Unmasking the Tragic Fate of Midnight in My Hero Academia

Summary

Midnight's death in My Hero Academia during the Paranormal Liberation War was handled disappointingly, as it occurred off-screen and received little attention.

Midnight's death in the series was unsatisfying, as it lacked the customary "blaze of glory" or farewell typically given to other major characters who meet their end. Despite being a fan favorite with a unique journey, Midnight's character didn't have the opportunity to develop further and become more significant.

She was among the numerous casualties of the Paranormal Liberation War, but how did the death of Midnight, a character from My Hero Academia, get handled in the series? My Hero Academia, created by Kōhei Horikoshi, is both a manga and anime series set in a world where the majority of the human population possesses superpowers known as "quirks," resulting in the emergence of superheroes and villains. Aspiring young superheroes are required to undergo training at hero academies, including the prestigious U.A. High School.

U.A. High School is renowned for its exceptional training programs and faculty consisting of experienced superheroes. One of the faculty members is a hero known as Midnight (alter ego: Nemuri Kayama), who teaches a subject called "modern hero art history" and possesses a quirk named "Somnambulist." This quirk allows her to emit a sleep-inducing fragrance from her exposed skin. With her flirtatious personality, revealing attire, and dominatrix-like traits, Midnight stands out as one of the more sexualized characters in My Hero Academia and has become a beloved figure among certain segments of the series' fans.

Midnight Died During A Paranormal Liberation Front Ambush

Unfortunately, Midnight's time on My Hero Academia was cut short. In the manga's Paranormal Liberation War arc, fellow hero Hawks discovered the plans of the villainous Paranormal Liberation Front to attack several major cities and dismantle hero society. Midnight, along with a team of superheroes, was tasked with infiltrating the headquarters of the Paranormal Liberation Front and arresting its members. However, the mission took a tragic turn for Midnight.

As a fierce battle between heroes and villains unfolded, Chapter 278 of My Hero Academia followed Midnight's efforts to take down the massive villain Gigantomachia using her Somnambulist quirk. But her plans were foiled by the villain Mr. Compress, who used his quirk to throw debris at her, resulting in her getting injured and separated from her fellow heroes. Midnight found herself ambushed by a small group of villains from the Paranormal Liberation Front, leaving her fate uncertain.

Finally, in Chapter 296 of My Hero Academia, it was sadly confirmed that Midnight had perished, presumably at the hands of her attackers.

Midnight's Lasting Impact on My Hero Academia

Midnight's demise had a profound impact on the students, particularly those who stumbled upon her lifeless body. It served as their first harsh realization that being a hero entailed placing one's life at genuine risk, which proved to be a difficult truth for many to come to terms with. While Midnight was mourned alongside numerous fallen heroes in the Paranormal Liberation War, this unfortunate turn of events coincided with a decline in the public's confidence in the ability of heroes to maintain peace. Despite the vital role she played in instructing the students, ultimately leading to the defeat of Gigantomachia and the thwarting of the villains' plot, her significance in the overall narrative remains obscure, causing her to fade into obscurity amidst the multitude of casualties suffered in the Paranormal Liberation War.

Why Midnight's Death Was Disappointing

The My Hero Academia fandom was not pleased with the off-screen death of Midnight. Midnight, a beloved character, did not receive the attention and recognition that other major heroes and villains in the series typically get when they die. Instead of a heroic exit or a proper farewell, Midnight's demise was quietly overlooked. This is particularly disappointing considering the strong fan support and interesting journey that she could have had as an important character in the story. The mishandled approach to Midnight's death in My Hero Academia will always leave a sense of dissatisfaction.