Overview of Leadership in My Hero Academia
- Ida exemplifies leadership by steadfastly adhering to U.A.’s rules and principles.
- Endeavor’s intense drive to defeat villains inspires and motivates his students.
- Shigaraki evolves into a leader, connecting with his fellow villains even as he navigates uncertainty.
Leading a group, be it a team of heroes or a faction of villains, presents a formidable challenge. Within the universe of My Hero Academia, where chaos reigns and conflicts loom ever closer, only those with courage and determination can rise as influential leaders. Despite the inherent difficulties, numerous characters within the series showcase their ability to lead, earning the admiration and respect of their followers through a combination of intelligence, reputation, and compelling charisma.
Observing a character’s journey to leadership can be particularly fascinating, as they grow into figures who inspire collective action, regardless of the dangers ahead. Below, we explore some of the most impactful leaders in My Hero Academia, focusing on their abilities to command and maintain order within their ranks.
7 Ida
Passionate President of Class 1-A
- First Appearance: Episode 3
As Class 1-A’s dedicated president, Ida diligently organizes his peers and prepares them for their upcoming exams and missions. His loyalty to U.A.’s regulations is unwavering, as shown when he intervened to stop Midoriya from pursuing Bakugo. This sense of responsibility positions him as a reliable leader, even if he doesn’t always make the best choices.
Ida’s leadership often adds humor to the narrative, with numerous moments dedicated to his enthusiastic yet somewhat absurd attempts to motivate his classmates. Nonetheless, he can pivot and display significant resolve when circumstances demand it, positioning him as a critical leader during key arcs in the series.
6 Endeavor
Enthusiastic Mentor with a Zeal for Justice
- First Appearance: Episode 17
Endeavor, albeit not the most temperate character, emerges as a prominent figure admired by the younger generation, compelling him into a leadership role. His true leadership capabilities were revealed when he guided Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki, providing practical advice on identifying and confronting villains.
While his impulsive nature can occasionally lead to reckless decisions, such as sprinting after a villain without his team, Endeavor excels at rallying others. His ascent to the top hero position demonstrated his courage and tenacity, especially during the hospital raid where he played a pivotal role in organizing the response.
5 Tomura Shigaraki
Evolving Leader of the League of Villains
- First Appearance: Episode 8
Although Shigaraki held a leadership position in the League of Villains from the start, it wasn’t until All For One’s defeat that he truly embraced the responsibilities of a leader. Throughout the series, he gradually becomes a more centralized figurehead, emphasizing the importance of his comrades, the only individuals he claims to truly care for in a world he aims to destroy.
Despite some instances of aimlessness, particularly noticeable at the beginning of the My Villain Academia arc when his lack of direction frustrated his team, Shigaraki ultimately commanded attention. His leadership culminated in orchestrating a historic attack that escalated the notoriety of the League of Villains.
4 Overhaul
The Strategic Leader of the Shie Hassaikai
- First Appearance: Episode 62
Kai Chisaki, better known as Overhaul, embodies organization and tactics. His meticulous planning and strategic mind have earned him the loyalty of his crew, who view him as a distinguished tactician. Overhaul’s ability to communicate his ideology—framing “Hero Syndrome”as a societal ailment—gives him a persuasive edge, captivating followers despite his violent methods.
While he shows favoritism among his followers, exemplified by his ruthless nature towards those who question him, his status as a significant player in the Yakuza and eloquent outlook make him a compelling leader for those who feel marginalized.
3 Re-Destro
Commanding the Meta Liberation Army
- First Appearance: Episode 108
Re-Destro, named in tribute to the revolutionary figure Destro, champions the use of Quirks for all individuals without oppressive regulation. His charisma and authority have enabled him to amass a substantial following within the Meta Liberation Army, all eager to support his vision for freedom.
Though his Stress Quirk can lead to moments of instability, it also empowers him when channeling his emotions positively. While ultimately he yielded his position to Shigaraki, Re-Destro’s relentless determination and strong ideological framework solidified his leadership influence.
2 All For One
Master Manipulator of Villainy
- First Appearance: Episode 49
Before the inception of My Hero Academia, All For One ruled Japan from behind the scenes, exercising his power to bestow and strip away Quirks. This ability allowed him to impose some semblance of order during the tumultuous early days of Quirk discovery.
Even with the emergence of heroes like All Might, All For One’s pervasive reach maintained his influence, mentoring many prominent villains, including Shigaraki and Lady Nagant. His extraordinary powers and deceptive promises enable him to rally followers effortlessly, showcasing a unique, albeit sinister, form of leadership.
1 Nezu
The Unlikely Leader of U.A. High School
- First Appearance: Episode 4
Despite his small stature and seemingly unassuming demeanor, Nezu serves as the head of U.A., commanding respect from numerous powerful Pro Heroes. His Quirk significantly enhances his intelligence, allowing him to outsmart not only most individuals but also navigate complex situations that threaten the institution.
Given the relentless series of villain attacks and crises during his tenure, Nezu’s ability to maintain U.A.’s esteemed reputation is impressive. Pro Heroes including All Might and Endeavor rely on his strategic acumen for critical missions. His remarkable analytical skills ensure that he adeptly manages, analyzes, and resolves crises, solidifying his position as an outstanding leader of U.A.