Hawks Almost Never Existed in My Hero Academia in March 2026
Did you know that Hawks, one of My Hero Academia’s most popular pro heroes, almost never existed? Kohei Horikoshi created Hawks specifically as a plot device for the Pro Hero arc, introducing him in the 15th story arc when the series needed a bridge character to advance the narrative after the My Villain Academia arc. This near-miss would have dramatically impacted the entire anime gaming landscape as we know it today.
In my years of playing MHA mobile games and following the franchise’s evolution, I’ve watched Hawks transform from a late addition to an absolute fan favorite – and honestly, I can’t imagine the gaming landscape without him. When I first pulled Hawks in MHA The Strongest Hero, I immediately understood why this character resonated so deeply with players worldwide.
| Hawks Impact Category | Gaming Significance | What We’d Miss |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Game Meta | Top-tier unit in most MHA games | Speed-based gameplay mechanics |
| Character Popularity | Consistently high gacha pull rates | Major revenue driver for games |
| Unique Abilities | Feather control mechanics | Innovative gameplay systems |
The Creation Story That Almost Wasn’t
When I dive into the backstory of Hawks’ creation, it’s fascinating how close we came to never having this character. Horikoshi originally didn’t plan Hawks from the beginning – he was created specifically to fulfill a narrative need as a double agent who could bridge the gap between heroes and villains. The author needed someone who could infiltrate the Paranormal Liberation Front while maintaining credibility with both sides.
What’s even more interesting is that Hawks’ design actually has roots in Horikoshi’s earlier work. Before My Hero Academia, Horikoshi created a manga called Oumagadoki Zoo, and if you look closely at the character designs, you can see early concepts that would eventually evolve into Hawks. I’ve spent hours comparing the character models in games, and the evolution is remarkable when you study character development in MHA.
The inspiration for Hawks’ backstory reportedly came from an unlikely source – soccer player Lionel Messi. Horikoshi was fascinated by stories of young talents being scouted and trained from childhood, which directly influenced Hawks’ backstory of being recruited by the Hero Public Safety Commission as a child. This depth of character development is exactly what makes Hawks such a compelling unit in gaming adaptations.
Hawks in My Hero Academia Gaming – A Meta-Defining Force
Let me share my experience with Hawks across different MHA games, because his impact on the gaming meta cannot be overstated. In MHA The Strongest Hero, Hawks completely changed the PvP landscape when he was released. I remember saving up hero coins for months waiting for his banner, and when I finally got him, my win rate in Arena mode jumped by nearly 30%.
His kit in most games revolves around three core mechanics that directly translate from the anime:
Speed and Mobility
Hawks consistently has the highest base speed stats in MHA games. In My Hero Ultra Impact, his “Fierce Wings: Maximum Speed” ability lets him attack multiple times before enemies can respond. I’ve used this to cheese through content that was supposedly above my power level – his speed breaks the normal combat flow in ways that make him invaluable for both new and veteran players, similar to how top-tier characters dominate other mobile games.
Feather Control Mechanics
The way game developers have translated Hawks’ feather control into gameplay mechanics is brilliant. Each game handles it differently, but the core concept remains: resource management. In MHA The Strongest Hero, you manage individual feathers as a resource, deciding whether to use them for offense, defense, or mobility. This creates a skill ceiling that I’m still trying to master after hundreds of hours of gameplay, much like mastering characters in other complex mobile RPGs.
Intelligence Gathering Abilities
Some games have even incorporated Hawks’ spy abilities into gameplay. MHA Ultra Rumble includes a unique mechanic where Hawks players can scout enemy positions using feathers, adding a tactical layer that wouldn’t exist without this character. When I play Hawks in team modes, I become the information broker for my squad – a role that perfectly mirrors his anime counterpart and creates unique strategic gameplay opportunities.
What The Gaming World Would’ve Lost Without Hawks?
Imagine if Horikoshi had stuck to his original plans and never created Hawks. The ripple effects on MHA gaming would be massive. Based on my experience with the MHA tier list rankings, removing Hawks would fundamentally alter the meta in every single MHA game currently available.
First, we’d lose one of the most mechanically interesting characters to play. While characters like Deku and Bakugo offer straightforward power fantasy gameplay, Hawks introduces complexity that keeps players engaged long-term. I’ve mained Hawks in multiple games specifically because his playstyle never gets boring – there’s always a new technique to master or a more efficient feather management strategy to discover.
Second, the narrative content in story modes would suffer tremendously. Hawks’ double agent arc provides some of the most compelling story missions in MHA games. The moral complexity of his choices, especially regarding Twice, creates emotional moments that elevate these games beyond simple fighting game mechanics. When I played through the Paranormal Liberation War arc in MHA Ultra Impact, Hawks’ missions were the ones that actually made me pause and think about the choices being presented.
Third, the economic impact on gacha games would be significant. Hawks banners consistently perform well in terms of revenue generation. Players save specifically for Hawks, and his limited-time costumes and variants drive engagement spikes. I’ve personally spent more on Hawks-related content than any other character, and I know I’m not alone in this trend seen across popular gacha games.
The Technical Innovation Hawks Brought to Gaming
From a game design perspective, Hawks forced developers to innovate. Traditional fighting game mechanics couldn’t properly represent his abilities, leading to new systems being created specifically for him. I’ve watched as each new MHA game tries to one-up the previous in terms of how they handle Hawks’ unique quirk.
