My Hero Academia: Unlocking the Potential of Underused Quirks

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 1:20 GMT by MSN
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The Untapped Potential: Examining Underutilized Quirks in My Hero Academia and the Future of Heroic Combat

My Hero Academia, the globally popular anime and manga, has captivated audiences with its intricate world-building and, crucially, its expansive Quirk system. The premise - that approximately 80% of the population is born with a unique superpower - provides a fertile ground for imaginative abilities and thrilling battles. However, as the series progresses, a curious trend emerges: a significant number of Quirks, while intriguing in their initial presentation, are relegated to the sidelines. This isn't necessarily a flaw, but rather a point for deeper analysis. Today, February 18th, 2026, we'll delve into ten of the most underused Quirks, explore why they haven't seen more action, and speculate on how their fuller integration could revitalize the series' combat dynamics and storytelling possibilities.

The original list highlighted quirks like Getsi's Explosion, Hagamiren's Scale, and Jiro's Earphone Jack - abilities that, while occasionally employed, rarely take center stage. The common thread? Often these Quirks are positioned as "support" abilities, relegated to assisting more overtly offensive or defensive heroes. Jiro, for example, is a valuable team player, but her sound-based attacks are frequently overshadowed by the explosive power of Bakugo or the versatile nature of Todoroki. The same applies to Hoseki's Binding Lace, limited by range and primarily used for restraint, or Sumi's Metal Lung, hampered by a lack of aquatic scenarios.

However, to simply label these Quirks as "underused" is an oversimplification. The creative team behind My Hero Academia faces the challenge of balancing a massive cast of characters, each with their own unique ability. Giving every Quirk equal screen time is impractical. The question becomes: how can these sidelined Quirks be strategically incorporated to enrich the narrative without overwhelming the viewer?

Consider Seiji's Navel Laser. While seemingly a straightforward offensive Quirk, its potential lies in tactical application. The laser's range, precision, and power output could be explored in detail. Instead of a single, powerful blast, imagine Seiji mastering the ability to manipulate the laser's frequency for different effects - cutting through obstacles, creating distractions, or even subtly influencing electronic systems. This expands the Quirk beyond a simple power blast and introduces a layer of strategic complexity.

Similarly, Yuzuru's Remote Control Quirk, which allows the user to control others, is ripe for compelling narrative twists. While ethical implications are apparent, imagine a scenario where Yuzuru, forced to confront a villain with a similar mind-control ability, must use their Quirk to counter the enemy's control, creating a tense psychological battle. The potential for espionage and infiltration is immense, placing Yuzuru in situations that demand cunning and resourcefulness, rather than brute force.

Kendo's Dupli-Arms presents a straightforward power-up opportunity. More arms mean more attack vectors, defensive capabilities, and the ability to perform complex tasks simultaneously. But the real potential lies in exploring the mental strain of controlling multiple limbs - the difficulty of coordination, the risk of exhaustion, and the psychological impact of effectively multiplying one's physical presence. This adds a vulnerability that makes Kendo a more compelling character.

Quirks like Hoi's Zero Gravity and Shoda's Rationalize are particularly interesting because they challenge the conventional notion of "heroic" abilities. Zero Gravity isn't just about making things float; it's about manipulating momentum, creating localized gravitational anomalies, and potentially disrupting the balance of opponents. Rationalize, allowing comprehension of complex systems, isn't a combat Quirk in the traditional sense, but it's invaluable for deactivating traps, hacking security systems, and understanding villainous plans - making Shoda a crucial asset in intelligence gathering and strategic operations. It is a skill that would lend itself to being the 'mind' of a hero team.

The future of My Hero Academia likely hinges on its ability to evolve beyond simple power escalations. By revisiting these underutilized Quirks, adding depth to their mechanics, and exploring their unique limitations, the series can introduce fresh challenges, character development, and strategic possibilities. It's not about making every Quirk equally powerful, but about making them equally interesting and contributing meaningfully to the overall narrative. The potential for innovation within the existing framework is vast, and embracing it could ensure My Hero Academia remains a compelling and creatively vibrant series for years to come.