The “Dark Deku” story arc in My Hero Academy represents a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking a significant departure from the optimistic and hopeful tone that had defined the series. This story arc delves into the complexities of Izuku Midoriya's character as he embraces a darker, more isolated path in the aftermath of the devastating war with the Paranormal Liberation Front.
Despite the potential of this storyline to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes, many fans and critics argue that the arc and Dark Deku as a character did not reach its full potential. While Midoriya's transformation was not a superficial or uninteresting segment of the story, the opportunity for a broader look at the difficulties of being a hero was left hanging.
The Paranormal Liberation War Gave Birth to Dark Deku
The war affected Midoriya in a major way.
My Hero Academy follows Midoriya's journey as a quirkless boy who inherits the powerful Quirk, One For All, from the legendary hero All Might. As Midoriya grows stronger, he faces the growing threat of the League of Villains, led by the sinister Tomura Shigaraki. The story takes a darker turn during the Paranormal Liberation War arc, where heroes and villains clash in an all-out battle that results in devastating losses for both sides. Perhaps most devastating is the reveal of the series' antagonist, All For One's manipulations of Shigaraki. Shigaraki's transformation into a vessel for All For One's will, coupled with his newfound abilities, poses an unprecedented threat to society. The heroes' failure to contain this threat leads to a collapse in public trust and the rise of vigilantism, with civilians taking up arms due to their growing distrust in the heroes' ability to protect them.
Amidst this turmoil, Midoriya finds himself struggling with the weight of his responsibilities. All For One's interest in stealing One For All from Midoriya makes him a target, endangering everyone around him. With society in disarray, villains more powerful than ever, and his loved ones at risk, Midoriya decides to leave UA High School and strike out on his own. He adopts the nickname “Dark Deku,” a manifestation of his determination to carry the burden alone and face the looming threat posed by All For One and Shigaraki.
Dark Deku Marks a Significant Evolution for Midoriya
The personality of the bright-eyed hero changes 180 degrees
For much of the series, Midoriya is portrayed as a symbol of hope and perseverance. He is the embodiment of the ideal hero, striving to save everyone with a smile on his face, just like his idol, All Might. However, the Dark Deku arc forces Midoriya to confront the harsh reality that not all situations can be resolved through pure optimism and determination. His decision to leave UA and work alone is driven by a desire to protect his friends and loved ones, but it also reflects his growing sense of isolation and the crushing weight of his responsibilities.
One of the most compelling aspects of Dark Deku is the visual and thematic change that accompanies his transformation. His costume becomes more worn and menacing, symbolizing the toll his journey is taking on him, both physically and mentally. The addition of his broken mask further emphasizes the loss of innocence and the burden he carries. Dark Deku's visual representation effectively conveys the internal struggle Midoriya faces..
Dark Deku could have had a greater emotional impact
The series misses the mark because it doesn't develop Dark Deku's character enough.
Despite its promising setup and Dark Deku's strengths as a character, the arc ultimately fails to deliver the emotional and narrative impact it set out to achieve. One of the main criticisms of the Dark Deku arc is its relatively short length and lack of depth. While the concept of Midoriya embracing a darker path is intriguing, the arc does not spend enough time exploring the psychological and emotional consequences of this transformation. Midoriya's internal struggle, feelings of isolation, and fear that he may be straying from the path of a true hero are touched upon but not fully developed. The abruptness of the arc also means that the supporting characters, particularly Midoriya's classmates and mentors, do not have enough time to deal with the implications of his decision. While there are moments where his friends express concern and attempt to reach out to him, these interactions are brief and lack the emotional weight they could have had.
The resolution of the story arc, with Midoriya being taken back to UA by his classmates, feels a bit rushed and disappointing. The conflict between Midoriya's desire to protect others by distancing himself and his friends' insistence on staying by his side could have been a powerful exploration of the themes of friendship, trust, and the nature of heroism.but it is resolved too quickly to have a lasting impact. Furthermore, the Dark Deku arc doesn’t fully explore the darker aspects of heroism. Midoriya’s decision to work alone and take on the burden of fighting villains without support is a classic trope in superhero fiction, but the series doesn’t delve into the moral and ethical dilemmas that often accompany such decisions. For example, the idea that Midoriya may be too wrapped up in his mission or losing sight of the values that define him as a hero is only briefly touched upon. This lack of exploration leaves the arc feeling a bit shallow, as it misses the opportunity to challenge Midoriya’s character and force him to confront the darker side of heroism in a more meaningful way.
Dark Deku needed more time to develop
Rhythm makes the difference between a character and a story
Extending Dark Deku's arc and allowing more time for character development would have been crucial to exploring Midoriya's internal struggle and the consequences of his decision to isolate himself. This extended focus would also have provided opportunities to explore the reactions of Midoriya's friends and mentors in more depth, highlighting the tension between their concern for him and their respect for his freedom. Introducing more meaningful challenges that force Midoriya to confront the consequences of his actions could have also made his Dark Deku personality more engaging. For example, the series could have depicted a scenario where Midoriya's decision to work alone results in unintentional harm to othersforcing him to question whether his approach is truly in line with his values as a hero.
Additionally, instead of a quick resolution, the series would have benefited from a longer process in which Midoriya slowly comes to the realization that he cannot carry the burden alone and that relying on others does not make him weak. Dark Deku's visual and thematic elements could have been used more effectively by emphasizing the contrast between Midoriya's darker personality and his original heroic ideals, exploring the tension between these two aspects of his character, and ultimately leading to a deeper resolution in which Midoriya reconciles these conflicting parts of himself. This would have provided a more satisfying and impactful conclusion to the story arc, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.