Understanding the Hero Billboard Chart in My Hero Academia

Essential Insights

Hero rankings are influenced by factors such as strength, case resolutions, and overall popularity.
Elevated rankings lead to increased exposure, endorsements, and public support.
The Billboard Chart inspires heroes to evolve and enhance their skills in a dynamic environment.

In the universe of My Hero Academia, many people are born with unique abilities known as quirks. These quirks not only provide individuals with extraordinary powers but also shape the societal and vocational structures around them. Choices regarding careers and lifestyles are often heavily influenced by these quirks, resulting in some individuals turning to villainy while others choose the path of heroism. For heroes, this role comes with the obligation to combat crime and shield Japan from those who threaten to disrupt its peace.

Within the realm of heroism, there exists a ranking system, embodied in the Hero Billboard chart, which showcases the top-ranked heroes. This chart undergoes biannual updates and serves as motivation for heroes to engage in more heroic endeavors and enhance their reputation, all aiming for recognition and advancement on the Hero Billboard.

How Are Professional Heroes Ranked?

Requirements for Heroes to Fulfill

The President of the Hero Public Safety Commission in My Hero Academia

The Hero Public Safety Commission oversees the creation and public announcement of the rankings on this chart. However, for heroes to be included, they must satisfy certain criteria. Key aspects considered include the level of strength exhibited by the hero, the number of cases they’ve successfully resolved, their public popularity, and their contributions to society.

Throughout the year, the Hero Public Safety Commission actively evaluates the performance of professional heroes and employs a specific formula to determine each hero’s potential ranking based on these criteria. The top 10 heroes are then compiled and revealed to the public two times a year.

The Importance of the Rankings

Effect of This Chart on Professional Heroes

The Billboard Chart serves as a powerful motivator for heroes to execute their responsibilities with diligence and effectiveness. The Hero Public Safety Commission prioritizes the number of cases solved, which encourages heroes to tackle various situations in hopes of ascending the ranks while contributing to a crime-free Japan. Although some villains are relentless in their efforts to disrupt society, heroes are equally persistent in their endeavors to apprehend them and mitigate their harmful activities.

Achieving a high position on the Hero Billboard Chart not only elevates a hero’s fame but also comes with several attractive benefits. Every professional hero seeks recognition, and attaining a top rank is a significant way to gain public appreciation. The leading heroes, such as Endeavour and Hawks, often enjoy increased media attention, endorsement deals, and widespread public admiration when they are seen in action.

When figures like Endeavour, the foremost hero in Japan, or Hawks, the second-ranked hero, appear in public or engage in battles, they evoke admiration and encouragement from citizens. This support not only propels them to excel but also inspires budding heroes like Midoriya, Bakugo, and Todoroki to strive towards their aspirations and potentially even exceed their mentors.

While climbing the rankings has its advantages, a decline can serve as a crucial reminder for certain heroes to enhance their performance. This dynamic creates an environment of continuous growth and evolution in a landscape where challenges constantly change. For heroes, their ranking can be a source of aspiration or anxiety, heavily influenced by their circumstances and ambitions.

Its Influence on Society

The Hero Billboard Chart’s reach extends beyond the heroes—it significantly impacts society as well. The public eagerly anticipates the announcements regarding the Hero Billboard Chart, making it a major event in the media. These rankings provide citizens with a sense of safety and reassurance, as they become familiar with their foremost protectors.

The Drawbacks of the Chart

Challenges and Criticism

While the Hero Billboard Chart presents many advantages for both heroes and society, it also harbors pitfalls. Critics argue that the emphasis placed on popularity can skew the true essence of heroism, inadvertently pushing some heroes to prioritize public relations over authentic service to society. This sentiment is exemplified in the emergence of the Hero Killer Stain, who protested against heroes more focused on their benefits than on their substantive contributions.

Another concern arises in the aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War; heroes who were accustomed to the adoration of the public struggled to cope with the backlash following the events, resulting in some, like Death Arms and Yoroi Musha, stepping down from their roles. This serves to highlight that while some individuals may chase public favor for personal gain, true heroes, such as Hawks and Best Jeanist, remain steadfast through adversity.

Despite its shortcomings, the Hero Billboard Chart remains significant as it embodies more than just rankings; it symbolizes the societal value of a hero and their efficacy in upholding peace. This ranking system ignites a competitive drive among heroes and plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and trust in the superhero profession.

My Hero Academia is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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