My Hero Academia's handling of a controversial topic finally comes full circle with Eri and the Todoroki family

Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has reached a pivotal point with the conclusion of the final war. The story now focuses on the war’s aftermath, addressing unresolved plotlines and tying loose ends.

Since the beginning, the series has woven in a very sensitive and controversial topic – child abuse – as a core element of the story. This theme has significantly impacted the plotline, shaping the characters and their journeys. The issue is evident in the mistreatment of children, particularly in the Todoroki family and in Eri's story, forming a major part of the narrative.

In the latest chapters of the My Hero Academia manga, specifically in chapters 426 and 427, this long-standing issue comes full circle, with the story finally providing closure for Toya Todoroki (Dabi) and Eri.

In these chapters, the mangaka delves into the repercussions of their traumatic pasts, offering a sense of resolution and healing, which would likely help them move forward from past traumas.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia manga.

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Kohei Horikoshi addresses a long-standing controversial issue in My Hero Academia’s latest chapters

The narrative of My Hero Academia intricately weaves the sensitive and controversial theme of child abuse into its core storyline, significantly shaping the plot. This theme is prominently featured through the mistreatment endured by pivotal characters such as Toya/Dabi, Shoto, Eri, and Tenko Shimura/Tomura Shigaraki during their childhoods.

Endeavor's harsh treatment of his four children profoundly impacts every member of the Todoroki family, while Overhaul's abuse of young Eri leaves her with lasting scars. Similarly, Kotaro Shimura's strict upbringing leads to Tenko's transformation into Tomura Shigaraki, the ultimate villain of My Hero Academia.

Toya and Tenko’s characters follow a similar dark path toward villainy due to their harsh upbringing and childhood traumas, ultimately becoming the notorious villains Dabi and Tomura Shigaraki. The harrowing childhood experiences of these characters play a pivotal role in shaping the story's trajectory.

Kohei Horikoshi has consistently addressed this sensitive topic throughout the series. While the narrative began addressing these issues when Endeavor started atoning for his past mistreatment and reconciling with Shoto, Dabi and Eri’s characters were yet to find resolution.

As My Hero Academia's narrative concludes its Final War Arc, the mangaka has given closure to Dabi and Eri in the latest manga chapters, 426 and 427.

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My Hero Academia chapters 426 and 427 give Eri and Dabi the closure they deserve

Endeavor and the Todoroki family visit Dabi (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha)

In My Hero Academia chapter 426, the narrative centers around Endeavor and the Todoroki family visiting Dabi in his hospital room as he approaches his inevitable demise. Endeavor acknowledges his mistakes and mistreatment of Dabi, apologizing profusely for neglecting him. He expresses his commitment to atone for his sins by watching Dabi's denouncing video daily and visiting him daily to chat.

The family, including Shoto, promises to visit Dabi regularly, with Shoto asking about his favorite food. Dabi only replies to Shoto, revealing that his favorite food is Soba, which is the same as Shoto's. After the family leaves, a remorseful Dabi apologizes to Shoto. Outside, Endeavor continues apologizing to his other children, pledging to spend the rest of his life making amends for his past misdeeds.

With this, Toya's tragic story, marked by his abusive upbringing under Endeavor, finds resolution as the narrative addresses the pain that led him toward the path of vengeance and villainy.

The Boss tells Chisaki to atone for Eri's abuse (Image via Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha)

In chapter 427, alongside providing closure to the doomed friendship between Shigaraki and Spinner, the narrative shows the Shie Hassaikai Boss visiting Kai Chisaki, aka Overhaul, in prison. The boss informs Chisaki that their organization has disbanded due to his wrongdoings.

As Chisaki apologizes, the boss dismisses it as too late and tells him to spend the rest of his life apologizing to Eri instead for the abuse and trauma he inflicted upon her. The boss emphasizes that Chisaki must never forget the harm he caused Eri, even if she eventually forgets about him someday.

Mangaka Kohei Horikoshi gives Eri the closure she needed by addressing this in the chapter, ensuring that Chisaki faces the consequences of his actions towards her.

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Final thoughts

As such, the latest chapters of My Hero Academia offer resolutions to the crucial plotline of child abuse. With the mangaka addressing this sensitive issue and providing these characters with much-needed closure, the narrative underscores the importance of healing and moving forward.

These chapters bring an emotionally resonant conclusion to the mistreatment Eri and Toya Todoroki endured. This resolution highlights the mangaka's dedication to addressing and resolving this dark theme that has significantly shaped the plot.

The Mangaka emphasizes the significance of overcoming past traumas by giving closure to Toya and Eri. The narrative delivers an emotionally rich and satisfying conclusion to the harsh past of these characters, and it resonates deeply with the readers.

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Related links:

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• My Hero Academia chapter 427 spoilers: Deku gives Spinner his closure as Chisaki reappears
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