My Hero Academia’s Ending Controversy: Creator Reveals Original Vision

The conclusion of the popular anime and manga series My Hero Academia in 2024 sparked significant debate among its fanbase. While some fans embraced the ending and accepted Deku’s new role within the hero society, others expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution for the series’ central characters. This division in fan reaction underscored the challenges faced by the creator, Kohei Horikoshi, as he navigated the series’ conclusion.

In a recent interview tied to the My Hero Academia exhibition in 2025, Horikoshi unveiled his initial vision for the story’s ending. He explained, “I originally planned for it to end with Deku becoming a teacher and saying, ‘You can be a hero!’ Having used up his powers but looking fully confident… like that.” This original concept was intended to reflect a more personal narrative, focusing solely on Deku and his journey with One For All.

Horikoshi elaborated that his perspective shifted as the series evolved, stating, “In this series, I was exploring ‘What does it mean to be the greatest hero?’ and the answer this manga came to is that it means ‘reaching a hand out to others’.” This thematic exploration became the basis for the final monologue in Chapter 430, a significant departure from his original concept.

The crux of the discussion lies in the transformation of Deku’s iconic line from the first chapter: “This is the story of how I became the greatest hero.” In the original ending, Deku would have fulfilled this statement literally, emerging as the world’s greatest hero and passing on his legacy to the next generation, much like All Might did for him.

Yet, Horikoshi’s decision to pivot from this narrative proved to be a prudent choice. The story had extended beyond Deku’s singular journey, shifting to a collective narrative with a broader focus. This change is exemplified in Chapter 324, where the line evolves to “This is the story of how we all became the greatest heroes.”

By embracing this communal theme, My Hero Academia diverged from typical power fantasy tales that center on individual triumphs, akin to series like Naruto. Instead, it highlighted the importance of community and collaboration, enriching the character arcs of pivotal figures like Bakugo and Endeavor.

Despite mixed feelings regarding the series finale, the release of a new anime epilogue aims to address some of the fans’ concerns. This new content provides additional context and closure for characters who may have felt neglected in the original conclusion.

Ultimately, the evolution of Horikoshi’s vision illustrates a deeper understanding of the narrative’s essence. While fans may have had differing opinions on the ending, the recognition that My Hero Academia is fundamentally about extending a hand to others resonates powerfully. As the series continues to engage audiences, its themes of heroism and community remain relevant and poignant in today’s world.