8 MHA Characters Who Should Have Died But Survived

Summary

Overhaul’s survival after a brutal encounter with Midoriya leaves fans surprised.
Hawks escaping death amplifies tension in the final war against All For One.
Mirko and other characters surviving crucial moments could have added weight to the plot.

As an avid anime fan, I must admit that every time a character meets their end in this captivating world, it’s bittersweet – adding depth and tension to the storyline. In the case of My Hero Academia, author Kohei Horikoshi held back on character deaths for quite some time. However, as All For One, Shigaraki, and other formidable villains grew stronger, it became inevitable that there would be more tragic losses.

Discussing the plot, it’s noticeable that several significant characters managed to cheat death by a hair’s breadth, or in certain instances, seemed to die only to return later. Many viewers believe these characters could have permanently ended their journey, as such an event would not only add emotional depth to the series but also serve as a fitting end to their story arcs. When it comes to My Hero Academia characters who might have been written out at some point, these are the ones most often mentioned by fans.

1. Overhaul

The Irredeemable Villain Took Quite A Beating Before Being Locked Up

First Appearance: Episode 65

The character Overhaul is a villain who’s incredibly loathsome, shockingly so that it’s almost amazing he survived his encounter with Midoriya, given how irredeemable and detestable his persona is. After acquiring Eri, a young girl possessing an exceptionally powerful Rewind ability, Overhaul would manipulate her body using his own power, tearing her apart before swiftly reassembling her, all in order to extract her blood.

He mistreated Eri because he needed her power to make bullets that could permanently disable someone’s superhuman ability. Given that Overhaul was brutally attacked by Midoriya using full strength, it’s surprising that Horikoshi didn’t choose to eliminate him from the narrative entirely.

2. Hawks

Having Such A Formidable Pro-Hero Killed In Action Would Amplify The Intensity Of The Final War

First Appearance: Episode 87

As a devoted fan, I must say that even though Hawks joined the scene midway through the series, this young, charming Pro-Hero has made quite an impact on the overall narrative. In a covert capacity, Hawks gathers vital intel about the villains and Meta Liberation Army for our heroic team, proving to be a pivotal figure. Though he suffered severe wing damage at the hands of Dabi, this resilient character managed to emerge unscathed in the end.

In the climactic battle against All For One, it’s Hawks who suffers a severe beating. After being defeated by All For One and left hanging limp like a lifeless body, All For One would rob Hawks of his Quirk. Although Hawks manages to survive this encounter, it serves as a stark reminder of how incredibly powerful All For One is, given that he can humiliate the second-ranking hero in such a brutal way.

3. Mirko

Mirko’s Sacrifice Would Demonstrate Just How Absurdly Strong Shigaraki Would Truly Become

First Appearance: Episode 87

In a spectacular turn of events, Mirko swiftly took out numerous expensive Nomus all at once, an action that made for a heroic scene. However, it left many viewers puzzled when, despite losing several limbs, Mirko miraculously survived such a grueling ordeal. Even though she needed a new arm and leg to continue living, just the fact that she was still alive was astounding. Yet, if her character had been written out after the Nomu incident, it would have given her a memorable exit from the series.

In the final battle, not having Mirko alongside the heroes would have increased their difficulties significantly, as they’d be lacking one of their strongest members. Given her immense popularity among fans, it seems fitting that she survived until the end of the series. However, her demise just before the final war might have intensified the growing tension remarkably.

4. Re-Destro

The Former Leader Of The Meta-Liberation Army Could Have Gone Out In A Blaze Of Glory

First Appearance: Episode 108

In the unforgettable battle between Re-Destro and Shigaraki, no fan of the series will easily erase it from their memory. However, their confrontation concludes in a manner that sparks debate among viewers. Overwhelmed by Shigaraki’s prowess and potential on the battlefield, Re-Destro acknowledges his worthiness to lead the Meta Liberation Army and its beliefs into the future. As a result, he extends an invitation for Shigaraki to take charge, welcoming him as his new ally.

