My Hero Academia: Koichi and Deku should never be compared

The universe of My Hero Academia is vast and has introduced us to characters who challenge the conventional meaning of being a Hero. We have two protagonists from different backgrounds, and fans often try to compare them. They are Izuku Midoriya (Deku), the main character of the original My Hero Academia series, and Koichi Haimawari, the protagonist of its spinoff, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.

As a viewer often seeks similarities and parallels, both characters idolize All Might. However, their journeys, philosophies, and the worlds they come from are fundamentally different.

Deku’s story fits more into the shonen genre, as it focuses on him working hard to fulfill his destiny. He inherits All Might’s One for All quirk and the will to stand on top. Meanwhile, Koichi is more of a seinen genre hero because his story is disguised in the pretext of him trying to be a superhero.

Comparing Deku and Koichi is saying Captain America is similar to Wanda. They may both fight crimes, but the narratives serve vastly different purposes. Deku’s heroism is to inspire the world, but Koichi represents all the heroes who go unnoticed.

If we see Deku’s journey in My Hero Academia, he works hard and gets enrolled in UA High School. He is trained by the best faculty and guided to ensure he reaches his potential. Moreover, his development is backed by the best institution and shaped through mentorship. Deku’s life is structured and legitimate as it is recognized by law.

But Koichi from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes had a different path towards becoming a hero. He was well aware from the start that his quirk would not be enough to get him qualified as a Pro Hero. Therefore, he had to operate from outside the system.

From the lens of their universe, Koichi’s actions are deemed illegal, even if he is saving lives. For him to grow as a self-proclaimed hero, his growth was messy and reactive. All the learning happened through experience rather than curriculum.

Another key point is the difference between their power level. Deku had inherited God-tier power that put him on a path to surpass All Might. His character arc throughout the story was his efforts to master the power he gained. Deku had the potential to unlock the quirks of his predecessors.

Koichi’s quirk, Slide and Glide, is introduced as a minor and insignificant quirk. It was not good for combat. He had to learn to evolve his ability into something highly versatile and formidable. It was a difficult journey, but Koichi became one of the few Vigilantes who could take on strong opponents who were as strong as Pro Heroes.

Also, when we talk about their personalities, Deku is introspective, anxious, and analytical. His obsession with becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, kept on inspiring him to push further. During his character introduction, he was more anxious and full of self-doubt. He had to work on himself to overcome these traits through effort and support.

Koichi’s personality is more easygoing, humble, and self-deprecating. He was never obsessed with becoming a hero, and his actions to do good for society stem more from his genuine desire to give back to the community. In essence, Deku wants to be a hero. Koichi chooses to act like one.

Deku and Koichi are not meant to be compared as their stories are not in conflict or to prove that they are better main characters. Their stories are meant to spark conversation. As individuals, they are two valid and powerful heroes who are following their dreams in their own manner. They should be celebrated for what they uniquely offer: Hope, heart, and heroism in its many forms.

The final legacies of the main characters in My Hero Academia and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

By the end of their stories, Deku and Koichi have separate, distinct legacies of their own. Izuku Midoriya (Deku) is supposed to be the next Symbol of Peace, a title which was formerly given to All Might, his idol. His journey can be described as legendary, as a quirkless boy who was blessed to inherit one of the most powerful quirks in history. Deku has overcome incredible odds and inspired the next generation of heroes.

In contrast, the story of Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler) ends with him still being almost anonymous. After years of working as an unlicensed and self-proclaimed hero in the shadows of a society that deemed him illegal, he survives and continues serving people in the shadows. He found peace in doing so. Furthermore, he does not become an icon, but his work does not go unrecognized. He has earned the respect of notable figures like Eraserhead and even All Might himself.

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Ultimately, Deku and Koichi highlight two sides of heroism. Deku is an icon of the flames that light the world, and Koichi is the ray of light in the darkness who will always be present in times that go unnoticed. Therefore, it would not be right to compare these two heroes. As the audience, we should enjoy them separately and learn that there is no right answer to how to be good. There may be different paths, but ultimately, what matters most is choosing the path of good.

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