Highlights
- All Might, a Japanese character, embodies American superhero traits, reflecting America’s influence on Japan’s hero scene.
- America’s hero licensing system and quirk laws inspired Japan’s current system, making it a pioneer in modern quirk laws.
- All Might’s time in America shaped him into the Symbol Of Peace, influencing his character and abilities, and paying homage to American superheroes.
Since My Hero Academia is set in Japan, the series mostly boasts a roster of Japanese characters. However, one character with origins in the archipelago seems a bit out of place — All Might. From his red, white, and blue hero costume to his larger-than-life persona, All Might embodies the essence of American superheroes through every facet of his character.
While All Might’s all-American characterization might seem rather peculiar, the history and significance behind his persona reveals the role America has played in shaping Japan’s Symbol Of Peace. With My Hero Academia’s hero scene being inspired by DC and Marvel Comics, author Horikoshi pays homage to these comic heroes by weaving the birthplace of superheroes into the narrative.
America’s Role in the Series
While the series rarely provides any exposition outside of Japan, My Hero Academia’s spin-off manga and movies provide ample insight into the hero scene of the rest of the world. With international heroes from several nations making appearances, America and its heroes have remained the most prominent foreign heroes. The Vigilantes spin-off manga and Two Heroes movie reveal America’s role in inspiring the hero world of today, making the States a centerpiece in world politics.
During the early days of the advent of quirks, the entire world plunged into chaos, including the United States. Despite vigilantes taking up arms to protect the nation, a new system needed to be developed, and the state of Rhode Island was the first to instate a hero licensing system. The current hero system and quirk laws used in Japan are drawn from these initial regulations, making America the pioneer of modern quirk laws.
All Might’s Connection to America
|
Character Debut |
Episode 1 “Izuku Midoriya: Origin” |
|
Quirk |
One For All |
|
Debut Date |
April 3, 2016 |
All Might takes on the characteristics of a stereotypical hero, from his unnerving presence to his overbearing optimism. His hero costume also draws inspiration from America’s stars and bars, while his ultimate moves and abilities are named after various states. At times, All Might can seem so uncannily American that fans initially wondered whether the No. 1 Hero was actually of Japanese origin.
However, All Might’s Americanized persona isn’t merely for show, as the States hold considerable significance for the hero. After inheriting One For All and witnessing Nana Shimura’s death, All Might was forced to find refuge in America, a country that was free from turmoil and chaos at that time.
How America Shaped the Symbol Of Peace
All Might’s time in the States not only geared him to become an exceptional hero, but also introduced him to a few names that would become crucial for the narrative down the line. Away from All For One’s influence, All Might was able to train his quirk and gain experience in America’s hero scene. It was during this time that he met David Shield, the genius inventor who served as All Might’s sidekick and created specialized armor for him.
It’s fine now. Why? Because I am here!
America’s hero society instilled principles of justice, freedom, and peace within All Might, and while most of these beliefs were already present in young Toshinori, his time in the States further exacerbated these sentiments. While his stay in America never exactly received much exposition, one thing is clear that the country inspired the best in All Might, shaping him to become the Symbol Of Peace.
The All-American Hero
Endeavor might call All Might “the American” to mock him, yet the former No.1 Hero takes pride in his identity. His big muscular appearance, heroic optimism, and unfaltering smile all allude to the early American superheroes. However, All Might’s fondness for the States goes beyond merely adopting Western mannerisms, as all of his abilities and finishing moves are named after American cities and states.
Detroit Smash, Oklahoma Smash, and Texas Smash are just some of his American-inspired moves. However, the most American of these is the United States of Smash, an ultimate move that utilized every ember of One For All’s power within All Might. The name suggests exactly how unfathomable this finishing move is, representing the power of all fifty states combined.
I smile to show the pressure of heroes and to trick the fear inside of me.
Horikoshi’s Homage to Superhero Comics
Kohei Horikoshi has, on multiple occasions, stated that the series was inspired by early superhero comics, with names such as Superman and Captain America serving as a reference for All Might’s character. However, All Might is just one aspect of American inspiration dotted throughout the series, as Horikoshi pays tribute to the nation through a few other ways.
The United States has already played a crucial role in My Hero Academia, yet there’s more to come in Season 7 with Japan’s call for international aid. Deku’s Mid-Gauntlet, a support item necessary to control One For All, is another gift from America, created by David and Melissa Shield. As the pioneer of superhero stories, it comes as no surprise that America has shaped much of the anime’s heroics.
My Hero Academia is available to stream on Prime Video.
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