My Hero Academia: Does Deku become a Pro Hero again?

One of the most controversial manga endings in recent memory was creator Kohei Horikoshi’s handling of My Hero Academia’s conclusion. While fans initially had and still have many issues, one of the most common is Izuku “Deku” Midoriya losing his One For All Quirk. While some fans supported Horikoshi’s decision, others were extremely critical of it.

This is somewhat understandable, as a major point of emphasis in the manga’s final arc was Deku’s love and mastery of the Quirk. It’s also clearly established that giving up his Quirk would be the equivalent of giving up his dream to be a Pro Hero. Despite recognizing this, Deku still chooses to do so, which is why many fans support the choice, given the character depth it adds.

However, both the supportive and critical My Hero Academia fans still held out hope that Deku could somehow become a Pro Hero again. The manga’s final chapter not only confirms this to be the case but sees Deku’s mentor, All Might, push him to do so once again. The final chapter also confirms fans’ suspicions that this is achievable thanks to advanced support technology.

Likewise, Deku returns to being a Pro Hero on the back of a suit of armor similar to the Armored All Might form seen in the final arc. Affectionately referred to as “Iron Deku” by fans, the mainline manga’s final panel sees him don his suit and join his peers as a Pro Hero. However, what wasn’t elaborated on until quite recently was how effective Deku could now be as a Pro Hero.

My Hero Academia’s final fan book officially confirms “Iron Deku” as one of Japan’s top Pro Heroes

Friday, May 2, 2025, saw the final My Hero Academia fan book officially released in Japan. Within the fan book, a special epilogue issue numbered chapter 431.5 was present, which focused on a now-middle-school-aged Eri. While the chapter revealed key information on several characters, it most notably elaborated on Deku’s return to Pro Heroism.

The issue first confirmed that Deku was supported by the public to become and embody what a great hero should be. It’s also confirmed that he continues to teach at U.A. High in addition to his Pro Hero duties. Deku’s official hero name is also confirmed to be the “One For All Hero: Deku,” a clear nod to his former Quirk.

It’s also confirmed that, in what’s likely the final installment of the mainline My Hero Academia manga series, Deku is Japan’s Number 4 Pro Hero. His childhood friend Katsuki Bakugo is behind him in fifth, with Mt. Lady in front of him in third. In front of her is fellow classmate Shoto Todoroki in second, with Mirio Togata (or Lemillion) being the Number 1 Pro Hero.

While Deku isn’t Number 1 as many fans hoped or argued he would be with his Quirk, it’s clear he’s still an incredible Pro Hero. Once again, this is thanks to his suit of armor, paid for by Bakugo and Deku’s other Class 1-A alumni. Although he doesn’t get his Quirk back, it’s clear Deku has defied the odds and found a way to be an incredible Pro Hero without it.

In summation

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My Hero Academia’s final chapters officially confirm that Deku does become a Pro Hero again thanks to advanced support technology. Known as the One For All Hero: Deku, it’s confirmed he eventually rises to be Japan’s Number 4 Pro Hero. Although he doesn’t get his One For All Quirk back, it’s clearly established that he’s just as good a Pro Hero without it as he was with it.

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