When it comes to anime, My Hero Academia stands as a series brimming with positivity and motivation. The protagonist, Deku, consistently exemplifies an inspiring can-do spirit, while the narrative is punctuated with heroic victories against formidable villains. Yet, beneath its largely optimistic veneer lies a darker reality, where heart-wrenching scenes of death and irreversible destruction permeate the story.
The series showcases some of the most profoundly tragic deaths in anime, leaving an indelible mark on fans. Many beloved characters—both hero and villain—meet their demise in high-stakes battles, emphasizing the grim realities of their world. Even in death, these characters wield a lasting influence throughout My Hero Academia.
10. Star and Stripe
Shigaraki Stole Star and Stripe’s Quirk and Ended Her Life Too Soon
Star and Stripe, whose real name is Cathleen Bate, made her entrance late into My Hero Academia but tragically died before she could fully showcase her capabilities. Tomura Shigaraki relentlessly pursued her Quirk, New Order, ultimately succeeding in usurping it and leading to her demise.
Her death occurred when Shigaraki activated his Decay Quirk, leaving Cathleen powerless to defend herself. This loss disappointed fans who anticipated a vital role for her in the Final War Arc, especially considering her engaging personality and the vast potential her Quirk represented.
9. Magne
Magne Was Torn in Half in a Split-Second by Overhaul, as the League Watched in Horror
Even as a villain, Magne’s death struck a deep emotional chord, particularly due to the profound heartache it unleashed among her comrades in the League of Villains. During a showdown with Overhaul, Magne, also known as Kenji Hikiishi, met a gruesome end in front of her allies.
The League felt her loss acutely, particularly Twice and Toga, whose grief was palpable. Toga lamented the loss of her “Big Sis Magne, ”while Twice struggled with guilt over his inability to save her, despite the swift nature of her death. This brutal incident heightened tensions between their group and Overhaul’s faction, Shie Hassaikai.
8. Stain
Despite His Villainous Past, Stain Gave Up His Life Fighting All for One
Stain, known for his heinous acts against Pro Heroes, held a unique ideology. His ultimate aim was to reform hero society by pushing for a more ethical and moral representation of heroism. His belief led to him being imprisoned in Tartarus for his crimes.
However, he eventually resurfaced to participate in the battle against All For One, seizing the opportunity to redeem his past actions. Stain’s demise at the hands of All For One solidified his transformation from villain to a character embodying heroism in his final stand.
7. Shigaraki’s Family
Shigaraki Accidentally Killed His Family With His Decay Quirk
In one of the series’ most distressing flashbacks, Shigaraki reveals the tragic events that led to his family’s demise. When his Decay Quirk triggered uncontrollably, it resulted in the disintegration of his loved ones, a haunting memory that would shape his future.
This devastating incident not only details Shigaraki’s animosity toward heroes—who failed to rescue him—but also exposes societal neglect toward individuals burdened with volatile Quirks, setting the stage for future calamities.
6. Midnight
Midnight Was Killed by a Group of Villains During the Paranormal Liberation War
During the intense Paranormal Liberation War arc, the beloved Pro Hero Midnight faced a brutal fate at the hands of villains. Despite her valiant efforts, she was ultimately overwhelmed and met her end, leaving a profound impact on her students who discovered her body.
A key figure in shaping aspiring heroes at U. A.High, Midnight’s absence left a significant void, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who stand against evil.
5. Twice
Twice Was Killed by Hawks Before He Could Further Harm Any Heroes
One of the series’ most heartbreaking moments occurs with Twice’s death, particularly as it came at the hands of someone he trusted. In a moment of misguided loyalty, Twice believed in a shared vision with Hawks, who, realizing Twice’s unyielding allegiance to the League of Villains, was forced to make a dire decision.
Although Twice had committed numerous acts of villainy, he fought fiercely to protect his friends during the Paranormal Liberation War, making his tragic end resonate even more deeply with fans.
4. Sir Nighteye
Overhaul Impaled Sir Nighteye With a Spike Created Using His Quirk
Possessing the remarkable Quirk of Foresight, which allowed him to glimpse the future, Sir Nighteye found himself unable to foresee his own demise. Engaged in the confrontation against Overhaul, he made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice.
Impaled by Overhaul, Sir Nighteye’s untimely death left his friends and protégés devastated, particularly Mirio, who idolized him. In a poignant moment, Nighteye comforted Mirio before passing, reinforcing his belief in Mirio’s potential to become a great hero.
3. Shigaraki
Shigaraki Was Killed by Deku Because He Refused to Give Up on Getting Revenge Against Heroes
Tomura Shigaraki’s character is layered with complexity; a villain molded by trauma, his hatred toward heroes stemmed from a past riddled with neglect and loss. Ultimately, it would be Deku, confronted with the pain of Shigaraki’s past, who would end the cycle of revenge.
With his final words echoing his relentless pursuit of vengeance, Shigaraki symbolizes how deeply personal traumas can lead individuals down a dark path, culminating in his tragic demise.
2. Like
Dabi Was Fatally Wounded During His Battle with His Family, Passing Away Shortly Afterward
Dabi’s demise hit hard as it marked the culmination of his unending struggle against his family’s expectations and his traumatic past. Having faced immense suffering and rejection, his final showdown against his family led not to redemption but rather to deep, irreparable wounds.
Before his death, Dabi shared a fleeting, poignant moment with Shoto, reflecting their complex family dynamic over a shared dish, showcasing the tragic loss of potential closure for Dabi.
1. Toga Himiko
Toga Sacrificed Her Life To Save Ochaco in a Heartbreaking Display of Friendship
Toga Himiko’s death stands as one of the most tragic moments in My Hero Academia. A character shaped by hardship, Toga was often ostracized due to her Quirk’s unsettling nature. Desperate for acceptance, she found camaraderie within the League of Villains but ultimately met an untimely end in their confrontations with heroes.
In a striking act of bravery, Toga sacrificed herself to save Ochaco Uraraka, showcasing the depth of her character and the often-overlooked kindness and love she exhibited, despite the darkness surrounding her life. Her loss leaves a haunting reminder of the impact of societal rejection.
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