Why Midnight Died in ‘My Hero Academia’

In the world of ‘My Hero Academia,’ where most people possess superpowers known as “quirks,” the line between heroism and villainy is often razor-thin. Set in an era where young heroes are groomed at elite academies, the series created by Kōhei Horikoshi frequently explores themes of sacrifice and valour. One of the notable casualties of this intense universe is Midnight, a character who met her end during the Paranormal Liberation War arc.

Midnight, whose real name is Nemuri Kayama, was a beloved faculty member at U.A. High School. Known for her quirk, Somnambulist, which releases a sleep-inducing aroma, and her flirtatious personality, she was a fan favourite. Her death, however, is a poignant example of how the series can sometimes mishandle its character arcs.

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During the Paranormal Liberation War, Midnight and other heroes were tasked with dismantling the villainous Paranormal Liberation Front. Despite her crucial role in this mission, Midnight’s journey ended abruptly and with little fanfare. As she tried to neutralise the colossal villain Gigantomachia with her quirk, she was ambushed by Mr. Compress, a villain who hurled debris her way. This attack left her injured and isolated from her team.

The series revealed her fate in chapter 296, confirming that Midnight had died, presumably at the hands of her attackers. Her death was a stark reminder of the dangers that come with being a hero, a reality that deeply affected her students. For them, it was a harsh initiation into the perilous nature of their chosen path. Midnight was mourned along with other heroes who fell during the war, but her passing did little to restore the public’s faith in heroes.

Interestingly, Midnight’s death was not only a result of direct villainous actions but also of a series of misfortunes. She was attacked by Mr. Compress, who had stealthily positioned himself on Gigantomachia’s back. Although Midnight survived the fall, her injuries and subsequent encounter with a group of villains sealed her fate. The identity of the villain responsible for her death remained shrouded in mystery until later chapters, where a character in a gas mask was revealed to have been directly involved.

The lack of on-screen detail regarding Midnight’s final moments left many fans unsatisfied. Unlike other significant deaths in ‘My Hero Academia,’ which often come with dramatic flair and emotional closure, Midnight’s demise was understated. This approach left her character arc feeling incomplete, despite the strong support she garnered from the fanbase.