10 things My Hero Academia ending could have done better

The popular manga series My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi has ended its successful 10-year publication. Chapter 430 concludes the story of the main character, Izuku Midoriya. It showed typical features seen often at the end of a series: group photos showing all characters together for one last time, emotional goodbyes and others saying their final farewells, and narration to conclude all loose ends in this long-running tale.

The ending was emotional, but it did not match up with the intense wishes of some fans. The chapter offered a soft finish to Deku's trip, but it didn't have the striking effect that readers expected from this much-loved series. In comparison with other manga's last chapters — those which are both within and outside the shonen genre full of action — My Hero Academia's ending has left many fans unsatisfied.

The ending was fine in handling the fundamentals of concluding the story. Yet, it lacked the strong impact many fans were hoping for.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not in any particular order. It includes spoilers from My Hero Academia manga

Improving Deku's power suit, introduction of Deku's father, and 8 other things My Hero Academia's ending could have done better

1) Introduction of Deku's father

Izuku Midoriya and Inko as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The appearance of Deku's father in My Hero Academia could have deepened the emotions and storytelling aspects of the series' final moments. In this story, Deku’s father is a secret, never-revealed part of his background. More information about him, like what he does in hero society or how he relates to Deku's journey, could have given more complexity to fans' understanding of Deku’s motives and family heritage.

This could have made the story's ending more deep and personal, connecting Deku's past with his current acts of heroism. A surprising twist about his father's role in forming Hero Society or that he left something remarkable when he died could have added layers of complexity and understanding as to why Deku is so determined and what pushes him.

2) Memorable final twist

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An unforgettable twist at the end can greatly improve how a series finishes by making it memorable to the fans. My Hero Academia's ending was nice but had no standout element for fans to remember. The last scenes, such as Deku talking with Dai, were pleasing, yet they didn't have the impact of a true twist or fresh idea that would create deep resonance.

On the other hand, shows such as Naruto and Bleach finished with strong moments that repeated their messages and made fans think about them for a very long time. Regarding the ending of Naruto, we see that the main character achieved his life goal. At Bleach's end, there was a beginning for the new generation that had light-hearted elements.

My Hero Academia could have added one last, unforgettable twist — a turning point that captures the essence of the series and provides a strong concluding thought for readers to contemplate in the future.

3) Focus on Izuku Midoriya & Ochaco Uraraka’s relationship

Ochako Uraraka and Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

While romantic relationships weren't the main focus of My Hero Academia, there are hints that a love connection could develop between Izuku Midoriya and Ochaco Uraraka. In the series, fans often observed situations where they might be attracted to one another; for example, timid yet sincere talks or significant actions such as giving an All Might keychain by Uraraka were seen.

Another method of handling this might be adding an epilogue after the primary narrative. In this additional section, we could have witnessed Midoriya and Uraraka finally expressing their feelings for each other. They may also choose to have some sort of significant experience together. This action could have brought a stronger bond among these two characters, making fans who desired them to unite in upcoming tales feel more content.

In this manner, the series could have acknowledged the love story but not allowed it to dominate the main plot. It could have given an emotional ending, matching how characters evolved throughout this series.

4) Showcasing heroes from other countries

Cathleen Bate as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The story of My Hero Academia takes place in Japan and is especially focused on the country's heroes and students at U.A. High School. Although the global angle of the story is mentioned in the storyline, it has not gone deeper. Avoiding this could have made the setting more interesting for this series.

This could have shown how conflict impacts our whole planet and exhibits different types of heroism in various societies worldwide. If these roles were added just before the ending moments, it would have highlighted both dangers on a global level and unity among all heroes of Earth.

5) Improving Deku's power suit

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At the end of My Hero Academia, Deku's power suit was supposed to symbolize how he moved and adapted to changing difficulties. But it seemed a bit separate from the story's earlier thoughts on growth and self-reliance. More suitable alterations in this suit might have given a more powerful ending by smartly linking it with Deku's character path.

For example, the suit might have been made to highlight and align with his special powers - an indicator of his personal development rather than only a typical futuristic progression. A suit that represented his path from a student without power to a hero possessing a unique design would have deepened the story's thematic elements.

