It’s Not the Heat, It’s the Humiliation [My Hero Academia 290]

Well… So much for my Tartarus theory. But, I did say there’s only two things that could make Dabi happy: Something concerning Stain or something concerning Endeavor. Ladies, gentlemen, and all the wonderful folks in-between and beyond! May I present to you, the end of Endeavor’s Pro Hero career!

Dabi is Toya. We all knew, but it’s the timing that’s spectacular. Bravo, Dabi! Your patience was rewarded, Sir. You see, I figured Dabi had amneaia because he hadn’t spilled the beans about his true origin when Endeavor first became the number one hero. Turns out, the eldest Todoroki sibling just wanted daddy to earn the public’s love before destroying it. Smart guy that Toya is!

So, what now? Well, I can see Bakugo defending Endeavor from Dabi’s first attack and verbally slapping Shoto to help since both Todorokis will be in shock for a while. Yeah, yeah, but what about post-battle, you ask? That’s where the juicy stuff will happen after all.

You see, Dabi can’t be taken at face value so reporters will be looking for anything and anyone than can confirm Heat Miser’s claims. That means chasing down Natsu and Fuyumi for comments, and Rei. Yep, Rei Todoroki. Endeavor’s wife whose been staying at the hospital for years since having a mental breakdown caused by her abusive husband Enji Todoroki. Woo boy! The public’s not gonna like that!

What’s so insidious about the timing of Dabi’s reveal is that it’s the final nail in the heroes secret mission coffin. The Paranormal Liberation Front is still active, it’s leader and commanders will escape (Well, most if Re-Destro and Geten are captured), and Gigantomachia’s very existence and his rampage through multiple cities will be remembered for decades, if not longer. That’s a lot of fear, destruction, citizen deaths. Oh, but I’m not done! We can’t forget a lot of heroes are dead or injured because of this failure of a mission. A. Lot. But, even after all of that, maybe, juuuust maybe, the public could latch on to the knowledge Japan’s #1 Hero was alive and won’t give up until Shigaraki and his goons are behind bars.

Nope!

Turns out the top hero. THE person who’s supposed to represent all that is good in the world is a piece of shit. Horikoshi left no doubt in my mind this arc is his The Empire Strikes Back. Welcome to the dark times, Luke—erm—Deku.

Which brings me back to what I said at the very beginning. Endeavor’s career is over. Done! He can’t come back from this. Someone has to take responsibility for this mission and any slack Japan was willing to give him has died with Dabi’s reveal. At best, Endeavor’s no longer the #1 hero and drops in the rankings. At worse, he fully retires. Either way, you better start putting those Endeavor action figures up on Ebay now before they lose value even more.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Endeavor’s had a good run. He achieved his dream and even fought the final antagonist, Shigaraki. What more is there to do? He’s never gonna beat Shiggy, that’s Deku’s role. Narratively, it’s time for him to go. Especially, now that the next number one hero is back.

Yeah, I’m talking about Best Jeanist. Hawk’s heavily injured so Best Jeanist will probably take the #1 spot soon. Him fighting off Gigantomachia and the League (along with Wash and the Wild Wild Pussycats if my theory’s right) should gain him some points too. Yep, Horikoshi’s maneuvering every important character right where they need to be going forward. Shigaraki, Deku, Toga, Uraraka, Hawks, Aizawa, Bakugo, Best Jeanist, Endeavor… I can’t wait until the next arc, y’all. I’m so damn excited!

This was a great chapter! How could it not be? See? A mystery doesn’t have to be surprising to the audience if it’s impact is significant on the story itself. Horikoshi played that card brilliantly. From Dabi’s excitement, to the timing, to letting Dabi tell his side of the story without interruption from Shoto or Enji, it was marvelous. And, if Shigaraki’s backstory is any clue, expect to see Toya Todoroki: Origin and Dabi: Origin eventually. I wonder if we’ll get a nude scene? Dabi had to make a living somehow. Why not as a male stripper? That’s one way to make it a hot flashback. Me-ow!