Is Hawks a Villain in My Hero Academia? A Gamer‘s Perspective
As a passionate gamer and anime fan, I‘ve followed My Hero Academia closely since its manga debut in 2014. With its rich worldbuilding and complex characters that often defy categorization as purely heroes or villains, there‘s much to analyze and debate.
So is Hawks, the former No. 2 hero of Japan‘s Hero Billboard Chart, truly a villain? After an in-depth look at his actions, relationships, and motivations, I believe the answer is no – Hawks toes the line between hero and villain, but ultimately intends to take down the League of Villains from within to dismantle threats to society.
Hawks‘ Official Hero Status
Let‘s begin by examining Hawks‘ standing within the official hero system in My Hero Academia. This offers concrete proof regarding how he‘s classified in-universe.
As of the current manga chapters:
Hawks was ranked the No. 2 hero in Japan for a substantial period of time
Hero Billboard Chart Rankings Hero No.1 Endeavor No. 2 Hawks No. 3 Best Jeanist This cemented his status as an elite, top-tier hero within society.
He also serves on the Hero Public Safety Commission
As one of the most senior decision-making bodies overseeing national security and hero ops, this further reinforces Hawks‘ legitimacy as a pro hero.
Hawks has directly saved scores of lives and resolved dangerous incidents
As cited by Best Jeanist, Hawks‘ heroic acts have allowed him to climb the rankings so quickly:
"In just two years after your debut, you flew up to the number three spot. In this past year alone, you have resolved more incidents and saved more people than I have in my entire career. You are an excellent hero." – Best Jeanist, Chapter 191
Based on all official accounts, Hawks has established himself as a lawful, admired pro hero sanctioned by the state – not a vigilante or villain.
Of course, he later feigns becoming a villain – but is this true betrayal, or an undercover ruse? Let‘s analyze further.
Hawks Pretends to Betray Heroes to Infiltrate Villains
In My Hero Academia Chapter 237, Hawks approaches the League of Villains, appearing to offer his services after "losing faith" in the hero system.
This shocks the community, who view Hawks as a rising star among noble heroes like All Might who save lives with a smile.
However, crucially, we later learn this is an undercover mission Hawks conducts after being granted permission by key government figures.
Hawks‘ directive? To infiltrate and gain intel on the League of Villains by getting close to higher-tier members.
As confirmed in Chapter 250 during a meeting with hero leadership:
"Yes. However, you‘re not betraying us. This is also part of your mission…to infiltrate the villains." – Unnamed Government Figure
So while Hawks puts on an elaborate act to fool even stalwart heroes like Endeavor, he remains sanctioned on the side of justice.
Hawks‘ Actions to Gain the League‘s Trust
To win over the League of Villains, Hawks takes extreme measures that firmly cement him as a "traitor" in their eyes:
1. Giving League of Villains the body of Best Jeanist
In Chapter 237, Hawks arrives and literally gives the League a "gift" – the mutilated body of the No. 3 hero, Best Jeanist.
This viscerally shocks the heroes and public, thinking another pillar has been slain.
In truth, Best Jeanist survives, saved in secret by Hawks. But the bold move convinces the League Hawks is with them.
2. Defeating and seemingly murdering Twice
In Chapter 240, Hawks engages in a bloody battle with League villain Twice, who can create clones with his Quirk.
Showing ruthless efficiency, Hawks ultimately kills Twice, severing his head to nullify his threat. While grim, this was likely necessary to prevent Twice from endlessly replicating an army.
Still, it further drives a wedge between Hawks and polite hero society, especially when fellow League member Toga vows revenge.
3. Battling Endeavor
Finally, in Chapter 272, Hawks puts on another violent show by battling the new No. 1 hero, Endeavor.
While holding back, the fight allows Hawks to test Endeavor‘s mettle while keeping up the villainous facade.
These three shocking actions convince the League Hawks is a turncoat who embraces their methods. When news spreads, even Hawks‘ admiring sidekicks doubt his allegiance.
But again – it‘s ultimately an elaborate ruse, one Hawks carries out under implicit orders from heroes, not actual villainous intent.
Dabi and Hawks: A Complex Rivalry and Uneasy Alliance
Within the League of Villains, Dabi serves as Hawks‘ main point of contact – and sharpest skeptic.
Dabi distrusts Hawks‘ motives, threatening to kill him if he tries anything. Their odd rapport seems built on deceit layered upon deceit as each tries advancing their agenda.
In Chapter 267, after Hawks defeats Twice, Dabi lashes out in rage at his new "teammate" for killing a League ally.
"Did you lure him out…to kill him?" Dabi asks accusatorily.
Hawks gives a vague confirmation dressed in villainous hyperbole – but informed readers know Hawks specifically targeted Twice as the dual threat he posed.
Ultimately, Hawks and Dabi share a hatred of the two-faced nature of hero society. But while Dabi wants pure destruction, Hawks aims to reform society by surgically eliminating threats like the League of Villains from within.
Their uneasy, temporary alliance advances thesetwin goals – but neither trusts the other.
Weighing All Evidence: Hawks Stays Loyal to Hero Society
Given Hawks‘ extreme methods while undercover, it‘s understandable why characters and fans alike debate whether he‘s broken bad.
But piecing together the full picture – secret government directives, restraint toward killing, instrumental use of deception – the evidence suggests Hawks remains loyal to the hero cause.
Could he go rogue in the future? It‘s possible – but I expect Hawks will continue trying to subtly guide events from his insider vantage within the League of Villains rather than fully switch sides.
Final Verdict: Anti-Hero, Not Villain
Based on his current aims and actions in the manga, I don‘t believe Hawks counts as villain.
Rather, he‘s an anti-hero – he embraces violence and deception if it achieves his version of justice outside rigid laws.
His harsh methods leave him isolated, perceived as a dangerous threat by both villains and many heroes.
Yet Hawks uses this to his advantage, playing all sides to collect intelligence and shift the balance of power away from evil groups like the League.
So while he‘s no saint, I contend Hawks utilizes this villainous facade for heroic ends – making him one of the most fascinatingly complex characters in the series.
Let me know what you think of this analysis! Does examining Hawks‘ arc in depth sway your opinion on his alignment and motives either way? I‘m eager to discuss with fellow passionate My Hero Academia fans.