Moreover, if we view the suit not only as a means but also as an expression of his resourcefulness and inventiveness, it might have enhanced Deku’s transformation into a hero in a more coherent manner.

6) Ensuring thematic clarity

All Might as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The last part of My Hero Academia might have been improved if it had shown a stronger connection in thematic elements, giving the end more unity. The series dealt with contrasting concepts, such as what real heroism means, as opposed to how important strength is. This could be the reason why its final part appeared somewhat scattered. The ending might have connected more strongly with viewers if there was a clear theme.

If the series kept reminding fans that being a hero comes from inside and not just what you can do, then in the end, Kohei Horikoshi could have shown this by how Deku acted and chose to do it.

If the conclusion had matched a single, clearly stated theme, the story might have provided a stronger and unified message. This type of understanding would have allowed fans to think about the series' main values and give them an ending that not only ended the plot but also reminded viewers of the central message in a deep yet unforgettable manner.

7) Enhancing emotional resonance

Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

A more emotional ending might have improved the story. Before the concluding chapters, the narrative had many emotional moments. Perhaps highlighting personal sacrifices and growth depicted by characters like Deku could have enhanced it further.

A more sentimental ending could have been achieved by looking deeper into Deku's internal battle when he lost his abilities and by adding more scenes where he showed vulnerability and contemplation.

The end could have been more impactful if it focused on character-based resolutions and permitted heartfelt and emotional farewells. A conclusion that tugs at the reader's emotions by showing how characters have changed and what they've given up would have made a stronger goodbye.

8) Commitment to a downer ending

Young Izuku Midoriya as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

A downer ending could have brought more depth and contemplation to My Hero Academia. This manga is about Deku's journey, fighting against extreme situations with his strong willpower. If Kohei Horikoshi had chosen a sad ending where Deku loses his ability permanently but finds another way to contribute, it could have shown how hard it can be to become a hero and what sacrifices are needed.

This method could have emphasized the message that real heroism doesn't only come from having superpowers. Instead of a solution that evens Deku’s power with a new suit, an unhappy ending could have provided strong insight into toughness and individual advancement despite difficult situations.

It could have been a stronger ending, underlining the series' concepts about what makes someone truly heroic and how crucial inner fortitude is – even without any external abilities.

9) Contributions of neglected Class 1-A heroes

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Throughout the story, Class 1-A students played an important role in My Hero Academia but were not given enough attention in the last part. At the end of the series, it might have improved the story's ending if these heroes, who usually get little focus, were shown more on screen and had greater importance. All the people from Class 1-A have distinct strong abilities and character progress, which might be crucial to end fights or resolve main problems.

If Kohei Horikoshi had added their part, it could have been seen as a tribute to how they evolved in the series. A more complete ending might emphasize that the final triumph was because of how each hero's powers and development added to it.

This would underline teamwork, demonstrating that every individual has a significant part in attaining a bigger objective. It would point out the joint effort of U.A. High School students in overcoming the final challenges.

10) Origins of Quirks

Luminescent Baby as seen in anime (Image via Studio Bones)

The origin of Quirks, a persistent enigma in My Hero Academia, has always led to speculation and interest from fans. The story could have been closed more strongly and smoothly by exploring this aspect.

Investigating the beginnings of Quirks in the last series could have given us an understanding of what energy signifies at its core within this narrative and outside it - something that might offer even greater meaning for both characters and their world.

A more detailed explanation of the origin of Quirk, whether it's a concealed historical event or an exceptional scientific finding, could have enhanced the imagination in the story and made its final tale more interesting. The awaited truth about this might have clarified some last puzzles and linked these ultimate conflicts with a wider comprehension of the Quirk phenomenon.

Final thoughts

The way My Hero Academia ended was appropriate for the journey of Izuku Midoriya, but it didn't excel in some aspects that might have made it more influential. The story concluded well, with important characters saying their goodbyes and reflecting on their growth; however, there was no memorable surprise or clear theme that could have left a deeper mark.

The end of My Hero Academia might have felt more finished and broad if it concentrated on three main parts. The initial part could have been about improving Deku's power suit, the second could have introduced international heroes, and the last part could have highlighted contributions from neglected Class 1-A members.

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Edited by Shreya Das