My Hero Academia: Villains Are Made, Not Born
My Hero Academia has always been about more than just flashy superpowers and epic battles. It's also a story about the complexities of good and evil, and how our society shapes who we become. A recent chapter of the manga dives deep into this theme, reminding fans that Villains aren't born, they're created.
A Missed Opportunity
In chapter 427, we see a news report about Tomura Shigaraki, the terrifying villain who threatens to destroy the world of heroes. The report features interviews with various citizens, but one woman stands out. She's a 70-year-old housewife who had a fateful encounter with young Tenko Shimura (Shigaraki's real name) years ago.
We've seen this woman before, in chapter 237. Back then, she encountered Tenko shortly after his Decay Quirk manifested and his family was brutally murdered. The sight of Tenko, a child in distress, scared her, and she left, assuming someone else would take care of him. She says in the news report, "If only, back then, someone, anyone, had reached out to help." But the irony is, she could have been that someone.
The Cost of Inaction
This scene drives home the point that Villains are not inevitable. Tenko was a child, confused and heartbroken, desperate for help. The housewife could have been that lifeline, but she chose to ignore him. She thought, "Someone else will take care of it." That's the dangerous mindset that lets villains flourish.
The woman's excuse for not helping is that she didn't want to be late for work. But, really, it's just an excuse. She could have at least called the police, but she didn't even do that. Her inaction directly contributed to Shigaraki's descent into villainy.
Society's Role in Villainy
This isn't just about one woman's mistake. My Hero Academia emphasizes that villains are a product of societal neglect. The series highlights how Society often ignores, shuns, or scorns those in trouble, leading them to feel alienated and resentful. Shigaraki isn't the only example. Spinner, Toga, Twice, and many other members of the League of Villains were ostracized and pushed away, ultimately leading them to embrace a life of crime.
Preventing Villains Before They Emerge
My Hero Academia is reminding us that we have a responsibility to reach out to those in need, to show compassion and care. By creating a Society that actively helps those who fall through the cracks, we can prevent the rise of villains. It's a powerful message, and it's one that the series delivers with heart-wrenching honesty. We all have a role to play in making the world a safer, kinder place. The story of Shigaraki is a stark reminder that inaction has consequences.
