My Hero Academia just teased that a major theory about Shigaraki and All For One could be true, and the big reveal could end up justifying the series’ controversial choice to save Shigaraki for the finale.
Deku’s decision to redeem Shigaraki has caused much debate among fans, with many claiming his crimes are too great. However, the latest chapter hints he may be worth saving after all.
A major theory spawned from Shigaraki’s backstory is that Decay was never Shigaraki’s original quirk but was given to him by All For One much like Deku was given One For All, and chapter #415 teases that this theory could be true. The chapter reveals glimpses of Shigaraki’s childhood memories as he continues to fight Deku, the most crucial being a scene of a man leading Shigaraki by the hand.
Despite seeming like an insignificant part of Shigaraki’s childhood when first shown, its inclusion in chapter #415 suggests there may be some significance to this memory after all. All For One is known to hold grudges, especially against the previous users of One For All. It isn’t a stretch to assume that All For One would target Nana Shimura’s family, especially after she distanced herself in order to protect them, and considering the mysterious stranger also bears a strong physical resemblance to All for One.
A huge reason All For One was able to groom Shigaraki into the perfect pawn for his plan was because All For One was the first person to reach out to Shigaraki after he was orphaned.
All For One was already in need of a pawn to steal One For All, and it seems all too convenient that he found Nana’s grandson, Tenko, right when he was at his lowest after murdering his family. In fact, a huge reason All For One was able to groom Shigaraki into the perfect pawn for his plan was because All For One was the first person to reach out to Shigaraki after he was orphaned. Another coincidence to consider is that Tenko started developing his so-called allergies and itchiness after meeting the mysterious man in chapter #235, implying this may have all been a part of All For One’s grand plan.
If this theory does turn out to be true, it would only strengthen the existing parallels between Shigaraki and Deku. Shigaraki may have started out quirkless just like Deku, both dreaming of becoming heroes regardless of their circumstances. Similarly, both were given very different quirks that led them down very different paths. Deku was given the power to become a hero, while Decay fueled Shigaraki’s resentment and destructive tendencies, leading him down the path of villainy.
That said, it’s unclear how Shigaraki will react to the revelation. Perhaps he will feel manipulated and resent All For One, or blame Nana even more for ruining his life. The shock of the revelation might even help Deku finally break through his barriers instead. Either way, My Hero Academia’s climactic battle is sure to have plenty of twists and turns in store.
FAQ
What does it mean for a character to “break the fourth wall”?
Breaking the fourth wall refers to a character acknowledging their existence within a fictional work, typically by directly addressing the audience or making references to the medium itself. It’s a metafictional device that blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Which characters are known for breaking the fourth wall in Marvel Comics?
While many characters have broken the fourth wall in comics, some notable examples include Deadpool, She-Hulk, and, more recently, Spider-Man (both Peter Parker and Miles Morales).
How do Peter Parker and Miles Morales exhibit meta-awareness in “The Spectacular Spider-Men #1”?
In the preview for The Spectacular Spider-Men #1, Peter Parker and Miles Morales make comments that suggest they are aware of their existence within a comic book. For example, Peter remarks that he’s been a superhero “for sixty years or something,” while Miles muses that it feels like he’s been in high school “for a decade.”
What is the canonical explanation for Spider-Man’s meta-awareness?
The canonical explanation lies in the concept of the Web of Life and Destiny, fully elucidated in “A Single Thread” from 2022’s Edge of Spider-Verse #2. This narrative delves into the origins of the Web of Life and Destiny, which connects every Spider-Hero to the multiverse and grants them awareness of their existence within comic book narratives.
How does the Web of Life and Destiny tie into Spider-Man’s meta-awareness?
Because Peter Parker and Miles Morales are both Spider-Men, they inherently have access to the multiverse through the Web of Life and Destiny. This provides them with the knowledge that they are, in fact, comic book characters. Thus, their seemingly self-aware comments find grounding in the established lore of the Spider-Verse.