My Hero Academia: Debunking the Myth of the Dark Hero Through Evidence

The My Hero Academia universe showcases a host of commendable and inspiring characters that have won the hearts of anime enthusiasts globally. Most of Kohei Horikoshi’s creations serve as exemplary figures for fans, embodying justice and virtue. However, Hawks, the number two hero, stands apart as a morally ambiguous figure, often portrayed as someone who would blindly follow orders.

Despite the narrative’s attempts to frame him as a dark moral character, Keigo’s choices reflect a different reality. Even his most controversial decision—eliminating Twice—can be justified, as the villain posed a significant risk to innocent lives during the intense conflicts in the series’ Final War arc.

Hawks: Not Just an Anti-Hero

Keigo Takami: More Righteous Than Misunderstood

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Keigo Takami, popularly known as Hawks, emerges as one of the most compelling and capable characters in the My Hero Academia narrative. His backstory is rooted in hardship, as he endured a traumatic childhood marked by an abusive father. He dreamt of being rescued by a hero who would shield him from suffering and empower him against evil. Eventually, Hawks became a pivotal asset for the Hero Public Safety Commission (HPSC), embodying their vision of justice.

Upon his introduction in episode #87, viewers learned that beneath his charming facade lay a ruthless operative. Hawks had taken on the role of an assassin for the HPSC, eliminating threats to Hero Society’s stability. A seemingly shocking moment involved the alleged assassination of his heroic colleague, Best Jeanist, to gain the League of Villains’ trust. However, as the plot unfolded, these instances were reframed, portraying Hawks in a more favorable light.

For instance, Best Jeanist’s supposed death was later clarified as a ruse, a plan to assist Hawks. Furthermore, even against the backdrop of his assassin’s reputation, Hawks was never depicted as committing unjust acts. Most of his actions in the series were driven by a righteous purpose, with his manipulative approach to infiltrating the League being the most morally complex of his choices.

The Justification Behind Hawks’ Darkest Choice

Twice: A Genuine Threat

My Hero Academia: Hawks kills Twice.

One of the most emotionally charged moments in My Hero Academia is the death of Twice, a character deeply scarred by his past. Jin’s tragic life led him to join the League of Villains, where he sought acceptance. His Quirk, Double, allowed him to create clones, which ironically filled him with paranoia about his existence. Although he wasn’t inherently villainous, his allegiance to the League drew him into conflict with heroes like Hawks.

Hawks, who viewed Jin as a friend, sought to rescue him from a life of crime. The heartbreaking reality was that Twice remained loyal to the league, compelling Hawks to make an agonizing decision. While this act may seem merciless, it was driven by an urgent need for self-preservation and the protection of others. With Twice’s potential to generate countless clones, Hawks faced the dire necessity of eliminating a threat to society.

Toga’s Actions Showcase the Danger of Twice

The Dire Consequences Unleashed by Jin

Toga uses Sad Man's Parade during the Final War against the heroes.

In chapter #374 of the manga, Toga Himiko utilizes her Quirk to transform into Twice, demonstrating the tremendous threat he posed. She unleashed an army of clones onto the battlefield, overwhelming the heroes and nearly turning the tide of battle against them. The ensuing conflict would have likely ended in disaster for the heroes were it not for Ochako’s intervention, reminding Toga of her humanity.

Toga’s encounter with Hawks serves as concrete evidence of the danger a living Twice would have been. Given the HSPC’s relentless training, Hawks understood the critical implications of not neutralizing the threat. While his actions were undeniably brutal, the extraordinary context surrounding Twice positioned the event as a difficult but necessary choice aimed at safeguarding peace.

The Complex Morality of Heroism

All Might: A Paragon with a Dark Side

My Hero Academia: All for One and All Might go at it.

My Hero Academia hints at Hawks being a morally ambiguous figure due to his lethal decision concerning Twice, yet he is not alone in this moral gray area. All Might, celebrated as the greatest hero in the series, faced a similar crossroads. During his fateful battle against All For One, Toshinori was driven to destroy his enemy’s skull, knowing that anything less would allow the villain another chance to wreak havoc.

All Might’s actions serve as a testament to his character, showing that even the most revered hero can make grave choices in the name of justice. Therefore, it becomes incongruous to label Hawks as lesser in virtue when both characters follow similar paths for the greater good.

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