Deku's Villain Saving Obsession Divides MHA Fans!

Summary

Deku’s heroism involves saving even villains, sparking admiration and skepticism.
Some fans support Deku’s belief in redemption, while others find it naive and unrealistic.
My Hero Academia explores the moral complexity of saving villains amid strong fan reactions.

Being a hero isn’t simple; it often requires risking one’s own life repeatedly. A notable trait of heroes in “My Hero Academia” is their ability to act swiftly in perilous situations, decisions that can either safeguard lives—their own and others—or potentially endanger many people nearby.

In contrast to certain heroes who let villains face their just demise, characters like Deku believe in seeing the best in everyone and think that everyone, even villains, deserve a chance at redemption. This aspect of Deku is commendable yet raises debate among fans of My Hero Academia, as some villains are considered irredeemable due to their lack of desire or ability to change for the better.

Deku’s Heroic Ideal Vs. Naivety

One Side Sees Hope And Empathy, The Other Sees A Lack Of Pragmatism

Name	Midoriya Izuku
Alias	Deku
Fighting Style	Melee combat Shoot Style Long-ranged combat Delaware Smash St. Louis Smash Air Force Froppy Style Pinpoint Focus

Right from the start, Deku has been shown as a selfless hero who’s willing to put himself in harm’s way to save anyone, regardless if they’re villains with a hint of humanity. He thinks that a genuine hero should strive to rescue those who seem lost, believing there could be a child like Tenko hidden within the heart of every villain, someone who needs assistance. Advocates of Deku’s perspective view this as the pinnacle of heroism – an unwavering compassion that refuses to write off anyone.

Contrarily, some fans critique Deku’s approach as overly naive, arguing that reaching out to villains who commit heinous crimes without a concrete plan to reform them is impractical and even foolish. These fans have criticized Deku for his attempts to save someone as ruthless as Tomura Shigaraki, suggesting that his efforts are misguided or even insulting.

The Paranormal Liberation War Arc: A Turning Point

Some Saw A Child Worth Saving, Others Saw A Threat Beyond Redemption

Throughout this phase, Shigaraki brutally slaughters thousands and comes close to killing Deku’s dearest friends. Amidst the chaos, Deku undergoes a profound moment when he senses the sobbing presence of Tenko Shimura, the innocent child that Shigaraki once was, weeping within the villain’s unconscious mind. This vision of the crying boy leaves a strong impact on Deku.

Following the war’s conclusion, Deku openly communicates to the remnants of One For All, which encompasses Nana Shimura, Tomura Shigaraki’s grandmother, that he has no intention of killing Tomura. This is because he feels a small, crying boy within him requires rescue. Some viewers were touched by Deku’s determination in this instance, while others expressed disbelief, as they believed that Deku’s sentiment trivialized the gravity/threat posed by Tomura’s crimes, given his actions during the war.

Final Act Saga: Deku’s Beliefs Put to the Test

To Some, He Stayed True To His Ideals—To Others, He Still Couldn’t Let Go

Following the war’s end, Deku departs from U.A. and works independently for a while. Notably, his commitment to saving villains remains unchanged. He encounters Muscular, a ruthless villain who came close to killing a child. Deky tries to persuade him or make him surrender peacefully, but Muscular rejects any chance at redemption and openly admires violence. In a practical move, Deku resolves the situation by forcefully knocking Muscular unconscious. Essentially, he’s saying that talking didn’t work out this time, so he must keep trying in the future.

In this storyline, Deku crossed paths with Lady Nagant, once a hero but now an assassin. He empathized with the corruption within Hero Society that led her astray, and his compassion moved Nagant to aid him. Despite working under All For One, Nagant’s loyalty shifted towards Deku when he tried to rescue her spirit. This shift ultimately resulted in her betraying All For One, an action that earned her punishment from the true villain – death at his hands. This turn of events served as strong evidence for those who admire Deku’s methods, proving that transforming a villain can be both achievable and fulfilling in a narrative sense.

In the intense Final War at U.A., Deku confronts Shigaraki with a twofold goal: to halt his destructive rampage and uncover whatever is left of Tenko within. The fight is fierce and filled with raw emotion. At a critical juncture, Deku manages to restrain Shigaraki using Blackwhip, expressing that while he can’t allow Shigaraki to lay waste to everything around them, he also cannot ignore the tearful boy hidden within him.

This demonstrates Deku’s resolve to rescue Shigaraki’s heart, and fan reactions ran deep. Fans who admired Deku’s ideals felt a sense of pride witnessing him remain faithful to them during the climactic fight. For them, it mattered that Deku remained true to the type of hero All Might motivated him to be – one who saves even foes from their own destructive paths. Conversely, critics continued to voice their opinions throughout these chapters, expressing their fatigue with Deku’s persistent efforts to save Shigaraki.

Some See Broken People, Others See Dangerous Villains

Deku’s perspective on villains as victims rather than pure evil often divides the fanbase, as he believes they are shaped by trauma and societal issues. In “My Hero Academia,” characters like Shigaraki, Toga, Dabi, Twice, and Lady Nagant have tragic pasts that demonstrate how the system has failed them. Deku’s desire to rescue them, particularly Shigaraki, is grounded in the belief that empathy towards villains can prevent future ones from emerging. Fans who agree with Deku argue that this reflects the idea that being a hero involves not just punishing wrongdoing but also healing it.

While some people believe that trauma should not be used to justify villainous acts, others argue that empathy should not replace accountability. These supporters contend that understanding a villain’s pain does not erase the harm they have caused. The case of Hawks killing Twice serves as an example; while some considered it necessary given Twice’s sorrowful history, others worry that it might lessen the importance or forgiveable nature of serious crimes. Some critics even suggest Deku’s approach could border on talk-no-jutsu, trivializing grave offenses.

A Hero’s Journey, A Fandom Divided

Some See A True Hero, Others See A Naive One

In the popular series “My Hero Academia,” one of the most contentious topics is Izuku Midoriya’s decision to save villains. Advocates view this as a reflection of All Might’s legacy, embodying hope and kindness in a world marked by violence. Detractors, on the other hand, consider it unrealistic and fear that it trivializes the damage inflicted by villains.

Horikoshi strikes a balance in his storytelling, portraying compassion as well as repercussions, particularly with characters like Shigaraki. This approach may not appease everyone, but it infuses moral depth and challenges conventional shonen themes. Ultimately, Deku’s odyssey distinguishes itself due to the thought-provoking questions it poses about justice and heroism, eliciting passionate responses that demonstrate the profound impact of the narrative on its audience.

2025-05-04 21:26

Deku’s Villain Saving Obsession Divides MHA Fans!