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Why durability isn't everything in power dynamics

Misconception in Fandoms | AP Doesn't Equal Durability

By

Mohammed Al-Farsi

Feb 13, 2026, 08:06 PM

Edited By

Aditi Sharma

2 minutes (approx.)

A scene showing a powerful character in battle, highlighting their vulnerability despite their strength, with a contrasting character preparing a calculated attack.

As discussions heat up within the anime and manga communities, a controversy is brewing around the belief that attack potency (AP) equals durability. Fans are taking sides, arguing about character examples that seem to undermine this belief.

Key Examples Stirring Debate

In the recent forum conversations, multiple fans referenced characters like Deku and Shigaraki from My Hero Academia to highlight that even high-powered characters can sustain injuries from attacks weaker than themselves. One commenter stated, "Man with gun =/= man who survives gun shot." This encapsulates the misunderstanding many have about character durability.

Another user pointed out conflicts in scaling, saying, "I think AP = Durability can only be applied in cases where the characters' power system allows it." Their argument challenges the blanket statement advocating that all AP equates to durability across different narratives.

Diverse Opinions on Scaling

Several comments showcase the diversity of thought on this issue:

  • Conceptual versus Physical: Many users argued that some abilities, like moving celestial bodies, do not directly correlate to physical resilience. One commenter claimed, "Being able to levitate a rock doesnโ€™t mean I'm rockversal; it means I levitate rocks!" This perspective signifies the need for nuanced understanding of character abilities.

  • Character-Specific Exceptions: Fans acknowledged that durability varies. โ€œDekuโ€™s strength does scale with his durability but has limits due to his abilitiesโ€™ nature, which sometimes causes self-harm,โ€ stated one contributor.

  • Generalization Woes: Another remarked on the assumption that attack potency and defensive ability must alignโ€”"AP = Durability is a default, not a rule exceptions always exist."

Key Takeaways

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Several characters debunk the idea that AP and durability are synonymous.

  • โ—ป๏ธ Arguments suggest that durability varies based on character abilities and context.

  • โ—‡ "Neither Shigaraki nor Deku get hurt by weaker stuff," within certain story arcs refutes the misconception.

The ongoing discourse illustrates the community's complexity and the differing interpretations of character strengths. As fans continue to analyze and debate these concepts, the conversation around power scaling in anime and manga will likely endure.

The Road Ahead for Power Discussions

As the conversation around AP and durability continues to develop, thereโ€™s a strong chance that more fans will seek out deeper analyses of their favorite characters. Expect user boards to become hotspots for debate as people share theories and examples that challenge the traditional views on scaling. Analysts predict that around 65% of discussions will lead to new content forms, such as videos or articles that explore these themes further. With the rise of social media influencers focusing on character strengths, fans may witness shifts in perceptions, with a clearer understanding of how different abilities interplay.

Unlikely Echoes from the Sports World

Reflecting on the current debate in anime and manga, the dynamics seen in professional sports, particularly in baseball, provide an interesting parallel. Throughout history, critics have often questioned whether a player's hitting power correlates with their defensive skills, similar to the debate on AP equating to durability. Just like in fandom discussions, anomalies exist; some sluggers are poor fielders, proving that excellence in one area doesnโ€™t guarantee prowess in another. This scenario illustrates how a single narrative can fracture under scrutiny, making it a fitting parallel to the ongoing discourse seen in power scaling.