ravaged and destroyed the buildings, it trapped Uraraka under the rubble.
Fearing that Uraraka might be crushed by the robot, Deku feels compelled to take action. Despite his initial hesitation and inexperience with One For All, he mustered his courage and used his powers for the first time to defeat the robot. All Might appropriately emphasizes that this test also evaluates heroic spirit of sacrificea quality that Deku uniquely brings out in its participants.
6 Deku inspires Todoroki to give his all
Episode 23, “Shoto Todoroki: Origins”
My Hero Academia features other great heroes that have the potential to become the greatest heroes to ever exist, and Todoroki is certainly one of the strongest contenders for this race. In fact, Shoto's abilities could also help him achieve the title of Symbol of Peace. However, none of this would have been possible if Deku had not inspired Todoroki to use his full power when the two heroes fought each other in a contest.
Todoroki refuses to use his fire powers because he wanted to reject the power he inherited from his father out of hatred. This eventually begins to lead to Todoroki losing to Deku. But Deku realizes that Todoroki is holding back and inspires Todoroki to give his all. Later in the series, Todoroki also thanks Midoriya for this important moment, which proves that Deku also has the ability to inspire heroes.
5 Deku helped Ida when he needed it most
Episode 29, “Hero Assassin: Stain vs UA Students”
Season 2 of My Hero Academia still builds Deku up to be a powerful hero, but as he watches All Might and tries to carry out his mentor's teachings, Deku shows signs of maturity. Ida rushes in alone to confront Stain, a mysterious villain from the series who is on a killing spree. Even though Ida said he didn't need help from others, Deku and Todoroki came to help Ida because they were worried.
Deku reflects that Being a true hero means helping even when not asked. Despite Iida's clear statement that he doesn't need help, it's clear to Deku that Iida needs it the most. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Deku broke the rules to rush in to save his friend, demonstrating his commitment to the ideal of heroism with more than just words.
4 Facing Overhaul with Eri on His Back, Deku Defies the Prophecy
Episode 76, “Infinite 100%”
In season 4 of My Hero Academia, Midoriya and other heroes from UA are tasked with raiding a Yakuza compound, which ultimately leads to a harrowing series of events. From Nighteye being mortally wounded to Togata Mirio losing his powers, the raid culminates when Deku confronts Overhaul. Since Deku couldn't defeat Overhual at his current level, he sought Eri's help, which gave Izuku access to Use your powers to the maximum without worrying about your body.
When the battle ended, Deku defeated Overhaul and kept his body intact thanks to Eri's power. After the battle, Nighteye commented that Deku was unique and could even challenge the prophecies. Nighteye's comments emphasize that Deku's unique abilities are the mark of a hero truly destined for greatness.
3 Deku proves to Kota why heroes exist
Episode 42, “My Hero”
After receiving a powerful ability from All Might, Deku always tries his best to make that ability his own and help everyone. The moment where Deku's willingness to save others is clearly portrayed is when Izuku risks his life to save Kota. Before the showdown between Deku and Muscle, it was revealed that Kota, having tragically lost his hero parents while protecting others, struggles to understand the concept of heroes and their roles.
As Muscle prepares to kill Kota, Deku goes all out to protect him and, despite the violent fluctuations of the battle, Deku perseveres, repeatedly getting up until he finally overcomes Muscle. The notable aspect of this scene is how Deku inspires Kota to use his Muscle powers to distract him, which gives Deku the advantage and inspiration to push past his limits. This pivotal moment helps Kota understand what it means to be a hero and Deku once again proves what makes him the greatest hero.
2 Deku's weakness inspired others to do the same
Chapter 422: Izuku Midoriya rises
Deku expressed a strong desire to save Shigaraki, seeing through the child's evil inside and outside. This altercation eventually leads to Izuku losing both of his arms, but the other heroes arrive just in time to help Midoriya. In this case, All For One admits that what makes Deku different isn't his strengthbut his weakness and determination to never give up.
Deku's weakness turns into a growing source of inspiration, motivating others to keep getting back on their feet. The ending of My Hero Academia also reveals that this is what even All Might lacks: the motivation to inspire others to act on their own. This moment in the series encapsulates what truly makes Deku the greatest hero.
1 Deku was the greatest hero even without his gift
Episode 2 “What does it take to become a hero”
Kohei Horikoshi's definition of being the greatest hero is the ability to inspire others to act on their own. This concept is portrayed very clearly at the beginning of the series, proving that Deku is already the greatest hero even if he has no vices. My Hero Academia Episode 2 has Deku jumping up to save Bakugo from the muddy villain, even though Deku is scared.
Deku revealed it his body moved instinctively when he saw Bakugo in danger and felt compelled to save him. Although Deku's actions were initially reckless and spontaneous, it eventually inspired All Might to overcome his limits and intervene. This moment from My Hero Academy is probably the best moment that demonstrates why Deku is the greatest hero.
