Summary
All Might's backstory in My Hero Academia is refreshing compared to most heroes in anime, as he had a happy childhood and his transformation into a hero was pure happenstance.
All Might stands out for never needing to conceal his identity to safeguard loved ones, a stark contrast to the majority of American superheroes in Marvel and DC comics.
Despite Deku being the main character in My Hero Academia, All Might's exceptional background and origin would actually make him a more compelling protagonist.
Warning: Spoiler Alert for Chapter #403 of My Hero Academia
Once again, My Hero Academia showcases the argument that All Might would have been a more compelling protagonist than Izuku Midoriya, known as Deku. In the recent chapter, All Might's backstory challenges the common superhero trope seen in DC/Marvel comics and extends its impact to the realm of American comics, Japanese manga, and other genres.
Chapter #403 by Kohei Horikoshi delves into All Might's earliest memories, which he describes as gentle and delicate. All Might then proceeds to recount the moment he acquired One For All, attributing it to a mere coincidence of him looking back and acknowledging something significant. In a previous chapter, All Might recollects his desperate plea to his future mentor, Nana, urging her to mold him into a hero with the disclosure that he has no family left to protect.
All Might's Backstory Would Make Him a Unique Hero
Both individually and collectively, each of these flashbacks presents a fresh perspective on the portrayal of heroes in most narratives. The majority of main characters typically have tragic backstories or possess intense desires that drive them to accomplish the seemingly impossible. Deku falls into the latter category, aspiring to become a hero like All Might but facing the devastation of discovering he lacks a quirk. Over time, these origins tend to blend together. However, the latest chapter reveals that this is not the case for All Might, as he reflects on the moment his life changed forever, emphasizing that it was purely coincidental and not a deliberate search for change. All Might even nostalgically recalls his joyous childhood.
This detail, in conjunction with the fact that All Might never had to conceal his identity to protect his loved ones, makes him a truly unique protagonist. It is important to note that this particular aspect is typically only seen in Marvel/DC characters, as it is rarely explored in Japanese manga. In fact, aside from the Aoyama family, who tragically fell victim to All For One due to his discovery of Shining Hero: Can't Stop Twinkling's true identity, My Hero Academia does not heavily focus on familial repercussions. It is worth acknowledging that the series is clearly influenced by American superhero comics, and by choosing All Might as the protagonist, it further establishes itself as a tribute to the likes of DC and Marvel.
Could Bakugo Be A Better Protagonist Than All Might?
Deku's role as a hero is not to be underestimated, nor should we dismiss the potential for Bakugo to take on the mantle of true hero in My Hero Academia. However, All Might possesses a unique and captivating background that sets him apart from other heroes, including Deku and Bakugo. It is worth noting that Bakugo's character, with his tsundere personality, is more suited for a supporting role in the series. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the latest chapter marks the conclusion of one era and the beginning of another. If the new era with Deku and Bakugo is just commencing at the end of My Hero Academia, then it is apparent that the series has primarily focused on documenting the end of All Might's era, suggesting that he is the true and superior protagonist. To read My Hero Academia chapter #403, head to Viz.com.