The Mind-Blowing Ways My Hero Academia Crushes Superhero and Shonen Clichés

My Hero Academia has earned a reputation among anime fans as a "deconstruction" of the genre. Since its debut in 2014, the manga has consistently challenged the conventional tropes found in superhero comics and shonen anime.

The superhero genre, including its manifestations in comics, video games, and adaptations such as cartoons and movies, has long relied on certain predictable elements. Both comic book fans and shonen anime enthusiasts have grown weary of these tropes. However, My Hero Academia stands apart by breaking these established patterns. It offers refreshing twists, from avoiding the cliché hero vs. hero narrative to steering clear of drawn-out tournament and filler arcs commonly seen in shonen anime.

Please note that the subsequent article contains spoilers for popular shonen anime such as My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Z, and Naruto, as well as various comic books from Marvel and DC.

Please be aware that all opinions expressed within this article are solely those of the author.

10 trends from superhero comics and shonen anime My Hero Academia subverts: Explained

5 Comic Book Trends My Hero Academia subverts

1) Unnecessary and excessive character deaths

A lot of deaths in DC comics (Image via Our Website)

Comic books often feature the depowering, maiming, or frequent deaths of characters, to the point where fans have come to expect it. While some deaths, like Jason Todd's in Death in the Family or The Death of Superman, have become iconic, many others are seen as excessive, such as Superboy Prime's massacre in Infinite Crisis or in Heroes in Crisis.

Superhero comics typically undo character deaths a few years later, particularly for popular heroes like Superman and Batman. Other characters, however, usually remain dead or are only briefly mentioned. This trend has become increasingly disrespectful over time.

In My Hero Academia, the depiction of character deaths is a nuanced combination of adhering to familiar tropes and defying them. Unlike in the universes of major comic publishers, where character deaths can often be reversed, the fatalities in My Hero Academia, as demonstrated by Midnight and Twice, have lasting consequences. Consequently, the scarcity of character deaths in this series makes each occurrence significantly impactful.

Twice's demise triggered Toga's uncontrollable rage and was exploited to tarnish the image of heroes. The numerous casualties of heroes in the Paranormal Liberation War resulted in a shortage of manpower, leading civilians to take matters into their own hands. Additionally, the demise of Stars and Stripe dealt a major blow to All for One's schemes, nearly causing his own demise along with Shigaraki's.

2) Battles between Heroes

The concept of hero versus hero conflicts has sparked numerous lackluster narratives in Marvel, exemplified by debacles like both editions of Civil War and Avengers vs. X-Men. These narratives commonly revolve around pitting characters against each other to establish their capabilities and confront a profound dilemma, ultimately leading to clashes between them.

Both Iron Man and Captain America's sides in the aforementioned Civil War were poorly portrayed. Iron Man's Pro Registration faction was depicted as resembling fascists, while Captain America's side was portrayed as incompetent and out of touch. What made matters worse was that Iron Man's faction was supposed to be in the right, although even the writers of the event fiercely debated about it.

Hero vs. hero fights in My Hero Academia are not prominently featured or given significant focus in the story. They are typically incorporated as training segments or occurrences during the Hero Licensing Exam, rather than being major events.

The only significant issue stemming from a hero vs. hero fight in My Hero Academia was the street fight between Deku and Bakugo, as well as the confrontation between Shoto Todoroki and Inasa Yoarashi. Both instances resulted in the characters losing their hero licenses. Another problem arose with Aoyama, the suspected U.A. Traitor, but he ultimately surrendered once his identity was discovered.

3) "Solo acts" vs. teams

"Solo act" superheroes (Image via Our Website)

Many superheroes are often recognized for their individual efforts and ability to succeed on their own. However, the question of being a solo hero versus joining a team is a common debate in superhero comics. While there are instances where superheroes like Superman or Spider-Man thrive as solo acts, it is important to acknowledge that even they have their limitations.

Numerous superheroes are renowned for their preference for solo missions. Characters such as Spider-Man, the Punisher, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others are typically portrayed as being more effective when working alone rather than as part of a team. However, this viewpoint, supported even by professional writers, overlooks the valuable support system and assistance that a superhero team can provide.

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The superiority of teams is evident in My Hero Academia in two significant instances. Initially, Todoroki, Bakugo, and Yoarashi's failure in the Hero License exam is attributed to their stubborn obstinacy in operating individually. Additionally, during the Dark Hero Arc, Izuku Midoriya's relentless pursuit of becoming a hero without taking breaks showcases the consequences of his solo endeavors.

4) Everyone is super/Bystander syndrome

Victories in this series are frequently achieved through effective teamwork. Deku, with the support and guidance of Class 1-A, managed to rescue Bakugo from the League of Villains in a complex and challenging operation. Moreover, during the Final War, an extraordinary alliance formed between all the heroes and even former villains, as they united their forces to put an end to All for One's reign of terror.

