When people talk about My Hero Academia, they usually focus on Quirks, emotional character arcs, and explosive battles. But beneath the surface of hero society lies something equally fascinating: a deep love letter to Western cinema and pop culture.
Creator Kohei Horikoshi has never hidden his admiration for American comics and Hollywood films. In fact, many of the most compelling design choices, naming conventions, and thematic decisions in MHA are rooted in Western storytelling traditions. These references are not random jokes. They are layered tributes that enrich the world-building and add emotional resonance.
In this detailed analysis, we will explore six major Movie & Western Media references:
- Pro Hero Godzilla
- Dagobah Beach (Star Wars inspiration)
- Wookies Mall
- All For One → Darth Vader inspiration
- Toga’s mask → Bane reference
- Shield surname → Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D.
Each of these homages reveals something about Horikoshi’s influences, but more importantly, they reveal something about the emotional architecture of MHA itself.
Pro Hero Godzilla – The Monster as Protector
In the film Two Heroes, fans noticed a subtle yet unmistakable reference to Godzilla. A Pro Hero resembling the iconic kaiju appears briefly, and while the scene moves quickly, the homage is deliberate.
Godzilla has always been more than just a monster. Originating from post-war Japan, the character symbolized nuclear devastation, fear, and collective trauma. Over decades, however, Godzilla evolved from destroyer to reluctant protector.
That evolution mirrors a key theme in MHA: power is not inherently evil. It depends on the wielder.
The Kaiju Symbolism in Hero Society
Godzilla’s transformation into a defender of humanity parallels how heroes in MHA must balance overwhelming strength with responsibility. The Pro Hero inspired by Godzilla represents raw power domesticated by morality.
This reflects a larger narrative tension within hero society. When destruction-level abilities exist, how does society prevent chaos? The kaiju reference subtly reminds viewers that strength without control becomes catastrophe.
In MHA, the public both fears and idolizes overwhelming power. Godzilla represents that duality perfectly.
Dagobah Beach – A Star Wars Training Ground
One of the most emotional early arcs in MHA takes place at what is called Dagobah Municipal Beach Park. The name immediately evokes Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back.
In Star Wars, Dagobah is where Yoda trains Luke Skywalker. It is muddy, isolated, and physically demanding. It is not glamorous. It is transformational.
Midoriya’s beach training with All Might echoes that journey.
The Emotional Parallel
Luke trains to control the Force.
Deku trains to inherit One For All.
Both protagonists are:
- Chosen successors
- Overwhelmed by expectation
- Guided by legendary mentors
Dagobah in Star Wars is a place of humility. Luke confronts fear and doubt there. Similarly, Midoriya confronts his physical weakness and self-doubt while cleaning the beach.
The location becomes symbolic of rebirth.
Why the Name Matters
Horikoshi could have chosen any name. Instead, he chose one deeply associated with mentorship and generational transition.
It signals that MHA is not just inspired by superheroes. It is inspired by epic space fantasy storytelling about legacy.
Wookies Mall – Subtle Star Wars Humor
Another playful nod to Star Wars appears in the form of “Wookies” mall — a clear reference to the Wookiee species from the Star Wars universe.
This may seem minor, but it shows Horikoshi’s consistent affection for the franchise.
The Wookiees, represented most famously by Chewbacca, symbolize loyalty and emotional depth beneath intimidating exteriors.
In MHA, many characters share that trait. Characters like Kirishima or even Gentle Criminal appear fierce at first glance but possess vulnerable cores.
The Wookies mall reference reinforces how Western pop culture is woven naturally into the world’s architecture. It makes the setting feel global rather than isolated.
All For One – The Darth Vader Influence
Perhaps the most powerful Western influence appears in the design and thematic structure of All For One.
The comparison to Darth Vader is unmistakable.
Visual Design Similarities
Both characters:
- Wear dark, imposing outfits
- Have masked faces
- Speak with controlled authority
- Radiate quiet menace
Their silhouettes alone evoke intimidation.
But the deeper similarity is philosophical.
Legacy of Darkness
Darth Vader represents:
- Fallen hero
- Corrupted legacy
- Power fueled by control
All For One represents:
- Manipulative patriarch
- Corruptor of generations
- Architect of villain networks
Both serve as looming figures shaping the world from the shadows.
Emotional Contrast with Successors
Just as Vader’s arc connects deeply to Luke’s destiny, All For One’s existence defines Shigaraki’s journey.
The mentor-student dynamic becomes twisted.
Where All Might nurtures Deku with love, All For One molds Shigaraki through control.
This mirror dynamic reflects Star Wars’ light-versus-dark generational conflict.
Toga’s Mask – A Direct Bane Homage
The resemblance between Himiko Toga’s mask and Bane from The Dark Knight Rises is striking.
The mouthpiece design, the exposed lower face, and the intimidating breathing apparatus all echo Bane’s cinematic look.
Psychological Parallels
Bane is not just a brute. He is ideological. He believes he is liberating society.
Toga, similarly, operates from a distorted sense of emotional authenticity. She does not see herself as evil. She sees herself as honest.
Both characters:
- Reject societal norms
- Embrace chaos
- Believe they are exposing hypocrisy
The mask symbolizes emotional suppression. It hides vulnerability while amplifying intimidation.
Shield – A Marvel Tribute
In the Two Heroes film, we meet David and Melissa Shield.
The surname “Shield” is a direct nod to S.H.I.E.L.D. from Marvel Comics.
S.H.I.E.L.D. represents:
- Scientific advancement
- Global protection
- Coordination between heroes
David Shield mirrors that scientific backbone role. He supports heroes through technology rather than combat.
Technology vs Power
Marvel often emphasizes the importance of intelligence alongside superpowers.
MHA reflects this theme through:
- Support course students
- Quirk-enhancing gear
- Scientific collaboration
The Shield surname signals that heroism is not just about punching harder. It is about building systems.
Thematic Analysis – Why Western Cinema Fits MHA
Horikoshi’s world blends:
- American superhero mythology
- Japanese shōnen storytelling
- Hollywood cinematic grandeur
This fusion works because hero stories are universal.
Star Wars deals with legacy.
Marvel explores responsibility.
DC examines symbolism.
Godzilla confronts trauma.
MHA absorbs all of it and reshapes it.
Emotional Core – Legacy & Inheritance
Nearly every Western reference connects to one central theme:
Inheritance.
Luke inherits the Force.
Captain America inherits ideals.
Marvel heroes inherit responsibility.
Deku inherits One For All.
The Western influences are not surface decoration. They reinforce the emotional architecture of MHA.
Conclusion – A Global Love Letter to Heroism
My Hero Academia stands as a bridge between cultures.
It honors:
- Japanese storytelling roots
- American superhero mythology
- Hollywood cinematic tradition
These references are not lazy copies. They are passionate tributes.
Horikoshi grew up loving Western films and comics. Instead of hiding those inspirations, he embedded them into his narrative world.
The result is something powerful: a story that feels global.
Heroism, after all, does not belong to one country.
It belongs to anyone willing to carry hope forward.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think All For One was intentionally modeled after Darth Vader, or is the similarity thematic coincidence?
- How does Dagobah Beach deepen the mentor-student dynamic between All Might and Deku?
- Does Toga’s Bane-inspired mask change how you perceive her character?
- Which Western reference feels the most emotionally meaningful to you?
- Do these tributes make MHA stronger — or do they risk overshadowing originality?
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