June 26, 2025

As My Hero Academia wraps up its legendary run, fans are gaining new insight into the mind of creator Kohei Horikoshi, thanks to a special art exhibition in Japan. While showcasing original artwork from the series, Horikoshi made a surprising confession: the Todoroki family arc was the most difficult part of the story for him to write.

A Family Full of Fire — and Pressure

According to comments displayed throughout the exhibit, Horikoshi revealed that he always intended for the entire Todoroki family to confront Dabi—their estranged son and brother—by the end of the story. But making that emotional showdown feel authentic and earned proved to be his greatest challenge.

The emotional weight behind the family’s trauma, the careful balancing of redemption, pain, and unresolved resentment—it all had to be handled with precision. As Horikoshi shared, one wrong move and the entire arc could’ve fallen apart.

Thankfully, the depth of characters like Shoto, Endeavor, and Dabi helped the story find its natural rhythm, pushing the narrative forward as the final confrontation came into view.

Why It Hit So Hard

The Todoroki family arc became one of the most talked-about and emotionally resonant parts of My Hero Academia. It explored the cost of ambition, the lasting scars of abuse, and the question of whether people—especially Endeavor—can truly change.

While Endeavor’s redemption divided fans, it undeniably added a layer of moral complexity to a series largely driven by the ideals of heroism. Horikoshi’s ability to bring such raw, human issues into a superhero world is what helped elevate My Hero Academia beyond its genre roots.

A Rare Glimpse Into the Process

Though photography is not allowed at the exhibition, attendees have praised the collection for its detailed sketches and insightful creator commentary. It’s a celebration of not just My Hero Academia's action and quirks—but its emotional core.

As fans reflect on the legacy of the series, Horikoshi’s admission reminds us that sometimes the most explosive battles aren’t between heroes and villains, but within families—and within ourselves.