#MHA 431 is shit

[shiori8]

Power-Couple Uravity & Midoriya-Sensei

I know I'm incredibly late to the party but guess who's finally finished MHA and is all sorts of emo about all of these losers... 🥹

(In my head I imagine them posing like this for a magazine cover, but it's been a while since I did much drawing in general, so here's just a sloppy little piece to try and get somewhat back into the groove of things lol maybe I will come back to this idea one day ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

[vaguelyaperson]

the more i think about it, the more i like that izuku becomes a teacher as a quirkless adult, and that he supposedly never takes on full-time hero work

... it just wouldn't feel like such an odd ending if it wasn't such a sharp turn from the themes of the story.

it would beat a dead horse to get into such themes: the insistence that izuku could be a [pro] hero too, save to win win to save (implication of bkdk as hero duo), go beyond to achieve your dreams, ect. others have commented on this eloquently enough. i want to contemplate how 430/431 are a valid ending... if the story matched the conclusion.

bnha has themes that could've been developed to make 430/431 make more sense. there's the excellent theme that average citizens can be heroes through 'mundane' actions, and a suggestion that an ideal future would be one where heroes have too much free time (ie, pro heroes overall would be a defunded profession). i personally adore these themes, and was disappointed that the ending didn't explore more of what a better quirk culture should look like beyond 'uraraka reforms quirk education classes.' those themes (plus the commentary on villains) suggested an eventual overhaul of the current quirk culture - which we didn't get. which sucks. because these themes, properly developed, would make PERFECT sense of a protagonist who decides to be an 'average citizen.'

yet these ideas weren't quite attributed to izuku's character. he's the protagonist. he was set up for the big flashy future, right? which is why it feels like such a sudden slap to so many fans that he was supposedly content working as a teacher for eight years, that he wouldn't jump at the opportunity to become a full time hero.

now, a good bit of this can be attributed to story medium. bnha was skewed in the beginning to function as a standard shounen (boy has powers, boy works hard, boy achieves big dreams), and that it wasn't until about the last hundred chapters or so that horikoshi dug his heels in about writing the story he wants to write. so clearly if the story's endgoal changed in his mind (which stories often do, and manga is extremely restrictive in that an author can't rewrite the full story to make the plot consistent), then he only had so much leeway to lead to the eventual ending of a quirkless citizen izuku without taking the hardest turn from the standard shounen tone at the beginning.

but even then. even then, that's about a hundred chapters that bnha could've introduced the idea that IZUKU could be a hero in ways unrelated to professional heroism. that it's so unhealthy for this kid to sacrifice so much of himself that it would actually be better for him to pursue a different career.* or that it was even a valid career path for someone who initially dreamed of being a pro hero.

like, take lemillion; izuku's literal mirror. the story could've kept togata functionally quirkless, could've explored the full grief of such a big dream lost, could've explored the sheer injustice that this KID was put on the front-line and thus his quirk and dream were snatched from him... and then introduced a way that togata could use his skills to help people in a different career.

or take all might; izuku's mentor and cautionary tale. maybe have all might talk to izuku about grappling with being quirkless again. maybe have him find who he is beyond being of service to others (which is clearly these two born-quirkless fuckers dealing with massive self-worth issues, trying to justify their existence with heroics), and find relief in that. maybe have him wonder aloud if it might have been better for him to choose such a profession outright from the beginning, rather than repeatedly almost DIE as a pro-hero. maybe have the two revisit that conversation from the first episode, that being a [quirkless] hero IS dangerous, but that there is genuine fulfillment in other work - as all might has found in teaching.

then when it happens to izuku, it wouldn't be such a shock to the audience. and even if we don't see him change over those eight years of the epilogue, it wouldn't be such a shock that he turns down full-time hero work. we'd get it.

*because continuing off this point: the story very much established that izuku CAN'T be trusted 'unsupervised' as a pro hero. that ofa is almost a curse. how many fuckin fanworks reference an adult izuku who never stops putting himself into harms way, who keeps nearly fuckin dying (or does die) cause he never thinks of himself? the story could've EASILY built on this to the point that it would feel like a blessing that izuku loses ofa and can't become a pro-hero.

