Portraying and evolving a single character is no easy task, but My Hero Academia excels in this aspect. While Izuku Midoriya takes the spotlight as the main protagonist, the series introduces a rich tapestry of primary and secondary heroes and villains, each with intricate lore and background stories. Mangaka Kōhei Horikoshi's meticulous attention to detail ensures a well-rounded narrative where every character receives significant development and exploration. From the inaugural episodes to the current storyline, the show dedicates ample time to establishing the foundation of its most prominent heroes and villains.
Admission to U.A. Hero Academy is a challenging feat, let alone excelling academically and obtaining a Provisional Hero License. For Midoriya and his classmates in Class 1-A, the daily rigors of school life provide opportunities to uncover the driving forces behind each character's aspiration to become a hero. Among these students, Eijiro Kirishima quickly captures the audience's hearts with his amiable nature, lively spirit, and emphasis on valor. Since his debut in Episode 5, "What I Can Do for Now," how much has Kirishima evolved?
Kirishima's Debut in Season One
Unveiling the Persona of Red Riot in Season One
Kirishima, a member of Class 1-A, gains recognition for his distinctive criteria of what embodies true manliness. He uses this yardstick to discern his affinities and aversions, emphasizing the importance of personal values and principles. While his jovial side shines through, Kirishima's steadfast belief in noble virtues sets him apart from classmates with differing views on morality. This moral stance facilitates a close relationship with the fiery Katsuki Bakugo, who exudes enthusiasm for vanquishing villains and showcasing the might of his quirk, qualities that Kirishima extols as emblematic of manhood.
His ethos is inspired by Crimson Riot, a revered hero of yore who shared similar core values with the young Kirishima. This influence extends to Kirishima's hero moniker, Red Riot, and his overall demeanor. His adeptness at forging friendships lands him in a trio alongside Bakugo and the electrifying Denki Kaminari. While he upholds the rule of law and takes pride in heroism, Kirishima is unafraid to bend the rules to safeguard his friends. Early on, Kirishima grapples with profound regret when unable to rescue a comrade in peril, acknowledging the vulnerability that led to the failure.
Kirishima's Evolutionary Trajectory
Tracing the Growth of Red Riot
Kirishima's transformative journey commences upon entering U.A. Hero Academy. Initially grappling with self-doubt and deeming his quirk unremarkable for its lack of flashiness, Kirishima sheds his pessimism in favor of a more spirited outlook. This newfound mindset empowers him to redefine his purpose, showcasing his combat prowess during the U.A. Sports Festival by battling Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu to a standstill and pushing Bakugo to his limits. Bolstered by this burgeoning self-assurance, Kirishima eagerly hones his quirk to realize his hero potential, discarding the notion that flamboyance is the epitome of heroism.
Engaging in the U.S.J. Incident, Kirishima allies with Bakugo to confront Kurogiri of the League of Villains. Transported to a zone teeming with low-tier villain affiliates, the duo swiftly dispatches their adversaries through collaborative strategizing and synergy. Kirishima's personal and quirk-related growth catches the eye of pro-hero Fat Gum, who mentors Red Riot. In a grueling battle, Kirishima initially falters but rallies his resolve, rejoining the fray and enabling Fat Gum to muster the strength needed to vanquish their foes.
Assessing Kirishima's Evolution and Impact
Red Riot's Metamorphosis and Influence in My Hero Academia
While Kirishima's personal development is inspirational, his influence on comrades Bakugo and Kaminari proves infectious. This trio of friends symbiotically support each other, compensating for weaknesses while accentuating individual strengths. Kirishima's affable nature and adept tactical thinking often prompt Bakugo to temper his impulsiveness and adopt a more deliberate approach. He also invests effort in bolstering Kaminari's confidence, reassuring the electric hero of his invaluable skills. In various missions, Kaminari contributes significantly, aiding his peers and deriving a sense of achievement and self-worth.
As a receptive listener, Kirishima serves as a pillar of strength for Bakugo and Kaminari, facilitating the expression of their concerns and frustrations while providing unwavering support. Despite occasional exasperation with Bakugo's outbursts, Kirishima consistently goes the extra mile to bring out the best in his friends. The bond he forges with Bakugo prompts the hotheaded hero to exhibit greater mindfulness toward those around him, reciprocating gestures such as reimbursing Red Riot for expenses incurred on night vision goggles. Kirishima's enduring impact fortifies the resilience of those in his orbit, fostering emotional resilience and expanding their perspectives.
Anticipating Kirishima's Potential
Envisioning the Apex of Red Riot's Journey
Despite lacking the flamboyance and eccentricity synonymous with many pro heroes, Kirishima possesses the essential attributes to flourish as a formidable hero. His unyielding resolve stands out as his greatest asset, as Bakugo once remarked that the close-range explosive assaults endured during the U.A. Sports Festival could have shattered his defenses. Red Riot exemplifies the willingness to charge into the fray, unbound by conventional constraints if it means safeguarding innocent lives. While his primary quirk, Hardening, emphasizes a defensive combat style, Kirishima showcases remarkable versatility in battle and a diverse array of techniques.
In addition to the Red Counter maneuver, which absorbs an onslaught before retaliating, his Unbreakable and Red Gauntlet ultimate moves pack a devastating punch. With Unbreakable, Kirishima can fortify his body to maximum resilience for 30–40 seconds, shrugging off most physical assaults without incurring harm. Teamed with Red Gauntlet, this ability delivers a bone-crushing blow that incapacitates any foe in its path. Through perseverance and training, Red Riot could potentially extend the duration of Unbreakable, amplifying his prowess exponentially.