Is It Just Me or Would It Be Better if Midoriya Got Into U.A. Without a Quirk?

Midoriya's journey in My Hero Academia is one that many fans understand and resonate with. His struggles as a quirkless individual in a world dominated by superpowers create a compelling underdog narrative. However, some fans ponder what his narrative would have been like if he had entered U.A. (United Association) without a quirk. Would it have made him a more relatable and inspiring protagonist?

Character Development and Themes

Midoriya's journey is heavily tied to his struggle with being quirkless. His lack of a quirk makes him an underdog, which many fans admire and root for. If he had entered U.A. without a quirk, his character development might have taken a different path. He might have had to rely more on his intelligence, strategic thinking, and physical training to prove himself among peers with powers.

This shift could have shifted the story's focus to exploring alternative paths to becoming a hero, emphasizing qualities like bravery and determination over simply acquiring a quirk. Such a narrative could have delved deeper into themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and the value of hard work.

The Introduction of One For All

The introduction of One For All adds a unique dynamic to Midoriya's character arc. This quirk allows him to grow into a powerful hero, which ties into broader themes of legacy, mentorship, and the weight of expectations. It also provides a powerful motivator for Midoriya, especially in his early days at U.A., to push himself to the limits.

Acceptance and Limits of Quirks

However, the idea of Midoriya entering U.A. without a quirk also raises questions about the show's rules and limitations. U.A. is a school for those with quirks, and it's unlikely that they would accept a quirkless student. Without a quirk, the physical limitations would severely restrict Midoriya's abilities, especially when facing higher-tier villains.

Quirks determine a lot in My Hero Academia. Physical prowess alone isn't enough to take down powerful villains like OFA, Shigaraki, or Muscular Gigimatchia. A quirkless Midoriya might not even get into U.A., and even if he did, he certainly couldn't become the greatest hero in the world.

Different Types of Challenges

Would a quirkless Midoriya have been a compelling story? Perhaps, but the existing narrative has resonated with many due to its exploration of overcoming adversity and the complexities of heroism. If Midoriya's challenges were different, it raises the question of whether he would be as relatable or inspiring as he is now.

Another approach could be the "Batman" method, where Midoriya could have muscular and strong, compensating for the lack of a quirk with physical prowess. However, this still doesn't address the fundamental issue of his quirkless status. Other anime series do explore characters who lack the core power or magic, but their stories typically differ from My Hero Academia.

In conclusion, while the idea of a quirkless Midoriya might appeal to some fans, the current storyline has its strengths. It explores the challenges of being an underdog and the importance of perseverance in a world where innate ability often trumps hard work. The existing narrative is complex and thought-provoking, making Midoriya's journey all the more relatable and inspiring.