(instead of it being played in this.... extremely weird.... grieved not grieved, katsuki's sobbing but izuku 'started out quirkless' so it's fine??? like??? the tone??? is in shambles???)

instead, the story said "you don't have to fight alone, izuku, cause your friends are here." most especially that katsuki inserted himself as izuku's primary protector and competitor. that katsuki developed a whole ass power-up that could MATCH ALL FOR ONE'S power, that he CAUGHT UP to izuku as a hero. at large, class a showed the fuck up, more than once, to throw down on izuku's behalf. the story said, yes izuku is recklessly selfless, and ofa only exasperates this, but his friends are so determined to work hard to make sure there's always someone at his back. this will be the new generation of heroes.

... which... should've led to a completely different story conclusion. one that would've been just as valid as 'izuku finds more stability and meaning in being a teacher.' it would just need to be an ending that would have fit the established themes. i would've loved that ending too.

in conclusion! there's more to being a hero than flashy heroic acts. izuku is a selfless maniac who's probably safer in the classroom tbh. manga is a restrictive medium that can't be rewritten into a more consistent plot. nevertheless, given the amount of chapters horikoshi had to play with the story he wanted to tell, there was time to develop pre-existing themes that would better anticipate the conclusion we got. 430 and gods 431 especially - despite being arguably a valid ending for the characters - didn't have to feel like such sharp left turns.

... and despite learning to appreciate izuku turning down katsuki's agency offer, i still don't like 431. lmao

[bigclownshoes]

it's actually impressive how a single final chapter destroyed a yuri AND a yaoi ship in the most stale and cliche way possible while simultaneously undoing character development and a major pivotal plot point

[marimeeko]

Concept: a "Secret" setting programmed into Izuku's Suit, that's like a Berzerker mode, or maybe "Dark Deku" mode.

Activates when the suit detects heightened vitals, like heartbeat, oxygen levels, breath, maybe decibels of his voice?

So when Izuku is in his moments of high intensity/anger/rage, basically, when he loses his shit *cough*Katsuki being in danger*cough*, "Dark Deku" mode activates and the suit adapts to protect him further.

Like, extra plates add themselves to his armor, more buffer and aid to joints, there's a sort of "overdrive" effect that makes him faster and more effective. To the outside observer, it looks like this mode makes Izuku more offensive, and yes it does make his attacks stronger...but in actuality, it's mostly a defensive setting, designed first and foremost to protect Izuku.

The only thing is that it will drain the energy faster and he will have to recover.

It was probably a brainchild of Bakugou and Hatsume, bc on Katsukis end, he knows how insane Izuku can get given certain circumstances, and Hatsume having observed countless videos of Izuku's fighting and noticing that one of Izukus strongest trump cards, his OFA rage, would also end up being a huge risk to a Quirkless hero in a suit. They both would have to agree that in those moments, Izuku would need extra support, bolstering, and protection.

Hatsume would relish in the challenge, and Bakugou would sleep better at night if he knew that Izuku would be safe even if he flew into a rage.

Speaking of the energy of the suit, I think it'd be cool of they programmed it to be sort of self charging, like a hybrid car is. Maybe in some way, Hatsume replicates Fa Jin and doubles it as a kinetic energy generator.

Hori won't tell us more about the suit so I am gonna make up my own lore lmao

[gemgdynamight0]

My hc is that during one of his meetings with hatsume and Melissa (there were so many meetings to discuss funding for the suit but also because Katsuki knew ofa quirks better than anyone else since he was the one who trained with deku the most), one of them told him his gauntlets design look so inefficient and mentioned they've already designed sth for him to change that. And that's how we have the new gauntlets, I think Melissa or hatsume suggested them to him. I also think he became bestie with the girls through all these years.

[jasethegooberton]

fuck it. I'm gonna draw Seven saying this to Izuku cuz 431 midoriya was acting so ooc to me

[kisasan]

So…did anyone else thought of this quote from incredibles while reading kacchan’s line about how everyone can’t be “special” or was it just me?…

[aromanticannibal]

im going to be fully honest if i was a hardcore izu- -ocha shipper id be absolutely devastated that 431 didn't have a throwback to their first meeting with izuku tripping and ochako catching him like come on man

[whomstdosthouthinkiis]

Just had a thought for a post-canon fix-it.

