A Shocking Revelation: Kohei Horikoshi Officially Confirms 3 Heroes Who Surpass Izuku Midoriya

For years, the central question of My Hero Academia has been whether Izuku “Deku” Midoriya would truly become the “greatest hero.” As the inheritor of One For All and the wielder of multiple Quirks, the trajectory seemed clear. His journey was a constant climb toward surpassing his idol, All Might, and fulfilling his destiny. However, in a surprising and highly significant reveal, series creator Kohei Horikoshi has officially confirmed that at the story’s conclusion, at least three other heroes have surpassed Izuku Midoriya in terms of raw power and overall effectiveness. This bombshell information, delivered through a recent exclusive fanbook, has sent shockwaves through the fandom and completely redefined the conversation around power scaling and the true meaning of heroism.

The finale of the manga delivered a powerful and emotional conclusion, but it also left some questions lingering, especially regarding the final power rankings of its diverse cast of heroes. With the dust settled, Horikoshi’s definitive statement challenges the long-held assumption that Deku’s growth was unparalleled. This news is a game-changer for fans, offering a new perspective on the series’ core themes and the ultimate fate of its main characters. It suggests that becoming the “greatest hero” isn’t solely about brute force or a single, unbeatable Quirk. It’s about collective strength, specialized abilities, and the impact a hero has on the world around them.

The True Powerhouses: A New Era of Heroes

While the fandom has long debated the top contenders—with names like Mirio Togata and Shoto Todoroki frequently mentioned—the revealed list includes a mix of expected and surprising names. Horikoshi’s detailed breakdown goes beyond simple combat strength, taking into account strategic prowess, adaptability, and the sheer destructive potential of their Quirks when unleashed without the restraints of a conventional hero mission. The three heroes officially named as more powerful than Izuku Midoriya at the story’s end are:

• Katsuki Bakugo: This revelation has a powerful narrative weight. Bakugo’s relentless drive to be the best, coupled with his explosive Quirk and genius-level combat instincts, has always put him in contention. According to Horikoshi, Bakugo’s ability to adapt and innovate with his Explosion Quirk, combined with his raw battle sense, makes him a terrifying force on the battlefield. His strength is not just in his power output but in his tactical mind. While his aggressive personality often held him back in the rankings, Horikoshi confirms that in terms of sheer power, he has finally surpassed his rival, a poetic and fitting conclusion to their long-standing competition.
• Mirio Togata: The former candidate for One For All, Mirio’s inclusion is less surprising but no less significant. Despite temporarily losing his Quirk, Mirio’s Permeation ability, when fully mastered, is described by Horikoshi as one of the most difficult and dangerous Quirks to fight against. His unwavering spirit and strategic brilliance, combined with the offensive and defensive capabilities of Permeation, place him in a category of his own. Mirio’s power is a testament to the idea that a hero’s worth is not defined by their Quirk’s raw strength but by their mastery and intelligence in using it. He remains the Number One Pro Hero, a title he earned through a combination of power, skill, and sheer force of will.
• Thirteen: The most surprising name on this list is undoubtedly Pro Hero Thirteen. Known for their rescue-focused Quirk, Black Hole, Thirteen is often overlooked in power rankings. However, Horikoshi’s commentary clarifies that Black Hole is, in fact, one of the most destructive and unstoppable Quirks in the entire series. When used without the need for restraint, it has the potential to obliterate anything, including matter and light, on a global scale. This places Thirteen’s Quirk in a tier of its own, far exceeding the destructive potential of One For All in a controlled environment. The reason Thirteen isn’t a top-ranked hero is simply because their power is not suited for combat and must be used with extreme caution to avoid collateral damage. This highlights a critical distinction between power and practicality in the world of heroes.

The True Meaning of the “Greatest Hero”

This official confirmation changes the narrative surrounding Izuku’s journey. It refutes the fan theory that he would become an invincible powerhouse, a new symbol of peace who reigns supreme in a way All Might never could. Instead, Horikoshi’s vision is more nuanced and, arguably, more profound. The series was never about Izuku becoming the strongest in a competitive sense. It was about him becoming the kind of hero who inspires others, a selfless individual who uses his power to save, not just to dominate. The fact that others have surpassed him in specific power metrics doesn’t diminish his legacy; it reinforces the story’s core message. Izuku Midoriya became the “greatest hero” not because he was the most powerful, but because his actions and sacrifices were what truly saved the world.

This shift also serves as a poignant conclusion to the arcs of Bakugo and Mirio. For Bakugo, it is the ultimate fulfillment of his long-held goal. For Mirio, it is proof that true heroism is an unshakeable inner quality, not just a matter of having a powerful Quirk. The inclusion of Thirteen adds another layer, showing that heroes are not just fighters but are crucial for various roles, with some Quirks so powerful they can’t even be used to their full potential in a normal heroic capacity. This all-encompassing view of heroism is what makes the My Hero Academia universe so rich and compelling.

In the end, while Izuku Midoriya may not have been the single most powerful hero in a world full of Quirks, his status as the inheritor of One For All and the hero who saved the world cements his place as the story’s true heart. His journey was never about being the strongest; it was about being the one who would go the furthest to help others. That, according to the creator himself, is the true mark of a great hero.