As My Hero Academia fans may recall, during the series’ gradual approach to its finale, creator Kohei Horikoshi executed a surprising narrative twist by resurrecting Katsuki Bakugo. While many welcomed this return, a notable portion of the audience expressed skepticism regarding Horikoshi’s apparent reluctance to allow consequential character deaths.
In Bakugo’s case, his return was somewhat rationalized through Pro Hero Edgeshot’s sacrifice, who transformed into a smaller form to save him. However, a stark contrast lies in the fate of Gran Torino. During the intense events of the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, Shigaraki Tomura inflicted severe harm on Gran Torino, seemingly leading him to his end. Yet, it later emerged that he survived this encounter with no explanation from the narrative.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga.
The Unexplained Survival of Gran Torino
During his confrontation with Shigaraki, Gran Torino faced immediate peril as the villain crushed his leg and ruthlessly drove his arm through Gran Torino’s chest. Under ordinary circumstances, such a brutal attack would be fatal for any hero. Astonishingly, Gran Torino survived, receiving medical assistance afterward and being admitted to a hospital. Despite his weakened condition and incapacitation for much of the rest of the storyline, Horikoshi provided no clarity regarding his miraculous survival.
Shonen manga frequently employs a trope wherein the death of a mentor propels the protagonist to new heights. The decision to keep both All Might and Gran Torino alive may indicate Horikoshi’s intent to diverge from this trend. Notably, Izuku Midoriya (Deku) benefits from a multitude of mentors rather than just one or two. His guiding figures include All Might, Eraser Head, Gran Torino, Sir Nighteye, and Endeavor; tragically, only Sir Nighteye met a demise, raising eyebrows about the narrative choice.
This dynamic suggests that the introduction of Sir Nighteye served primarily to fulfill the mentor death trope, allowing Horikoshi to preserve more prominent characters while sacrificing him. Given Gran Torino’s extensive experience mentoring three One For All users and the fulfillment of his promise to Nana Shimura, it arguably would have been more fitting for him to meet his end after witnessing Shigaraki’s onslaught.
The potential impact of Gran Torino’s death could have profound effects on characters like Izuku and Toshinori Yagi. Such a loss might have spurred them to exceed their limits in the climactic battles ahead. Before the story’s resolution, Gran Torino passing his cape to Deku resonated as a symbolic gesture; had it been bequeathed following his death, the emotional weight of the moment would have skyrocketed.
Despite the odds, Gran Torino showcases resilience and is later seen in the manga with Toshinori Yagi, months after the Final War, further amplifying the curiosity surrounding his unexplained survival.