My Hero Academia x Marvel Crossover Under Fire Over Mirko Skin Color Controversy

As a long-time fan of My Hero Academia and someone who has closely followed the series since its inception, I must admit that I am disheartened by the recent controversy surrounding Mirko’s skin color in the Marvel crossover art. It’s always disappointing to see such a beloved character, who was originally portrayed with darker skin, being altered in ways that don’t align with her original representation.

In Japan, the final installment of the popular manga “My Hero Academia” was released, marking its conclusion. To celebrate this momentous occasion, creator Kohei Horikoshi collaborated with Marvel artists Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado on a unique art swap, merging Spider-Man’s world with that of “My Hero Academia.” Unfortunately, some fans have criticized the choice regarding Mirko’s skin color in this special crossover. Despite ending its run in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine earlier this summer, the final volume of the series is now available in Japan.

In this collaboration, Horikoshi introduced his unique interpretation of Spider-Man alongside All Might and Deku, along with Ramos and Delgado’s piece featuring Black Cat evading several heroines from “My Hero Academia”. Generally, the crossover has been positively received for its idea. However, the portrayal of the character Mirko, the Rabbit Hero, has sparked a different reaction. In the original series, Mirko is depicted with a darker complexion, but this shade differs significantly from that of the hero in the new Marvel crossover artwork as noted by fans such as @TheMightyZ2, @Foreverheroics, and @LastCallAtomicA on X and others.

Mirko’s Change in Skin Color

The variation in the portrayal of the character Mirko, which appears differently on Marvel’s official release compared to Edgar Delgado’s more accurate representation shared on his personal social media, has sparked controversy. The version with a darker skin tone, now displayed on Marvel’s official site, contrasts with the lighter version circulated through Marvel Comics’ X page. This inconsistency has marred what initially seemed like an enjoyable collaboration between Shueisha and Marvel.

The social media release of this art collaboration between Delgado and Marvel sparked a wide range of responses due to potential miscommunication or errors within the distribution process when compared to their official unveiling of the My Hero Academia and Marvel artwork. This mishap has unfortunately ignited a discussion about Mirko, with some striking similarities to her portrayal in the anime version of My Hero Academia. For a comprehensive comparison, take a look at the full depiction below.



Mirko Has Had This Trouble With My Hero Academia Before

In the past, debates about the portrayal of Mirko in “My Hero Academia” have been an issue. Interestingly, while the creator, Kohei Horikoshi, drew her with darker skin in manga releases and shared sketches with fans, she appeared lighter when she debuted in Season 5 of the anime. This discrepancy caused concern initially, and it remains a topic of discussion now.

In the Marvel crossover scenario, it appears to be a temporary glitch during its rollout. However, this incident once again highlights the challenges Mirko faces in “My Hero Academia” due to being portrayed as a character with darker skin tone. As the hero becomes increasingly prominent in the anime’s closing episodes, fans will closely monitor this aspect, especially as the story reaches its conclusion.

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2024-12-05 03:09