My Hero Academia: Horikoshi Explains Why He Relates So Much To Deku

This article contains spoilers for My Hero Academia

Deku, the main character in the popular series My Hero Academia, isn’t always a fan favorite. Many viewers initially found him frustrating – he started as a timid and somewhat whiny character who struggled with even basic fighting. However, this was intentional. Author Kohei Horikoshi deliberately created a protagonist who would begin this way, setting the stage for a significant and satisfying character journey as Deku grows into a true hero.

Many manga creators like to put parts of themselves into their characters. We can see this with Eiichiro Oda, whose passion for exploration and excitement is reflected in Luffy from *One Piece*. While Luffy has developed his own personality over time, becoming a unique character, Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of *My Hero Academia*, has openly discussed how much of himself is in Deku and how his own life experiences inspired the character’s creation.

Horikoshi Sees A Lot Of Himself In Deku

Especially His Insecurities And Cowardly Nature

Fans of *My Hero Academia* will remember that Deku used to cry easily when he was worried or anxious, especially at the start of the series. This wasn’t a negative trait – in fact, it made him more relatable and sympathetic compared to many other heroes in similar stories, who are often portrayed as strong and unemotional. Interestingly, it turns out that Deku’s initial timidness was actually inspired by the author, Kohei Horikoshi, when he first began creating the series.

In 2017, as the anime *My Hero Academia* was airing its second season, creator Kohei Horikoshi spoke with musician Kenshi Yonezu, who created the second opening theme song. Although they spent much of the conversation discussing how much Horikoshi enjoyed the song, he was surprised when Yonezu asked him which character from the series he identified with the most.

I haven’t given it much thought, but if I had to pick someone similar to me, it would probably be Deku. He’s prone to tears and gets scared easily-though those aren’t exactly qualities I admire.

The author shares that he hadn’t considered this before, but believes the answer is Deku. He explains that Deku is prone to crying and often avoids stressful situations, traits the creator, Horikoshi, identifies with in himself. While Horikoshi was likely thrilled with the success of *My Hero Academia* in Japan and internationally, this suggests why he may have been feeling insecure when he initially created the character of Deku.

My Hero Academia Was Horikoshi’s Last Chance

His Final Opportunity To Become A Hero, Just Like Deku

Horikoshi was down on his luck when he started writing MHA
His first two manga series failed to make an impression
He started to become more confident in his abilities, just like Deku

Before *My Hero Academia*, Kohei Horikoshi had two other series published in *Shonen Jump*: *Oumagadoki Zoo* and *Barrage*. However, neither of those series gained enough popularity to continue for very long. This meant that when Horikoshi finally started *My Hero Academia*, he felt a lot of pressure, knowing this could be his last chance to succeed as a manga artist. Considering this, it’s understandable why he might have felt anxious and discouraged – feelings that are actually reflected in the character of Deku at the beginning of the *My Hero Academia* story.

Deku dreamed of becoming a hero, but it seemed impossible because he was born without any special powers. That changed when All Might chose him and gave him the powerful One For All ability. While Deku was naturally shy, he gradually gained confidence as he learned to control his new powers.

This also applies to Kohei Horikoshi, the author, who gradually gave his main character, Deku, more confidence. This likely happened as Horikoshi himself realized and accepted how much fans worldwide loved the story he created. It hasn’t been an easy process for either the author or Deku, but it’s definitely been a remarkable one.

Deku’s Journey From Crybaby To Japan’s Hero

The Protagonist Never Gave Up And Gave Everything He Had To Stop Shigaraki

Deku starts to lose his timid nature as the story goes on
He has grown and matured a lot since the early story arc

Throughout the story of *My Hero Academia*, Deku experiences intense emotional changes, almost becoming a different person by the end of the Final War. He begins as a determined but insecure outsider, longing to be a hero despite being born without a Quirk. Receiving the power of All For One finally allows him to fulfill his dream of protecting others.

One For All is an incredibly strong power, and it will take Deku a significant amount of time to learn to control it completely. Around the middle of the story, he begins to unlock the Quirks of all the previous One For All users, making him exceptionally powerful and capable of facing Shigaraki in a direct fight. As Deku gains these abilities, he also matures, becoming a more serious and reserved character compared to how he was at the beginning of the story.

“I’m the Deku who always does his best” – Deku

Considering what Horikoshi said in the interview, it’s obvious he infused Deku with his own personal development, but still maintained Deku’s unique identity. This has created a really compelling character journey that’s been a pleasure to follow over the years, and Deku has become one of the most popular and well-loved heroes in shonen manga.

2025-09-15 14:35