My Hero Academia deals with many different social issues, one of which is the treatment of people with Quirks that significantly change their appearance. This theme is explored primarily through the character Spinner in The Final War.
However, many fans felt this comment was too little, too late in the plot, even as it highlighted how many heroes and villains have unusual appearances thanks to their powers.
One such character is Mina Ashido, who has pink skin and black eyes along with her poisonous Quirk. She is loved by fans because of her cheerful personality, humor, and friendship with Kirishima.
But her unique appearance also makes readers curious – why does she look so different? An earlier exploration of how Mina and mutants like her navigate a world that doesn’t always accept differences could have enriched the themes.
There is certainly the potential for bias and discrimination that people with clearly demonstrated talent face.
While Spinner’s role raises thought-provoking questions, incorporating this commentary on earlier issues of inclusion and diversity may resonate more deeply.
Mina Ashido and her strange legacy of physical features
An important detail in the world-building that My Hero Academia establishes early on is that children can inherit a mix of their parents’ abilities and related physical traits.
As evidenced by Shoto Todoroki’s lineage, the combination of two powerful Quirks can yield impressive results in amplifying power or even creating new abilities for the next generation.
These genetic gifts often manifest physically as well, like Shoto’s signature half-white, half-red hair reflecting his dual Quirk.
The same principles can be applied to Mina Ashido and create her rosy skin and clear dark eyes.
Perhaps one or both parents have similar distinguishing characteristics tied to their own Quirks. However, unlike famous hero families like the Todorokis that are explored throughout the story, Mina’s family remains unnamed and unseen.
However, her colorful alien-like appearance stood out from her UA classmates and shaped her early aspirations to win the professional title “Alien Queen.”
Despite ultimately choosing “Pinky,” Mina’s unique appearance remains integral to her character without the backstory details provided to many of her peers.
There could be rich storytelling potential in delving deeper into the origins of Mina’s physical uniqueness within the framework of this established Quirk inheritance.
Deferred exploration of social prejudice through Spinner
My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi clearly wanted to explore the issue of social prejudice against physical differences through the character Spinner in the Climax War arc.
As a lizard-like mutant vilified and outcast because of his appearance, Spinner reflects on the judgment and persecution he faced.
This commentary on assimilation seems intended to highlight how even some with heroic intentions can show bias towards those who appear different.
However, many fans feel Spinner’s central role in this theme is too little, too late in the final stages of the series. There are certainly other characters whose physical mutation was core to their concept from the beginning, like Mina Ashido.
But the manga may have weaved this commentary through before – addressing systemic discrimination, the psychological toll of enduring stares or cruel comments, as well as efforts by heroes and civilians alike to promote acceptance.
Incorporating these types of perspectives organically through characters intrinsically tied to this struggle rather than suddenly at the climax could have created more resonance. However, there are still foundations to build upon in accepting differences in abilities and similar appearances.
My Hero Academia Power Up Narrative Challenge
A common refrain among My Hero Academia fans is the desire to see more development and action from the Class 1-A students beyond the central trio of Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki.
Even early standout characters like Ochako Uraraka fade as the stakes get higher, the threats escalate, and Deku unlocks more Quirks. The decreasing focus on the supporting cast largely stems from the series’ significant expansion of its strength.
As Deku and the selected pro heroes exert increasing power, most of the students are unable to compete at the level necessary to impact the final clash with All For One.
Their roles become high school though the manga seems to revolve around UA high school and mastering one’s quirk. Mina Ashido barely sees any combat despite her impressive Acid Quirk.
So the basic premise of learning how to be a hero with Class 1-A is overshadowed by the spectacular battles between giants, disappointing fans who wanted more balance.
Going forward, this is a complex narrative problem for the series to tackle – proving the continued relevance of training fledgling heroes when they are clearly overwhelmed by the powers and threats threatening like a god.
However, focusing students’ perspectives and strengthening their resolve in the face of the epic battles ahead can restore some of that initial appeal and foundation. Clearly there are still stories to tell about Mina and beyond.
Mina Ashido’s distinctive rosy skin in My Hero Academia is a direct result of her acid Quirk. The acidic nature of her powers changed the pigmentation of her skin over time, turning it bright pink.
Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia, chose not to delve into the science behind this physiological change. Following the logic of his Quirk and superpowers, he simply decided that constant exposure to acid would give Mina pink skin.
