The battle between who the top pro heroes in My Hero Academia are is ever constant in the fandom. The world of My Hero Academia is ripe with examples of courage and heroism. With so many willing to use their quirks for selfish interests and to hurt others, the heroes hold the chaos at bay. But which pros shine the brightest? Which will stand fast when the battle gets the toughest? Read on to see which 10 top pro heroes stand above the rest of the best of My Hero Academia!
10) Stars and Stripes
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Real Name: Cathleen Bate
Quirk: New Order
Why They Make The Cut: When All Might called out to the International hero community to come to Japan’s aid, one hero was moving before her government could give her the go-ahead. Having been saved by All Might years earlier, Bate was eager to come now to his aid.
I can’t say much about Stars and Stripes without giving away spoilers for season seven. However, if you read the manga, you know why she made this list. And if you don’t read the manga, I can’t wait for you to find out.
9) Fat Gum
Real Name: Taishiro Toyomitsu
Quirk: Fat Absorption
Why They Make The Cut: While he’s more than capable of holding his own in a fight, Fat Gum’s combat capabilities are not what earns him a spot on this list. Instead, a cunning mind and heart as big as his prodigious frame are this hero’s best qualities. Seen as frequently using his quirk to shuttle people to safety as he does restrain villains, Fat Gum’s focus is always on preserving the lives of those around him. He also earns points for showing himself to be a strong teacher to Red Riot when the student interns with him. His level-headed personality perfectly checks Red Riot’s act first, think later attitude.
8) Mount Lady
Real Name: Yu Takeyama
Quirk: Gigantification
Why They Make The Cut: One of the first heroes viewers meet, this entry on our top pro heroes list has changed a lot throughout My Hero Academia despite not having that many appearances.
When viewers first meet her, Mount Lady comes across as a bit egotistical. Seeming to be in the hero business more for the attention than to be a hero, she falls short of the lofty ideals of characters like All Might. Jump ahead a couple of seasons, though, and we quickly see the character develop into a far more serious personality. Fighting to protect civilians and her fellow heroes, Mount Lady shows she is more than willing to put herself directly in harm’s way. This is most clearly demonstrated when she desperately tries to wrestle the Titanic Gigantomachia. While failing to stop his rampage completely, her efforts combine with several others to limit the giant’s destruction.
During this fight, we also learn how perceptive Mount Lady can be. Despite being close to 70 feet tall and struggling to bring Gigantimachia to heel, she can spot the students of Class 1-A as they try to sedate their mutual enemy with sedatives they are endeavoring to lob into his mouth. While she could not know the details of the student’s plans, she instantly shifted her strategy to aid them, seeing as she was making little headway on her own. This showcased that the glory-seeking showboat fans were originally introduced to had disappeared, replaced with a top-notch hero.
7) Gran Torino
Real Name: Sorahiko Torino
Quirk: Jet
Why They Make The Cut: Gran Torino is one of two exceptional teachers we have featured on this list. He was instrumental in All Might’s development as a hero and Deku’s. While he initially comes across as a stubborn old man, we learn he’s versatile in his approach to challenges. How he taught each of his students was different, adapting his methods to the needs of his charges. His impact in the hero world through this service alone would warrant Torino’s presence on a list.
But that isn’t the only place he’s excelled during his time in My Hero Academia. He becomes a key player in the investigation of the League of Villains, working diligently alongside the police. Despite his advanced years, he’s present at some of the series’ biggest battles, taking punishing hits as he tries to live up to the bar set by his proteges. His intelligence, tenacity, and adaptability showcase many of the best qualities of a pro hero.
6) Mirko
Real Name: Rumi Usagiyama
Quirk: Rabbit
Why They Make The Cut: While Gran Torino exhibits a wide range of qualities that earn him a spot on this list, Mirko shines bright with a more focused aim. Virtually all of the rabbit hero’s time on screen is during combat. While one may doubt how powerful “bunny powers” could be, Mirko quickly dismisses doubts as she springs through Nomos, bashing them with her enhanced strength and incredible martial skills.