In My Hero One’s Justice 2, Hawks introduced the first truly three-dimensional combat in the series. While other characters fought primarily on a 2D plane with some vertical movement, Hawks’ gameplay takes full advantage of the 3D space. Learning to master his aerial combat opened up entirely new strategies that I still use with other characters who have limited flight abilities.
The feather system also pioneered resource management mechanics that have been adopted by other characters. After Hawks’ successful implementation, we’ve seen similar systems applied to characters like Tokoyami (managing Dark Shadow’s strength) and Best Jeanist (thread management). Hawks essentially became the template for complex character design in MHA games.
Community Reception and Competitive Impact
The community reception to Hawks in gaming has been overwhelmingly positive, but not without controversy. In competitive scenes, Hawks often sits at the center of balance discussions. I’ve participated in numerous tournaments where Hawks was either banned or had specific restrictions placed on him due to his dominant performance.
What’s fascinating is how different games handle Hawks’ balance. MHA The Strongest Hero initially released Hawks in an overpowered state, leading to what the community called “Hawks Meta” – a three-month period where not having Hawks meant you couldn’t compete at high levels. I lived through this era, and while it was frustrating facing Hawks in every match, it also demonstrated just how impactful this one character had become.
The developers eventually balanced him, but even in his adjusted state, Hawks remains a top pick. This speaks to the fundamental appeal of his kit – it’s not just about raw power, but about offering a unique playstyle that rewards skill and game knowledge.
Hawks in Future MHA Games
Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited about Hawks’ potential in upcoming MHA games. With the manga concluded and his full character arc complete, developers now have his entire story to work with. The recently announced MHA gaming projects for March 2026 are likely to feature Hawks prominently, especially given his popularity in player polls.
I predict we’ll see even more innovative interpretations of his abilities. Virtual reality MHA games could let players experience Hawks’ flight firsthand, while strategy games might explore his intelligence-gathering role more deeply. The foundation that Hawks provides for creative gameplay mechanics ensures he’ll remain relevant in MHA gaming for years to come.
The Broader Impact on Anime Gaming
Hawks’ success in MHA games has influenced how anime games in general approach character adaptation. His complex kit proved that mobile and console games could handle intricate anime abilities without simplifying them to the point of losing their essence.
I’ve noticed other anime games taking cues from Hawks’ implementation. Games like Dragon Ball Legends and One Piece Bounty Rush have introduced characters with similar resource management mechanics, clearly inspired by the success of Hawks’ feather system. In this way, a character who almost never existed has shaped the entire anime gaming landscape.
Personal Reflections on Hawks’ Gaming Legacy
After thousands of hours playing Hawks across different MHA games, I can confidently say he’s revolutionized how I approach gaming. His high skill ceiling taught me the importance of resource management, positioning, and tactical thinking. Skills I developed playing Hawks have transferred to other games and characters, making me a better player overall.
What strikes me most is how a character created as an afterthought became so essential. Every time I boot up an MHA game and see Hawks on the character select screen, I’m reminded that sometimes the best additions come from necessity rather than planning. Horikoshi may not have initially envisioned Hawks, but his creation filled a void we didn’t know existed – both in the narrative and in gaming.
The fact that Hawks ranks so highly in hero agency tier lists and consistently appears in S-tier rankings across multiple games speaks to his enduring appeal. He’s not just a character; he’s become a pillar of the MHA gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t Hawks planned from the beginning of My Hero Academia?
Kohei Horikoshi created Hawks specifically for the Pro Hero arc as a narrative bridge character. He needed someone who could work as a double agent between heroes and villains, and Hawks was designed to fulfill this specific role. The character wasn’t part of the original story outline but was added when Horikoshi recognized the need for this type of character in the 15th story arc.
What makes Hawks so popular in MHA mobile games?
Hawks dominates MHA mobile games due to his unique mechanics and high skill ceiling. His Fierce Wings quirk translates into innovative gameplay featuring speed advantages, resource management through feather control, and versatile combat options. In my experience, Hawks offers the most engaging gameplay loop, rewarding both casual players with easy-to-learn basics and competitive players with complex optimization strategies.
How would MHA games be different without Hawks?
Without Hawks, MHA games would lose their most mechanically complex character and innovative gameplay systems. The meta would shift dramatically toward power-based characters like Deku and Bakugo, removing the tactical depth Hawks brings. Story modes would lack the compelling double agent narrative, and gacha games would miss one of their biggest revenue drivers during Hawks banner events.
Is Hawks overpowered in MHA gaming?
Hawks has historically been a balance challenge in MHA games. Initially overpowered in several titles, he’s undergone multiple adjustments. Currently, he sits in high tiers due to his skill-based kit rather than raw stats. In competitive play, skilled Hawks players can dominate, but he requires significant practice to master – making him strong but not necessarily overpowered in March 2026.
What inspired Hawks’ character design and backstory?
Hawks’ design evolved from Horikoshi’s earlier manga Oumagadoki Zoo, while his backstory drew inspiration from soccer player Lionel Messi’s youth recruitment story. The Hero Public Safety Commission recruiting Hawks as a child mirrors real-world sports academies scouting young talents. This depth of inspiration contributes to Hawks feeling like a fully realized character despite being a later addition to the series.