10 Shocking Fake-Out Deaths in My Hero Academia

This list contains spoilers up to the end of season 7!

Summary

Fake-out deaths in My Hero Academia evoke strong emotions from fans.
Characters like Shigaraki, Best Jeanist, Bakugo, and Gran Torino experienced shocking fake-out deaths.
The series walks the line between raising stakes and maintaining fan engagement through surprising revivals.

In the captivating world of “My Hero Academia,” feigned deaths are a common yet contentious occurrence. These dramatic scenes consistently elicit strong emotional reactions from viewers, as demonstrated repeatedly throughout the series. Given that this anime is set in a universe where the majority of individuals possess unique abilities known as Quirks, it’s not surprising that some characters have managed to avoid death due to their powers or, in exceptional instances, even been resurrected.

Reflecting on the narrative of “My Hero Academia”, author Kohei Horikoshi has certainly provided a convincing motive for some characters to persist in their quest for justice, even when facing imminent death. However, these apparent demises have undeniably sparked debate among fans due to their controversial nature. As we approach the conclusion of both the manga and anime, it seems appropriate to reminisce about the shocking fake-out deaths that left fans reeling with emotion upon initial viewing.

5. Shigaraki

The Heroes Came Very Close To Putting An End To Shigaraki’s Rampage During The Hospital Raid

Episode: 117

In one of the most dramatic parts of the series, the hospital raid was carried out with great intensity. The main objective of this mission was to catch Dr. Garaki while he was still conducting experiments on Shigaraki, preventing him from gaining enough strength to become All For One’s next apprentice. Once they destroyed Garaki’s laboratory, it appears that the operation was successful, as X-Less confirmed that Shigaraki’s heart had ceased beating, with his body lying lifeless on the ground.

Unfortunately, even a single loose electric wire managed to revive Shigaraki, leading him to obliterate an entire hospital within seconds using his Decay Quirk. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. Though not as shocking as some other instances, given that Shigaraki was positioned as the main antagonist for the series, his sudden resurrection was still a startling twist. It hinted at the possibility that All For One’s scheme might have backfired.

4. Best Jeanist

Jeanist Experienced All For One’s Overwhelming Power First-Hand

Episode: 48

Initially, All For One left a powerful impact on the narrative by swiftly defeating an entire team of Heroes using his formidable Quirks. However, among them, it was Jeanist who suffered a particularly gruesome defeat at the hands of this malevolent villain. Overpowered and humiliated, Jeanist found himself pinned to the ground. A wave of terror washed over him as his eyes lost all trace of pupils, giving the impression that the newly-introduced Jeanist had met an unexpectedly early end.

The anime emphasizes the notion that Jeanist appears to have perished in this fight, as evidenced by the camera angles focusing on his limp arm hitting the ground and All For One standing ominously over his body. Remarkably, Recovery Girl managed to heal his injuries; however, Jeanist suffered severe lung damage during the battle, forcing him into a prolonged recovery period. Despite being a secondary character, it was quite startling to witness a hero seemingly being slain by such an enigmatic villain, given that All For One was relatively obscure at the time.

3. Bakugo (Paranormal Liberation War)

Bakugo Made A Heroic Sacrifice, Which Almost Cost Him His Life

Episode: 122

In the climactic stages of the Paranormal Conflict, numerous UA heroes united in a last-ditch effort to halt Shigaraki’s destructive onslaught permanently. Regrettably, their actions led to an unfavorable outcome, as by this stage in the narrative, Shigaraki was simply too formidable for anyone to subdue effectively. One individual who bore witness to this misfortune was Bakugo.

In the scene where Shigaraki tries to impale Deku with his Red Rivet ability, Bakugo uses his own Quirk to shove his longtime adversary aside instead, getting stabbed through the chest in the process. This selfless act by Bakugo sends Deku into an intense emotional upheaval, causing many fans to think, albeit momentarily, that Bakugo had actually perished. The instant when such a resilient and tenacious character like Bakugo was felled by Shigaraki served to highlight just how formidable the villain really is. This poignant moment is etched in the memory of long-term fans due to its powerful emotional resonance at the time.

2. Gran Torino

How On Earth Did Gran Torino Survive Being Pummeled By An Awakened Shigaraki?

Episode: 121

From the beginning of the tale, it’s evident that Gran Torino, once a mentor to All Might, remains capable in combat despite his advanced age. Though he managed to defeat numerous villains single-handedly throughout his career, it was apparent during the Paranormal Liberation War that Shigaraki, who had grown incredibly powerful due to Dr Garaki’s experiments, was beyond Gran Torino’s capabilities.

In the twinkling of an instant, Shigaraki propels himself towards Gran Torino, landing with such force that he appears to flatten him into the ground. The other heroes watch in shock as this transpires. It seemed almost certain that Torino had met his demise at this point, but amazingly, he rose again later on, despite having sustained a tremendous amount of damage moments prior. This was quite an unexpected development, yet given Gran Torino’s popularity, it’s understandable why the creator chose to keep him alive for a bit longer.

1. Bakugo (Final War)

One Of The Most Shocking Moments In The Series Saw A Fan-Favoite Losing His Life

Episode: 149

In the climactic storyline, the grand finale is jam-packed with unexpected twists and emotional upheavals. However, the scene that left every fan in tears was when Bakugo met a tragic end at the hands of an overpoweringly strong Shigaraki. Despite Bakugo giving his all to vanquish this evil force, even summoning his unique ability, it wasn’t sufficient to halt Shigaraki in his tracks. Although it seemed improbable that Horikoshi would eliminate such a widely adored character, the manga unambiguously depicts that Bakugo’s very essence is annihilated from within, leaving no doubt that he was indeed killed for good.

Due to early criticism that the final war lacked significant deaths to heighten the drama, some viewers perceived it as an attempt to create high-stakes situations. However, Bakugo’s death was short-lived. Following the intervention of Pro-Hero Edgeshot who miraculously restored Bakugo with his Quirk, he reentered the battlefield and contributed significantly to defeating All For One. This event remains one of the most divisive in the series, as while some appreciate that Bakugo survived, others believe it could have been a poignant conclusion to his character arc.

2025-07-05 08:34