Izuku

Izuku Midoriya, commonly referred to as Izuku or Deku, is a fictional character and the primary protagonist of Kohei Horikoshi’s manga series My Hero Academia. The story follows his journey from a Quirkless high-school student to a student at U.A. High School training to become a professional hero. Izuku is portrayed as compassionate, analytical, and deeply committed to helping others, often prioritizing civilian safety and well-being over personal gain.

In his early life, Izuku is born without a superpower in a world where most individuals possess Quirks. Inspired by the symbol of peace, All Might, he dreams of heroism despite his lack of abilities. His fortunes change when All Might designates him as the successor to One For All, a powerful, transferable Quirk that stockpiles energy and enhances physical capabilities. Under this power, Izuku gradually learns to control immense strength and develops techniques such as the Full Cowling, while receiving guidance from mentors and fellow students at U.A. High School.

Across the series, Izuku’s growth is shaped by mentorship, rivalries, teamwork, and moral questions surrounding hero work and power. He remains a central figure in the franchise, appearing in the manga, its anime adaptation, films, and related media. Reception to the character generally highlights his determination, humility, and gradual development as a hero in training, with ongoing discussion of how he balances responsibility with personal risk.