Did Anyone Else Expect Deku to Become a Vigilante in the My Hero Academia Manga?

Introduction

My Hero Academia has captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative, engaging characters, and complex moral dilemmas. One question that has sparked debate among fans involves the direction of protagonist Izuku Midoriya, better known as Deku. Specifically, did anyone anticipate that Deku would venture into the path of a vigilante, operating outside the law to protect others?

Early Signs of Deku as a Vigilante

Although his final decision to become a vigilante was a surprising twist, many fans noted that Deku had shown early signs of being willing to take matters into his own hands. For instance, during his time at U.A. High School, he engaged in several unauthorized and vigilante-like actions:

Attacking Stain to Save Iida: In an attempt to save his friend Hajime Iida from a villain, Deku performed an unsanctioned act that could be seen as vigilantism. Unauthorized Rescue Mission: Deku went on a rescue mission to save Katsuki Bakugo, though he did not physically fight villains and was focused on saving his friend. Disobeying Orders to Save Eri: When Ayami Eri was in danger, Deku disobeyed orders to defend her from Overhaul, demonstrating the lengths he was willing to go to protect others. Combat with Gentle Criminal: When facing Gentle Criminal, Deku did not call for backup, indicating a willingness to handle dangerous situations on his own.

These acts of unauthorized intervention suggest that Deku's transition to a vigilante was not an entirely shocking development, but rather a natural progression of his character.

A Temporary Development or a New Chapter?

Following Deku's unapproved actions, he was briefly seen as a vigilante, operating outside the law. However, this situation did not last long. His classmates tracked him down, and they convinced him to return to the established hero path. Now, Deku is once again a hero student with a provisional license, working alongside the pro heroes.

Horikoshi's decision to make this a temporary development suggests that the manga's narrative aims to emphasize Deku's continued growth and learning rather than a permanent shift in his role. Yet, this twist remains a pivotal moment in the series, highlighting the moral and legal complexities Deku faces.

Fans' Reactions and Theories

The revelation of Deku's limited vigilante activity prompted a range of reactions from fans. Some were surprised by the unexpected turn, while others saw it as a natural progression of Deku's character. Here are some insights based on fan discussions:

"I can't say that I foresaw this specific development, but Deku has always shown a willingness to go outside the law to do what's right. He performed an act of vigilantism by attacking Stain to save Iida, went on an unauthorized rescue mission to save Bakugo, didn't attack any villains that time, considered disobeying orders to save Eri from Overhaul, and fought Gentle Criminal without calling for backup. As such, it's natural that if he thinks leaving behind his school or even the pro heroes he's fighting with is necessary to protect everyone he cares about, then that's what he'll do."

Another fan shared their thoughts:

"Honestly, not everyone would have seen it coming, but who are theorists would maybe have seen it coming."

Reflecting on this twist, one fan noted:

"Kudos to Horikoshi for making this wonderfully surprising twist! I was flabbergasted to see Deku become a vigilante, and initially, I was slightly concerned. However, as I thought about it, it makes sense in the context of the story."

Some fans also pondered the implications of Deku's actions for his future as a hero. One fan theorized:

"I must be crazy, but I think there's a theory [that] Izuku will become the Number 1 Hero without finishing school. This could explain why the end of the main conflict is showing up, even though he's still in his first year at U.A. This theory is far-fetched, but it's an intriguing possibility within the context of the series."

These fan theories and reactions underscore the significance of Deku's actions, highlighting the complex moral and legal dynamics at play in My Hero Academia.

Conclusion

The unexpected turn of events in Deku's journey as a potential vigilante reflects the nuanced nature of character development and the challenges he faces. While his actions may have surprised some fans, they align with the overarching themes of justice, heroism, and personal growth that define the series. Horikoshi's storytelling aptly captures the dynamic interplay between legality and morality, making My Hero Academia a deeply engaging and thought-provoking work.