By Shanel Kamara

The long awaited battle between Midoriya and Todoroki has finally arrived! Nevertheless, I am still reeling over the shock of finding out about Todoroki's tragic childhood. I know that it was several episodes ago that we learned of Todoroki's dysfunctional family but I still cannot believe Todoroki's own mother poured boiling hot water on him because she considered his left side 'unsightly.' It's not his fault! However, despite how cruel and awful the act was, I can't help but feel sympathetic towards her; Endeavour drove her to edge and during the midst of her breakdown she saw her defenseless son as a subject to vent her anger.

For that reason, I think Todoroki is quite amazing. He did not become malicious or evil. He continued to strive towards his goal that is to become a hero, even after his motivation for becoming one changed. With a father like Endeavour, you could understand his reasons for not wanting to resort to using an ability that is identical to his fathers.  However, watching this episode reminded me just how much more courageous and impressive Midoriya is. He never gave up wanting to become a hero even after being told it would be impossible and even after miraculously gaining a quirk, in order to use his quirk, he had to be willing to sacrifice a limb! In the past, I broke my arm and I sprained my ankle about three months ago; I will never forget that horrible snapping sound or the excruciating pain that immediately followed. To think that he could willingly cause, without any hesitation, his own arm, finger, or leg to break is just astonishing.

The battle between these two rivals was as epic as it was moving. Midoriya continues to amaze me. His eagerness to not merely beat Todoroki but ‘save’ him by encouraging him to recognize and accept every aspect of his quirk, even at his own expense, was just so unbelievably incredible.

Score: 5/5

My Hero Academia E.023