Series & First Appearance
Mirio Toogata, also known as Lemillion, is a character from the anime and manga series My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia), created by Kohei Horikoshi. He first appears in Chapter 184 of the manga and Episode 1 of Season 4 of the anime.
Profile at a Glance
Mirio is an 18-year-old third-year student at U.A. High School and is a member of the elite trio known as The Big Three. He is known for his confident demeanor and exceptional combat skills. His primary quirk, Permeation, allows him to become intangible, passing through solid objects; however, this ability comes with limitations that he must skillfully navigate in battle.
Personality & Motivations
Mirio embodies optimism, resilience, and a strong sense of justice, often serving as a source of encouragement for others around him. He possesses an unwavering belief in the potential of his peers, making him a mentor figure to younger students such as Izuku Midoriya. His catchphrase, “You have to keep moving forward!” echoes his positive outlook on life, even in the face of adversity. His driving motivation is to uphold the ideals of heroism, believing strongly in saving and protecting those who cannot protect themselves.
Abilities / Powers
Mirio’s quirk, Permeation, allows him to phase through objects, making him intangible and impervious to attacks while in this state. However, this ability requires concentration and has limitations; he cannot attack while intangible, and activating it renders him blind, causing him to rely on judgment and environment awareness. Additionally, he must regain full consciousness and control after deactivating his quirk, making him vulnerable during this transition. His exceptional training and experience enable him to employ creative tactics during combat, making full use of his quirk’s capabilities.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Mirio plays a pivotal role in the Shie Hassaikai arc, where he confronts the villain Overhaul. His determination is showcased when he sacrifices his quirk to protect Eri, a young girl with a powerful ability, from Shie Hassaikai’s attacks, getting shot with a Quirk-Destroying Drug bullet. This act solidifies his status as a selfless hero and highlights the associated risks of heroism. His struggle with loss and the subsequent desire to continue fighting despite his limitations shape his subsequent character development, as he adapts to life without his quirk and works to support his peers.
Notable Relationships
Mirio has significant ties within the U.A. community. He serves as a mentor to Izuku Midoriya, often guiding him in mastering his own abilities. His close friendship with fellow Big Three members, Nejire Hado and Tamaki Amajiki, showcases his ability to forge strong bonds with those around him. Additionally, his protective instincts towards Eri further emphasize his role as a champion of the weak, establishing a nurturing connection that drives much of his character arc.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Mirio’s most memorable moments occurs during his confrontation with Overhaul, where he deploys a tactical and well-planned strategy to showcase the effectiveness of his intangibility (Chapter 186, Episode 4). His sacrifice for Eri resonates with fans as it underlines his heroic principles and moral codes. A notable quote from him, “I won’t lose,” encapsulates his fighting spirit and determination, which leaves a lasting impact on both the audience and characters within the story.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Mirio was initially a top candidate for inheriting All Might’s power, One For All, before Izuku Midoriya took the spotlight. His character design features a bright smile and distinctive blond hair, adding to his approachable persona. Mirio is voiced by Hiroshi Kamia in Japanese and by Justin Briner in the English dub. Following his introduction, Mirio swiftly gained popularity, reflected in his ranking among character favorites, with over 3,800 votes in various fan polls. His success is often attributed to his relatability and the depth of his heroic ideals.
This character spotlight serves as a comprehensive overview of Mirio Toogata, providing fans and newcomers alike with essential insights into his narrative role and significance within My Hero Academia.
