While My Hero Academia primarily focuses on the thrilling battles and growth of its young heroes, the series has also subtly woven threads of romance into its narrative. Although not a central theme, these hints have sparked a great deal of discussion and speculation among fans, creating a vibrant landscape of both teased and desired relationships. Here, we delve into some of the pairings the manga has hinted at and those that fans have eagerly championed.
Pairings the Manga Teased
The manga has subtly hinted at several potential relationships throughout its run. While some of these are more obvious, others require a closer look to understand the nuances of the relationships.
Mt. Lady & Kamui Woods: A Pro-Hero Duo
Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods, two pro heroes often seen working together, have exhibited a dynamic that suggests a deeper connection. The manga has teased a romantic relationship between the two, highlighting the extra care they show for each other during dangerous situations. Mt. Lady’s boisterous personality contrasts with Kamui Woods’ calm and collected demeanor, making them an interesting match that many fans hope to see confirmed.
Ms. Joke & Aizawa: Opposites Attract?
Ms. Joke and Shota Aizawa have a history that goes back to their younger days. During the Hero Licensing Exam arc, their interactions reveal a potential romantic tension. Ms. Joke’s playful teasing, including joking about marrying Aizawa, hints at a deeper dynamic than simple acquaintances. Although Aizawa is often stoic, this pairing has become a popular one for fans who enjoy the contrast of personalities.
Amajiki & Togata: A Bond of Admiration
Tamaki Amajiki and Mirio Togata are close friends whose bond goes beyond mere camaraderie. When asked why he became a hero, Amajiki responds with nothing but praise for Togata, showcasing his deep admiration. While their relationship may not be explicitly romantic, the manga highlights their deep connection and the profound impact they have on each other.
Kaminari & Jiro: A Harmonious Connection
Denki Kaminari and Kyoka Jiro‘s relationship has evolved significantly throughout the series. Initially, their interactions revolved around their quirks and Jiro’s constant teasing of Kaminari. However, as the story progresses, moments of genuine care and support emerge. Kaminari’s encouragement of Jiro’s musical talents and Jiro’s support for a nervous Kaminari on the battlefield highlight a bond that many fans believe could blossom into a deeper relationship.
Midoriya & Uraraka: The Main Couple?
Perhaps the most prominent teased pairing is between Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka. From their very first meeting, there have been subtle hints of a developing romance. Uraraka’s frequent blushes around Midoriya and Midoriya’s protective nature towards her have been highlighted numerous times. The series has shown a clear mutual admiration and affection that many believe will lead to a confirmed relationship. The manga even hints at this in its final chapter, with Uraraka wearing Midoriya’s scarf and her costume having a respirator that resembles Midoriya’s. While not explicitly stated, their relationship is strongly implied to develop into a romance.
Ojiro & Hagakure: A Quiet Affection
In a surprising twist, the spin-off manga, My Hero Academia: Team Up Missions, has hinted at a potential romance between Mashirao Ojiro and Toru Hagakure. Their interactions during a mission together suggest a budding connection, with fans hoping to see this relationship develop further.
Fan-Desired Pairings
Beyond the hints provided in the manga, fans have embraced several other pairings, creating a vibrant community of shippers. These pairings often draw on character dynamics, shared experiences, or contrasting personalities.
Kirishima & Ashido: A Dynamic Duo
Eijiro Kirishima and Mina Ashido are often cited as a popular pairing that many fans wish to see happen. Their energetic personalities and shared history make them a natural pairing in the eyes of many. They often interact with each other and share a mutual understanding that many fans hope will evolve into something more.
Todoroki & Yaoyorozu: A Meeting of Minds
Shoto Todoroki and Momo Yaoyorozu have a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. They often work well together due to their compatible quirks and intellectual capabilities. While their interactions are primarily professional, fans see great potential in their partnership and hope to see a deeper connection develop.
Bakugo & Kirishima: A Bond of Manliness
Katsuki Bakugo and Eijiro Kirishima‘s relationship is one that has resonated with many fans. Kirishima’s persistent attempts to befriend and support Bakugo, combined with Bakugo’s grudging respect for Kirishima, have created a bond that many fans interpret as romantic. Although there is no canon hint, this is a very popular ship within the fandom.
All Might & Inko Midoriya: A Surprising Choice
All Might and Inko Midoriya, Izuku’s mother, are a more unconventional pairing that has garnered some popularity. While they do not share many scenes together, fans find the idea of All Might, a symbol of peace, being romantically linked to the mother of his successor intriguing.
Todoroki & Midoriya: An Unlikely Pairing
Another popular fan pairing is Shoto Todoroki and Izuku Midoriya. Despite not having explicitly romantic interactions, the pair’s shared experiences and mutual respect have led some fans to imagine a potential romantic connection.
Bakugo & Uraraka: An Explosive Pairing
Though less popular than some other pairings, some fans ship Katsuki Bakugo and Ochako Uraraka. This unlikely pairing stems from their interactions and the potential for a fiery yet heartfelt relationship.
Eraser Head & Present Mic: A Classic Bromance
Shota Aizawa and Present Mic are old friends, and fans have often interpreted their close relationship as something more. Although there is no romantic aspect in the series between the two, they are still a popular pairing within the fanbase.
Unconventional Pairings: Breaking the Mold
Some pairings within the My Hero Academia fandom are more unconventional, often driven by unique interpretations of character interactions. These pairings explore different dynamics and are often born from the creativity of the fandom.
Toga & Deku: A Twisted Fascination
Himiko Toga’s obsession with Izuku Midoriya has led some to ship them, though the dynamic is far from healthy or consensual. Her fascination and obsession are a clear sign of her distorted view of love, but nonetheless, this remains a popular ship within the fandom.
Toga & Ochaco: A Conflicted Dynamic
Himiko Toga and Ochako Uraraka’s interactions have been complex. Toga’s desire to befriend Ochaco, while also wanting to cause her pain, creates a twisted dynamic that some fans find intriguing. This has led to some fans shipping the pair together.
Endeavor & Midoriya: A Controversial Pairing
Endeavor and Izuku Midoriya is a particularly controversial pairing that some fans have come up with. The significant age difference and Endeavor’s abusive past make this a problematic pairing for many. It is a controversial ship due to the power dynamic and abusive history of Endeavor.
Canon Relationships
While many relationships are left to interpretation, the series has confirmed a few canon pairings.
Gentle Criminal and La Brava
One of the few explicitly confirmed couples in the series is Gentle Criminal and La Brava. Their relationship is a central part of their arc, showing a deep bond and mutual reliance.
Komori and Kuroiro
In the epilogue, the manga confirmed that Kinoko Komori and Kuroiro Shihai, two students from Class 1-B, are officially a couple. This unexpected pairing has been described as the “cutest” and most unexpected couple.
Midoriya & Uraraka
While not explicitly confirmed throughout the series, the final chapter of the manga strongly implies that Midoriya and Uraraka have become a couple. Both characters have confirmed their romantic feelings for one another, with the last chapter showing a strong connection between them.
Final Thoughts
The romantic subplots in My Hero Academia, whether explicitly stated or subtly hinted at, add another layer of depth to the series, generating passionate discussions and fan-created content. While the series may not focus solely on romance, the potential for various relationships continues to captivate fans, making the world of My Hero Academia all the more vibrant and engaging. The relationships are as diverse as the characters in the series, ranging from obvious romantic interests to more subtle connections that the fans enjoy. The future of these relationships remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the fans will continue to speculate, create, and debate the romantic possibilities within this popular series.
