Kohei Horikoshiis the author behindthe critically acclaimed, long-running shōnen mangaMy Hero Academia. He is clearly a fan of many forms of entertainment that have also served as sources of inspiration for his work, like other shōnen series and American comic books.
However, there’s no denying that he’s also a big fan of video games, and this has also been reflected in his manga. Unbeknownst to some fans,My Hero Academiais filled to the brim with fun Easter eggs that reference popular video game series, likeSuper Mario Bros,Pokemonand evenLeague of Legends. And these are just a few of the most interesting examples.
8Mario & His Enemies Make A Brief Appearance
Present Mic’s Explanation For The Entrance Exam
In Chapter 3 ofMy Hero Academia, series protagonistIzuku Midoriyaattends the entrance exam for U.A. High School. There, the famous Pro HeroPresent Micexplains how the test will work. Surprisingly, he uses different characters from theMariovideo game series as visual examples.
Manga readers can clearly see silhouettes of Mario, Tanooki Mario, a Goomba, a Koopa, and a Piranha Plant when Present Mic explains how the applicants will gain points by defeating different types of faux villains. This is a cute reference that sets up the tone for the rest of the series. Sadly, this Easter egg was removed from the anime adaptation.
7Deku Is A Mega Man X Fan
Gran Torino’s Debut Arc Is A Big Mega Man Reference
Later in the series, Deku trains underGran Torino, a seasoned Pro Hero who used to mentor All Might himself. The protagonist had been thinking about a brand-new technique, and in Chapter 48, he decides to test it out by himself in a small alleyway. That’s when he remembers the wall jump fromMega Man X.
Thisclassic platforming game is popular among fansfor its dynamic control scheme that was also satisfying to use, and the new wall jump became one of its most beloved and iconic mechanics. This ended up being a fitting reference for Deku’s training exercise. It’s especially appropriate that he mentionedMega Man X,considering that the design of Gran Torino seems to be based on the classic version ofMega Man.
6Mirio Togata’s Quirk Works Like A Glitch
Turning Video Game Errors Into A Super Power
Mirio Togata’sPermeation Quirk is fascinating and quite unique for this genre.Not only does it allow him to phase through any form of physical matter, but he will also be instantly repelled to the surface if he deactivates the Quirk while he’s phasing through a solid object. When witnessing this strange ability, Mina Ashido compares it to the collision detection glitches in many mainstream video games. And she’s not wrong.
This reference is more centered on general gaming mechanics, rather than being about a specific video game series. But using one of the most common glitches of the medium as a superpower for his manga was quite a clever concept by the author. It’s something that he could only have come up with by playing many video games on his own.
The Unique Staff Of The Central Hospital
The Central Hospital is one of the most important locations for the Pro Heroes ofMy Hero Academia,and three doctors working there have unique designs. One has a mustache and hair shaped like a hat; another has a mushroom on his head; and another looks like a dinosaur with spines on his head.
Fans were quick to notice that these three doctors have a striking resemblance to Mario, Toad, and Yoshi from theMariofranchise.And while these are just regular “Heteromorphs” in the world ofMy Hero Academia, their designs are too specific for this to be a mere coincidence. Not to mention, Kohei Horikoshi had already referencedMarioin the past.
4Tomura Shigaraki Is A League of Legends Player
Shigaraki and Spinner’s Shared Interest In Gaming
The close friendship between the main antagonist of the series,Tomura Shigaraki, and his fellow League of Villains member,Spinneris one of the most intriguing yet endearing aspects of this entire story. One of the reasons they grew close to one another is the fact that they’re both dedicated gamers. In Chapter 371, it was revealed that they both enjoy playingLeague of Legends.
This was a fascinating reveal becauseMy Hero Academiais set in the near future, meaning thatLeague of Legendscan be considered a retro game in this fictional setting. On top of that, Riot Games’ iconic MOBA is infamous for its toxic community, so this is oddly fitting for a super villain. It wouldn’t be surprising if Kohei Horikoshi chose this game on purpose because of that fact.
3Mezo Shoji’s Octospansion
His Ultimate Move Is A Nod To Splatoon
In Chapter 372,Mezo Shojiunleashes his Ultimate Move on Spinner, and the name of this technique — in which he combines many body parts into a big and powerful attack — is Octospansion. Needless to say, this is very similar toOcto Expansion, the name of the DLC for the gameSplatoon 2.
In this attack,Mezo Shoji is expanding his octopus-like appendages, so the name makes sense regardless of the reference. However, Kohei Horikoshi is an admitted fan of theSplatoonseries. He has talked about it in the Author’s Comment of Chapter 46 and has even drawn some fan art of the Inklings themselves, so this was definitely intentional.
2Red & Pikachu’s Cameo In Vigilantes
The Iconic Spin-Off Also Has Some Unique Easter Eggs
Kohei Horikoshi is not the only author involved in this franchise that is eager to reference his favorite media in his own work.My Hero Academia: Vigilantesis a beloved spin-off manga that is written by Hideyuki Furuhashi. This author has also included several nods to other manga, anime, comic books, and, of course, video games in it.
In Chapter 5 ofVigilantes, two bystanders that closely resembleRed and Pikachufrom thePokemonfranchise can be seen among the crowd. This is particularly curious because Horikoshi is also a big fan ofPokemon– to the point that he even drew art of Mina Ashido playingPokemon Goon one occasion – yet Furuhashi included a much more blatant reference in this spin-off.
1Kirby Is A Villain In Vigilantes
Another Nintendo Character Became A Dangerous Villain
But the nods to beloved Nintendo icons don’t stop there. There’s another one inChapter 62 ofMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which is set during Shota Aizawa’s tragic flashback. On this occasion, a gigantic villain namedGarveyattacks civilians. He even showcases the ability to absorb other people’s attacks and store them on his back.
Garvey is a pretty obvious reference toKirby, which can easily be seen in the villain’s spherical appearance and absorption abilities. If that wasn’t already enough, his name is also another obvious hint, especially when it’s read in its original Japanese. The name of the character inVigilantesis written as Gāvī, whereas the pink puffball’s is written as Kābī.
