Season 6 of My Hero Academia sparked online debate over how far the anime has progressed and what's next for the ensemble cast of heroes and villains. Undoubtedly, the largest names being discussed are Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, All Might, and even Ochaco Uraraka, but there is also an increase in interest in secondary characters like Death Arms.
Death Arms has been a recognizable but largely ignored character in MHA -- up until Season 6. This shift into the spotlight has a great deal to do with his significant and simultaneously controversial recent actions. While fans may be split on Death Arms' decision to leave his colleagues behind, the story of his change in character is not as simple as some initially thought.
Background of Death Weapons and Heroic Assistance in My Hero Academia
While there isn't much information on Death Arms, his Quirk and relatable personality have become quite well known. Without an official title to his Quirk, his power is essentially superhuman strength in his arms. Though it never reaches the power levels of All Might, Death Arms still manages to accomplish a great deal. Given that his arms are the source of his strength as a Pro Hero, it makes sense that his name highlights that part of his character. Though his involvement throughout My Hero Academia is limited, a revisit to each of his brief scenes reveals his personality and opinion of his occupation.
Death Arms had the distinction of being one of the first Pro Heroes introduced in the anime and also appears in the prequel series My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. In both the main storyline and the manga prequel, he mostly stands behind his fellow Pro Heroes, taking special attention to protecting civilians rather than fighting villains head-on. No matter the circumstance, whether it be rescuing a civilian taken hostage or standing on guard duty at a major event, Death Arms takes his responsibilities very seriously with little complaint and a drive to be the best he can be.
As seen with his inability to save Bakugo from the sludge villain back in Episode 1 of the anime, Death Arms takes any failures personally -- but this doesn't give him the same inspirational persona that Midoriya and All Might have. Death Arms isn't a flashy hero and isn't recognized as a celebrity, which would explain his lower rating among his colleagues. That being said, he still maintains positive relationships with his fellow Pro Heroes.
When working or not, Death Arms is highly practical and realistic, focusing on the brutal nature of his job. He makes a comment on how the obstacle race is the kids' first exposure to the competitive side of the Pro Hero sector during the U.A. Sports Festival. In the words of the author, "In a world saturated with Hero Agencies, there are moments when you have to kick down others to exhibit your stuff in order to put food on the table." His main emphasis is on the students' development and how the Sports Festival should prepare them for reality; he does not say this with mockery or hostility.
Even though he can be dismal, Death Arms also has a kind side. His dedication to protecting civilians reveals that he has never sought fame or attention for his heroic deeds. In Episode 1, when he criticizes Midoriya for trying to save Bakugo, he is acting out of concern rather than out of concern for his reputation or for money. While there is no denying the necessity of financial assistance from the general public and civilian support in order to, as he puts it, "put food on the table," Death Arms' pragmatic side is simply one facet of who he is. This is also why, in Season 6, he ultimately decides to retire
Why Did Death Arms Decide to Withdraw as a Pro Hero?
After the villains Tomura Shigaraki and Gigantomachia caused immense damage in Season 6 of My Hero Academia, Death Arms struggles to cope without the civilians' support. As Pro Heroes begin to retire at the first sign of trouble, Death Arms pushes through the stress of civilian backlash. Though he tries to remain active in his hero work, he eventually gives in to his pessimism and retires, feeling that he is a simple human being rather than a hero.
Fans' responses have been inconsistent. Some think Death Arms retired because he was mentally ill, while others think he lacked the courage to demonstrate why he was a real hero. Regarding his personality and the challenging situation he is in, both sides make reasonable points. Death Arms wasn't flashy and never complained about his life's circumstances, thus he never performed hero work for the money or the attention. His final scene as a Pro Hero shows a broken man who has honestly weighed the advantages and disadvantages of his situation.
The Pro Heroes may feel mental and emotional exhaustion because they are effectively first responders. Death Arms was obligated to retire due to his pessimistic outlooks and a lack of adequate help. His choice, while pragmatist, results from his incapacity to handle stress. Death Arms might not be the most motivational hero, but he is nonetheless deserving of praise for the amazing work he did throughout his career, not just for his heroic deeds in MHA.