(it's not in the context of izu/hcaco being estabilshed/dating, they are reconnecting as friends, w/ kacchan somewhat wary of their closeness)

Kacchan vs. Deku 3

Essentially, there is a pro hero mixed martial arts tournament (no quirk use allowed) that is being arranged as a charity event.

Though Izuku may feel like he's doing well enough with just being a part time hero, he knows somethings been missing (what it is, he can't say). As they hang out for lunch on one of Katsuki's off days, Kacchan brings up that he's going to be competing, and asks Izuku to join, too.

Hesitantly, Izuku agrees.

They decide to train together, which gets Izukus mind turning, he's feeling happier more focused, (though of course it's cause kacchan is his best friend and extra exercise is good for you, not other reasons), he feels sharper (but more restless? whose to say).

When it finally comes time for the tournament Katsuki declares that he's going to fight Deku in the final, and that Izuku better not think about losing.

(And there it is, the reason for the whole thing, Kacchan wants to see the fire in Izuku's eyes again. That drive, that crazy, insane determination. Maybe, here, Izuku will keep his eyes locked on him, His Image of Victory. Maybe, this is what's been missing all along).

[katsudoncat]

Princess Izuku? Yep!

I actually got stuck with the whole Deku being the Demon King's son thing and that old princess meme thing that I had to take out mine and here it is… ～⁠(⁠つ⁠ˆ⁠Д⁠ˆ⁠)⁠つ⁠｡⁠☆

He is a princess!

Izuku was definitely born from Shoujo and was forced into Shounen. (⁠^⁠～⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ

They are and always will be the main canon couple! (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Because 431 is a complete Fuckin CRAP! and an ending of dubious origin!

And If you don't believe me then fight me!

SHITTY EXTRAS!

[simporado]

nobody touch me or i will break(down)

[1c0nic-a1t]

Ironically, this is making me panic more 😭

EVERYONE STOP PANICKING. we have 2 days until the leaks are confirmed. we can get through this!!!!

[a-traveling-void-human]

IT'S NOT CANON GUYS!! HOLY SHIT IT'S NOT CANON!!

CHAPTER 431 IS NOT CANON AND IS DRAWN BY THE WHOLE TEAM!! MHA ENDED ON CHAPTER 430!! I CAN SLEEP IN BLISS AGAIN!!! I AM SO FUCKING HAPPY!!!

[offtotheiceberg]

Chapter 431, what have u done? Part 4

Spoilers

4) I’m sorry for everything I’ve done up until now.

Okayyy let’s get started.

Katsuki x Izuku is one of the most popular ships in mha. Whether you like it, hate it, or reject shipping culture entirely, their relationship (however you see it) is one of the main pillars of the story. I will say that I like them together, I think they make sense and their history is compelling, and I love writing them, but pls don’t disregard everything I’m saying just because of that.

First of all, hot take, but bkdk would never EVER have been canon. Shonen (particularly popular shonen) doesn’t do queer couples, at least not obviously. Notice, that’s not what many fans are concerned about. I’m going to try and unpack it as best as I can.

Izuku attempting to save Katsuki from the sludge villain was the reason All Might gave him his power. You cannot spin this any other way. If Izuku hadn’t run into that fight, he would still be quirkless. One one end, I don’t think it mattered who was in that villain’s grasp - I think Izuku still would have gone if it was someone random from school, but on Katsuki’s end, it mattered that it was Deku. In some ways, they were both catalysts to the other’s Hero journey.

Second, Izuku progress and All Might’s downfall were two of the main influences that broke down Katsuki’s superiority complex (plus realising that he wasn’t the strongest in the class, and he too needed to be saved). This break down allowed to two of them to be “proper rivals” which is a direct quote from the manga. Win to save and save to win are two halves of All Might’s ideology, and that is NOT a coincidence. In many ways, they’re supposed to be foils that build each other up. Even if you hate it, you can’t deny that they’re significant influences on each other in their hero journey.

