The finale of My Hero Academia may be hinting at a major shift in how Hero Society treats the Quirkless population. The proof of these changes is found in the epilogue of Hawks. The former number 2 hero seems to have acquired one of the most important governmental positions, despite losing his Quirk while battling All For One.
Before the Final War arc of My Hero Academia, the world of the series was riddled with discrimination and inequalities. One of the populations most at risk of suffering from these issues was the Quirkless community. People born without a power were heavily mistreated and considered weaker and less valuable as humans.
Hawks Being the Hero Public Safety Commission President Is a Proof of Positive Change
In the Past, No Quirkless Individual Would Have Held That Position
In chapter 385 of the My Hero Academia manga, Hakws is depicted fighting against All For One. Due to the villain having regained his youth thanks to an altered Quirk Erasing Bullet, the former number 2 did not stand a chance. As a result of their battle, Hawks was left without a Quirk, turning him into a regular human. His powers disappeared along with All For One’s cloned body, confirming that Keigo would never again acquire them back. Hawks became one of the many heroes who lost their powers during the final battle against the Symbol of Evil.
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Weeks after the fight, Hawks was once again featured in chapter #426, revealing that he was named the new president of the Hero Public Safety Commission. This job is considered one of the most important in Japan, as the head of the organization has nigh-unlimited power to dictate the laws that rule heroes. When the series began, a Quirkless individual would never be allowed to hold such a vital position. The fact that Hawks was offered the job despite losing his powers indicates that the views on people without special powers are already shifting.
Seeing as various brave individuals lost their Quirks while fighting All For One, it is likely that society in general has become more accepting of them. Deku, considered by most of the world as the one responsible for defeating the Symbol of Evil, was born Quirkless so this must have also played a major role in this shift. Hero Society has become aware that a Quirk does not determine someone’s worth, finally giving those without a special ability the respect they deserve. Given that Hawks is now a part of the Quirkless community, these changes are highly likely to continue.
How Hawks Changed Throughout My Hero Academia
Hawks’ Character Underwent Much Evolution
Hawks is first introduced in an ambiguous way; as a double agent, it’s not immediately clear exactly on which side his true allegiances lie. Eventually, it becomes apparent that Hawks really is a hero, but a very different kind of hero than most seen in My Hero Academia. He’s willing to go to extreme lengths for his mission, such as turning over Best Jeanist’s (secretly still living) body over to Dabi. His dedication to the mission is ultimately put to the test when he’s forced to kill Twice during the Paranormal Liberation War, a decision which very nearly gets him killed as well.
Hawks’ own past is eventually revealed, showing that he had a difficult childhood and was essentially given over to the government to become a hero at a young age. Hawks has never really known a life beyond this, and is uncomfortable with getting too personal. However, spending time with Tokoyami and, to a lesser extent, his childhood hero Endeavor, has helped Hawks to realize the importance of relationships; without Tokoyami, Hawks never would’ve survived his face-off with Dabi.
Hawks also develops as a character from encountering his predecessor, Lady Nagant. Nagant quit the Hero Public Safety Commission in a violent manner due to the extensive corruption in the organization, which Hawks can’t really deny. However, Hawks makes the decision to try to clean this organization up, and in the epilogue, is shown running the HPSC, proving that even having lost his Quirk, Hawks will still be performing heroic work by ridding one of the most important organizations in hero society of the corruption that has plagued it for years.
Discrimination Against Heteromorph and “Villainous” Quirks Must Also Be Addressed
The War Also Raised Concern About the Treatment of These Communities
While Quirkless individuals have suffered the most discrimination in the series, people born with Heteromorph abilities or powers that scare others have also been hurt. Characters like Shoji and Koda fought valiantly during chapters 369 to 374 in hopes of helping those who suffered like them. While addressing Quirkless discrimination must be a priority for Hawks, the new Hero Public Safety Commission president should also help other marginalized communities. It was this kind of discrimination that led to the creation of the Paranormal Liberation Front.
Public opinion about individuals with Heteromorph and “villainous” Quirks has already begun changing as well. Civilians and heroes alike witnessed the battle that took place in Tokyo’s Central Hospital. They are aware of what happened to the Heteromorphic individuals who rose against Hero Society and decided to join All For One. In chapter 425, Kohei Horikoshi, the series creator, revealed that society is cautious about allowing another villain like the Symbol of Evil to be created. Allowing the discrimination against these communities to continue would undoubtedly end in the birth of another supervillain.
Fortunately, Hawks is one of the Heroes most aware of these issues, and he may do his best to change the system upheld by his predecessor. During his time as a Pro Hero, Keigo witnessed firsthand the many issues that affected Japan. While his popularity may have played a role in him becoming the head of the Safety Commission, he was likely selected for his knowledge and desire to help.
One way or another, Hero Society needs to change to prevent another All For One from being created. The world of My Hero Academia may have already begun changing for the better, and Hawks is set to become an amazing leader for this new era. Despite not having a Quirk, Keigo could become a hero for millions of people as the new Safety Commission president.
In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk has always held him back, but a chance encounter with All Might after discovering a classmate in danger sets Deku on the path to becoming a true hero. My Hero Academia centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake rescue missions, combat training, and other hero-tempering tasks. With young Deku inheriting the “One-For-All” quirk, he will learn what it means to be a true hero while facing off with dastardly supervillains.
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