8 My Hero Academia Characters Who Shaped the Epic Final War!

Summary

All Might’s final stand showcases the importance of heroism beyond having a quirk.
Aizawa’s crucial role in nerfing Shigaraki demonstrates heroism under mental strain.
Midoriya’s test to save instead of kill Shigaraki epitomizes heroism and sacrifice.

Expressing it in another way: It’s an understatement to say that the storyline of My Hero Academia concludes with a big explosion. With All For One, Shigaraki, and the rest of the League of Villains amassing power beyond measure, it swiftly becomes evident to the heroes that a massive battle looms on the horizon. The ensuing conflict forms the final act of the series, and although every hero and villain plays their role in the war effort, there are undeniably some pivotal characters who significantly influence the outcome multiple times.

In the climactic part of “My Hero Academia,” numerous significant characters undergo both personal growth and power shifts. The complex events might make it challenging to follow everyone simultaneously, but these characters are crucial to observe because they play pivotal roles in this final chapter of the narrative, owing to their significance and actions.

This is a more conversational and simplified way of expressing the original text while retaining its essence.

This list contains spoilers until the end of season 7 in the anime!

8. Gentle Criminal

Gentle Returns To Save Midoriya And The Students When They Needed Him Most

First Appearance: Episode 81

After losing to Midoriya just before the U.A. Summer Festival, Gentle was absent for multiple story arcs, but he remained a vivid memory in fans’ minds. Thus, it was an extraordinarily impactful moment when Gentle reappeared, heroically rescuing several of Midoriya’s classmates from plummeting to their doom during the climactic battle with Shigaraki on the floating Coffin in the Sky structure, by employing his Elasticity Quirk.

As an observer, I can attest that despite Gentle’s past descent into villainy following his Quirk’s use to save someone years ago, this occasion showcased his true heroic potential. In a critical moment, if not for Gentle’s timely arrival, it seems likely that half of Class 1-A would have perished in the line of duty, a loss that would have undoubtedly cast a dark shadow over the spirits of all heroes, including Midoriya.

7. Aizawa

Aizawa’s Quirk Is The Only One Capable Of Nerfing Shigaraki’s Power

First Appearance: Episode 5

Aizawa’s ability, Erasure, can stop someone from using their special power as long as he looks at them directly. During the final battle, this proves crucial because it enables heroes to implement a divide-and-conquer strategy without Shigaraki instantly destroying the country. However, staring at Shigaraki for extended periods is challenging, and given Aizawa’s fragile mental state following his friend Oboro’s ordeal during the war, his bravery in maintaining control is remarkable.

When Shigaraki is suddenly whisked away by Midoriya, it’s Aizawa who effectively maintains Shigaraki in a weakened condition for as long as possible, until Deku makes his triumphant return. For this significant contribution, he deserves much recognition and undoubtedly plays a critically vital role within the hero’s team during the momentous battle.

6. All Might

All Might Makes A Final Stand And Proves That Being Quirkless Doesn’t Mean A Thing

First Appearance: Episode 1

In the early stages of the series, All Might was eager to transfer his One For All Quirk to Midoriya. However, after his powers eventually waned and he reverted to his regular form, All Might faced challenges in finding his role within society. As Midoriya uncovers the significance of his newfound Quirk and its Vestiges, All Might experiences a sense of being left behind. Yet, despite this feeling, he recognizes that he can’t remain idle while his arch-nemesis continues to cause chaos throughout the city.

Consequently, All Might chooses to make a heroic last stand by activating his Support Gear, transforming into Armored All Might – a robust and extraordinarily powerful form that multiplies his speed by ten. Watching All Might declare boldly, “I am here,” after being in such a low state for so long is a truly unique and impactful moment, and in the climax of the story, he demonstrates his significance by holding his ground against All For One.

5. Dabi

Sabi’s Madness And Explosive Power Are Put On Full Display

First Appearance: Episode 31

Initially, Dabi might come across as a tranquil and private member within the League of Villains. However, when he chooses to expose the reality of his father’s abusive behavior to the public, he becomes increasingly comfortable with expressing his genuine self. As conflict erupts, Dabi transforms into one of the most formidable combatants, as his fire-based Quirk has the power to incinerate vast areas at the cost of his own physical wellbeing.

