The 2024 cinematic film My Hero Academia: You're Next was a hit for many reasons, but one of its biggest draws was its central villain: Dark Might. Dark Might was the absolute antithesis of All Might, representing sheer, unbridled evil whereas All Might was the embodiment of peace and good.

As fan u/Aros001 on Reddit wisely pointed out, Dark Might deserved to play a more substantial role in My Hero Academia, and his character was wasted by only appearing in one film. Had Dark Might's story been expanded across multiple episodes of the anime, rather than just condensed into one movie, he would have had more room to grow and show off who he is, even more than he was able to in You're Next.

Dark Might is My Hero Academia's Most Over-the-Top Villain, in the Best Way

Dark Might is the Antithesis of All Might, Making for a Riveting Juxtaposition

Shigaraki and All For One are showstopping personalities indeed, but Dark Might possesses a level of arrogance and flamboyance that no other My Hero Academia character has quite managed to achieve. His over-the-top attitude made him a sensation among My Hero Academia fans, who were simultaneously attracted to his charisma and disgusted by his corruption of All Might's respectable image. Dark Might is the polar opposite of All Might, and that is why he works so well, because no one expected to see such a twisted version of a character as important to the My Hero Academia franchise as All Might.

Dark Might's goal was simple but almost unachievable; he wanted to become the new Symbol of Peace in All Might's place. This ambition was laughable, since such a conniving villain could never replace a selfless figure like All Might, but Dark Might's lofty goal makes his story all the more entertaining. Coupled with a Quirk as limitless as Alchemy, Dark Might had substantial potential to continue his reign as a villain for years. Although the You're Next film ended his story with finality, writing him out of the story was an error.

Most Villains Hope to Defeat All Might, But Dark Might Takes it One Step Further

Dark Might’s Impact on the Franchise Is Incomparable, Even After Just One Movie

Many villains have set the goal of defeating All Might once and for all, but Dark Might took this wish to the next level in an unforeseen way by completely transforming into the hero he despised. In everything from his appearance to his speech patterns, Dark Might mimics All Might, yet try as he might, he always falls short of achieving the glory of the heroic figure. Most of the best scenes in My Hero Academia: You're Next centered around Dark Might, and this is proof that the villain should have earned himself a place in the anime series as well.

Hundreds of My Hero Academia, so it would be easy for a movie-only My Hero Academia villain to simply fade out of viewers' minds pretty quickly. Months after the movie's release date, though, fans are still buzzing about Dark Might, because his distinctive attitude, mighty Quirk, and overly ambitious goal of not just defeating All Might, but turning into him entirely, distinguishes him from every other My Hero Academia villain. It is unlikely that Dark Might will appear in My Hero Academia again, but after just one film, his impact on the franchise is undeniable.

Source: u/Aros001 on Reddit