Fans ofMy Hero Academiareceived a thrilling surprise with the recent announcement of an all-new, standalone epilogue, set to release this month. Although details ofMy Hero Academia’sepliogue storyremain tightly under wraps, speculation is running rampant across social media. This unexpected but welcome addition has sparked a flurry of rumors among fans, particularly given the series' widely praised conclusion in its previous final chapter.
However, if the promotional cover for the upcoming tankobon release is any indication, rumors about the future of at least one character may have been exaggerated. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the cover image seems to caution fans not to believe the hype. It reminds us that the most impactful characters aren’t always the strongest.
Deku’s Journey From The Student To The Master Is Told In One Image
The Challenges Deku Faced Transformed His Once Wide-eyed Wonder Into The Narrowed Gaze Of Experience
At first glance, the cover resembles those of many otherMy Hero Academiavolumes, featuring Deku alongside one or morepeers fromMy Hero Academia’sClass 1-Aor other characters from the story. However,a closer inspection reveals that the cover also serves as a reflection of Deku’s journey and the profound impact he’s had on theMy Hero Academiauniverse. These elements aren’t explicitly stated but are cleverly conveyed by creator Kohei Horikoshi through several carefully placed Easter eggs.
Of course, the most obvious Easter egg is that the cover is nearly a mirror image of the manga sensation’s first volume cover. The primary changes are: Deku replaces All Might as the central heroic figure in the background, Dai replaces Deku in the foreground, and the subtitle changes from “Izuku Midoriya’s Origin” to “I’m Here.” To the casual observer, this may seem fitting for the series' final volume. It clearly suggests the series' core narrative:Deku inherited the mantle ofMy Hero Academia’sSymbol of Peacefrom All Might, and now Dai will eventually inherit that duty from Deku.
Comparing the precise details of Deku and All Might reveals their legacy is more complex than a simple role transition. Although theOne for All Quirk’s base power remained constant, its users' diverse backgrounds and perspectives significantly impacted its utilization. Each person who possessed the Quirk approached it from a unique path and wielded it according to their individual beliefs. Consequently, despite granting the same power, the Quirk couldn’t alter the distinct personalities of its users. The contrast between Deku and All Might is strikingly evident in Volume 42’s cover image, highlighting the intricate nature of their shared legacy.
Deku Could Never Be All Might, And That’s Alright
On the cover of Volume #1, Horikoshi portraysAll Might in quintessential superhero mode, striking a classic pose that embodies the iconic hero archetype. Notably, this contrasts with All Might’s alter ego, Yagi Toshinori, a laid-back and reserved individual. As All Might, however, he transforms into a larger-than-life figure, effortlessly defeating villains with a charismatic smile. Although Toshinori may not have personally identified with this image, he remained committed to his mentor Nana Shimura’s belief that a hero should: “never let them see you sweat.” This dichotomy highlights the complexities of All Might’s persona.
Conversely, Horikoshi depicts Deku on the cover of Volume #42 as an ordinary young adult — someone people would never suspect of saving the world.This perfectly captures Deku’s essence as the accidental superhero who never sought the role but, once entrusted with it, humbly gave his all to fulfill the expectations placed upon him. Whether in his superhero form or not, Deku consistently exudes quiet humility — a trait that stands out as his true superpower. This is best illustrated in how Deku subtly honors All Might with a nod in the form of an awesome T-shirt.
Deku Changed The My Hero Academia Universe, But Did It On His Own Terms
Beyond these more obvious Easter eggs, there are a few other, more subtly placed ones that reinforce the idea of Deku coming full circle. For example, as pointed out byMy Hero Academiasuperfan@Miodriyaon their X account (formerly Twitter), Deku wearing an All Might T-shirt is a quintessentially manga geek/otaku move. On one hand, it highlights Deku’s nerdy side. But more importantly, it proves that Deku, the “geek who could,” embodies the idea that nerds can save the world and look good doing it. Indeed, Deku never ran away from his true self - like All Might - instead he embraced it.
My Hero Academiafan@Azusearumalso observed on their X account that the background faces on Volume #1’s cover share a uniform red hue, whereas those on Volume 42’s cover are individually colored, reflecting their distinct traits. According to @Azusearum’s analysis, this contrast signifies a shift in the dynamics of the new era. Previously, the pro-hero universe revolved around All Might, with the forces of good heavily dependent on his actions. As All Might himself hinted, this era was exhausting. He was often weighed down by the crushing public expectations. This insightful observation highlights the evolution of the superhero landscape.
On the other hand, the facial details of the characters on Volume #42 suggest that power and prestige have become more decentralized. While Deku may be the Symbol of Peace, he relies heavily on the support of his classmates, colleagues, and former teachers. Unlike All Might, who felt compelled to shoulder every battle alone — a mindset that caused him to endure unnecessary pain and stress — Deku understands that others are willing to “take point” when needed. This decentralized approach to superhero power aligns perfectly with Deku’s personality and values.
The upcoming new epilogue is sure to unveil intriguing aspects of life in the post-Final War era, particularly regarding Deku and his fascinating new suit. However, no matter how that story unfolds, everything fans need to know about Deku — both in the present and future — is captured through the Easter eggs included on the cover of Volume #42. Whatever challenges Deku faces in the epilogue, fans can rest assured that he will stay true to himself, act with integrity, and always prioritize the well-being of the most vulnerable in theMy Hero Academiauniverse.
My Hero AcademiaVolume #42 will be available in Japan fromJump ComicsonDecember 4, 2024.
Sources:@Miodriya,@Azusearum
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a multimedia franchise that follows a young boy named Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without superpowers. These superpowers, known as “Quirks” are found in most people after birth, but Izuku wasn’t so lucky - until a fateful encounter with All Might, Japan’s greatest hero, Izuku inherits his Quirk and enrolls in U.A. High School to learn the true meaning of heroism. Alongside his classmates, each endowed with unique abilities, Izuku faces rigorous training and lethal threats from villainous forces.
