The origin quirk refers to the superhuman abilities that characters in My Hero Academia are born with. In the world of My Hero Academia, around 80% of the population is born with some kind of special power or “quirk.” These quirks range from simple abilities like being able to grow extra limbs, to more complex powers like manipulation of the elements. The origin of quirks and how they came to be is one of the central mysteries in the series.
When did quirks first appear?
Quirks first manifested about 150 years before the start of the My Hero Academia story. Prior to their appearance, superhuman abilities only existed in comics and stories. Then, a glowing baby was born in Qingqing City, China who was identified as the first person to manifest a quirk. After that, reports of people with quirks popped up across the world.
Within a few generations, quirks spread rapidly. The cause behind their sudden emergence was a mystery. Some researchers theorized that the spread of a virus triggered mutation in people that resulted in quirks. Others believed exposure to chemicals or pollution unlocked powers that were previously dormant.
Whatever the cause, the dawn of quirks completely altered the social order. As more people developed amazing talents, society struggled to catch up and regulate these new capabilities. An age of chaos emerged with rising crime from villains misusing their powers.
How did quirks change society?
The emergence of quirks shook up society on all levels:
Legal System
Laws had to be established to regulate quirk usage. Forms of quirk discrimination also cropped up, leading to social reform movements.
Infrastructure
Public spaces were renovated to accommodate unique quirks. For example, larger doorways were built for people with mutation quirks that caused larger body sizes.
Economy
The economy shifted dramatically. Jobs that relied on physical labor lost value. Instead, professions that could utilize quirks became more lucrative. This gave rise to modern “hero” culture.
Warfare
Warfare was impacted by the inclusion of quirks. Battles between nations became contests of which side had more “firepower” from their quirk-wielding soldiers. Countries ramped up their quirk-related military programs.
Entertainment
Media and entertainment capitalized on growing fascination with quirks. Classes of “pro-heroes” emerged that fought crime and performed daring rescues live on television. Sports leagues cropped up where athletes could compete using their quirks.
What types of quirks exist?
There are a few major categories that most quirks fall under:
Emitter Quirks
These quirks allow the user to generate and control certain substances or energy. For example:
- Generating fire
- Producing sticky globs of liquid
- Releasing electricity
Emitter quirks tend to be very powerful in combat.
Transformation Quirks
This type of quirk causes the user’s body to take on a temporary altered state. For instance:
- Growing extra limbs
- Changing into an animal form
- Turning part of the body into a weapon
Transformation quirks grant the user access to expanded capabilities.
Mutation Quirks
Mutation quirks permanently alter the user’s physical form. These types of quirks manifest at birth. Examples include:
- Having wings or extra joints
- Unusual skin color
- An animal-like appearance
Mutation quirks grant passive benefits like enhanced strength, speed, or senses.
What is the origin of quirks?
The true origin behind quirks remains clouded in mystery within the world of My Hero Academia. Some popular theories include:
Genetic Mutation
A spontaneous genetic mutation within a small percentage of the population could have led to the quirk phenomenon. This mutation may have spread rapidly once it conferred advantages to those who possessed it.
Viral Infection
A theoretical virus could have triggered quirk abilities by altering people’s DNA. This virus might have spread quickly across the globe, leading to a surge in quirk manifestations.
External Factors
Environmental influences like pollution, radiation, or chemicals could have caused normal human genetics to change in an unpredictable direction. However, no specific external factor has been identified as a definitive cause.
Supernatural Origin
More fantastical theories propose that quirks were introduced by supernatural forces. Gods, demons, or aliens may have meddled with humanity, bestowing quirks upon them as gifts or experiments. Of course, there is no evidence to support these far-fetched ideas.
Conclusion
The origin of quirks remains an intriguing mystery within the mythology of My Hero Academia. Their sudden emergence radically altered the course of human history within the fictional setting. While the source of quirks has not been conclusively explained, popular theories point to genetic mutation as the most plausible catalyst. However, the true cause is still up for speculation and continues to drive the overarching mystery surrounding quirks. Their unpredictable nature makes them a volatile factor within society, leading to both chaos and progress in equal measures. Whether quirks turn out to be a boon or bane for humanity remains to be seen as the story continues.