The world of My Hero Academia is populated with individuals possessing extraordinary abilities known as “Quirks.” As the anime series begins, the power landscape is quite different from where it stands later in the story. This article will delve into the ten most powerful characters at the very start of the series, before the students of Class 1-A fully develop their potential, focusing on the raw strength and impact they had at that time.
The Pro Heroes and Villains at the Forefront
At the beginning of My Hero Academia, the strongest characters are predominantly established pro heroes and villains. The students of Class 1-A are still developing their quirks and honing their skills. This list focuses on those who demonstrated overwhelming power early on.
1. All Might
Toshinori Yagi, known to the world as All Might, is the symbol of peace and the most powerful hero at the start of the series. His quirk, One For All, grants him immense strength, speed, and durability. Although he is already weakened from a previous battle, his abilities still surpass nearly everyone else. All Might is capable of delivering devastating blows and moving at incredible speeds, making him a force to be reckoned with. Even in his weakened state, he is still able to defeat a villain like the Nomu, showcasing his dominance. His presence alone instills hope and fear in the hearts of villains.
2. All For One
All For One is the most powerful villain at the start of the anime, and the nemesis of All Might. His Quirk allows him to steal other people’s Quirks and use them as his own, making him an incredibly versatile and dangerous opponent. Though he is not seen directly in combat at the very start of the anime, his past feats and immense influence are well-known and feared. His ability to stockpile multiple quirks makes him a versatile and formidable opponent, able to counter a wide range of abilities. The fight he had with All Might prior to the start of the series was a devastating clash that left All Might severely injured.
3. Endeavor
Enji Todoroki, also known as the Flame Hero Endeavor, is the Number 2 hero at the start of the series. He possesses the Hellflame Quirk, which allows him to generate and manipulate powerful flames. Endeavor is known for his relentless pursuit of strength and his ruthless fighting style. He constantly pushes himself to surpass All Might, even though the gap in their power is considerable. His raw power and offensive capabilities make him one of the strongest characters. He is able to launch powerful attacks and can engulf enemies in flames.
4. Nomu
The Nomu, a bio-engineered human weapon, is another powerful entity present at the start of the series. Created by All For One, the Nomu is designed to be a formidable foe with multiple quirks, including super strength and shock absorption. It demonstrates incredible resilience and raw power in its fight against All Might. It can withstand massive amounts of damage, making it a difficult opponent to defeat. Its sheer power and adaptability makes it a serious threat.
5. Gran Torino
Gran Torino, despite his old age, is a retired pro hero with incredible speed and agility. His quirk, Jet, allows him to propel himself at high speeds with bursts of air from his feet. He is incredibly skilled in combat, having trained both All Might and Deku, and his experience makes him a difficult adversary. While he might not have the raw power of some others on this list, his speed and combat expertise place him among the strongest.
6. Best Jeanist
Best Jeanist is a pro hero with the quirk Fiber Master. He can manipulate the threads of clothing and other fibrous materials, making it both an offensive and restraining ability. His precision and ability to control fibers allows him to immobilize opponents. His tactical mind and his power over fibers makes him a formidable opponent, even against other strong heroes.
7. Hawks
Hawks is a pro hero who is known for his speed and the ability to control his feathers, making him an incredibly versatile fighter. His quirk, Fierce Wings allows him to fly at high speeds and control each of his feathers remotely. At the start of the series, Hawks is already an established pro, with incredible fighting capabilities, agility and reconnaissance skills. His precision and versatility make him a top-tier hero.
8. Shoto Todoroki
Shoto Todoroki, despite being a student at the start of the series, demonstrates exceptional raw talent. With his Half-Cold Half-Hot quirk, he can manipulate both fire and ice. Shoto displays amazing control and power over his quirk, making him one of the strongest students at the beginning of the series. He can unleash both powerful blasts of fire and massive waves of ice, making him a versatile and dangerous opponent.
9. Katsuki Bakugo
Another powerful student is Katsuki Bakugo, who possesses the Explosion quirk. His ability to create powerful explosions from the sweat on his hands is a formidable offensive ability, especially when coupled with his strategic mind and combat skills. At the start of the series, Bakugo is already proficient at using his quirk, able to move at high speeds and launch devastating attacks.
10. Muscular
Muscular, a villain known for his sheer brute strength, is one of the strongest antagonists at the beginning of My Hero Academia. His quirk, Pump Up, allows him to enhance his muscle mass, giving him incredible strength and durability. He can deliver devastating blows that can shatter bones and form armor that is hard as steel. While his fighting style isn’t refined, his raw power makes him a significant threat.
The Rise of the Next Generation
While these characters represent the upper echelon of power at the beginning of My Hero Academia, the series is also about the growth of the next generation. Characters like Izuku Midoriya (Deku) and the other students of Class 1-A, although not as strong at the start, possess the potential to surpass even these established figures. The series documents their progress as they hone their skills, master their quirks, and rise to the challenges that they face. The dynamic of a world where established heroes are at their peak, and the younger generation is rising up to take their place, is one of the key draws of the series.
