• Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of the popular anime/manga series "My Hero Academia," has revealed that the Marvel superhero Iron Man played a significant role in influencing the development of his own series. Horikoshi has long been a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has cited Iron Man, specifically Tony Stark's character, as a major inspiration for the way he approached the creation of "My Hero Academia."

• The article highlights how Horikoshi was drawn to the idea of a hero who uses advanced technology and gadgets, similar to how Iron Man operates. This technological aspect is reflected in "My Hero Academia" through characters like Mei Hatsume, who creates various support items and equipment for the students at U.A. High School. Horikoshi wanted to capture a similar sense of innovation and problem-solving that is central to Iron Man's heroic persona.

• Furthermore, the article notes that Horikoshi was inspired by the way Iron Man's character arc evolves over the course of the Marvel films, with Tony Stark grappling with personal struggles and the responsibilities that come with being a superhero. This narrative approach has been echoed in "My Hero Academia," where the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, must navigate the challenges of wielding a powerful Quirk (superpower) while also dealing with the emotional and ethical complexities of being a hero.