I think when discussing OFA people will conflate OFA [The Superpower Wielded by OFA Users] and OFA [The Narrative Tool]. This is not necessarily incorrect and is an intentional writing choice to make the readers blend them together.
However, there is a tendency to not see how OFA is a narrative tool at all, and forgo it entirely as simply a superpower with purely superficial utility. However, we have several use cases to define "OFA" beyond the superpower.
OFA the tool and OFA the superpower are often differentiated in the story itself.
OFA [as a narrative tool] is a power that’s supposed to twist fate, embody the will of the user, & connect the hearts of others. "A power meant for saving and not killing".
It was born when Kudo and Yoichi connected - specifically when Kudo reached out to Yoichi - despite OFA [the superpower] itself always existing.
Thats why something like Ochako saying “Himiko may be living inside of me like OFA” sounds ridiculous on it's face - but does have the narrative structure built in to make sense.
She’s referring to the connected hearts/will of the person part of OFA that the power embodies.
This is also why the "Control Your Heart" plot thread with Izuku gets to double as a "control your anger/heart" and "get control of your superpowers" plot.
"You're gonna be the one to complete one for all!"
Katsuki, in this sense - primarily being the trigger and support for Izuku's growth - having been directly responsible for 3/7 Izuku's OFA-related powers unlocking (Black Whip, Danger Sense and Gearshift) and being intimately involved in the process of him making the power his own.
And then being the one to shoulder the "will" of Kudou and transcend "time and space" to complete that task.
As a narrative tool - OFA is meant to be the emotional factor.
The human part of the superpower that acts as a foundation to answering MHA's main question about what it means to be a hero concerning support and connection.
And also about MHA's broader attempts at showing all the different ways love can present itself.
(Horikoshi Kohei My Hero Academia Exhibition, Zone 5)
My Hero Academia as a story sought to answer one question -
"What is a hero?"
Using past interviews, texts, and through reading the story, we have answers for both it's old and present definitions.
A hero is…
[Old definition]: Someone who makes you feel safe and secure, and that when they arrive everything will be alright. Someone on a different level than you.
[New definition]: Someone who provides/offers support, reaches out to others, and plays a part in a strong community.
What's the difference?
In the old definition, the onus of heroism is placed on a singular person who is seen as outstanding/exceptional.
(Horikoshi Kohei, Jump Festa 2017 Interview)
In the new definition, it strives to include all people in an attempt to bring home the idea “anyone can be a hero” to the readers. It has become a more human and communal definition that places a strong emphasis on community building and being active in serving the people within it.
(Horikoshi Kohei, Marvel Interview - December 2024)
(Horikoshi Kohei, Da Vinci Magazine Interview - August 2024)
(Horikoshi Kohei, Viz Media Interview - July 2024)
Through MHA you can see not only the transition of the old to new definitions as the story progresses - you can see how the foundations for both existing ideas still exist within one other despite coming to an "answer" by the end of the story.
Hi hi! It’s been some time since I posted something ñpskdmksmx
I was part of the Artist Alley of #Yume an anime Con here on Mexico CDMX, it’s mostly theme around magical girls and Shoujo in general so it’s very very girly haha
Still aside from making fanart of some classic Shoujo I also make this merch 🧡💚 it was really fun to design
(Shoto keep being the third wheel, I hope I can start including him in more TdBkDk in the future!)
Im back on working on my commissions and more BkDK fanzines, so if you like what you see, keep tune for more art (✿´ ꒳ ` )
Introducing our Merch artists! Coined with the stamp of Royalty are the goods signifying the kingdom's loyalty. Our merchants are sure to provide such luxuries for all to enjoy!