The potential for quirky heroes, explained

Summary

• Quirks face discrimination and relegation in a world ruled by eccentricity.

• Armored All Might challenges the concept of quirky heroes with support gear and defeats All for One.

• Challenges for quirky heroes include the availability of support gear and the vulnerability without it.

From the very beginning of the series, My Hero Academia he has already established the fact that there is no place for idiosyncratic individuals in his heroic world. This was further supported by the fact that possessing eccentricity was a prerequisite to enter the hero program at any of Japan's top hero schools. It was only until My Hero Academia's later periods the notion of eccentricity being a prerequisite for being a hero was questioned.

All Might is a perfect example of how a quirky character can rival one of the strongest villains in the series, all thanks to support items and high-tech equipment. Armored All Might opens the door for quirky characters to potentially get into My Hero Academia's heroic landscape, but the concept is still rather juvenile and unheard of. Chances are, quirky heroes could take center stage if My Hero Academia they were to continue in spin-off form down the line.

Roles of Quirķless characters in My Hero Academia

Quirky individuals are relegated to the sidelines

In a world where quirks and superpowers rule, and 80% of the population has some kind of power, quirky characters don't really have a significant role or status. While not all quirk-wielding individuals become heroes, their quirks are still useful in other industries and sectors. This further puts quirky individuals at a serious disadvantage because they have nothing to offer society.

Around 80% of the planet's population has developed unique abilities or “individuality” called quirks! We have entered a new age – a society of superhumans.

In the beginning My Hero Academiait was noted that those who wanted to be heroes but were quirky ended up in the police force, where they were relegated to catching petty thieves and other unskilled jobs. In addition, queer individuals in a clear minority are also subject to discrimination and prejudice from their queer counterparts.

This was evident from Deku's early days when he was the victim of Bakugou's constant bullying, all because he was born without a quirk. While Deku is one example, it's clear that there are several other cases where quirky individuals have been bullied by their peers, all for being born without a special ability. Discrimination against queer individuals may not have been as severe as discrimination against heteromorphs, although prejudice still clearly exists.

How Support Gear challenges the status quo

Support gear can give way to quirky heroes

“Quirless heroes” is a term that is unheard of in the world My Hero Academia. However, it is surprising that such a concept was never given much thought before, considering that the heroes had access to such high-end and advanced support equipment. Throughout the series, the heroes use a variety of support equipment, which greatly enhances their abilities. The series is littered with many examples, including Deku and Bakugou, whose antics have been kicked up a few notches, all due to having a supporting device sculpted specifically for their antics.

The same concept can be applied to quirks, who can benefit from support equipment and gear that can double as weapons for them, effectively making them heroes that could do the same job as their quirk-wielding counterparts. Ordinary civilians taking on the role of a superhero with the help of high-tech gear and equipment is not a new concept as witnessed in Marvel and DC Comics. The most obvious example of this form of heroism is evident in the heroic efforts of Iron Man or Batman, two famous superheroes who are normal, average human beings.

With the help of high-tech equipment and gear, these characters have transformed into superheroes who are able to fight on par with their superhuman counterparts. The same concept can be applied to the world My Hero Academiawhere those born without quirks can also participate in heroics using support equipment that doubles as a weapon.

How Armored All Might paves the way for Quirkless Heroes

Armored All Might is the first Quirkless Hero in My Hero Academia

The concept of Quirkless Heroes was never exactly considered a solid prospect My Hero Academia. However, with the introduction of Armored All Might at the end of Season 7, it has now become possible for ordinary civilians to take on the role of heroes. After losing to One for All, All Might became a regular, quirky individual who essentially reverted to his original form without any superpowers. However, with his specially designed suit of armor, All Might was able to position himself as All for One, a god-like being in the world My Hero Academia.

All Might's suit of armor incorporates the quirks and abilities of nearly every Class 1-A student, allowing him to use these abilities sequentially, much like his students. While many believed that All Might would never stand a chance against All for One with only support equipment, the fight between the two characters proved otherwise. The fight showed the potential that Armored All Might has, as he was able to land several blows on the villain without taking much damage himself. While Armored All Might's fate still hangs in the balance, the mere fact that he was able to take on a villain as hideous as All for One shows that the idea of ​​Quirkless heroes is more than plausible.

Power Suit and car as his supporting items!

Quirkless Heroes Limitations

Quirky heroes are hampered by several weaknesses

While there are no specific disadvantages or negative consequences to quirky individuals becoming heroes, there are a few obstacles that prevent them from entering the hero landscape. First, providing support equipment is quite expensive, as even professional heroes who have spent years in the field cannot easily afford such advanced technology. Ordinary civilians would be even less likely to afford such equipment.

Only the rich and wealthy could afford the high-tech equipment that could turn them into heroes. Armored All Might is a clear example of this, as the only reason he was able to recast himself as a hero with the help of gear was because of the unlimited financial resources he had access to. It would be nearly impossible for any normal individual to achieve the same performance.

I suggested and asked for this suit and Hercules to be made so that I could join the battle, if only for a moment.

Another important aspect to consider is the fact that quirky individuals would be inherently vulnerable without support equipment. Should their support equipment be destroyed or malfunction, they would be helpless and completely at the mercy of the villains. Since quirky heroes can always rely on their quirks, it's less risky for them to be in the line of fire. However, the risk is significantly higher for the quirky heroes with support equipment fighting the villains, as they can be left vulnerable to any unforeseen circumstances. This drawback makes bland heroes a less viable concept, though the flaws can still be mitigated with more advancement.

My Hero Academia is available to stream on Prime Video.