During the World Heroes’ Mission movie, Rody Soul goes on an incredible journey that sees him start off as a cynical and self-preserving character who takes on whatever jobs he can find to help support his family. In the end, Rody begins to understand the complexities of being a hero thanks to his time spent with Midoriya.
In a heart-to-heart conversation, Rody confides in Midoriya that he thinks heroes just want to make money under the pretense of saving people. Luckily, Deku proved to Rody that not all heroes are like this, and Rody has a turning point where he begins to open up and reveal more about himself.
By the end of World Heroes’ Mission, Rody’s incredible character growth sees him fighting side by side with Midoriya as they confront the corrupt Humarise head on. Rody eventually gains the courage to help the Heroes defeat the cult after learning they were responsible for his father’s death — and Rody even risks his own life to help the Heroes save the world.
My Hero Academia is a high-stakes and high-paced anime, where the cast of Heroes goes up against evil villains in an effort to save the day and keep the world safe. At times, this can feel pretty black-and-white, with characters feeling entirely good or entirely evil. Rody Soul’s past, filled with questionable deeds, keeps him from being wholly good — but as he journeys with Midoriya and lets his guard down, he proves to be a hero nonetheless.
Rody’s journey to more traditional heroism is a much more realistic take than My Hero Academia usually offers. It also highlights an important part of being a hero in the real world — Rody doesn’t wear a flashy costume or take on a superhero title, but in the end, he chooses to do what is right, and that is what matters most of all.
Fans of My Hero Academia admire Rody’s true sense of heroism, even if it doesn’t conform to the mold that most heroes in the franchise tend to occupy. His final actions during World Heroes’ Mission ultimately align with the true essence of being a hero, even if it doesn’t make him a celebrated one whose name is celebrated in the news.