In both fiction and reality, the concept of a hero transcends mere physical powers, reflecting the spirit of sacrifice and the desire to protect others. For the creator of My Hero Academia, Kohei Horikoshi, a famous scene starring Tobey Maguire from Spider-Man 2 had a major impact on his concept of heroism.
Horikoshi has often claimed Spider-Man to be his favorite superhero, stating that his interest in American superhero comics began after watching Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man movie in 2002. The philosophy behind this particular superhero series has led the foundation for his iconic creation My Hero Academia, which rapidly became a worldwide hit.
Kohei Horikoshi’s Definition of Hero
Spider-Man has always been a special kind of superhero, especially when it comes to his relatability with common people. In contrast to other superheroes whose abilities define them, Spider-Man’s strength resides in his relatability–his difficulties, and the sense of responsibility that comes with his superhuman abilities. Kohei Horikoshi appreciated this relatability and tried to integrate it into My Hero Academia.
In an exclusive interview conducted in 2024, Horikoshi expressed his admiration towards Spider-Man by crediting it as the initial influence for the My Hero Academia series. He stated,
There is a scene in Spider-Man 2 starring Tobey Maguire, in which Spider-Man stops a runaway train. There, ordinary passengers see Spider-Man’s true face. But then a child hands him the mask he found and says, “I won’t tell anyone.” I think that scene depicts the answer to the question, “What is a hero?”
Horikoshi’s characters often find themselves in situations where their heroism is not just about defeating villains but about inspiring and being inspired by others. This mutual relationship is what sustains them and allows them to continue their fight. In his own words,
A hero is a person who helps ordinary people, and ordinary people who help them in turn.
Horikoshi learned this lesson and imparted it to his characters. Heroes in My Hero Academia are not flawless, but they are like ordinary people who depend on other people’s help to fulfill their responsibilities.
The Influence of Spider-Man in My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi‘s creation of his own characters displays his love for Spider-Man. Deku’s unwavering will to help others; even at great personal cost, is what truly distinguishes him as a hero. Throughout his journey, Deku has grown not only physically but also in his comprehension of what it takes to be a hero. This is similar to how Peter Parker evolves in the Spider-Man movies and discovers the notion of “with great power comes great responsibility”.
The heroes of My Hero Academia are not isolated individuals; rather they are a part of a greater community in which everyone is equally involved in the battle against evil. One of the main reasons this series connects with its audience so well is the mutual respect and shared duty between heroes and common people. It serves as an example that heroism includes both the outstanding and ordinary acts that unite people in their pursuit of a better society.
Thus, My Hero Academia continues the legacy of Spider-Man by promoting the notion that a hero’s true strength comes from their connection to the people they save, and those who save them in return.
You can watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll.