But while her combat prowess is impressive, her tenacity sets her apart. With a singular focus on her goal, Mirko pushes through punishment and pain, even losing one of her legs in battle. Nothing stops her from reaching her goals. This makes her one of the most enduring presences in the hero community, even as many of its members walk away from the job in the aftermath of the Hospital Raid.
5) Nana Shimura
Real Name: Nana Shimura
Quirk: Float
Why They Make The Cut: The previous bearer of One-For-All before All Might, she was willing to sacrifice everything to keep the world and those she loves safe from the threat of All-For-One. While her determination is twisted horrendously, it doesn’t take away from the merits of her intent. The fact that both All Might and Gran Torino only praise her when she is mentioned speaks volumes about the character.
While we haven’t seen much of her, she is another top pro hero who still has a part to play in the future. Her presence within One-For-All will allow her to reach out and help those in need again, perhaps setting the right things that went astray.
4) Endeavor
Real Name: Enji Todoroki
Quirk: Hellflame
Why They Make The Cut: If I put together this list earlier in My Hero Academia’s run, Endeavor would not have made the cut. Cruel and uncaring towards his children, Endeavor seems like a prime example of everything wrong with the hero system. Seeming to be more focused on being number one than being a great hero, Endeavor leaves many bad tastes in the viewer’s mouth.
As the seasons go on, though, Endeavor goes on a powerful journey that sees him begin to reconcile his faults with both his family and the world at large. He will never inspire as All Might did, but as the Number One Hero, he will give his all to protect the people who have placed their trust in him, even as the sins of his past return to haunt him.
3) Hawks
Real Name: Keith Takami
Quirk: Fierce Wings
Why They Make The Cut: So much of My Hero Academia focuses on the shining side of being a hero. The bold champions of justice are saving the day for all the world to see. But what about when the heroes must act before the crime occurs? Who moves in the shadows and does the less savory things to prevent the loss of life instead of just minimizing it after the fact? Enter Hawks, the hero who does the things heroes aren’t supposed to. His greatest achievements will never be known as he does his undercover work to keep the public safe. He lies, manipulates, and even kills to save the day. He bears these burdens, knowing the world will be safe, and that is enough for him.
Hawks’ world is different from the one most live in. Yet the series does a great job highlighting just how important Hawks is to the heroes’ cause. Without him, Shigaraki revives at full strength, and the world would be lost. His sacrifice is one not of moments but of years. His work casts a harsh light on what the heroes truly are, acknowledging that even the best intentions are often backed up with shadowy actions.
2) Eraser Head
Real Name: Shota Aizawa
Quirk: Erasure
Why They Make The Cut: C’mon, you know he’s on our top pro heroes list. Anime is known for throwing kids into terrible and dangerous situations. While parental figures hold a terrible track record for protecting these youngsters, that trend stops at Aizawa’s classroom door. Referred to as “The Best Anime Dad,” Aizawa protects his charges with a diligent passion that speaks volumes about the character. Even when they must be in danger, he sees that every precaution is taken to keep them out of the worst trouble.
His diligence doesn’t stop with his students, either. When he is seen taking part in hero operations, he makes excellent use of his powerful quirk, forcing the strongest foes onto the sideline. Just supporting other heroes with this quirk would make him invaluable. But Aizawa goes further, training himself to be an incredible hand-to-hand combatant. He holds off the bulk of the League of Villians almost single-handedly till All Might can arrive when they attack UA. His potential in the field, the compassion in his heart, and his diligence as a teacher make him one of the best not only My Hero Academia has to offer but also anime itself to showcase a true hero.
1) All Might
Real Name: Toshinori Yagi
Quirk: One For All
Why They Make The Cut: Who else could stand atop a list of top pro heroes but the Symbol of Peace himself? While his prodigious physical attributes would make him a top hero alone, his true power is in his ability to inspire those around him. With nothing more than a smile and the utterance of his catchphrase, “Everything is fine, for I am here!” All Might can set a panicked crowd at ease. His importance to his world is clear in the aftermath of his final battle with All-For-One. The loss of the hero shakes society to its very core. But even though he is absent from the battlefield, he still inspires some with his life’s work.
There it is—our list of the top pro heroes in My Hero Academia. There are so many great heroes that many we love couldn’t make the top. Did your favorite make our list?
