Deku’s Unwavering Persistence: My Hero Academia’s Greatest Strength
Discover how Deku’s unwavering persistence and determination to overcome challenges make him a relatable and inspiring protagonist in My Hero Academia.
Deku’s Unwavering Persistence: My Hero Academia’s Greatest Strength
In a 2019 interview, Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of the popular anime and manga series My Hero Academia, discussed the unique qualities of the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku. While many anime heroes are portrayed as strong and invincible, Deku stands out for his relatability and unwavering persistence.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Horikoshi explained that he intentionally designed Deku to be a slightly reserved character who tends to bottle up his emotions, as he personally enjoys drawing such characters. However, the true strength of Deku lies in his persistence and determination to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Throughout the series, Deku undergoes significant growth both physically and mentally. He has had to overcome numerous challenges, including being born without a Quirk, witnessing the deaths of fellow heroes, learning to wield the powerful One For All Quirk, facing formidable villains, and dealing with negativity from rivals like Bakugo. Despite moments of hopelessness and fear, Deku never gives up.
Horikoshi wanted Deku to be a protagonist who would push past any disadvantage and “crawl desperately” towards his goals. This unwavering persistence is Deku’s defining trait, allowing him to overcome obstacles and become a capable and powerful hero. His true power lies not only in his physical abilities but also in his mental resilience, which enables him to face any hurdle without losing faith or motivation.
One aspect that makes Deku highly relatable to fans is his journey from being an average, Quirkless individual to becoming a hero. Unlike many other anime heroes who are born with incredible powers, Deku’s success stems from his determination and hard work. This relatability is a key factor in My Hero Academia’s popularity, as readers can easily project themselves onto Deku and find inspiration in his story.
In conclusion, Deku’s unwavering persistence is his greatest strength in My Hero Academia. Despite his initial weaknesses and challenges, he continually pushes forward, never letting anything stand in his way. Horikoshi’s intention to create a protagonist who crawls through adversity resonates with fans and makes Deku a relatable and inspiring character. As the series progresses, Deku’s journey from zero to hero serves as a testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome any obstacle.