On August 4, 2024, the final chapter of My Hero Academy was published, bringing an end to Deku’s incredible journey. This monumental event was commemorated by the author, Kohei Horikoshi, on the cover of volume #42 of the manga series. This illustration pays homage to the franchise’s first cover, in which All Might stood proudly above Deku, signifying the beginning of his story.
The cover of volume 42 placed Izuku in his idol’s place, recognizing him as the number one hero, his lifelong dream. However, the cover also hides another detail that could hint at a sequel in the works, with a completely new protagonist. Dai, the student encouraged by Deku during chapter 430, was portrayed in Midoriya’s previous position, suggesting he could be the hero of a new manga.
Dai’s could become Deku’s successor
Their story arcs seem to mirror each other
During the events of My Hero Academy chapter 430, Dai, an ardent hero fan who was first introduced in chapter 258, was shown struggling with his dreams of becoming a hero. Despite wanting to follow in his idols’ footsteps more than anything, he doubted his ability to achieve such a feat, as his Quirk was not considered powerful enough by his classmates. Unlike Deku or Endeavor, heroes with some of the strongest special powers in the world My Hero AcademyDai could only throw disc-like objects from his hair.
His search for answers led him to the All Might Memorial statue, where he had a fortuitous encounter with Deku. The two had a brief but meaningful conversation that directly referenced Midoriya’s conversation with Toshinori in Chapter 1. However, instead of telling the hero that his mission was impossible, Deku encouraged Dai to pursue his dream. During this moment, Izuku was able to tell his fans the words he had longed to hear for most of his life. The series then suggested that Dai join UA, perhaps even becoming one of Deku’s students.
This small but powerful moment was a loving homage to the beginning of the series, with Dai taking Deku’s place. Still, unlike the protagonist of My Hero Academia, the raven-haired teenager was encouraged to follow his dreams by one of his biggest idols. This detail, as well as its placement on the cover of volume #42, suggests that Dai could one day become the main character in a sequel. His origin is remarkably similar to Deku’s, and the final chapter focuses heavily on him. This could be a hint left by Horikoshi, pointing to a new manga being created.
A new hero for a new era
Dai’s story may highlight other aspects of hero society
After All For One and the League of Villains were defeated in the brutal and deadly Final War arc of My Hero Academythe world created by Horikoshi has completely changed. The final chapter of the manga portrayed the various ways in which society has changed for the better. The world enjoyed a time of peace unlike any ever seen, heroes had more free time as villainy drastically decreased. Important topics like Quirk discrimination were being addressed by both the government and the general public. Overall, the chaotic world that Deku lived in no longer existed.
Having Dai as the protagonist of a manga sequel would be an incredible way to give fans an in-depth look at these significant differences. The new main character could demonstrate how the lives of heroes around the world have changed, as well as portray how UA’s curriculum changed after the Symbol of Evil was defeated. Dai could become a beloved character, likely joining the ever-growing list of amazing anime and manga sequel protagonists. Most exciting of all is that fans would have the chance to see Deku as a teacher, something that was not portrayed in chapter #430.
The series still has a lot of problems to resolve
The epilogue did not clarify all the missing topics
Although the end of My Hero Academy the manga was excellent, it left many problems unresolved. Chapter 430 revealed that some of the problems plaguing society had been resolved, but it left many other topics untouched. Serious themes such as the immoral and problematic practice of Quirk Marriages had no place during the finale. This was probably due to the lack of time and space needed to include them. However, a sequel with Dai as the protagonist could give these ideas a satisfying conclusion.
Dai’s world is one in which people are aware of the needs and problems of others, encouraging them to help whenever possible. This was heavily hinted at during chapter 429, in which the elderly lady who previously ignored Tenko’s pleas redeemed herself by helping the new unnamed character. Heavy subjects that were previously considered taboo could likely be expanded upon, this time with Dai experiencing these changes in real time.
The peculiar theory of the Last Judgment still threatens humanity
Dai’s generation could be a danger to the world
During episode #60 of My Hero Academy anime adaptation, an intriguing theory about the future of the world was introduced. This hypothesis, called the Quirk Singularity Theory, explained that new generations would be born with special abilities that would far surpass their predecessors in power. At some point in the near future, Quirks will become so strong that children who manifest them will be in danger to themselves and others.
This enigmatic and sinister theory was one of the topics My Hero Academy chapter 430 I forgot to cover. Since Dai’s generation was presumably among those in danger, a manga sequel could discuss this topic as its main concern. The new series could focus on the society of heroes trying to find a way to prevent a catastrophe by helping children with their mastered abilities. By doing this, the sequel would have its own identity, rather than repeating the same ideas as the original.
My Hero AcademyThe ending of will forever be one of the most iconic and beloved endings in history. However, the epilogue to Deku’s story doesn’t have to be the end of this incredible franchise. The series has already established Dai as Izuku’s spiritual successor, so making him the protagonist of a sequel could create something spectacular.