Ochako Uraraka’s powers parallel gravity from the Marvel Universe, albeit Kōhei Horikoshi’s underutilization of her potential in My Hero Academia.
SUMMARY
My Hero Academia has an array of side characters who deserve to be spotlit.
Ochako Uraraka’s quirk parallels this Marvel Comic character.
Kohei Horikoshi failed his side characters in more ways than one.
The series is lauded for its diverse and well-written side characters. Unlike most shonen, the characters do not exist merely to further the plot. It is evident with Ochaco Uraraka and her impeccable quirk.
Ochaco Uraraka in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Bones
As a wielder of Zero Gravity, Uraraka holds immeasurable power and combat prowess. But like most characters, her abilities are grossly underutilized to the point of them being wasted.
Interestingly though, her quirk shares a similarity with yet another iconic Marvel character. Like Ochaco, the character was grossly sidelined for the most part.
Kohei Horikoshi’s Uraraka parallels this Marvel character
Be it manga or anime, Kohei Horikoshi’s series has been the rage since its release. The series’ Western influences, along with a unique power system, is what sets it apart in the superhero genre. This ties in well with Horikoshi’s portrayal of strength and camaraderie.
Quirks defy the trope of a single dominant superhero, which is what makes the series enthralling for the most part. In contrast to conventional storytelling, multiple heroes traverse their paths toward glory. Ochaco is one such example.
Gregg Willis aka Gravity in a still from the Comic| Credit: Marvel Comics
Ochaco Uraraka is one of the pivotal characters in Horikoshi’s series who serves a higher purpose in the story. Other than motivating Deku and supporting him emotionally, Ochaco is a rather familiar character.
This is true in terms of her goals and motivations. Her background and history makes her a relatable character. But mostly, it is her strength and power that is truly formidable throughout the series. As a wielder of Zero Gravity, she is one of the strongest characters who shares similarities with an iconic hero.
Her quirk is similar to Gregg Willis aka Gravity from the Marvel Universe. Uraraka can manipulate gravity and affect the weight of all matter around her. Not only is this ability lethal, but it can unleash complete chaos.
What would’ve been an iconic moment in the series was reduced to underutilized potential. Horikoshi’s wasting of characters’ potential isn’t a new thing considering his sidelining of female characters for the most part.
Sidelining of female characters in My Hero Academia
From Momo to Toga, My Hero Academia has an array of interesting female characters. For the most part, the characters don’t merely exist for plot development. One would assume the side characters to be fodder in most cases, but not this one.
With Season 7 most fans argued that the anime conveniently sidelined and ignored its female characters. This included Momo Yaoyorozu who didn’t get her due recognition and visibility as a side character.
Momo Yaoyorozu in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Bones
As a highly intelligent and capable hero in the series, Momo possesses a unique quirk. Her quirk of creation allows her to mold objects out of her fat cells. Not only is her power unique but it is rare compared to other quirks in the series.
Additionally, her intelligence and strength coupled with her mental fortitude make her a lethal opponent in more ways than one. While she is established as a capable and intelligent hero, the subtleties are often lost in translation for various reasons.
Her quirks often reduce her to an objectified or sexualized character throughout the series. The same applies to Ochaco’s character who is reduced to Deku’s love interest.
And while Horikoshi gave us some brilliant female characters, he failed to explore them properly. That is, in terms of their strength as well as individuality.
My Hero Academia is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
