My Hero Academiais a world that involves powerful heroes and villains in a society that has evolved to accommodate these changes. With symbols like All Might and villains like Shigaraki, it’s easy to overlook certain characters, despite their complex and well-created appeal. One such character is none other thanGentle Criminal, a self-proclaimed villain whose story goes far beyond his criminal antics.
His given name is Danjuro Tobita, and he isn’t like any typical villain. Gentle Criminal, as his name suggests, doesn’t care much about destruction or dominance, instead, his aims lie in remembrance through fame and attention in media. However, his failures as a hero lead him down a misguided path of villainy using his Elasticity Quirk as his main form of defense and offense.Gentle Criminal carefully crafted his personato find relevance in the world that discarded him and his dream of being a hero.
Gentle Criminal’s Unseen Heroism and Selfless Acts in the Shadows
Gentle Criminal’s Heroic Side Shines Through at the Most Critical Moment
Despite being a villain,Gentle Criminal proves his true naturethrough acts of selflessness, embodying values often attributed to heroes. His actions in episode #154 demonstrate a deep moral conviction as he made the choice during the prison break to prevent any inmates from fleeing. As a result, it wasthe only prison that no one escapedfrom. This moment proved that Gentle Criminal has a good heart, acting on an unshakable resolve that provided no personal gain.
What truly sets Gentle Criminal apart is thathe made a vastly heroic decisionwithout craving the recognition that once drove him. His selflessness reveals a pure form of heroism, rooted in integrity rather than external fame or validation. Gentle Criminal saves UA without expecting any acknowledgment or forgiveness for his past actions or reputation, making him a true hero at that pivotal moment.
Gentle Criminal Was Never Truly a Villain at Heart
His Ultimate Goal Was Once To Become A Hero
At his core, Gentle Criminal is far more than the persona he presents to the world. His bond with La Brava,a controversial relationship in the seriesdue to the juvenile look of the girl, serves as a window into his true character. Unlike most villains who thrive on destruction and chaos,Gentle craves connection and belonging. His care for La Brava and his refined appreciation and passion for tea reveal a softer side to Gentle Criminal that he enjoys sharing with others. He values small, meaningful aspects to life and sees beauty in creation as opposed to devastation.
Gentle’s failed attempt to become a hero further displays his complexity, showing audiences thathe longed to leave a positive markon the world. His villainy is more of a result of circumstance and rejection rather than malice towards the world, showing that his turn to the path of villainy was not born of intention, but misguidance. Ultimately, Gentle Criminal finds redemption through the same love and passion that drove him throughout his life. Although labeled as a villain, Gentle Criminal’s heart aligns with the heroes inMy Hero Academia.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