As his entire family comes to face him, Dabi ultimately achieves something he’s long desired: the attention of his loved ones, particularly his father, Endeavor. In the narrative of this specific segment, Dabi, a significant antagonist, emerges as a primary focus for the heroes to manage in the initial phases. However, he is also a character that receives ample screen time and character development within this storyline.

4. Katsuki Bakugo

Bakugo Steps Up To Keep Shigaraki At Bay For A While Longer

First Appearance: Episode 2

In the climactic part of the tale, Midoriya shines brightly, but not to be outdone, Bakugo amplifies his lethal Quirk to its maximum potential. As Shigaraki’s terrifying elongated finger form starts to overpower our heroes inside the U.A Coffin, Bakugo employs explosions to keep the antagonist at bay. Finally, he reveals his impressive Strafe Panzer backup equipment in a grand finale.

If Bakugo were to inflict heavy damage on Shigaraki, it would expand the emotional scar in Shigaraki’s memory, making him think deeply about his sorrowful past. This could significantly help Midoriya in the near future. Moreover, it shows a significant leap in Bakugo’s personal development when he risks his own life to save others, demonstrating that he now truly understands and values the duties of being a real hero.

3. All For One

The Origins And Goals Of All For One Are Finally Revealed

First Appearance: Episode 49

In the narrative of “My Hero Academia,” All For One primarily functions as a hidden villain, being imprisoned deep within Tartarus for most of the story. However, his influence shifts dramatically when he gains control over Shigaraki and manages to break free from confinement. Throughout the climactic battle, All For One becomes the puppeteer, with Shigaraki serving as the main focal point for Midoriya. Although Shigaraki is the primary adversary, it’s All For One who orchestrates events from behind the scenes. His true impact is felt when he utilizes a duplicate of Eri’s Rewind Quirk to rejuvenate himself and amplify his power, making him seem almost invincible.

In this storyline, All For One ultimately reveals his ambitions, particularly his aspiration to become the Demon Lord, which sets him apart from his brother. Essentially, watching All For One in action is delightful due to his extraordinary power and dynamic appearance. Moreover, the last arc effectively delves deeper into All For One’s history and ideology.

2. Midoriya

Time For Midoriya To Put His Mastery Of One For All To The Test

First Appearance: Episode 1

When the ultimate conflict commences, Midoriya recognizes himself as the sole individual possessing sufficient power to vanquish All For One using his Quirk. Consequently, this decisive battle serves as a trial of Midoriya’s training, assessing whether he can harmoniously combine all of his Quirks, for it is only then that he will be competent enough to inflict harm on Shigaraki. With every other hero depending heavily on his might to achieve the victory, this is a critical test for Midoriya.

Instead of intending to kill Shigaraki, Midoriya aims to rescue him. This mission, in turn, serves as a test of heroism, challenging Midoriya to determine if he can save someone who is deeply engulfed in sorrow, despair, and malice. In fact, the conflict might have concluded swiftly if not for Midoriya’s presence, as he offers aid. However, upon encountering Shigaraki, Midoriya risks everything he has to bring a permanent end to their struggle.

1. Tomura Shigaraki

The Final War Dissects Shigaraki’s View Of The World And Lust For Villainy

First Appearance: Episode 10

Despite Shigaraki’s past being delved into several arcs prior to the commencement of the final conflict, it becomes evident that there are many layers yet unexplored about this tormented youth. Caught between All For One’s control and a seething resentment towards the world and all its inhabitants, Shigaraki makes for an intriguing character in this storyline. Moreover, he assumes significant relevance due to his unique powers, notably Decay, which can obliterate vast landscapes in an instant with just one touch.

It’s delightful for long-term fans to delve into Shigaraki’s emotional depth, as he typically keeps his personal life hidden and seldom reveals himself. This is particularly intriguing when contrasted with Midoriya’s efforts to pull him out of his grim and cynical mental state. As the protagonist’s principal adversary in the impending war, Shigaraki captivates readers or viewers whenever he appears on-screen, making him a character whose presence is always noteworthy.

2025-03-30 06:37