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Critique on deku: the meme culture of a hero

Critique Sparks Debate | Midoriya's Struggles Under Fire

By

Noah Green

Jul 22, 2025, 12:55 PM

Edited By

Ravi Patel

2 minutes (approx.)

Deku depicted with various memes around him, showing his struggles and growth as a hero
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A heated discussion is taking place in forums about the portrayal of Izuku Midoriya, the lead character from the popular series My Hero Academia. Fans are weighing in on the narrative choices that have made him a target of mockery.

Controversial Opinions Resurface

Many detractors are examining how creator Kohei Horikoshi crafted Midoriya as a figure easy to ridicule. A number of claims argue that Midoriya's character weaknesses have been exaggerated, stripping away any nuanced view of his growth.

"It's as if Midoriya was designed to be a punching bag for memes," one comment read.

The initial perception of Midoriya shows him as a character reluctant to engage in physical training before his iconic meeting with All Might. Critics point out that his tendency to cry excessively in the early seasons, contrasted with his emotional restraint later on, undermines his character development.

Fan Response Highlights

In user boards, sentiments vary:

  • Frustration with representation: Some fans argue that Midoriya's adoration for Bakugo, despite being mistreated, paints him negatively. One commenter was blunt: "This definitely cheapens his character arc. He was hurt for years!"

  • Diminished Heroism: Fans feel Midoriyaโ€™s portrayal as a weak hero reflects poorly on the series. Critics highlighted how his role as a teacher leaves him behind his peers.

  • Power Armor Controversy: Many believe his return to heroics only through powered armor feeds into the meme culture, suggesting that Midoriya lacks genuine drive.

โ€œItโ€™s a bad look when the character only shines with help,โ€ a fan noted.

Memes as a Reflection of Sentiment

Recent online content has seen a surge of memes portraying Midoriya battling lesser characters, underscoring his perceived shortcomings. Despite an earlier victory over Miles Morales in a hypothetical matchup, he continues to receive ridicule.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Midoriya criticized as a "Memetic Loser" for character flaws.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Users express disappointment with series character development.

  • ๐ŸŽญ Memes like 'McDonaldโ€™s Deku' circulating widely, reinforcing negative sentiments.

The discourse surrounding Izuku Midoriya encapsulates complex fandom dynamics. As the series progresses, how will Horikoshi address these critiques?

Whatโ€™s Next for Midoriya and the Series?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Kohei Horikoshi will address the backlash by reshaping Midoriyaโ€™s narrative arc in upcoming chapters. Experts estimate around a 70% probability that his character will evolve in response to fansโ€™ criticisms. Additionally, as Memes continue to dominate the online conversation, creators often find pressure to tweak storylines to regain favor with the audience. This could lead to a more nuanced representation of Midoriya, where he overcomes his flaws and enhances his role as a champion, attracting a broader fan base.

A Surprising Echo from the Past

The discourse around Midoriya mirrors the 1990s backlash against Supermanโ€™s portrayal in comics. That era saw many fans frustrated with Superman's invincibility, resulting in a demand for more relatable heroes. Just as writers eventually adjusted Supermanโ€™s vulnerabilities, making him more nuanced, Horikoshi may find that adjusting Midoriyaโ€™s struggles will not only mend the rift with fans but could also deepen the overall narrative, enhancing the emotional ties within his world. Just like Midoriya, who starts timid, heroes often develop into relatable figures through their flaws.