Deku was never going to be a symbol of peace

My Hero Academia The anime officially ended on Saturday, December 13, 2025, marking nearly a decade of storytelling. Over the years, the series has explored powerful and moving themes related to heroism and what it truly means to hold that title, an idea that has continued to evolve throughout history.

For years, All Might served as a symbol of peace, with many wondering who his successor would be. After inheriting One For All, Deku seemed on the verge of becoming the symbol himself; however, another character embodied the ideal even more strongly than Deku ever could, making the audience understand that Deku was never meant to be the next symbol.

Mirio Togata was perfect for the role from the moment he was presented

When Mirio Togata was introduced as part of UA’s “Big Three” in My Hero Academiait was clear that he was going to become an inspiration. Unlike many prodigies in the series, his reputation is not at all exaggerated and he carries himself with a natural humility and respect for others.

Even his hero name, Lemillion, reflects a wide-ranging aspiration born from a genuine desire to save and help others. His goal of saving a million people may be grand and ambitious, but it is neither hollow nor idealistic. Given his strength, dedication and mindset, Mirio’s focus now is on prioritizing long-term impact and reassuring the public.

Beyond heroism, Mirio’s personality radiates optimism, light humor and approachability, allowing him to effortlessly lift the spirits of those around him. He never seems arrogant and sincerely wants to see everyone around him become the best they can be, even going out of his way to offer advice or training assistance.

His ideals, exploits, and personality were all displayed in the battle against Overhaul. During the fourth season, Mirio demonstrated that he was willing to sacrifice everything to protect Eri, continuing to fight even after losing his Quirk and never giving in to despair. Although it was Deku who ultimately defeated Kai Chisaki, Mirio’s determination, compassion, and presence were essential to Eri’s survival.

Lemillion has rightfully earned his place as number 1 hero

During the Final War, Lemillion regains his power and plays a crucial role in the heroes’ success, holding back Shigaraki and distracting him until Deku arrives on the scene. Years after the intense battle, in the series finale, it is revealed that Mirio has become the number one hero, a position he earned through years of consistency and excellence.

While My Hero Academia The epilogue was not animated, chapter 431 gives fans a deeper understanding of how he functions as Japan’s number one hero. He is publicly known as Comedy Hero: Lemillion, and has created a strong, recognizable image defined by humor and smiles. It becomes extremely popular, especially with children, reinforcing the idea that heroism extends beyond combat.

Coupled with the mastery of his quirk, Mirio has the ability to not only project and spread joy, but also to preserve and defend it. By his presence alone, he defends himself against fear and negativity, presenting himself as a trustworthy hero who knows how powerful a smile can be. Mirio embodies all the essential qualities a top hero should possess.

Mirio is a symbol of hope, especially in a society that had to rebuild and get back on its feet after the final war. His creativity, playfulness, and strength are all traits that allow him to connect with others on a deeper level, evoking confidence and hope in everyone around him, making him a truly one-of-a-kind character. My Hero Academia.

Deku can’t embody the symbol of peace like Lemillion can

As a symbol of peace, All Might represented more than just power. Although his strength played an important role in his rise, it was also his radiance, his constant smile, his great self-confidence and his emotional stability which reassured society. In this sense, Mirio Togata embodies what All Might has become much more naturally than Deku ever could.

Mirio has the ability to effortlessly balance his power with positivity. His confidence is grounded, his optimism contagious and above all, his presence alone creates a feeling of security. He doesn’t need to convince others that everything will be okay, because people simply believe him when he arrives on the scene.

Deku, on the other hand, is best defined by empathy, self-sacrifice, and idealism. Although these traits helped him become one of the greatest heroes, he is also known for his inner anxieties and clumsiness. These are far from being “bad” traits, however, they prevent him from projecting the same energy as All Might or Lemillion.

This distinction clearly shows that Lemillion is best suited to the role of the next Symbol of Peace rather than Deku. Rather than having anything to do with their individual power, Lemillion’s personality simply embodies the same energy as All Might’s, radiating positivity and hope to everyone he meets.

Deku doesn’t need to be the symbol of peace

That said, Deku was never meant to radiate the same presence as All Might of Lemillion, and the series frames that idea with intention. His energy is very different from theirs, and he embodies something much deeper and deeper in not reflecting his predecessor. Instead, Deku forges his own path and becomes the embodiment of true heroism.

This is reflected in his journey as he gradually learns that he doesn’t need to become the next All Might. Early in the series, he attempts to emulate his predecessor’s image and fighting style, almost breaking himself in the process. A major aspect of his growth comes when he realizes that he doesn’t need to become a doppelganger.

Instead, Deku embodies an ideal of heroism rooted in connection and unity. Instead of being a single hero carrying the weight of the world, he proves that saving others and being saved are equally essential and can be accomplished by anyone, not just those with the title of hero.

Deku is a hero who feels more grounded and approachable. While he doesn’t display the same positivity and optimism that All Might and Lemillion naturally bring, he manifests in other ways that better fit who he is as a person. His story was never about becoming the next Symbol of Peace; it’s about evolving beyond the title of its predecessor.

Release date

2016 – 00/00/2025

Network

TBS, MBS, Nippon TV

Directors

Shouji Ikeno, Tsuyoshi Tobita, Ikuro Sato, Takudai Kakuchi, Masashi Abe, Tetsuya Miyanishi, Kazuma Komatsu, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Masayuki Otsuki, Daisuke Tsukushi, Takayuki Yamamoto, Yohei Fukui, Takuro Tsukada, Masatoyo Takada, Naomi Nakayama, Sayaka Morikawa, Takanori Yano

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  Daiki Yamashita

  Izuku Midoriya (voice)

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  Kaito Ishikawa

  Manga Fukidashi (voice)