Look, I’m gonna be honest: when I first watched My Hero Academia, I was all about the flashy moves and insane quirks. But Deku? Man, he grabbed me by the feels in a way no one else did.
He’s that kid who started with nada—no quirk, no flashy powers—just a whole lotta heart and notebooks full of scribbles. If you ever felt like the smallest fish in the biggest pond, Deku gets it. Like, really gets it.
Scrappy Beginnings: Deku the Underdog
Deku was the runt. The no-quirk kid. The guy everyone looked past like he was background noise.
When I think about that, I remember my own middle school days—awkward, bumbling, and convinced I’d never be anything special. The smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019 still haunts me… but that’s a story for another time.
Anyway, Deku’s story ain’t about powers—it’s about guts.
- Obsessed with heroes.
- Jotting down their quirks and weaknesses in a notebook.
- Getting straight-up bullied for being “quirkless.”
But then—bam!—All Might picks him. Handing him One For All like a baton in a relay he never expected to run.
Why That Hits So Hard
It’s the classic underdog story, but I swear, it feels fresh because Deku fails a lot. Like, sometimes I wanna yell at him, “Dude, chill. Take a break.” But nah, he’s grinding.
Also, he cries. Yes, Deku cries. And before you roll your eyes, lemme say this: his tears are legit.
Crybaby? Nah, Just Human
I don’t know about y’all, but I cry over some weird stuff—like sad commercials, my first herb garden dying faster than my 2020 sourdough starter (RIP, Gary), or when Deku gets overwhelmed.
You ever watch a guy balling his eyes out and think, “Man, you’re a hero and you have feelings?” That’s Deku.
- Tears when All Might trusts him.
- Crying after saving kids.
- Letting his guard down with friends.
And sure, some fans rag on him for being a softie. But honestly? I’m here for it. Crying ain’t weakness. It’s proof you care. Plus, if I’m honest, I’ve cried over less important stuff. Like losing my phone charger.
Friendship and Loyalty: Deku’s Real Power
What really hooks me about Deku is his ride-or-die loyalty. His squad, Class 1-A, is like a band of misfits finding their way.
- He’s always pushing Bakugo—even though they’ve been at each other’s throats since forever.
- Lifting Todoroki up when he’s wrestling with his past.
- Cheering on Uraraka, even when she’s busy trying not to faint in a fight.
Deku isn’t the guy hogging the spotlight. Nope, he’s the quiet glue holding everyone together. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a friend like that. The one who’s just… there.
The Weight of One For All: Deku’s Heavy Crown
Carrying One For All is like lugging a crate of bricks—but those bricks are filled with expectations, voices from the past, and way too many pep talks in his head.
Nana Shimura, the previous user, basically haunts him. Plus the others. It’s like a group chat you never asked to be in.
You need nitrogen-rich soil—wait, no, potassium? Let me Google that again…
That’s Deku’s brain 24/7.
Training, Failing, Training Again
If there’s one thing Deku embodies, it’s hustle.
The guy trains in the rain, falls flat on his face, and then gets back up like some kinda punching bag.
- He once had to clean a beach with All Might. Yes, actual beach cleaning.
- Sneaking around to train at night.
- Trying out Full Cowling until his arms felt like spaghetti.
I tried doing one push-up after a pizza binge once… no contest.
Deku, The Lone Wolf?
By season 6, things get darker. Deku starts distancing himself—going solo to protect his friends.
His costume gets ragged, his smile fades, and his vibe screams “I’m tired of carrying this world.”
I feel that. Sometimes, when life’s beating you down, you wanna pull back and say, “I got this—alone.”
Why We See Ourselves in Deku
Deku’s not some perfect anime hero. He’s an awkward, overthinking nerd who’s terrified of letting everyone down.
- Self-doubt? Check.
- Trying to figure out social cues? Double check.
- Big heart under all that anxiety? Absolutely.
When I watch Deku, I see my own clumsy steps toward being “enough.”
Deku and Bakugo: Frenemies to Fuel
The Deku-Bakugo rivalry? It’s like sibling rivalry times ten.
They fight, scream, and somehow push each other forward.
Reminds me of my brother—can’t stand him but wouldn’t trade him for the world.
Fans Love Deku Because He Feels Real
Look, I’m not here to knock superpowered badasses like Saitama or Gojo, but Deku’s the guy who makes you feel things.
People draw fan art of him hugging his mom, or crying after a hard fight.
When a hero makes you want to be better and feel your feelings, that’s magic.
Deku’s Growth is Our Growth
He goes from zero to hero—but not overnight. It’s a messy, painful, beautiful journey.
- Quirkless kid ➝ UA student ➝ Vigilante with a cause.
And through all that, he stays real. Tears, mess-ups, and all.
Adults and Deku? Surprisingly a Thing
I used to think Deku was just for teens, but nah.
Adults get it. The burnout. The hope. The quiet wins.
One of my coworkers swears her kid made her watch the show to “get inspired.”
Deku: Power Without the Ego Trip
Most heroes with crazy power get a little full of themselves.
Not Deku.
He’s still awkward, still humble, and still says “thank you” after saving someone.
That makes him a hero for me.
Final Thoughts? Here’s the deal:
Deku’s not flashy. Not perfect. Sometimes he’s a mess.
But that? That’s why he’s the hero I relate to most.
If you ever felt like you weren’t enough, Deku says: you are.
