The concluding arc of My Hero Academia has sparked significant debate regarding Tomura Shigaraki’s narrative resolution. While creator Kohei Horikoshi aimed for emotional resolution through Shigaraki’s potential redemption alongside Deku’s mercy, this approach appears to undermine the series’ ethical foundations.
The moment Shigaraki meets his end with a semblance of dignity lessens the impact of justice, as his extensive history of mass murder and the accompanying trauma inflicted upon survivors seem to go largely unpunished. This situation raises profound questions about accountability within the narrative.
Deku’s display of compassion, though commendable, challenges the true definition of heroism. With the tale’s emphasis on accountability for heroes, Shigaraki’s quiet conclusion feels undeserved, thereby eroding the moral stakes that previously characterized the My Hero Academia universe.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
Swift Redemption: The Flaws in Shigaraki’s Transformation
Shigaraki’s redemption arc feels rushed and inadequately addresses the severity of his criminal history. Throughout the series, he is depicted as a ruthless killer, orchestrating acts of terror and schemes aimed at mass genocide without remorse.
While the emotional weight of his last-minute transformation is palpable, the lack of substantial character development to justify such a significant change raises concerns. This rapid pivot sends a problematic message: that those who commit heinous acts can attain redemption merely through introspection, sidestepping the extensive moral evaluation that their actions warrant.
In his quest to save Shigaraki, Deku unintentionally highlights flaws in his understanding of what it means to be a hero. His belief that killing signifies systemic failure overlooks the reality that certain threats must be neutralized to protect the innocent.
Deku’s character, centered around compassion, leads him to favor a villain’s reconciliation over delivering justice to the victims. This moral ambiguity shifts the focus from the experiences of those who suffer to the misguided ideal of redeeming the tormentor.
Contradicting Justice: The Inconsistencies in Shigaraki’s Redemption
As the narrative unfolds, it often lacks consistent internal logic. Shigaraki’s triumph over All For One seems to pivot towards his redemption without adequately addressing his previous misdeeds. This narrative maneuver grants him a heroic death while effectively ignoring the need for accountability regarding his actions.
Moreover, the story implies that villains can evade consequences through a final, noble act, which starkly contradicts the previously established themes of responsibility and accountability in the series. Deku’s rationale for treating Shigaraki as a victim, influenced by Lady Nagant’s backstory, is a misleading analogy; unlike Nagant, Shigaraki actively chose destruction in his pursuit of power.
The juxtaposition of these distinctly different cases diminishes the complexity of moral discussions around justice and redemption. Such contradictions arise when Shigaraki’s peaceful end contrasts sharply with the treatment of other characters within the series.
While heroes are frequently shown grappling with their past mistakes, Shigaraki seemingly eludes any repercussions for his violent actions. This inconsistency in the enforcement of consequences casts doubt on the moral framework of My Hero Academia, suggesting that justice is applied based on arbitrary standards rather than solid principles.
Final Thoughts
The narrative arc of My Hero Academia experiences a compromise of both structural integrity and ethical clarity, all in pursuit of an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Deku’s vision of heroism, anchored in kindness and the pursuit of redemption, ultimately fails to grapple with the complexities of justice.
While the series promotes themes of hope and forgiveness, Shigaraki’s unrepentant demise contradicts the long-standing accountability that heroes embody. This ending raises challenging questions about whether Deku’s compassion genuinely represents heroism or if it simply reflects a noble yet flawed perspective in a world rife with conflicting justice.