My Hero Academia has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut, impacting Western media as well as anime and manga gaining an avid following. With a unique blend of intense action, diverse characters, and interesting themes, this series has made a lasting impression on the audience.
However, leaving fans curious and eager for more, Kohei Horikoshi has hinted that he might not pursue any spin-offs despite the series’ enormous success. His reasoning behind this decision is rooted in a deeply artistic perspective, which draws inspiration from the iconic 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This perspective has guided Horikoshi’s work on My Hero Academia, influencing both the creation of his world and his vision for its conclusion.
Kohei Horikoshi’s Vision for My Hero Academia
Through an interview with Viz Media in 2024, Kohei Horikoshi discussed his inspirations, the series’ popularity, and his creative process for the creation of the manga. He was also very humble about My Hero Academia’s global popularity, referring to the efforts of people who distributed and promoted the manga internationally.
Regarding the unexplored backstories of characters, Horikoshi revealed that he intentionally left certain elements out, inspired by Terminator 2. He admired how the film hinted at a dystopian future without fully depicting it, allowing viewers’ imaginations to expand. Similarly, he wanted to leave some aspects of My Hero Academia open to interpretation, rather than drawing everything out. As he stated,
In Terminator 2, John Connor becomes a leader in the future, and Schwarzenegger’s character is sent from that future world. But there aren’t many depictions of the future itself. Because the future isn’t depicted in detail, the viewers’ imaginations expand, and I thought that was really great. So, I wanted to create something like Terminator 2.
This approach would enable fans to carry on speculating about the characters’ and the series’ universe even long after it has concluded. Horikoshi might keep the gripping quality of the series by refraining from making spin-offs that delve into every aspect of the universe.
As the manga of My Hero Academia has already ended, this open-ended approach of Horikoshi is evident in the final chapter of the series. By leaving room for imagination, he allows the story to live on in countless different forms, each one unique to the individual fan.
The Creative Legacy of My Hero Academia
By examining Kohei Horikoshi‘s creative process and his influences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artistry behind My Hero Academia and why its creator might opt for an open-ended narrative that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
Horikoshi’s choice to leave some plot points up for interpretation is an example of his belief in the imaginative power of the human mind. He encourages readers to interact with the story more deeply by leaving open certain details, so they can develop their own theories and interpretations. The series becomes more than just a passive kind of entertainment because of this collaborative link between the author and the audience.
Inspired by Terminator 2, Horikoshi understands the power of ideas and the appeal of an open-ended narrative. By following this path, he might ensure that the world of My Hero Academia will continue to inspire and captivate fans, even after the story has reached its official conclusion.
You can watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll.
