The “Popularity” of Midoriya Izuku
Following the post that explains the connection of the hero name Deku to the ‘deku-no-bou’ line in the poem Ame ni mo Makezu (of which is famous in Japan, hence most Japanese readers likely getting the reference from the get-go while the out-group hasn’t) and details as to how Izuku choosing ‘Deku’ as his hero name shows that he never sought praise nor credit for his heroic acts, is a series of heartwarming reactions where people echo the inspiring yet bittersweet sentiment of the poem.
Some express that the realisation had made them cry. Others feel rather satisfied, saying how it adds yet another layer to the hero name. And lastly, most importantly, quite a lot noted how it fits Izuku’s character, if rather lonely and tragic for him, because—already—speculations arise that him being ‘The Greatest Hero’ by the end of the story will only be known to the readers…but not in-universe.
So let me offer some reprieve.
But first, let us establish first how outsiders perceive Izuku, and what exactly he is recognized for at this current time. (Because he is talked about a lot, even more so than we realise.)
After all, our storyteller, Midoriya Izuku, is such an Unreliable, Non-attention-seeking Narrator, which is why the narrative is framed in such a way that doesn’t put Izuku in the spotlight… nor does our MC’s point-of-view linger upon the positive impact of his own actions.
However, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t seen at all. In fact, history certainly has both eyes on him.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the popularity of—no, not Deku…
The “Popularity” of Midoriya Izuku.
Izuku is most commonly known as the ‘kid who broke his bones and kept on fighting during the Sports Festival,’ while his more incredible feats like single-handedly taking down A-Rank Villain Muscular (twice!), defeating Shie Hassaikai Leader Overhaul, and saving the U.A. Cultural Festival (by stopping Gentle Criminal) were not—and might never be—common knowledge.
Truth be told, whether they’d realized it or not, people started looking at Izuku before the Entrance Exams. That was when Izuku ran to face the Slime Villain, while the other pro heroes were just standing around waiting for the arrival of a ‘better match-up’ against the enemy. Not sure how canonical the light novels are, but in one of them, Kirishima internally mentioned a certain ‘middle school student’ who went against the Slime Villain w/o use of his quirk, which sparked discussions on the internet. Certainly, cameras could be rolling during the villain fight, so copies of Midoriya’s act might have gone around.
If in manga canon, people already began watching him when he smashed the Zero Pointer into pieces. That’s certainly a very memorable feat. They called him ‘special.’ Furthermore, later on, we see that Izuku was immediately popular amongst his classmates. Everyone wanted to talk to him. They praised his moves (with an emphasis at times on how he was doing great even w/o use of his quirk—in fact, his quirkless moves and dodging garnered more praise than his final Smash move) and were inspired by him after the Battle Training round. Izuku was rather overwhelmed. For the first time in his life, his classmates weren’t ganging up on him to tease him nor make fun of his dreams!
Despite his crazy performance in the Sports Festival and not having a single pro hero interested in sending him an internship offer, Izuku was still popular amongst the civilians. They complement his hard work, they encourage him… When he patrolled the streets with Mirio in the Shie Hassaikai arc, he was recognized by two ladies and they smiled at him as they passed by.
If you also notice, outsiders acknowledge his incredible progress even more so than Izuku’s internal narration. They put him in a whole other league, as if there was no question at all whom really is the strongest one. They talk about his training, how he’s developed new attacks… Midoriya Izuku seems to be a popular topic around U.A., to the point that gossip about him circulates fast, with the details known by almost everyone the very next day. Furthermore, he mainly gets talked about in a positive light despite his supposed ‘delinquent’ actions. Most U.A. students respect Midoriya Izuku.
And they know him by name and will call out his name! (As the random guy from the concert crowd demonstrates, whereas he’d only referred to Aoyama as ‘Laser Boy.’) Pro heroes like Gang Orca also knows that bone-breaking kid as “Midoriya” (Gang Orca also internally mentions his name in the anime!!!). I don’t know why I’m excited over Gang Orca calling out Izuku’s name, but…yeah, I am. I’m just a fan of pro heroes knowing and seeing Izuku and referring to him as Midoriya-kun. :’)
And of course, Midoriya is also very much known to some villains, and in a positive way as well. Gentle Criminal and La Brava immediately remembered Izuku’s tenacity and determination the moment they identified who he was. He was someone to look out for. Spinner, on the other hand, derived his own assumptions about Izuku being a ‘true hero’ based on Stain’s actions on saving him. He was watching Izuku that closely.
Midoriya Izuku doesn’t stand out at all; Horikoshi says that it’s better the plainer he is, since ‘Deku’ is supposed to stand for that faceless everyman who doesn’t hesitate to do kind acts unconditionally. But in spite of that, in other words, people from different walks of life still notice plain Midoriya.
It’s true that he doesn’t get loudly applauded for his every victory. The cameras are nowhere to be found when he accomplishes something particularly All Might levels of media-worthy.
But is it really tragic for Izuku that he simply does saving for saving’s sake?
Behold, the reactions over the poetic explanation of Izuku’s hero name.
Because let me tell you now, the post that talks about the “uselessness” of Midoriya Izuku reflects how his kindness is already celebrated.
Izuku still gets the recognition he’s due for his heroism, albeit in ways that we don’t usually think of as “enough.” People he saves or meets get internal revelations when they meet him. They change their views, they would start aiming for the better. Even from the beginning, his are acknowledgements that are more personal. It contrasts against All Might’s, whose goodness and greatness felt so distant and unattainable it created a hierarchy and a divide.
In-universe, Izuku’s kindness endures, his kindness demands change. With a little push from Uraraka’s kind act of teaching him how to reclaim Deku by pointing out how it sounds like dekiru (I can do it!), he gains confidence and makes the revolution last further. Deku is a phenomenon, and a society built upon the premise of ‘being a deku who can save everyone’ is a worthy thing to be remembered by all on its own. By making Deku his hero name, Deku becomes timeless (like the poet of Ame ni mo Makezu on his deathbed). All Might won’t be almighty forever, but anyone can be a ‘nobody who lends a hand to those who look like they’re asking for help.
And that, I think, is the best recognition of all.
