In the world of My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya, affectionately known as Deku, stands at the forefront as the main character. However, a recent interview with the creator, Kohei Horikoshi, revealed a surprising twist—Deku is not Horikoshi’s favorite character. This revelation has taken many fans aback, given Deku’s pivotal role within the franchise.
Although Deku embodies numerous admirable traits of a hero, Horikoshi’s primary attachment lies elsewhere. He openly declared that All Might, revered as the Symbol of Peace and Deku’s guiding inspiration, is, in fact, his favorite character in the series. All Might’s influence throughout the story is both profound and essential.
Kohei Horikoshi’s Favorite My Hero Academia Hero: All Might
A Deep Connection with All Might
In an insightful interview featured in the Heroes: Rising Bonus Booklet from December 2019 and shared on Reddit by MetaCantina, Horikoshi described All Might as the character he feels most “attached”to. This emotional connection is especially notable considering the diverse cast of heroes and villains present in My Hero Academia.
Horikoshi elaborated on the role All Might played during the writing process, stating that his character often provided clarity and guidance whenever the creator found himself at a crossroads. All Might’s profound wisdom and unwavering dedication to protecting others served as a beacon, weaving together pivotal scenes throughout the narrative.
Additionally, some of Horikoshi’s favorite quotes from the series, such as “You can be a hero”and “This is your hero academia,”are delivered by All Might. This further underscores the creator’s admiration for him, emphasizing All Might’s impact not just on Deku, but on the overarching narrative of the series. In Horikoshi’s view, All Might fundamentally “laid the rails for this manga,”showcasing his crucial role in shaping the story’s trajectory.
All Might: The Foundation of My Hero Academia’s Narrative
Defining Heroism Through All Might
All Might is much more than just a prominent hero; he is the narrative’s cornerstone. While Deku is the protagonist, his journey to heroism was deeply influenced by All Might’s mentorship and encouragement. Despite being born Quirkless and facing doubts from those around him, Deku found solace in All Might’s heroic exploits, which fueled his aspirations and maintained his hope that he could one day embody the essence of a hero.
However, Deku’s relationship with All Might transcends mere admiration. All Might officially passed down his One For All Quirk to Deku, providing him the essential power needed for his hero journey. This act symbolizes the profound influence All Might has on multiple lives, shaping not only Deku’s destiny but also altering the fabric of Hero Society itself. His nickname, the Symbol of Peace, reflects the reassurance his mere presence instilled in citizens who looked toward him for protection.
All Might: Central to the Series’ Most Memorable Moments
All Might’s Ongoing Significance Post-Quirk
All Might is a central figure in many of My Hero Academia’s most iconic scenes, even after he passes his Quirk to Deku. One of the defining moments came during his epic clash with All For One, where he proclaimed, “Now it’s your turn,”marking a significant moment of legacy transfer. This scene epitomizes All Might’s lifetime dedication to safeguarding the innocent and illustrates his unwavering resolve, irrespective of his diminished strength.
Not only has All Might shaped Deku’s life, but he has also positively impacted other heroes, including Bakugo Katsuki and Sir Nighteye. His influence resonated deep within all he encountered, reinforcing the notion that All Might embodies the quintessential hero. His traits of courage, compassion, and inner strength reflect the very themes explored throughout My Hero Academia. Without All Might, the series might not have reached its current heights, solidifying Horikoshi’s strong emotional bond with this beloved character.
Source: u/MetaCantina on Reddit