(tw here, brief discussion of suicide)

Now, the atonement. THIS is where the hypocrisy comes out to play. What Katsuki did to Izuku in middle school cannot and should not be taken lightly. Aside from the bullying, telling someone to kill themselves is not okay. But, and it’s a big but, YOU CAN AND SHOULD MAKE UP FOR YOUR MISTAKES. This is not systematic, malicious abuse, like we saw with Endeavour (who never gets to fully atone, rightfully so that is a different situation) these are the actions of a 14 year old kid. Katsuki was cruel to Izuku, I am not trying to deny that. HOWEVER, in real life, people are not held to the horrible shit they say when they’re 14. Come on, this is obvious. Atonement requires two things: an apology, and a change of behaviour. Katsuki does both of these things. However atonement in literature, or in “not real life” or whatever, is slightly different. It ALSO requires the relationship between those two characters to be affected in some way, and this relationship change is what clues us as the audience in to whether this atonement has been successful. Take Endeavour, for example the way we as the viewer see that he has not fully atoned is via Natsuo, the son who didn’t forgive, and Shoto’s hesitance to. We get taught this as writing students, I’m not pulling this out of my ass.

The bare minimum to fulfil the message that people can atone for their past mistakes is a resolution to Katsuki and Izuku’s relationship that fulfils the arcs set up for them. Just a reminder, these arcs are: twin stars, rivals, “win to save, save to win”, “I will surpass you” otherwise known as catching up to each other, and both of them wanting to be the best Heroes in the world.

The soundest, most logical way to finish these arcs is the two of them becoming a Hero Duo. The second most is them working together, which is what Katsuki offered Izuku in the last chapter. THIS IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF ROMANCE, FFS. It’s good character development!!! You can have Izuku working sith Katsuki AND have a satisfying Izuocha romance in the same universe, they are not mutually exclusive!!! I can’t believe I needed to say that???? Be an izuocha shipper and ACKNOWLEDGE THE FUCKING STORYLINE. Please don’t make this into a petty ‘them vs me’ narrative, there was already enough of that shit with the US election.

Them going their seperate ways might even have been a satisfying ending if it had been written better, but it wasn’t. There was no evidence of that for 430 chapters. Their growth, particularly Katsuki’s was irrevocably tied to the other. Again, some of the most nonsensical writing I’ve ever seen. What it implies, whether intended or not, is that atonement is a falsity and no matter what, Katsuki and Izuku’s relationship is forever scarred by what happened when they were kids, even though the final battles in the war have evidence to the contrary. This is NOT a positive message. For more analysis of Izuku’s decision to not be a Pro Hero, pls see part 1.

Come back for Part 5 (conclusion)

[juiceboxerr]

i am on my hands and knees right now begging for the mha 431 leaks to be fake or something. i will not accept some of that shit

[stargalaxyshooter]

It's actually amazing how okay I was with 430 being the ending for mha - despite all the villains dying, despite izuku and katsuki never getting a proper conversation despite it being lampshaded all series even by all might himself, despite wasting the final couple of chapters on bs we could've had in 1 chapter, despite not focusing more time on HOW MUCH society has changed to really hone in on the themes, despite not having most of the characters we've come to love converse/interact in the final goddamn chapter - I was still fine with the ending. That is until I had read the dumpster fire that is 431. Forget the whole weird ship confirmation(??) that was pushed onto the final page instead of including it in the actual main manga, I hate how this chapter essentially shits on most of what we've built on for the past four hundred chapters?? Like the problem isn't the ship, the problem is more so of how much was needed to be sacrificed and have characters behave ooc for it to happen? Especially when hori could have still made an iz//cha ending without doing all that. We could have confirmed that ship while also giving proper care to the other characters and also finally getting more on deku's thoughts on all that has happened to him from the series to the man he is now. The man he has had to become in the last 8 years and what that means now that he can be a hero again. We could've finally ended on the note of Izuku and Katsuki emulating the win to save, save to win as a hero duo, cementing them as proper childhood friends again after spending the majority of the manga with them apart and in deep miscommunication.. Instead we got whatever the fuck 431 was while leaving most things implied or done away with abruptly. And don't even get me started on why hori felt it was needed to shift focus and POV to someone else when this was a time it was very much needed to be deku's POV