As a Christian who loves anime, I’ve often found myself drawing connections between the stories I watch and my own faith journey. One anime that has really stood out to me is My Hero Academia. It’s filled with powerful lessons about growth, perseverance, sacrifice, and learning from mistakes. And, much like in my walk with Christ, the characters’ journeys inspire me to keep striving toward becoming the best version of myself—both spiritually and personally.
For those unfamiliar, My Hero Academia takes place in a world where nearly everyone is born with a unique ability called a “quirk.” These quirks range from super strength to more unusual powers, and they shape society’s heroes and villains. The story follows Izuku Midoriya (Deku), a young boy born without a quirk, as he dreams of becoming a great hero. Despite his lack of powers, Deku’s perseverance and heart catch the attention of the world’s greatest hero, All Might, who chooses him as the heir to his incredible power.
*Before diving deeper, I want to give a quick heads-up: if you haven’t seen My Hero Academia yet, there will be brief mentions of some plot points ahead. Feel free to read on if you don’t mind light spoilers!
Perseverance and Power: Lessons from Deku’s Journey
From the beginning, Deku’s story has been about perseverance and hard work. Even though he was born without a quirk in a world where almost everyone has one, his determination to become a hero never wavers. He works tirelessly, training and pushing himself beyond his limits. As someone who has struggled at times with feeling like I don’t measure up, Deku’s journey reminds me of the importance of faith and effort.
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds me that, like Deku receiving his power from All Might, we too are given strength from Christ. Our work is not in vain because we are empowered by God to pursue the calling He has placed on our hearts. Deku’s dedication pushes me to strive harder in my own faith, trusting that, just as he grows into his role as a hero, I can grow into who God is calling me to be.
Adapting to Our Strengths: Deku’s Quirk Evolution
One of the most significant moments in Deku’s journey is when he realizes that he can’t rely on using his arms the way All Might did. After repeatedly injuring himself, he discovers that his own body is better suited to using his legs and develops the “Shoot Style.” This shift in his approach shows how each of us is created with unique strengths and weaknesses. While mentors, like All Might, provide guidance, we must also tailor the advice we receive to align with how God has designed us individually.
As Christians, this reminds me that while we may be called to follow Christ and grow in our faith, God has made each of us unique. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” Just as Deku had to adapt One for All to his own abilities, we are called to embrace and use the strengths God has given us, while acknowledging our limitations. Not everyone’s walk with God will look the same, and that’s a beautiful thing.
When we approach life with a growth mindset, we not only learn from others but also discover how to shape our own path. Like Deku finding a new way to use his quirk, we can adapt and grow in our faith journey, relying on God to guide us in developing the unique talents and abilities He’s given us.
Humility and Transformation: Insights from Bakugo and Paul
While Deku inspires me with his relentless work ethic, Bakugo is a character who teaches me the value of humility and learning from shortcomings. At first, Bakugo comes across as arrogant and harsh, but as the series progresses, we see him reflect on his actions and begin to change. His drive for success remains strong, but he learns to temper it with a willingness to admit his mistakes and support his friends.
A pivotal moment for Bakugo comes when he is kidnapped by the League of Villains. Despite his strength and stubbornness, he is powerless in this situation. Worse, he later believes that All Might’s loss of power is his fault. Bakugo feels immense guilt, thinking that his weaknesses directly led to All Might’s sacrifice. This mirrors the weight of conviction we feel when we realize the gravity of our sins. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and Bakugo, too, comes to terms with his shortcomings.
During his lowest point, Bakugo doesn’t receive condemnation, but compassion. At their Ground Beta confrontation after Bakugo’s kidnapping, both Deku and later All Might help Bakugo release the pent-up inner turmoil that had been crushing him. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens,” and it’s in his moment of vulnerability with All Might and Deku that Bakugo finds relief, allowing him to start his path of healing and growth.
After this turning point, Bakugo starts to realize the importance of teamwork. No longer solely driven by his desire to be the best on his own, he begins to fight alongside his classmates, often supporting Deku. This transformation is seen most clearly during the “Dark Hero” arc, where Deku tries to isolate himself to shoulder the burden of fighting the villains alone. Bakugo steps in and apologizes to Deku for his past bullying. His apology marks a significant moment of growth and understanding, aligning with Proverbs 28:13, which states, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Bakugo then urges Deku to return to UA and rely on support from his friends. This moment reflects Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Later, in climactic battles against the villain Shigaraki, Bakugo’s growth reaches new levels. He is willing to risk his life to protect others no matter the cost, showing the depth of his transformation.
Bakugo’s journey teaches us that true strength comes not from overpowering others but from humility, teamwork, and being willing to sacrifice for others. His story, like that of Paul, reminds me that God can use our flaws to transform us and bring us closer to Him. As Philippians 1:6 says, “…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Through God’s grace, we too can grow and become the people He is calling us to be.
A Hero’s Sacrifice: All Might, Christ, and the Power of the Holy Spirit
Perhaps the most striking parallel for me is the connection between All Might’s sacrifice and Christ’s sacrifice. All Might is the symbol of peace in the My Hero Academia universe, and he gives everything to protect others. In the same way, Christ laid down His life for us, sacrificing Himself for our salvation. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
When All Might gives his power to Deku by having him consume a strand of his hair, I’m reminded of how Christ gave us the Holy Spirit. Just as Deku receives All Might’s strength, we, as Christians, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith. It also makes me think of communion—the bread and wine that symbolize Christ’s body and blood, given for us. Just as Deku receives a physical token of All Might’s power, we receive spiritual nourishment from Christ through His sacrifice.
Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Just as Deku grows stronger with the power he’s been given, we, too, grow in our faith when we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Closing Thoughts
My Hero Academia reminds me that, like Deku, we are on a journey—one that requires hard work, perseverance, adapting to our strengths and weaknesses, and reliance on the power given to us by God. Bakugo’s journey shows me that personal flaws and shortcomings are not the end, but an opportunity to grow and become better. And through All Might’s example, I am reminded of the sacrifice Christ made for me, empowering me through the Holy Spirit to live out my calling.
So, as we strive toward our goals, let’s remember that we don’t walk this path alone. Just as Deku inherited All Might’s power, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and through that, we have the strength to help others and live in a way that honors Christ. Let’s keep moving forward, trusting in the One who gave everything for us.
With faith, determination, and God’s strength, we can go beyond the limits we set for ourselves—Plus Ultra!
Vivi’s Blog - Random Reflections from a Christian Otaku 
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