Kohei Horikoshi introduced the initial My Hero Academia manga series in 2015, which swiftly received its animated adaptation, rapidly spreading the fame of My Hero Academia.
My Hero Academia has evolved into a beloved superhero anime featuring a lineup of heroes accomplishing remarkable feats with their distinct abilities — or Quirks, as they are denominated. As passionate as fans are about all the students in UA High School’s Class 1-A and the Pro Heroes who instruct them, they are enthusiastic about expressing their affection for Izuku Midoriya at every turn.
Izuku Midoriya, also recognized as Deku, is the primary protagonist in the My Hero Academia manga and animated series. Despite being born without a Quirk, he succeeded in grabbing the notice of the renowned hero All Might, who bequeathed his transmissible Quirk to Izuku.
Not only All Might but one of the most experienced instructors, Gran Torino, plays an important role in Deku’s journey to become the No.1 superhero.
But do you know an interesting fact about the tiny master Gran Torino? He is inspired by a character from Star Wars, as revealed by the mangaka.
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Star Wars Inspires Gran Torino’s Character in My Hero Academia
In an interview conducted by ComicBook, the manga artist of My Hero Academia, Kohei Horikoshi was asked about any character inspiration he adapted from comics.
He revealed that Gran Torino was inspired by a Star Wars character, stating:
Yeah, I literally have a Japanese translated version of a U.S. superhero title in my left hand, and I’m drawing with my right.
So, rather than American comics, it would be Star Wars. Gran Torino in the manga kind of loosely alludes to Yoda. You know, since he’s like this tiny, old man teacher.
Horikoshi explained that he drew inspiration from Yoda for Gran Torino’s character, which is why he made him a short, old-man teacher.
Gran Torino: The Mentor Behind Deku’s Quirk Mastery
Sorahiko Torino, also recognized by his hero alias Gran Torino, is a retired Pro Hero who previously served as a homeroom instructor at U.A. High School and acted as a mentor to both Toshinori Yagi and Izuku Midoriya.
Since the Hideout Raid Arc, he has continued to support the Police Force in their investigations, first concerning the League of Villains and later the Paranormal Liberation Front. Following the Paranormal Liberation War, he has refrained from active hero duties due to sustaining injuries.
Both Torino and All Might take on the roles of educators as well as paternal figures for Izuku Midoriya, as they possess profound knowledge about the true essence of One For All and hold esteemed positions in the hero world. Gran Torino’s role revolves around enhancing Midoriya’s training as he advances further into the realm of professional heroism.
Certainly, Torino played a pivotal part in helping Deku to form the idea of channeling his Quirk throughout his entire body and using it to grant him remarkable bursts of movement speed.
Source: ComicBook
