Summary
- Shigaraki’s survival could have emphasized the theme of redemption in My Hero Academia, representing a missed chance for deeper storytelling.
- The character’s tragic background and the failures of hero society highlight significant themes of neglect and potential for redemption throughout the series.
- Had Shigaraki survived, it would have transformed his narrative into a symbol of hope and change within hero society.
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As My Hero Academia culminated in chapter 430 after nearly a decade of gripping storytelling, the intense final battle showcased Deku’s determination to surpass his limits in defeating Shigaraki. Yet, the conclusion raised eyebrows as Shigaraki’s demise felt like a squandered opportunity to delve into crucial themes of redemption and the shortcomings of hero society. Instead of becoming another victim of his own darkness, Shigaraki’s survival could have provided a more thematically rich and stimulating finale.
The Tragedy of Tomura Shigaraki
A Victim of Neglect and Manipulation
Before becoming known as Tomura Shigaraki, he was Tenko Shimura, a lost child cast aside by society. His early life, marked by rejection and trauma, plays a central role in his transformation into a villain. Activated during a moment of unspeakable fear, his quirk, Decay, unintentionally resulted in the death of his abusive family.
Why does dad say I can’t? Does he hate me?
– Shigaraki
Rather than being aided by heroes, he faced solitude and neglect, eventually falling into the hands of All For One, who crafted him into the leader of the League of Villains. Shigaraki’s narrative represents not innate wickedness but a tragic outcome of systemic failings, showcasing how hero society’s inattention to suffering can produce its most formidable adversary.
Shigaraki and Deku: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Deku and Shigaraki represent two contrasting narratives: one shaped by the virtues of heroism and the other marred by abandonment. While Deku, initially powerless, navigated his path to heroism under All Might’s guidance, Shigaraki was compelled to harbor his resentment under All For One’s malevolent guidance.
In the end, you’re just a tool for violence, made to keep us down and violence only breeds violence.
– Shigaraki to All Might
Their confrontations transcended mere good versus evil; they exemplified the core failures and potential of heroism. Shigaraki’s survival could have underscored a poignant message of My Hero Academia: that true heroes should reach out even to those perceived as irredeemable.
Thematic Justifications for Shigaraki’s Survival
The Failure of Hero Society
Throughout its progression, the series has increasingly illuminated the shortcomings of the hero system, often prioritizing public perception over genuine heroism. This problematic approach was manifest in the treatment of marginalized figures like Shigaraki and Spinner, and the morally complex choices made by heroes such as Hawks and Endeavor.
Deku’s attempts to connect with Shigaraki encapsulated this dichotomy, yet ultimately, Shigaraki’s downfall contradicts the series’ messages. Had he survived, it would have reinforced the belief that even those who have fallen into darkness could be afforded a second chance—an opportunity for growth and redemption. If Endeavor can find a path to redemption, why not Shigaraki?
Redemption vs. Atonement
The complex dynamics of villain redemption stories often explore the intricate balance between atonement and forgiveness. Shigaraki, positioned at the heart of this narrative, did not require absolution or reintegration into society. Instead, his survival could have opened the door to recognizing the pain he inflicted, possibly through imprisonment or voluntary exile. The conventional trope that villains must meet their end for atonement is outdated, as seen in other series like Naruto, where characters like Nagato and Obito have portrayed redemption in much more multifaceted manners.
You Heroes pretend to be society’s guardians. For generations, you pretended not to see those you couldn’t protect and swept their pain under the rug. It’s tainted everything you’ve built.[…] It’s a corrupt, vicious cycle. Everything I’ve witnessed, this whole system you’ve built has always rejected me. Now I’m ready to reject it. That’s why I destroy. That’s why I took this power for myself.
– Tomura Shigaraki
If Shigaraki persisted in the narrative, he would serve as a representation of the failures of hero society, embodying the consequences of neglect and refusal to engage with those in need. His story arc could transform into a journey towards rebuilding, helping steer future generations away from paths of destruction rather than being expunged altogether.
Alternative Endings That Could Have Worked
Shigaraki in Prison: A Symbol of Change
Rather than facing death, an intriguing narrative could have seen Shigaraki placed in rehabilitation. In this scenario, he would stand as a pivotal example urging transformation within hero society. By advocating for improved conditions for future quirk users, he might have compelled the system to confront and rectify its flaws rather than allow issues to perpetuate unnoticed.
Shigaraki’s Self-Exile: Breaking the Cycle of Hatred
Another viable conclusion might involve Shigaraki choosing a path of self-exile after his defeat, turning his back on both heroism and villainy. This decision would mirror characters like Naruto’s Sasuke, who sought redemption outside the binary confines of his world. By doing so, it would underscore that genuine change involves breaking recurring cycles of hatred and anguish.
A Last-Minute Rescue: A Hero Finally Extends a Hand
A highly impactful scenario could involve a last-minute intervention wherein Deku truly reaches out to Shigaraki’s heart. Through the combined influence of characters like All Might or the spirit of Nana Shimura, or even Spinner extending one final plea, the moment where Shigaraki opts to embrace life instead of succumbing to hatred would resonate deeply with audiences, far surpassing the emotional weight of his demise.
My Hero Academia Missed the Opportunity for a More Meaningful Ending
The demise of Tomura Shigaraki was not merely the conclusion of a villain’s arc; it represented the forfeiture of a powerful thematic exploration. His survival would have reinforced the narrative that no individual is irredeemable, establishing the poignant message that authentic heroism transcends mere conquest over adversaries. Instead, the series opted for the conventional narrative of villain death equating to redemption, thereby missing a fundamental chance to delve into the ramifications of hero society’s failures.
Although My Hero Academia’s conclusion offers strong elements, the handling of Shigaraki’s fate highlights one of the most impactful missed opportunities—one that could have enriched this already riveting story.
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