Since My Hero Academia is set in Japan, the narrative naturally centers around the heroes based in the archipelago. However, the series has introduced a handful of international heroes, whether through the events of the latest season or the franchise’s canon films. These new heroes not only add to My Hero Academia’s character roster, but also expand the show’s world building, an element that the series initially lacked.
While international heroes from Europe, Africa, and Asia have made minor appearances, heroes from America have made the most profound impact on the narrative. With author Horikoshi taking inspiration from Marvel and DC heroes, the series’ American crime fighters serve as an homage to superhero comics. These international heroes prove that the rest of the world doesn’t play second fiddle to Japan’s hero scene.
10 Hiryu Rin
An International Hero Student From China
|
Nationality |
Chinese |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Scales |
|
Character Debut |
Episode 16, “”In Their Own Quirky Ways” |
U.A. High has enrolled a handful of foreign students, and Hiryu Rin is among the school’s international lineup. Hailing from China, Hiryu’s actual name is Long Weizi, though he goes by his Japanese name in school. Being a student of Class 1-B, little is known about Hiryu and his powers, although some of his abilities were revealed in the Joint Training Battle arc.
Hiryu’s quirk is “Scales,” a power that allows him to form reptilian scales on parts of his body. These scales can be used defensively as armor, or Hiryu can hurl them at his opponents. From his traditional hero costume to his dragon-like quirk, Hiryu’s character represents his Chinese heritage.
9 Pony Tsunotori
U.A. High’s Quirky Japanese-American Hero
|
Nationality |
American |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Horn Cannon |
|
Character Debut |
Episode 15, “Roaring Sports Festival” |
Born and raised in the United States, Pony Tsunotori is an international hero student among Class 1-B’s ranks. Pony can seem like an oddball at times, especially due to her limited Japanese. However, her bilingualism leads to a few comedic moments, as she switches to English whenever she is in distress.
While Pony might seem like a frail character, she can hold her own against opponents with her quirk “Horn Cannon.” During the Joint Training Battle arc, Pony was able to immobilize Mezo Shoji and support her classmates until the very end.
8 Nyikang
A Pro Hero Raised in the Deserts of Sudan
|
Nationality |
Sudanese |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Spirit Possession |
|
Character Debut |
Two Heroes |
Nyikang is one of many international heroes introduced in the My Hero Academia: Two Heroes film. However, the Sudanese hero doesn’t play a large role in the narrative, since he only makes a minor appearance during the I-Expo.
As one of Sudan’s strongest heroes, it can be speculated that Nyikang is on par with the other Pro Heroes in the series. “Spirit Possession” further gives Nyikang an edge in battle, as he can send his consciousness into his opponents and control their bodies.
7 Pankration
An International Hero Hailing from Greece
|
Nationality |
Greek |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Power |
|
Character Debut |
Two Heroes |
Pankration is another international hero revealed in the Two Heroes movie, though he barely appears during the I-Expo. Pankration truly embodies his Greek heritage, with his hero costume representing the aesthetic of ancient Greek Olympains.
Prankration’s quirk is “Power,” an ability that lets him absorb raw power, which is then unleashed in a powerful burst. Pankration is inspired by the DC hero Olympian, while his name references the ancient Greek sport of hand-to-hand combat.
6 Cow Lady
America’s Quintessential Cowgirl
|
Nationality |
American |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Cow |
|
Character Debut |
Two Heroes |
Cow Lady makes a minor appearance in the Two Heroes movie as a first responder hero during an attack on a casino in California. She is motivated by her sense of justice, presenting herself as a proud hero willing to protect her people.
With the quirk “Cow,” Cow Lady can do anything a cow can, meaning she boasts superhuman strength and speed. When she activates the quirk, her entire body takes on the appearance of a cow, deeming “Cow” a transformation quirk.
5 Electplant
America’s Electric Pro Hero
|
Nationality |
American |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Electricity Generation |
|
Character Debut |
Two Heroes |
Electplant debuted in the Two Heroes film alongside Cow Lady, serving as one of the first responders in the casino attack. With the quirk “Electricity Generation,” Electplant can shoot blasts of electricity at enemies.
Electplant’s quirk is quite similar to Denki Kaminari’s Electrification, though the difference lies in the latter’s ability to absorb electricity. Electplant’s lightning antennas seem to be a nod to the iconic comic hero The Flash.
4 Clair Voyance
Europe’s Finest Hero
|
Nationality |
Otheon (Fictional Country) |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Voyance |
|
Character Debut |
World Heroes’ Mission |
Clair Voyance is a Pro Hero from the fictional country of Othean, located somewhere on Europe’s Celtic Sea. She makes her debut in the My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission movie, serving as one of the primary members of the task force formed to counter the terrorist group called Humarise.
Clair Voyance’s quirk “Voyance” grants her x-ray vision that allows her to see through objects in her vision. However, her power is only limited to inanimate objects, as she can’t see through human beings or animals.
3 Big Red Dot
Singapore’s No.1 Hero
|
Nationality |
Singaporean |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Tidal Bore |
|
Character Debut |
World Heroes’ Mission |
|
Manga Debut |
Chapter 328 |
Despite debuting in the World Heroes’ Mission movie, Big Red Dot is one of the few manga-canon international heroes. As Singapore’s No. 1 Hero, Big Red Dot is incredibly powerful, and his quirk “Tidal Bore” further makes him a menace on the battlefield.
During the heroes’ efforts to defuse the bombs set by Humarise, Big Red Dot was able to destroy a trigger bomb with a blast of water using his Tidal Bore quirk. Big Red Dot represents Singapore in all the right ways, as his lion’s mane and scaly appearance are references to Singapore’s official mascot: merlions.
2 Salaam
Egypt’s No.1 Hero
|
Nationality |
Egyption |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
Papyrus |
|
Character Debut |
World Heroes’ Mission |
|
Manga Debut |
Chapter 328 |
Salaam is the one of two heroes from the World Heroes’ Mission film to be mentioned in the manga. While fans were eager to witness the Egyption hero in action, he was barred from assisting Japan after the conclusion of the Star and Stripe arc. As his country’s strongest hero, Salaam is well-liked by his people, even more so with his keen sense of justice.
Salaam’s quirk “Papyrus” allows him to turn paper-thin, granting him the ability to fly and slip through narrow areas, similar to Edgeshot. Salaam’s Hero Costume is similar to the Egyptian Pharaohs, paying tribute to his Egyption heritage.
1 Star and Stripe
The Strongest Woman in the World
|
Nationality |
American |
|---|---|
|
Quirk |
New Order |
|
Character Debut |
Episode 138 “No Man Is an Island” |
Cathleen Bate, better known as Star and Stripe, needs no introduction, as this American hero has been one of My Hero Academia’s long-awaited international heroes. Every aspect of Star and Stripe’s appearance represents her American identity, and her principles of justice and freedom complete her all-American persona. She was the first hero to jump into the fray at Japan’s call for aid, showcasing her desire to protect others.
Star and Stripe’s “New Order” quirk is quite overpowered, granting her the ability to set two rules at a time, which essentially bend the rules of nature. With All Might being her inspiration, Star and Stripe’s appearance and mannerisms resemble the former No. 1 hero to a considerable degree, though she still maintains her own unique American identity.
Leave a Reply