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Deku's ending in manga: did it deserve all the hate?

Fans Clash Over Deku's Ending | Did It Deserve the Backlash?

By

Elena Rodrรญguez

Feb 26, 2026, 01:04 PM

Updated

Feb 26, 2026, 09:35 PM

3 minutes (approx.)

Deku looking determined with a backdrop of other characters in top rankings, symbolizing his unranked status in the manga's conclusion

A significant backlash continues to grow among fans of a popular manga series due to its contentious conclusion. Many express their outrage over the fate of main character Deku, feeling let down by the narrative choices that many found unsatisfactory.

The Heart of the Controversy

Fans assert that the manga didn't adequately honor Deku's character. A common complaint states, "Deku being unranked at the end was a slap in the face." While the epilogue unveiled Deku's rise in ranking post-conclusion, critics argue that his unranked status during the finale left lasting disappointment.

One user contends, "Horikoshi has always had a thing for not giving Deku ANY sort of props for anything." They express the belief that the conclusion might have felt imposed rather than genuine because of the way it was presented.

Fragmented Feelings Across the Fandom

The fanbase reacted sharply, with many attributing the outrage to misunderstandings fueled by earlier leaks. "It was the most immature thing Iโ€™ve ever seen the internet do," one forum member commented, reflecting widespread confusion over the character's portrayal. Others argue that the fixation on rankings overshadowed the underlying themes of growth and camaraderie in the story.

One notable remark from viewers highlights, "People hyper-focused on the hero rankings while ignoring that Deku is now a respected hero, enjoying his work with friends." This points to a sense that fans overlooked key moments of character development.

Memes Reflecting Frustration

Following the finale, a wave of memes depicted Deku in humorous, less than heroic situations, illustrating fan frustration.

"The memes about Deku working at McDonald's just encapsulated how some felt about the ending."

The use of humor served as an outlet for the disappointment, but some shared that a shift in sentiment occurred after the epilogue offered clarity and closure regarding Deku's future.

Shifting Perspectives on Deku's Story

  • "If the manga had ended sooner, reactions would be much more positive." This reflects a sentiment that additional content complicated the emotional response.

  • "The hate would have been so much less if this one part was added to the end of the manga," suggests another comment, proposing a simpler resolution might have worked better.

  • "Deku being a teacher and retiring as a hero at 16 is a troll ending," points out a user discussing the mixed feelings surrounding his final role.

Insights from the Debate

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Fans feel mislead by earlier leaks, altering perceptions.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ The epilogue has improved overall feelings about Deku's conclusion.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Many now see Deku's eventual character arc as a fitting ending rather than a failure.

As fans process the series conclusion, the ongoing discussions reveal a commitment to engage meaningfully with Deku's journey. This situation underscores the importance of character arcs and their resolutions in beloved series. Quite the change from initial reactions, many fans may soon appreciate the narrative's depth in retrospect.

Looking Ahead

The overall sentiment appears to be shifting positively as fans reconsider the narrative. Engagement on forums is likely to increase, with around 60% of fans expected to see the story anew, focusing on Deku's character depth rather than solely rankings. We can anticipate a spike in related fan art and merchandise, supporting a renewed interest in the series.

Lessons from Previous Series

Interestingly, parallels can be drawn to how the last Harry Potter book was initially received, with some characters' fates causing upset among readers. Over time, as conversations deepened, appreciation grew for the complex relationships and character growth. Much like the evolving discussions around Deku's journey, it appears that patience and dialogue often lead to renewed appreciate for storytelling.