The Symbolism of Shigaraki's Multiple Hands in My Hero Academia

In the My Hero Academia series, Tomura Shigaraki's distinctive multiple hands are a complex and multifaceted aspect of his character design and backstory. Each hand symbolizes a different aspect of his story, reflecting his traumatic past, his transformation from a victim to a powerful villain, and the very nature of his quirk. This article delves deeper into the reasons behind this iconic feature, providing insights into Shigaraki's character development and his role within the series.

Symptom of Trauma

Shigaraki's hands are a visual representation of his difficult childhood. Growing up in an abusive environment, each hand worn by Shigaraki symbolizes the pain and neglect he experienced. His earliest painful memories are tied to his father, a significant source of his suffering. This aspect of his design highlights the physical manifestation of his psychological trauma, making his character more relatable and human in the eyes of the audience. In the latest season, the series delves deeper into Shigaraki's backstory, revealing the origins of his traumatic past and the hands that serve as a constant reminder of his troubled past.

Quirk Amplification

Shigaraki's quirk, known as 'Decaying,' amplifies the significance of these hands. The manifestation of his quirk was delayed, leading to a cycle of misfortune and tragedy. His abusive father, a strict figure in his life, caused Shigaraki to form a deep, burning hatred toward him. When Decaying finally manifested, Shigaraki used it to devastatingly kill his dog and sister. Initially, his mother rushed to him, but it seems she might have already known of his quirk's existence and was perhaps relieved at the manifestation. However, her noble act was ultimately fated to result in her untimely death alongside Shigaraki's other family members. This sequence of tragic events serves as a turning point, marking Shigaraki's descent into a malevolent force, and propelling him into a life of villainy, driven by his hatred and trauma.

This moment of loss and pain intensified his resolve, now transforming him from a victim into a harbinger of a new, unhinged world. The hands symbolize his transformation from victim to villain, reflecting his readiness to embrace his terrible quirk and the strength of his connection to his family, even in death.

Aesthetic and Narrative Choice

From a narrative and artistic perspective, Shigaraki's hands contribute to his eerie and unsettling appearance, reinforcing his role as a formidable antagonist. The hands adorned on his body, particularly the grim reminder of his father's hand on his face, serve as a heart-wrenching testament to his past and the source of his ongoing hatred. Despite the horror and despair they evoke, these hands also add a layer of complexity to his character, making him more intriguing and memorable.

As the story progresses, Shigaraki is adopted by All For One, who presents him with the hands of his family members as a form of containment for his anger and hatred. This act serves a dual purpose: to prevent his anger from festering and to give Shigaraki a new identity, freeing him from his previous familial bonds. While this presents Shigaraki with a new purpose in life, the hands remain a stark reminder of his tragic past.

In conclusion, Shigaraki's multiple hands are not merely aesthetic choices but profound symbols of his trauma, the nature of his quirk, and his personal transformation. They encapsulate his journey from a troubled child to a notorious villain, making him a pivotal and complex character in the My Hero Academia series.