Summary
In the world ofMy Hero Academia,quirks have emerged in mostof the population, giving people superhuman abilities. While many heroes use their quirks to help and protect others, some believe their use should not be restricted or regulated.
One of the most powerful villain groups to emerge is the Meta Liberation Army.As Quirk restriction lawstightened after the defeat of the villain All For One, a new organization emerged to oppose such regulations, putting them in direct conflict with heroes and on a collision course with the rising villain group known as the League of Villains. But who were the leaders and members of this infamous organization, and what were their objectives in directly confronting heroes and villains alike?
The Origin of the Meta Liberation Army
The Meta Liberation Army was originally founded decades ago by Destro, a legendary revolutionary who advocated for loosening society’s restrictionson using quirks freely. Destro believed that strictly controlling quirk usage was a form of oppression against metahumans (individuals born with superhuman abilities, or quirks). He thought metahumans should have the basic right to use their quirks as they pleased without restrictions from the government. Destro’s radical ideas gained traction and led to the formation of the Meta Liberation Army.
Under Destro’s leadership, the MLA fought against the system in what became known as the “Meta Liberation War.” However, Destro was eventually captured and committed suicide while in prison. Unbeknownst to the public, Destro had produced a son, Rikiya Yotsubashi, who would carry on his father’s dreams covertly. For years, Rikiya worked to rebuild the MLA’s strength and influential following so they could one day resume their revolution.
Rikiya Takes the Reins
By the time of the Paranormal Liberation War storyline inMy Hero Academia, Rikiya Yotsubashi had now risen to become the CEO of the large support company Detnerat. On the surface, Detnerat is a legitimate corporation known for creating customized support items forheroes with diverse and unique quirks.
However, Rikiya uses Detnerat as a front to secretly fund and direct the resurrected MLA’s operations from the shadows. With wealth and resources at his disposal, Rikiya has spent decades recruiting followers to the MLA’s cause of dismantling the hero society’s regulation of quirk usage. He seeks to build enough power and sway to succeed where Destro failed by inciting another “Meta Liberation War.”
Rikiya’s ultimate goal is to erase Destro’s earlier defeat from history and establish the dominance of the Meta Army as the premier villain force that dictates Japan’s future. However, one threat stands in his way: the risingprominence of Tomura Shigarakiand the League of Villains.
The Meta Army Strikes
During the Meta Liberation Army Arc led by Re-Destro, the MLA deduces that the increasinglyinfamous League of Villainsunder Tomura Shigaraki’s leadership has become a threat to fulfilling Destro’s vision of a society without restrictions on Quirk usage. This goes against Re-Destro’s goal of cementing the MLA as the dominant force fighting for liberation.
In a cunning plan, Re-Destro has the MLA abduct Giran, the League’s broker, and sends the League a declaration of war. Re-Destro seeks to eliminate the League’s threat before they can challenge the MLA’s message. What follows is a climactic power struggle in Deika City, where control of the criminal underground is at stake.
The arc reveals more about the MLA’s philosophy and organization. Led by competent officers like Re-Destro, Skeptic, Trumpet, and the late Curious, the MLA has wealth, followers, and loyalty to Destro’s ideology of unrestricted quirk use. They view hero laws as oppression and will eliminate any group standing in the way of metahuman freedom. This places them in conflict with heroes and villains like the League, challenging the status quo. Through Detnerat’s resources and holding Deika City, the MLA wields technological advantages, adding to their formidable strength.
Tomura Shigaraki Faces His Greatest Challenge
For Tomura Shigaraki, the war with the MLA provides the opportunity to prove himself as a villain worthy ofbeing All For One’strue heir. Under immense pressure from both the MLA and his frustrated subordinates within the League, Shigaraki must find a way to defeat the mighty Gigantomachia, All For One’s trump card that was left in the care of Dr. Garaki.
After over a month of continuous battles, Shigaraki slowly gains an understandingof his decay quirkand manages to poison Gigantomachia through physical contact. This displays Shigaraki’s growth and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his ambitions of a villain utopia. His victory over the massive beast satisfies both the League and Dr. Garaki, cementing Shigaraki’s role as the new symbol of villainy and as All For One’s successor.
Within the climactic confrontation between Shigaraki and Commander Re-Destro that sees the MLA’s headquarters destroyed, the story also reveals hints about Shigaraki and Re-Destro’s shared pasts. Ultimately, the two rival factions realize they have more to gain through an alliance than by fighting each other. This partnership opens new possibilities for Shigaraki and the League of Villains to spread chaos across the hero-ruled world.
Legacy of the Meta Liberation Army
Despite their activities remaining covert for many years, the MLA left an indelible mark on the plot during their brief spotlight in the Meta Liberation Army Arc. Through their extremist stances and capabilities, the MLA forces Shigaraki to prove his mettle as the new archenemy of heroes while granting him new resources.
Most importantly, it establishes the foundation for an enhanced League of Villains thanks to their collaboration with the remnants of the MLA. Looking ahead, the combined might of these factions will continue challenging heroes and pushing society toward potential new conflicts down the line. Overall, the Meta Liberation Army plays a pivotal role in the Rise of Villains saga andshapes Tomura Shigaraki’s destinyas the successor to All For One’s sinister legacy.