In another scenario, Horikoshi might have chosen to have Shigaraki slay Re-Destro during their fight, highlighting the villain’s growing power and ruthlessness. Simultaneously, it would have been intriguing to depict Edgeshot’s Quirk acting on Re-Destro internally as the means of his demise. This could subtly hint at Bakugo’s future resurrection, making this turn of events more credible.

5. Dabi

Dabi’s Final Encounter With His Family Felt Like A Fitting End For The Villain

First Appearance: Episode 31

Although Dabi’s Blueflame ability is potent enough to reduce powerful heroes to mere ashes, this power takes a toll on his own body, which gradually deteriorates due to excessive use of his flame powers. In the climactic battle, after Dabi demolishes hero society and hits an emotional wall, his Quirk overreacts, transforming him into a volatile device that could potentially level an entire nation if left unchecked.

It’s fortunate that Endeavor and the Todoroki family are present to prevent such an incident, yet it’s astonishing Dabi hasn’t perished given the extensive damage to his organs due to fire. Post the war’s conclusion, Dabi clings to life with the aid of a machine, but his demise in the initial battle, immediately following a private conversation with family, would have made for a poignant ending for this legendary antagonist.

6. Gran Torino

How Gran Torino Survived A Stab Straight Through The Chest, Fans Can Only Wonder

First Appearance: Episode 27

In the narrative of “My Hero Academia,” Gran Torino serves a significant function initially, guiding Midoriya as he learns to master One For All. However, over the course of the series, his presence gradually diminishes. As an elder statesman and former instructor to All Might, as well as a confidant of Nana Shimura, Gran Torino has witnessed the transfer of One For All among many bearers during his tenure.

Given the series’ recurring theme of each generation carrying on from the one before, many fans anticipated that Torino might meet his end at the hands of a villain. However, what truly should have led to Torino’s demise was the brutal chest stabbing he received from Shigaraki, an attack that left him miraculously alive despite his advanced age. It’s possible that the author had a soft spot for Gran Torino, but in retrospect, it seems more fitting for the Pro-Hero character to have been killed off.

7. All Might

All Might’s Fall Would Have A Huge Impact On Midoriya, And Hero Society In General

First Appearance: Episode 1

As the final chapters of “My Hero Academia” manga approached, many dedicated fans anticipated that All Might, a symbolic figure in the series, was bound to meet his end in battle. This prediction stemmed from a common narrative trope where mentor protagonists often succumb to their battles. However, against all expectations, Japan’s most revered Pro-Hero managed to survive, though it’s not an overstatement to suggest that his demise would have significantly shaped the narrative and characters within the storyline.

If All Might had perished during the Hideout Raid battle, it would have significantly shaken people’s faith in hero society, escalating the situation dramatically. Conversely, if All Might had met his end in his second fight against his nemesis, while utilizing Support Gear, Midoriya might have become even more resolute to bring an end to Shigaraki and his tutor forever, as a means to honor All Might’s remarkable legacy.

8. Bakugo

Bakugo’s Revival Is A Controversial Moment That Feels Like It Comes Out Of Nowhere

First Appearance: Episode 1

I’ve been captivated by the transformation of one character in this series – Bakugo. Initially, he seemed like just an arrogant and self-centered hothead, delighting in exploding anyone who dared cross his path. But over time, it became clear that he was grappling with the weighty responsibilities of being a hero and the need for selflessness to truly protect society.

In this climactic showdown with Shigaraki in his ultimate form, I stood my ground, ready to give it my all. With every ounce of power within me, I unleashed the full might of my Explosion Quirk and introduced a breathtaking new Panzer form. The battle left me near death, but miraculously, Edgeshot revived me in an unexpected instant. Given Bakugo’s significance as one of the main characters in this series, it was only fitting that Horikoshi chose to spare his life – though I lay near death, it felt like the ideal time to conclude my character arc. After all, I had placed myself on the line for the sake of protecting others from an imposing villain.

2025-04-23 11:34