The descent of superhuman society (Image via Our Website)

This dual phenomenon entails a complex and unsettling impact on the ordinary inhabitants of both My Hero Academia and the realm of superheroes. Even when a majority of the populace possesses extraordinary abilities or when superheroes are prevalent, a degree of skepticism persists within the government and certain sections of society.

Considering the X-Men as an example, the tropes are simplified. The notion that universal superpowers or constant hero presence implies a positive outcome, absolving civilians of any need to intervene when a hero emerges. Moreover, this concept isn't confined solely to superheroes; it could encompass law enforcement officers or individuals possessing authoritative roles.

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In comparison to X-Men, My Hero Academia explores the failures and similarities in both worlds. The Paranormal Liberation War arc highlights the dangers of civilians taking matters into their own hands without proper training or equipment, resulting in more chaos than if a hero had intervened.

Similarly, bystanders witnessed Shigaraki's need for help as a child but chose not to assist him, which ultimately contributed to his descent into villainy. This lack of support also extended to Toga, who faced neglect and overwhelming pressure without anyone offering assistance, leading her to break. It is not the individuals' Quirks that are to blame, but rather the flaws in society as a whole.

5) Rigid adherence to the status quo

The dedication, or rather, worship, to the status quo in superhero comics can be highly frustrating. It seems that no matter what happens, heroes never permanently kill their villains, even if it's clear that they should have, like in the numerous times The Joker should have met his demise. Even catastrophic events like World War Hulk wreaking havoc on New York City are quickly recuperated from, sometimes within a mere month or so.

However, perhaps the most egregious example of this commitment to maintaining the status quo can be found in Spider-Man: One More Day. This notorious storyline not only undid decades of character development for Peter Parker, but it also erased his marriage to Mary Jane. This decision greatly upset many fans, leading them to boycott Spider-Man comics altogether, as they felt the Marvel executives believed that Peter should be left alone.

The narrative of My Hero Academia takes an unexpected turn as it defies conventional tropes in several significant ways. The intense rivalry between Deku and Bakugo is abruptly cast aside. The iconic superhero, All Might, officially steps down, which creates a void of power. Consequently, the Hero Society is left in ruins, and the repercussions of this chaos persist for months. To exacerbate the situation, the release of prisoners through All for One's influence only aggravates matters.

Basically, the changes implemented are bound to endure in one way or another. Both the young and old heroes come to acknowledge the severity of the situation and embark on a mission to bring about transformation. It may take them some time to fully comprehend it, but the alterations have occurred and will persist even after the defeat of All for One.

5 shonen anime trends that My Hero Academia subverts

1) Major filler episodes/arcs/movies

Shonen anime with the most filler (Image via Our Website)

The term "Filler" is no longer applicable in today's contemporary shonen anime. However, it is worth mentioning as it refers to anything that is not relevant to the plot. Popular shonen anime such as Bleach, Naruto, Fairy Tail, and Dragon Ball Z used filler episodes to allow the manga to catch up to important events.

This concept even extended to the movies, where shonen anime movies were once standalone stories that did not impact the main anime. It is important to note that My Hero Academia is not the first to deviate from this trend, but it certainly is a significant example.

: The anime series consists of just two filler episodes, both serving as introductions to the movies My Hero Academia: Two Heroes and World's Mission. This decision has been widely applauded as it allows the anime to faithfully adapt the manga content for the screen.

Additionally, there have been numerous instances where anime, whether it falls under the shonen genre or not, deviated from the original manga and compromised the coherence of the storyline. The Promised Neverland and Akame ga Kill! serve as prime illustrations. While it is true that the absence of filler episodes comes with drawbacks, the majority of long-time enthusiasts who previously resented this aspect are now indifferent towards it.

2) The Dynamic Between the Shonen Protagonist and the Rival

Shonen rivalries (Image via Our Website)

These entries are combined because they are interconnected. In most shonen anime, there is a protagonist who exudes love and compassion, while their rival tends to be more skeptical. Almost everyone has a preference, whether it's Naruto and Sasuke, Goku and Vegeta, Yugi and Kaiba, Asta and Yuno, Gintoki and Shinsuke, or countless others.

As the story progresses, these two character archetypes typically diverge. The hero, who may initially appear unimpressive or underpowered, faces and conquers various challenges, ultimately revealing their destined status. Meanwhile, the rival embarks on a darker path, striving to surpass the hero or undergoing a transformation from evil to good by the story's conclusion.

In My Hero Academia, both archetypes are cleverly subverted. Deku defies the idea of being a chosen one, as his kindness becomes a vulnerability that others exploit. The Dark Hero Arc exemplifies the consequences of his extreme self-sacrifice, as it nearly results in his own demise.

Contrary to expectations, Bakugo serves as an intriguing character who demonstrates overwhelmingly negative traits throughout the series. He is compelled to undertake remedial hero work to obtain his license, his popularity plummets after middle school, and when offered the chance to join the League of Villains, he boldly rejects them without hesitation.

