My Hero Academia might seem like a fun and family-friendly superhero tale, but it also carries some surprisingly intense and dark scenes, especially noticeable in the original manga where Kohei Horikoshi’s intricate yet unsettling artwork stands out. It’s worth noting that Horikoshi has already expressed interest in creating a horror manga in the future.
Over the course of its ten-year run, the “My Hero Academia” manga has frequently left readers in awe with some of the most impactful and intense illustrations for an action shōnen manga. Here are eight particularly memorable instances that stand out. It’s important to note that many of these scenes focus on the series’ villains and their heart-wrenching origins.
Stain Falls Unconscious
The Infamous Hero Killer Finally Shows His Real Face
- Chapter 56: Conclusion
In the story, the enigmatic character known as The Hero Killer, or Stain, was always concealed behind a mask. However, during his climactic narrative, when he collapsed unconscious, the mask slipped off for the first time, revealing his true visage to both the other characters and readers alike. And, it must be said, his unveiled face left much to be desired in terms of attractiveness.
To everyone’s astonishment, Stan was noticeably absent part of his face-his entire nose-in this particular panel. The detail in which he was depicted was remarkable, giving him an intimidating and foreboding appearance that would go on to solidify his fearsome character status. This iconic scene marked a turning point, and eventually, eager readers discovered the tragic backstory behind Stan’s disfigured face in the spin-off manga titled “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
Shigaraki’s Wicked Smile
Proved Shigaraki Was Much Creepier Than Expected
- Chapter 69: Interview with Midoriya
One intriguing and tense scene in the series undoubtedly occurs when Deku meets Tomura Shigaraki at the mall. When our hero believed he could finally unwind, his formidable adversary stealthily came near, gently gripping his neck and effectively holding him captive during their dialogue-filled exchange.
In an already intense situation, Shigaraki reveals a chilling truth: what angers him greatly about Stain and Deku is their link to All Might. His sinister grin as he speaks this adds to the unease, and Horikoshi skillfully illustrated every detail on his face to intensify the creepiness.
Twice Stabs Himself
One Of The Most Messed-Up Backstories In The Series
- Chapter 115: Unleashed
In Chapter 115 of “My Hero Academia,” the narrative begins with an enigmatic individual recounting his life experiences. However, it’s not long before we realize that this anonymous character is none other than Jin Bubaigawara, infamously known as the villain called Twice. He proceeds to share his past, revealing details about his life and his unique Double quirk, which allowed him to create copies of himself for various nefarious activities. Unfortunately, a significant event occurred in his apartment that changed everything.
In this illustration, the duplicates started forming individual identities and aimed to dethrone Twice as their head, resulting in conflict among them that escalated to the point where one clone stabbed him on the forehead. This scene masterfully portrays one of several psychological horror aspects within the series: since the narrative is told from a first-person perspective, viewers can’t help but visualize being attacked and perhaps even murdered by their own counterpart. The mere thought sends chills through anyone.
Toga Drops Her Façade
The Face That Changed Toga’s Life Forever
- Chapter 226: Bloody Love
In various instances, Horikoshi skillfully employs the chilling grin of Himiko Toga, creating unsettling panels that leave an impact. Particularly noteworthy is when this moment unfolds during Toga’s personal history. For years, she was instructed by her parents to conceal her “unsettling expression”, but in a pivotal teenage moment, Toga abandoned her disguise and sipped the blood of one of her classmates through a straw for the first time.
Toga’s eyes, filled with bloodlust, streaked with tears, and displaying a very unsettling grin, gave her an eerie appearance. It’s crucial to note that this chilling smile is seen as disturbing in the storyline, as numerous peers observed the moment and reported it. However, there seems to be a sad undercurrent in Toga’s gaze, as this was the first time in years she felt like her true self, a feeling that unfortunately will alter her life forever.
