What Are The Best Kendo References In MHA Manga And Anime?

I've been following 'MHA Jigsaw Reborn' closely, and it definitely takes some creative liberties with the 'My Hero Academia' canon. While it keeps core elements like Quirks and major characters, the storyline diverges significantly around the Kamino Ward arc. The protagonist's backstory is completely original, blending psychological thriller elements with the superhero setting. Key events like the UA Sports Festival happen differently, with new challenges that test the characters in unexpected ways. The author reimagines character relationships too—All Might's mentorship takes a darker turn, and Bakugo's rivalry evolves into something more complex. It feels like an alternate universe that respects the source material while carving its own path.

The chapter opens with an intense training session at U.A. High, where Izuku Midoriya is pushing his limits to master 'One For All'. The pacing feels frantic, mirroring Deku's desperation to catch up to his peers—especially Bakugo, whose explosive personality is on full display during their mock battle. There's a palpable tension between them, not just as rivals but as former friends with unresolved history. All Might watches from the sidelines, his usual booming voice subdued, which adds this layer of quiet dread. You can tell he's worried about Deku's progress, but also about the looming threat of the League of Villains. Then it shifts to a quieter moment where Ochaco Uraraka and Tenya Iida confront Deku about his self-sacrificing tendencies. Uraraka's frustration is raw—she doesn't just admire him; she's scared for him. The dialogue here is so human, breaking away from the superhero tropes to show these kids grappling with fear and ambition. The chapter ends with a cliffhanger: a shadowy figure (later revealed to be Stain) observing the students from afar, his blade glinting. It's a perfect setup for the next arc, leaving you equal parts excited and uneasy.

I love digging into character ages and timeline oddities, so Spinner is one I've thought about a lot. The short version is: the creator never stamps an exact birthday on him in the manga or anime, so you won’t find an ironclad number in the pages of 'My Hero Academia'. Context clues, however, make it pretty clear he’s a teenager — mid to late teens seems the best fit. He first shows up hanging around villains who recruit young, disaffected people, and his height/build, voice, and interactions put him in the same rough age bracket as other young villains who grew up during the same era. If you want a more concrete figure, most fan resources and character lists peg Spinner around 16–17 years old during the main timeline. That matches how he moves and fights alongside members of the League of Villains and the Meta Liberation Army without feeling like an older adult. Whatever the precise number, what’s interesting to me is his arc: he starts as a resentful kid idolizing a villain aesthetic, then grows into someone more complex as the story progresses. That youthful vibe makes his moments in battles and ideological scenes hit harder, at least for me.

I recently stumbled upon a gem called 'Ashes to Feathers' on AO3, and it perfectly captures the chaotic yet magnetic dynamic between Dabi and Hawks in a vigilante setting. The story dives deep into their morally gray world, where Hawks operates as a rogue hero while Dabi burns a path through the underworld. Their romance is slow-burn, laced with tension and betrayal, making every interaction electrifying. The author nails the emotional complexity—Hawks' guilt over his past as a hero clashes with Dabi's nihilism, yet they find solace in each other's chaos. The vigilante justice angle is brutal but poetic, with fights that feel visceral and decisions that haunt them. The fic balances action with intimate moments, like Dabi tracing Hawks' scars under dim streetlights, questioning if redemption exists for either of them. Another standout is 'Blackout', where Hawks fakes his death to join Dabi's vigilante group. The premise is wild but works because the fic focuses on their psychological unraveling. Dabi’s obsession with Hawks’ duality—hero and traitor—mirrors his own fractured identity. The romance is more toxic here, with power plays and whispered confessions in abandoned buildings. The justice they deliver is messy, blurring lines between right and wrong. What I love is how the fic doesn’t shy from their flaws; their love is destructive but inevitable, like a car crash in slow motion.

