Masks
Soooooo
Jin and Himiko
Something I noticed about the both of them is the importance of masks in their characters. Sure, Compress wear one too but - these two are an interesting study on it, mainly because of their close relationship as well as the fact that in regards to masks they are opposites of each other.
Himiko used a metaphorical mask her entire life to hide herself for the benefit of others, not to scare them. She didn't hide herself for herself, not really. It was to bring others comfort, protecting herself was a side effect. Breaking it, allowing her true self to be revealed, was an important step in taking her place as a villain but also as a person.
Jin on the other hand, uses a physical mask to protect himself and his identity. Having it on soothes him and allows him to more easily be himself. Keeps him together. Keeps him from being scared. Putting it on lets him be his very best self, the him that he wants to be.
This correlates very interestingly as well with their quirks! Himiko used a mask to protect others, and her quirk allows her to become others. Jin uses a mask to be himself, and his biggest advantage is in being able to copy himself. I feel like her own experience with masks is part of what helps Himiko to understand Jin's own obsession with his, even if it's in the opposite way - in every way - that she used one.
Honestly? The fact that she advanced her quirk to be able to mimic the quirks of those she copies just like Jin can? And their quirks both devolve into a goopy mess when breaking? There's so many connections between the two of them.
...makes me wonder if they aren't brother and sister. .....they're both blondes, he's 14 years older, his parents died when he was in middle school....shit.