3) Pure Evil villains

Pure evil anime villains, old and new (Image via Our Website)

Villainy is a commonly understood concept in superhero comics and shonen anime. In these worlds, it is not uncommon to encounter various types of villains, such as world conquerors and those who inflict harm on others for personal gain. Dragon Ball, for instance, introduces a plethora of villains, including the planet-destroying Frieza, Emperor Pilaf, and the Red Ribbon Army. These villains often engage in petty acts driven by motives such as acquiring wealth, maintaining power, or satisfying their inflated egos. Notable examples include characters like Muzan, Frieza, Myotismon, and others.

The villainous characters in My Hero Academia (Image via Our Website)

My Hero Academia defies the conventional portrayal of villains by presenting All for One as the sole embodiment of pure evil within the expansive group of antagonists. Many of these villains are individuals who have been shattered by society or tragic circumstances, which ultimately leads them to be branded as villains.

4) Excessively lengthy tournament storylines.

Image: Shonen tournaments (Our Website)

Given the leisurely pace of older shonen anime, it was fairly common to insert a tournament arc seamlessly. Upon examining prominent tournament arcs in anime, it becomes evident that they often function as significant story arcs on their own, stretching across more than 10 episodes each.

My Hero Academia's tournament arcs (Image via Our Website)

The World Martial Arts Tournament in the original Dragon Ball consisted of three separate story arcs. The first arc, known as the World Tournament Saga, spanned 14 episodes. Following that, the Tien Shinhan Saga took place over 17 episodes, and finally, the Piccolo Junior Saga concluded with 30 episodes. In total, these three arcs added up to a whopping 61 episodes.

Naruto, on the other hand, dedicated a significant amount of time to its Chunin Exams. This examination process unfolded across a span of 47 episodes, showcasing the intense challenges faced by the young ninja in their quest for promotion.

Similarly, in Yu Yu Hakusho, the Dark Tournament Saga captivated viewers for 40 episodes. This gripping narrative delved into a fierce competition where supernatural abilities clashed in brutal battles.

Yu-Gi-Oh also featured an epic tournament known as the Duelist Kingdom, which lasted for 40 episodes. This thrilling event showcased the strategic duels between skilled duelists as they competed to become the ultimate champion.

In the realm of My Hero Academia, tournament arcs have become a prominent aspect of the series. These thrilling competitions, as shown in the image above, captivate audiences with intense battles and showcase the immense talent of the young heroes as they strive to prove their abilities and emerge victorious.

In comparison, My Hero Academia successfully condensed the U.A. Sports Festival Arc into just 13 episodes and the Provisional Hero License Exam Arc into 12 episodes. These tournament-style arcs efficiently packed a minimum of two or more episodes' worth of content into a single episode, even concluding some battles swiftly.

The ability to condense a total of 47 manga chapters into a mere 25 episodes is commendable as it effectively streamlines the narrative and accommodates numerous action sequences. This approach avoids excessive time-wasting for the audience, distinguishing it from its preceding counterparts.

5) Unimportant characters/the hero is all that matters

Three anime with large casts (Image via Our Website)

In many shonen anime, there is a recurring trope that emphasizes the importance of a single hero. There is no alternative, no other capable individual to fulfill the role. This concept combines the passing of the torch, where a mentor figure steps down or passes away, with the belief that only one hero truly matters to the story.

Naruto is guilty of sidelining numerous characters over time, as the narrative primarily revolves around Naruto and Sasuke, neglecting the others. Likewise, Dragon Ball Z prioritizes Saiyans, half-Saiyans, and godlike beings, leaving the humans behind. These two shows are prominent examples, among others, that feature a wide range of characters but choose to focus on only one or a select few.

The final war in My Hero Academia saw the return of some beloved characters (Image via Our Website).

My Hero Academia takes a different approach when it comes to the trope of passing the torch. It deconstructs this theme by presenting instances such as Shoto enduring abuse from Endeavor, Izuku not being the initial choice for One for All, and even Shigaraki being betrayed by All for One, as he never had any intentions of relinquishing his power.

Final Thoughts

Similarly, the very essence of the hero is shattered in both the Dark Hero Arc and the Final War Arc. In addition to Class 1-A's assistance in escorting Deku back to UA, numerous "extras," as derisively labeled by All for One, come together to support the heroes in the Final War Arc. Chapter 344 eloquently captures this sentiment through Vlad King's words: the notion of a minor character becomes nonexistent.

The poster for Heroes Rising, a film based on My Hero Academia (Image via Studio Bones)

Despite some traditional elements in My Hero Academia, such as Mineta's questionable behavior and the occasional sidelining of female characters, it successfully challenges numerous cliches commonly found in superhero and shonen anime. This is why My Hero Academia has earned the reputation as an anime that deconstructs the genre.

My Hero Academia fans should remember that tropes are not bad and depend on the writing. Even the most cliche story can be remembered fondly if done well.