---

In a world where about 80% of the global population has superpowers (known as quirks), My Hero Academia is a reimagined society that differs from ours. This anime explores the struggle to regulate peoples powers, the divide between those with and without quirks, and how justice is enforced against those who use their quirks for crime. Instead of relying on law enforcement and government structures, the world of MHA encourages pro heroes to serve as both celebrities and law enforcers. This environment questions whether pro heroes truly have a sense of justice, or are only in it for fame and fortune.

How MHA Imagines an Alternative Society

Society is structured around quirks, where people with powerful quirks get more opportunities, while those with weaker or no quirks face discrimination. The main character of the show, known as Deku, was born without a quirk yet still aims to become a hero. He is constantly bullied at school for believing he could be a pro hero without a quirk of his own. In this society there is normal law enforcement but they are easily unmatched when it comes to Pro Heroes. Society entrusts them as the first line of defense against every day criminals to powerful lunatics wrecking havoc. Because heroes have quickly become embedded in society, there are entire schools dedicated to training and enlisting individuals to become Pro heroes. Due to their flashy appearances and admirable actions, Pro Heroes are looked up to by all. This comes at the side effect that every Pro Hero ultimately competes for fame, sponsorships, and rankings, making heroism a business rather than just a moral duty. The show explores this, the number two most popular hero at the time, Endeavor, is more concerned with status than justice, highlighting the flaws in this system. Villains in MHA arise because they reject this very system, arguing that heroes are just glorified celebrities rather than real protectors. Villains also are created by being pressured by society or by possessing quirks that seemingly only have use for crime. If you were born with the ability to disintegrate everything you touch, how would you not be seen as a villain? This alternative society contrasts with our current world, where justice is handled by traditional police forces, and celebrity status sticks to entertainment and not crime fighting (though there can be some overlap but its fictional). In MHA, power and privilege are directly tied to superhuman abilities, raising questions about morality, corruption, and discrimination.

Would This Alternative Require Systemic Change?

Of course, this imagined world would require major systemic change. Pro Heroes require a hero license in order to conduct their heroic duties. Similar to how we need a drivers license to legally drive a vehicle. These heroes have been indoctrinated into a system, which is full of flaws. Hero work needs to transition from flashy public service to one that promotes everyone to use their powers for good. If pros are only encouraged to participate in heroism because it comes with benefits, that creates a divide in society and a reason to retaliate against the system.

How Much of MHA’s Vision Exists in Reality?

While we don’t have quirks, some aspects of MHA’s hero based society reflect real trends:

• Celebrities, Social media influencers, athletes, and public figures are often treated like superheroes, with massive followings and corporate sponsorships (similar to how heroes in MHA gain popularity and rankings).
• Privatized Security & Law Enforcement. Some parts of the world already use private security companies instead of government police, similar to how hero agencies operate.
• Discrimination is a clear similarity. Just like MHA’s quirkless discrimination, real world job markets favor people with certain skills or expertise, leaving others at a disadvantage.

Conclusion

MHA presents a fascinating alternative world, where superpowers define social status, justice, and the economy. While it seems like fiction, elements of this imagined world already exist in the way society values fame, power, and abilities. If quirks were real, would we truly shape a just society around them, or would we replicate and expand on the same inequalities we face today?