Tenko Disintegrates His Mother
The Horrible Moment That Sealed Shigaraki’s Fate
- Chapter 236: Tenko Shimura: Origin, Part 2
In the series, it’s generally agreed that Tomura Shigaraki possesses one of the most devastating and sorrowful pasts among all characters, a point worth noting given that even the other members of the League of Villains have their own haunting histories. As a child, Tenko Shimura (later known as Tomura Shigaraki) suffered physical abuse at the hands of his father due to his aspiration to become a hero, much like his grandmother. One heart-wrenching incident occurred in the backyard where young Tenko was consoling his dog, Mon, until suddenly and tragically, the poor animal was destroyed.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my feelings about an unsettling turn of events that left me utterly shaken. Initially, the situation was already disquieting, but it took a chilling twist when my family drew near, leading to an unintended tragedy. At the moment, I wasn’t aware that my Decay ability had been triggered, granting me the power to disintegrate anyone or anything I touched with my hands in mere seconds.
The scene itself is downright haunting, but nothing compares to the chilling image of me reaching out to my mother, only for her to vanish before my eyes in a heartbreaking instant. The shock doesn’t end there; the following frame reveals an eerie sight of me grinning with delight as I deliberately take the life of my father. This entire sequence is a gut-wrenching reminder of the dark consequences that can come with possessing such a formidable power.
All For One Takes Over Shigaraki’s Body
The Inevitable Return Of The Big Bad Of The Series
- Chapter 286: The Ones Within Us
Undeniably, Horikoshi demonstrates exceptional skill in employing unsettling visuals to underscore shocking or crucial storylines, as clearly depicted in the climactic scene where All for One seizes control of Shigaraki’s body during the Paranormal Liberation War Arc.
Witnessing the chilling spectacle of Evil’s ominous visage emerging from Shigaraki’s very face sends a shiver down one’s spine, speaking volumes without uttering a word. For years, All for One has been manipulating and controlling his apprentice, and in this scene, he is wreaking havoc on Shigaraki – physically and symbolically – to regain prominence and ultimately carry out his lifelong dream of destroying the Hero Society. The most disheartening aspect is that Shigaraki is powerless to prevent his own body from being overtaken by this personification of wickedness.
All For One Finds Dabi
The Charred Remains Of A Boy Who Wanted To Impress His Father
- Chapter 350: Bound to a Fiery Fate
Throughout the course of the manga, Dabi has been notorious for his unsettling scenes due to his merciless pyrokinetic powers that leave both his own and others’ bodies charred beyond recognition. However, the depictions of Dabi’s burnt form in the series often softened their horror due to their inhuman appearance. Yet, there is a notable exception when it comes to his backstory.
In my relentless pursuit to amplify my unique fire-and-ice abilities at Sekoto Peak, I, Toya Todoroki, found myself crumbling under the pressure – quite literally! One fateful day, during a grueling training session, I inadvertently unleashed a torrent of my own flames, causing a searing inferno that left me scarred and shaken.
Fast forward to Chapter 350, where the chilling reveal unfolds. All for One, the enigmatic mastermind, unearthed the charred remains of what was once me – a sight too terrifying to behold. It’s not just grotesque; it’s heart-wrenching. After all, beneath the surface of an occasionally troublesome child, I was an innocent kid yearning for my father’s approval. The sight of my battered body left in that state is undeniably disconcerting and heartbreaking – a reminder of the high stakes we face in this world of Quirks.
Monster Toga Vs Child Ochaco
This Is How Toga Actually Saw Herself
- Chapter 394: Ochaco Uraraka vs. Himiko Toga
In the pivotal Final War Arc, Himiko Toga felt like a ravenous beast due to societal expectations, struggling with these feelings throughout her life. Her final showdown against Ochaco Uraraka marked the climax where she was compelled to face and understand her true emotions. The young, compassionate heroine engaged with her in an attempt to discern her genuine thoughts and feelings, which culminated in a chilling yet moving scene depicted in this panel.
In Toga’s thoughts, she perceives herself as a menacing creature unworthy of affection, and an illustration encapsulates this feeling perfectly: her grotesque, muscular form, her chilling wide grin, and the disturbing image of her wielding a knife over a child make her appear truly frightening. Yet, within this panel, there’s a glimmer of hope – Ochaco’s small self stands bravely before Toga, offering herself in a gesture that speaks volumes: Toga deserves love, and she is here to aid her.
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2025-08-27 19:37