The sheer volume of fan art imagining 'My Hero Academia' characters as adults is honestly overwhelming in the best way. I’ve stumbled across so many incredible pieces where Deku’s finally filled out his hero suit without looking like a scrawny kid, and Bakugo’s got this gruff, seasoned hero vibe that somehow makes his temper even funnier. Artists love aging up the cast—Eri as a graceful young woman, Todoroki with sharper features but still that iconic heterochromatic stare. Some even reimagine them in totally different careers, like Uraraka running a construction company using her zero gravity quirk. The creativity is endless, and it’s wild how consistent certain details are across artists, like Mirio’s perm still being ridiculous at 30. What’s really cool is how these interpretations often reflect the characters’ arcs. I’ve seen hauntingly mature versions of Shigaraki, his scars and posture telling a whole new story, or gentle Dadzawa fanart that’s practically canon at this point. There’s a whole niche of 'what if' scenarios too—like if the League of Villains reformed or Hawks became commission president. Tumblr and Pixiv are goldmines for this stuff, and it’s fascinating how fan artists collectively build these alternate futures one sketch at a time. Personally, I’ll never get tired of Kirishima with a beard—it just works.

Chitose from 'My Hero Academia' is such a fascinating side character! She’s part of the Shiketsu High squad, and while she doesn’t get as much screen time as the UA students, her quirk, 'Telescopic,' is super cool—it lets her see far distances by extending her eyeballs (weird but kinda awesome). Her role is mostly tied to the provisional license exam arc, where she teams up with Inasa and Camie. What I love about her is how she balances the group’s dynamics—Inasa’s intensity and Camie’s laid-back vibe. She’s the glue that keeps their teamwork smooth, even if she’s not flashy about it. Honestly, I wish we saw more of her! Her design is adorable, and her personality has this quiet confidence that makes her stand out. She’s not the type to seek the spotlight, but when she’s on screen, you notice her. Plus, her interactions hint at a deeper backstory—like her subtle rivalry with UA. It’s those little details that make side characters like her so fun to analyze. Maybe in future arcs, Horikoshi will give her more to do—fingers crossed!

'MHA Ground Zero' is a spinoff manga that delves deeper into the backstory of Katsuki Bakugo, one of the central characters in 'My Hero Academia'. It's not a direct sequel but a companion piece that enriches the main storyline by exploring Bakugo's early years at U.A. High School. The manga provides fresh insights into his fiery personality and growth, making it a must-read for fans who crave more depth. While it stands on its own, its events are interwoven with the main series, enhancing the overall narrative without disrupting its flow. What makes 'MHA Ground Zero' unique is its focus on character development rather than advancing the primary plot. It’s a character study that complements 'My Hero Academia' by filling in gaps and offering new perspectives. The art style and tone remain consistent with the original, but the narrowed focus on Bakugo’s struggles and triumphs gives it a distinct flavor. It’s like seeing a familiar world through a different lens—equally thrilling but more intimate.

Momo Yaoyorozu, one of the most intriguing characters in 'My Hero Academia', has a quirk called 'Creation'. It allows her to manifest any non-living object from her body by converting her lipids into the desired material. The only real limitations are her understanding of the object's molecular structure and her own fat reserves. It's such a versatile ability that it puts her at the top of the class in terms of potential, but it also requires insane levels of intelligence and quick thinking to use effectively. What I love about Momo's quirk is how it reflects her character. She's not just powerful; she's meticulous and studious. Unlike flashy quirks that rely on brute strength, 'Creation' demands knowledge, precision, and strategy. Watching her pull out a cannon or a tracking device mid-battle is always a treat because you can see her brain working in real time. It’s a quirk that rewards preparation, and that makes her fights feel more like chess matches than brawls. Plus, the fact that she has to regulate her diet to maintain her lipid stores adds a layer of realism—no endless spamming giant objects without consequences! Her quirk does have its weaknesses, though. If she’s caught off guard or doesn’t have enough lipids stored, she can’t create much. There’s also the mental strain of recalling complex structures under pressure. But when she’s at her best? Momo’s basically a walking arsenal, and that’s why she’s such a standout in UA’s hero course. I always find myself rooting for her when she gets a moment to shine, especially in team battles where her planning really pays off.