One of the biggest reasons My Hero Academia (MHA) became a global phenomenon is because it doesn’t just celebrate Japanese shōnen traditions — it openly honors Western superhero culture. Series creator Kohei Horikoshi is a massive fan of American comics, especially Marvel and DC, and that love is deeply embedded in the DNA of the series.
From character designs and powers to personalities and moral philosophies, many MHA characters are inspired by iconic Western superheroes. Some are subtle tributes. Others are nearly direct homages. But none are simple copies — they are reinterpretations, filtered through Japanese storytelling.
In this deep analysis, we will explore five major superhero references in MHA:
- All Might → Superman + Captain America
- Eraser Head → Batman
- Sero → Spider-Man
- Twice → Deadpool
- Shishida → Beast (X-Men)
Let’s break down how these inspirations work — visually, thematically, and symbolically.
1. All Might – The Fusion of Superman and Captain America
The Symbol of Peace
All Might is not just a hero. He is the hero. The “Symbol of Peace.” His very presence lowers crime rates. His smile reassures society. His strength is overwhelming.
This concept strongly mirrors two American icons:
- Superman
- Captain America
Horikoshi didn’t hide the influence — All Might practically radiates Silver Age comic book energy.
Visual Similarities to Superman
Superman is the gold standard of superheroes — strong, morally pure, and visually bold.
All Might shares:
- Massive muscular physique
- Bright primary colors (red, blue, yellow)
- Square jaw and exaggerated heroic features
- Wind-blown dramatic hair
- Big chest emblem
Even All Might’s transformation into his muscular form feels like a classic comic exaggeration of idealized heroism — much like Superman represents the pinnacle of human (or alien) potential.
Both characters are:
- Nearly invincible in prime condition
- Symbols of hope
- Morally upright to an almost mythic degree
But there’s one difference: Superman is consistently powerful, while All Might is a fading legend. That vulnerability adds emotional depth to the archetype.
The Captain America Influence
While Superman gives All Might his godlike presence, Captain America gives him something else: ideology.
Captain America represents:
- Justice
- Patriotism
- Self-sacrifice
- Moral leadership
All Might represents:
- Justice
- Public reassurance
- Sacrifice for the next generation
- Leadership through inspiration
Both are not just fighters — they are moral compasses.
All Might’s catchphrase, “I am here!”, feels very much like Captain America stepping into battle as a living symbol.
Thematic Connection
Superman and Captain America are idealized heroes of another era — pure-hearted and unwavering.
MHA modernizes that idea by showing:
- What happens when the Symbol of Peace weakens?
- What happens when society depends too much on one man?
- What is the cost of being a symbol?
All Might is not just inspired by Western heroes — he deconstructs them.
2. Eraser Head (Shota Aizawa) – The Batman of UA
Shota Aizawa, also known as Eraser Head, is a grounded, tactical hero. Unlike All Might, he isn’t flashy. He isn’t symbolic. He is practical.
And that practicality screams:
Batman
Similarities in Personality
Batman:
- Emotionally reserved
- Operates in shadows
- Relies on strategy
- Intimidates enemies
Aizawa:
- Tired-looking, unmotivated appearance
- Works quietly
- Erases Quirks strategically
- Uses fear to control villains
Neither relies purely on overwhelming strength.
They rely on intelligence.
Combat Style Comparison
Batman uses:
- Gadgets
- Martial arts
- Environmental advantage
Aizawa uses:
- Capture cloth (functionally similar to grappling tools)
- Hand-to-hand combat
- Tactical positioning
- Quirk nullification
Aizawa often fights villains stronger than him — just like Batman fights gods.
Mentor Archetype
Batman mentors Robin and the Bat-Family.
Aizawa mentors Class 1-A.
Both are:
- Harsh teachers
- Protective underneath
- Willing to sacrifice themselves
They represent the “human” side of heroism in worlds filled with superpowered beings.
3. Sero – The Spider-Man Parallel
Hanta Sero is one of the most direct references in Class 1-A.
His Quirk: Tape.
He shoots adhesive tape from his elbows.
That is unmistakably similar to:
Spider-Man
Movement & Combat Style
Spider-Man:
- Swings through cities
- Immobilizes enemies with webs
- Agile, acrobatic
Sero:
- Swings using tape
- Wraps enemies
- Mobile and flexible
The core concept — projectile adhesive used for mobility — is identical in spirit.
Why It Works
Unlike Spider-Man, Sero isn’t the protagonist. But he represents how Horikoshi embraces Western superhero tropes and integrates them naturally.
Instead of copying Peter Parker’s personality, Horikoshi only borrows the mobility concept and makes it fit the MHA world.
That’s homage — not imitation.
4. Twice – A Walking Deadpool Tribute
Twice may be the most obvious Western reference in the entire series.
He strongly resembles:
Deadpool
Visual Similarity
- Full-body mask
- Expressive eye lenses
- Red and black color scheme
- Slim athletic build
The resemblance is undeniable.
Psychological Parallel
Deadpool:
- Mentally unstable
- Talks constantly
- Splits between humor and darkness
Twice:
- Suffers identity crisis
- Speaks in contradictions
- Struggles with self-worth
But here’s the twist:
Deadpool breaks the fourth wall.
Twice breaks himself.
Horikoshi takes the comedic chaos of Deadpool and transforms it into tragic instability.
The Tragic Layer
Twice is not just comic relief. His psychological breakdown makes him one of MHA’s most emotionally powerful villains.
He starts as parody — and becomes heartbreak.
5. Shishida – The Beast of Class 1-B
Jurota Shishida has the Quirk: Beast.
This is a clear reference to:
Beast from X-Men.
Surface-Level Similarities
- Large muscular beast form
- Enhanced strength
- Animalistic features
But it goes deeper.
Intelligence in Power
Beast from X-Men is not just strong — he is brilliant.
Shishida’s Beast form enhances both:
- Physical ability
- Instinctual awareness
- Tactical thinking
This mirrors the X-Men version, where Beast balances intellect and savagery.
The X-Men Influence in MHA
X-Men explores discrimination against mutants.
MHA explores society built around Quirks.
Both stories question:
- What makes someone a hero?
- How does society treat the different?
Shishida is part of that thematic bridge.
Conclusion: Homage, Not Copy
What makes My Hero Academia special is not that it borrows from Western superheroes.
It celebrates them.
Horikoshi grew up loving American comics. Instead of hiding that influence, he proudly integrates it. But he never simply copies. He adapts.
- All Might becomes a deconstruction of Superman and Captain America.
- Aizawa modernizes Batman’s tactical philosophy.
- Sero captures Spider-Man’s movement.
- Twice transforms Deadpool’s chaos into tragedy.
- Shishida channels the X-Men spirit of mutation and identity.
MHA is a bridge between East and West — between manga and Marvel, between shōnen and DC.
It proves something powerful:
Heroism is universal.
And sometimes, the greatest tribute is not imitation — but evolution.
0 Comments