My Hero Academia has captivated fans worldwide with its compelling narrative, inspiring characters, and emotional depth. Among its many strengths, the series does not shy away from heart-wrenching moments, particularly when it comes to the loss of beloved characters. These deaths not only highlight the stakes in a world where heroes and villains clash but also underscore the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and peace. For fans, these moments leave an indelible mark, reminding us of the fragility of life and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right.
Whether they are heroes, villains, or somewhere in between, the characters in My Hero Academia have faced unimaginable challenges. Some have paid the ultimate price, leaving behind legacies that inspire those who survive. This list explores the top 10 saddest deaths in the series, delving into their emotional impact and the significance of their sacrifices. Prepare your tissues as we revisit these unforgettable moments.
10. Sir Nighteye
Sir Nighteye, a former sidekick to All Might and the mentor to Mirio Togata, is one of the most poignant losses in My Hero Academia. His battle against Overhaul during the Shie Hassaikai arc showcased his unyielding determination and selflessness. Despite his incredible foresight quirk, Sir Nighteye’s inability to alter his grim predictions made his death all the more tragic. He fought valiantly to protect Eri and the future of hero society, even when the odds were stacked against him.
What makes Sir Nighteye’s death so heartbreaking is the emotional toll it takes on those closest to him. His final moments, where he assures Mirio that he will become a great hero, are filled with both hope and sorrow. Sir Nighteye’s legacy lives on through Mirio and Deku, who carry forward his ideals of heroism and perseverance. His death serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices heroes make and the fragility of even the strongest among them.
9. Twice (Jin Bubaigawara)
Twice’s death is a devastating moment that highlights the complexities of My Hero Academia’s villains. As a member of the League of Villains, Twice struggled with his identity and mental health due to his quirk, which allowed him to create duplicates of himself. Despite his criminal activities, Twice’s loyalty and genuine care for his friends made him one of the most relatable and humanized villains in the series.
His death at the hands of Hawks during the Paranormal Liberation War arc is both tragic and impactful. Hawks’ internal conflict as a hero taking down someone he empathizes with adds layers of complexity to the scene. Twice’s final moments, where he laments his inability to protect his friends, resonate deeply with fans. His loss underscores the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, making it one of the most emotionally charged deaths in the series.
8. Star and Stripe
As America’s Number One Hero, Star and Stripe brought an unparalleled level of power and charisma to My Hero Academia. Her quirk, New Order, made her one of the strongest heroes in the world, capable of altering reality with her commands. Her confrontation with Shigaraki was nothing short of epic, showcasing her unwavering resolve to protect her country and the world from impending doom.
Star and Stripe’s sacrifice is a testament to her heroism. Realizing that she couldn’t defeat Shigaraki outright, she used her quirk to deal a crippling blow to his abilities, ensuring the fight against him would continue with better odds for the heroes. Her death is both a strategic victory and a heartbreaking loss, emphasizing the global stakes in the battle between heroes and villains. Her legacy inspires not only the heroes in the story but also fans who admire her bravery.
7. Snatch
Snatch, a lesser-known hero with a sand-based quirk, meets a tragic end during a confrontation with the League of Villains. Despite his limited screen time, Snatch’s death leaves a significant impact on the story. His encounter with Dabi and Compress during a high-stakes chase highlights his commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
What makes Snatch’s death so poignant is its reflection of the harsh realities heroes face. As a pro hero, he dedicates his life to protecting others, but his sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the profession. His loss is felt deeply by fans and characters alike, symbolizing the cost of heroism in a world fraught with conflict.
6. Magne (Kenji Hikiishi)
Magne’s death marks one of the first major losses for the League of Villains, showcasing the unpredictable and ruthless nature of the conflict between heroes and villains. Magne’s magnetic quirk made her a formidable opponent, and her unwavering belief in the League’s cause added depth to her character. Her loyalty to her comrades made her death particularly painful.
Overhaul’s cold and calculated execution of Magne during their confrontation sends shockwaves through the League of Villains. It highlights the brutal reality of their world and sets the stage for future conflicts. Magne’s death serves as a turning point for the League, solidifying their resolve to fight against those who threaten their ideals. Her loss resonates as a moment of vulnerability and tragedy in the chaotic world of My Hero Academia.
5. All For One’s Brother
The death of All For One’s brother is one of the most significant and emotional backstories in My Hero Academia. As the original inheritor of the One For All quirk, his tragic end marked the beginning of the endless conflict between good and evil. Despite being physically frail, his unwavering determination to oppose his brother’s tyranny set the foundation for the future of hero society.
His sacrifice embodies the spirit of selflessness and hope, qualities that resonate throughout the generations of One For All users. The emotional weight of his story is felt deeply by fans, as it reminds us of the origins of heroism and the enduring fight against oppression. His legacy lives on through Deku and the countless heroes who carry the torch of One For All.
4. Kota’s Parents
The death of Kota’s parents, Water Hose, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks heroes face in their line of duty. As pro heroes, they dedicated their lives to protecting others, but their tragic end at the hands of Muscular leaves a lasting scar on their young son, Kota. Their sacrifice not only affects Kota but also resonates with fans, showcasing the human side of heroism.
Kota’s journey of overcoming his grief and learning to trust heroes again adds depth to their tragic story. Their legacy is honored when Deku protects Kota from Muscular, embodying the ideals Kota’s parents stood for. The impact of their deaths lingers throughout the series, reminding us of the sacrifices heroes make for the greater good.
3. Eri’s Father
The death of Eri’s father is a tragic and pivotal moment that shapes her harrowing backstory. His accidental death at the hands of Eri’s uncontrollable quirk serves as the catalyst for her being taken in by Overhaul. This event not only robs Eri of her family but also marks the beginning of her torment under the yakuza leader’s control.
The emotional impact of Eri’s father’s death lies in its exploration of the unintended consequences of quirks. It highlights the darker side of a world filled with superpowers, where even a child’s innocent mistake can lead to tragedy. His loss adds layers of sorrow to Eri’s story, making her eventual rescue all the more triumphant.
2. The Pussycats’ Ragdoll (Quirk Loss)
While not a traditional death, the loss of Ragdoll’s quirk during the Forest Training Camp arc is a deeply emotional moment for both her team and fans. As a member of the Wild, Wild Pussycats, Ragdoll’s Search quirk was invaluable to their hero work. Its forcible removal by All For One symbolizes a fate worse than death for someone whose identity is tied to their quirk.
Ragdoll’s resilience in the face of this loss is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her absence from the frontlines serves as a constant reminder of the cruelty of All For One and the sacrifices heroes endure. Though she survives, the emotional weight of her quirk’s loss lingers, marking a somber chapter in the series.
1. Midnight
The death of Midnight during the Paranormal Liberation War arc is one of the most devastating losses in My Hero Academia. As a beloved teacher and pro hero, Midnight’s charisma and dedication to her students made her a standout character. Her final moments, where she selflessly aids the students in their mission, epitomize her unwavering commitment to heroism.
Her death sends shockwaves through U.A. High School and the hero community. The impact of her loss is felt deeply by her students, who must grapple with the harsh realities of war. Midnight’s legacy as a mentor and hero lives on, inspiring the next generation to carry forward her ideals. Her sacrifice underscores the immense cost of the battle for justice, making her death the most heart-wrenching in the series.
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