Series & First Appearance
Danjuro Tobita, also known as Gentle Criminal, appears in the anime and manga My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia), created by Kōhei Horikoshi. He first appears in Chapter 195 of the manga and Episode 68 of the anime. His character design aligns with the overall art style of the series, showcasing a flamboyant and somewhat theatrical appearance that reflects his unique personality.
Profile at a Glance
Danjuro Tobita is appearing to be in his late 20s or early 30s, and he serves as the main antagonist during the U.A. Cultural Festival Arc. He is an independent villain and has gained a considerable following as an internet celebrity. Tobita’s Quirk, known as "Stand," allows him to manipulate and control objects, providing him with various means of offense and defense.
Personality & Motivations
Danjuro Tobita exhibits a dramatically flamboyant and theatrical personality, often viewing his life as a performance. He embodies a strong sense of chivalry, asserting that the world of heroes should be filled with spectacle and flair. His primary motivation is to prove that heroes require charisma and showmanship, seeking to make his mark in a society dominated by traditional heroism. His catchphrase, “Let’s put on a show!” encapsulates his desire for recognition and entertainment.
Abilities / Powers
Tobita’s primary ability comes from his Quirk, "Stand," which grants him the power to manipulate objects with a form of elasticity. He can stretch and reposition various items, allowing him to create barriers, traps, or even launch surprise attacks. In combat, Gentle Criminal adopts a flamboyant style, often combining acrobatics with his Quirk to maintain an engaging performance. However, his powers lose effectiveness if he overextends himself, and he struggles against opponents who are fast or can counteract his flashy moves.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Danjuro’s most significant development occurs during the U.A. Cultural Festival Arc, where his interactions with the students at U.A. High School solidify his contrasting worldview against the established norms of heroism. He targets the festival to showcase his "heroic" performance and garner attention, ultimately clashing with applicants like Midoriya Izuku and other characters. His journey illustrates a deep struggle between villainy and the desire for admiration, leading Tobita to question the true nature of heroism.
Notable Relationships
Gentle Criminal’s primary relationship is with La Brava, his devoted partner and fan, who supports him both emotionally and technically. Their bond is founded on mutual respect as they share a love for theatrics and the pursuit of recognition. While he technically stands alone as a villain, La Brava’s loyalty highlights his complexity, showing a softer aspect of his character in an often-dramatic narrative.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Danjuro’s most memorable moments occurs when he declares, “Let’s put on a show!” as he prepares to engage with U.A. students (Episode 68). This quote epitomizes his flamboyant personality as it sets the tone for his dramatic entrance, drawing attention to his desire for spectacle in battle. Additionally, his final confrontation with Midoriya Izuku serves as a profound moment of character reflection, showcasing how Tobita understands the thin line between heroism and villainy.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Danjuro Tobita is voiced by Tsuguo Mogami in the Japanese version and is adapted into English by Christopher Sabat. He has gained a significant fan base, amassing approximately 265 favorites in online character polls. Additionally, his character design cleverly emphasizes his showmanship, with bright colors and elaborate clothes that echo classic theatrical presentations. He also serves as a commentary on celebrity culture within the series, illustrating how the quest for fame often overshadows true heroism.
Overall, Danjuro Tobita represents a unique and complex character within My Hero Academia, merging the world of traditional heroes with the flashy, sometimes superficial nature of contemporary celebrity culture. His character encapsulates the struggles between identity, villainy, and the desire for acknowledgment in a world where the line between hero and villain can be exceptionally thin. Through his spectacular persona and heartfelt motivations, Tobita stands out as a memorable figure in the series.
