“The power of friendship” is one of the most overused theme in the Shonen genre. However, the creator of the legendary manga and anime series “My Hero Academia“, Kohei Horikoshi, has altered one of the series’ most iconic lines in a thoughtful way. This iconic line delivered by the protagonist Izuku ‘Deku’ Midoriya, was changed in order to avoid falling into one of the most overused anime trope.
Rather than emphasizing on the empathy and consideration for others, Horikoshi prioritized to bring a fresher perspective and deeper meaning to Deku’s character and overall narrative.
Since its 2014 premiere, My Hero Academia has gained worldwide praise for its engaging narrative, appealing cast of characters, and detailed world-building. The show centers on Deku’s quest to become the greatest hero, following the little child who was born without superpowers in a world where they are the norm. Deku has inspired many fans with his unwavering attitude, compassion, and perseverance.
The Birth of the Iconic Line of My Hero Academia
In the recent August 2024 issue of ‘Da Vinci Magazine‘ in Japan, Kohei Horikoshi revealed the origin of the iconic line delivered by Deku in My Hero Academia. And the legendary line is:
This is the story of how I became the greatest hero. The story of how we all became the greatest heroes.
Horikoshi felt that the notion of focusing on the power of friendship, which is central in superhero genre, had been reiterated countless times in various forms across anime and manga. So to bring new perspective in the character of Shonen protagonist trope, he decided to change the narrative by focusing more on the journey of Deku to become a ‘Hero’. He expressed that, this story is not about a hero, but a story about people aiming to become a hero.
while in the early stages, he tentatively visualized Deku to be a hero who can save people with a smile, he recognized the need to solidify his own image of how a hero should be. So he decided to distinguish Deku from other superheroes, in order to inspire the readers and viewers to achieve their goals.
On deciding for the iconic line delivered by Deku, Horikoshi revealed that he didn’t plan to alter the line initially, quoting,
I didn’t plan on this from the start. When I began writing the end of the series and thinking about where it would end, I began thinking about how consideration to those around us can change the world.
Looking Ahead to the future of My Hero Academia
Since the beginning of the My Hero Academia series, the reaction from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised Horikoshi for his innovative approach and the deeper message the story conveys. Horikoshi’s perspective is a powerful statement that resonates with the current times and Deku’s famous line embodies the essence of being a hero in a way that feels fresh and meaningful.
The decision to change Deku’s line highlights Horikoshi’s commitment to reevaluating the narrative and challenging conventional tropes. By focusing on the journey to become a superhero, he adds a layer of complexity to the story that resonates with readers and viewers on a personal level. This change encourages fans to think beyond the traditional shounen hero-villain dichotomy.
As My Hero Academia continues to grow, fans are anticipating more thoughtful and impactful storytelling. Horikoshi’s dedication to expanding the boundaries of the genre ensures that the series remains a beloved and influential part of the anime and manga community.
You can watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll.
