Some anime series unfortunately let their side characters fall into the background; underutilizing them in the story, but this is not the case forMy Hero Academia.The supporting cast ofMy Hero Academiaare just as important as the main heroes, like Deku and Bakugo. Episodes featuring side characters like Ochaco, Ida, and Kirishima, not only show off thecharacters' impressive attacksand interesting Quirks, they also further explore the series' themes of heroism, hard work, and persistence.
Episode 68, “Let’s Go, Gutsy Red Riot,” focused on one such side character, Eijiro Kirishima. Kirishima is a fiery, extroverted member of Class 1-A who is close friends with Bakugo. He aspires to be a mighty hero who helps others, and he finally received a chance to put his skills to the test whenhe was recruited for an internship with the Pro Hero, Fat Gum.
Kirishima’s first battlealongside the heroes Fat Gumand Tamaki Amajiki proved he is more than a side character, and that he has the courageousness and tenacity to work alongside the Pros professionally one day.
Eijiro Kirishima Debuted His New Ultimate Move, Unbreakable, During His Internship
When a Dangerous Villain Threatened Him, Kirishima Tried Out His Ultimate Move, Protecting Himself and Innocent Civilians
During the battle, a villain began firing off Quirk-cancelling bullets, causing Kirishima to leap into action to prevent Tamaki and the civilians from being struck by the evil villain. Even though he was afraid and lacked intensive training since he had just begun his internship, he refused to back down from the challenge presented to him. Backed into a corner by the villain and fighting on his own, Kirishima realized he would have to exert all of his strength and try new moves in order to win. His normal Hardening Quirk skills were not working, so he debuted his Ultimate Move.
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Eijiro was near giving up, beginning to waver slightly as the tough villain continually swung sharp blades at him. However, hisUltimate Move changed the tide of the battlein Kirishima’s favor. Kirishima’s Unbreakable attack allowed him to harden himself entirely, preventing the evildoer from landing a single blow, even though the villain had been able to break through Kirishima’s Quirk before. However, Kirishima’s Unbreakable was not what allowed him to defeat his opponent,his refusal to give up was even more crucial.On the verge of losing, his friend, Bakugo’s, words rang in his ears as powerful motivation.
Kirishima’s Most Valuable Weapon Is Not His Ultimate Move, It Is His Persistence
During This Battle, He Swore To Be “A Horse That Never Wavers," Proving His Boundless Determination
What sets Kirishima apart from other heroes is his endless drive and persistence. In this battle, he declared himself to be “a horse that never wavers,” assuring himself that no matter how difficult a villain is to beat,his perseverance will allow him to emerge victorious.Armed with this newfound confidence and resolve, Eijiro held off the villain and weakened him untilthe other Pro Heroesarrived to help, securing their success. This moment represented not only Kirishima’s first official debut as a hero, but highlighted what he is truly capable of and revealed his ceaselessly persistent personality.
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The scene gave viewers their first true taste of the skills Kirishima would showcase in future battles, like the Shie Hassakai raid, for example, including his Ultimate Move and unhesitating, determined attack style. His excellence in this fight not only developed Kirishima’s character on an individual level, itproved how important all ofMy Hero Academia’sside characters are.Episodes featuring the series' side characters don’t just provide simple breaks from the excitement and action provided by the main heroes, these characters are crucial to the series and possess their own unique skills and personalities that improve the entire story.
This Kirishima Moment Showcased the Importance of Side Characters inMy Hero Academia
These Scenes That Focus on the Supporting Cast Not Only Entertain, They Expand on the Series’ Crucial Core Themes
Some may consider side character episodes like this Kirishima-focused episode “filler episodes,” but that is far from the case. These scenes gave viewers a more in-depth look at Kirishima’s attitude and values as a hero. “Let’s Go, Gutsy Red Riot,” humanized Kirishima by revealing his completely understandable and relatable insecurities, while inspiring viewers at the same time by revealing his diligent efforts to overcome his fears. Furthermore, his action-packed scenes furtherhammered homeMy Hero Academia’sgreatestcore values, such as willpower, commitment to the fight against evil, and being unyielding, themes that appear time and time again throughout the story.
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This episode proved Kirishima’s worthiness as a hero, earning him the utmost respect from the grateful civilians he saved from danger. At that moment, he shifted from an aspiring U.A. student to a real hero. As the series progressed,Kirishima only further proved his heroism and bravery, such as when he courageously protected the Pro Hero Fat Gum just a few episodes later. Although it could be considered a diversion from the main storyline, side character episodes are absolutely pivotal toMy Hero Academia,giving these characters the same thoughtfully written stories and jaw-dropping moments the main heroes enjoy.
Another Example of a Pivotal Side Character Story Is Tenya Ida’s in the Vs. Hero Killer Arc
These Supporting Cast Episodes Offer Not Only Greater Insight Into the Characters, but Worthwhile Lessons Too
AnotherMy Hero Academiaarc that focused heavily on a side character was the Vs. Hero Killer Arc,which placed Tenya Idaat the forefront as he hunted downthe Hero Killer, Stain, to avenge his brother, Tensei. This arc showcased Ida’s love for his brother, and hatred of evildoers. The Ida-focused episodes also revealed his shortcoming: letting his emotions control his actions without thinking. Just as Kirishima worked through his insecurities to improve, Ida fought to solve the issues holding him back. EachMy Hero Academiasupporting cast episode teaches a valuable lesson, giving these characters the spotlight they deserve.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
