Deku from My Hero Academia faced a controversial moment when it was revealed that he possessed multiple Quirks. This decision sparked divided opinions, with some fans enjoying the concept while others believed it disrupted the manga's power balance and made Deku excessively powerful. However, many fans have questioned how Deku can have multiple Quirks without being a Nomu. In the series, it was previously established that only All For One and Nomu, which are created using his DNA, could possess multiple Quirks, shedding light on the lore and workings of the One for All Quirk.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the My Hero Academia series.
Explaining why Deku can use multiple Quirks in My Hero Academia without becoming a Nomu
The introduction of Deku gaining multiple Quirks sparked controversy within the My Hero Academia fanbase, with many feeling that it made him excessively powerful and was forced, particularly considering how quickly he acquired them after struggling to master One For All for so long. Additionally, questions have arisen about how Deku can possess multiple Quirks without being a Nomu.
The answer lies in the nature of One For All and its ability to store up the power and essence of every user, which was then unleashed upon Deku when he became the new wielder. Each new user makes the Quirk more powerful, resulting in Deku having several Quirks that have become a part of One For All. All Might initially gave this power to Deku, and it was All For One who gave his younger brother, Yoichi, the One For All ability, sparking the ongoing war between good and evil.
The ups and downs of Deku having multiple Quirks
Deku using Blackwhip (Image via Bones).
The My Hero Academia fandom has raised numerous valid points about why Deku having multiple Quirks was a controversial decision. On one hand, it seemed contrived and overly convenient for the series' protagonist to be the sole recipient of these abilities, making him significantly more powerful than the rest of the cast and leading to predictable outcomes.
On the other hand, these Quirks provided Deku with a greater diversity in his fighting style and allowed author Kohei Horikoshi more creative freedom as an artist. Additionally, it served as a way to emphasize that Deku was carrying the legacy of all the past users of One For All and marked the opportunity to put an end to everything All For One had wrought.
Final thoughts
In My Hero Academia, Deku has the ability to utilize multiple Quirks thanks to One For All, which has preserved the powers of previous users. This unique feat marks a significant milestone for the main character as the first to successfully wield this assortment of Quirks.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of My Hero Academia, I have mixed feelings about Deku's acquisition of multiple Quirks. While it's exciting to see the protagonist grow in power and versatility, I can't help but feel that it disrupts the series' carefully crafted power balance. Deku's rapid mastery of these Quirks, after struggling for so long to control One For All, feels somewhat forced and unearned. It's as if the author is rushing to make Deku the ultimate hero without allowing him to develop and earn his power naturally.
On the other hand, I understand the narrative significance of Deku inheriting the Quirks of previous One For All users. It symbolizes his connection to the past and the legacy he carries as the successor of this powerful Quirk. It also provides the author with more creative opportunities to showcase Deku's growth and adaptability in battle. Ultimately, while I have reservations about the execution, I trust in the author's vision and hope that Deku's journey will continue to be compelling and satisfying.