Tumblr's end of year 'Fandometrics' always offer interesting insights into fandom culture, and 2020's Year in Review lists are no different. In the Anime/Manga Characters popularity ranking, for instance, it came as no surprise to see several names from My Hero Academia in the Top 10. But the name sitting just outside of it, at number 11, might be a real curveball to some: Present Mic. A quick search of his character Tag on the site reveals some clues into why Tumblr users have been particularly drawn to the underrated character lately. It's all to do with his relationship with Shota Aizawa, aka Eraser Head.
My Hero Academia is packed with colorful, fun characters with unique personalities and worldviews, and for the fans, this opens up possibilities for ships of all kinds. Izuku pairing up with Ochaco is a big one, but why stop there? Aizawa's old classmate Present Mic may be the perfect companion to brighten his life and clearly, the fandom seems to agree.
They say that opposites attract, especially in the realm of fiction, where two very different characters can play off each other for drama, humor, romance, tragedy, and more. Aizawa is the relatable "tired" hero who just wants to be alone with his cats, but then a ray of sunshine named Present Mic came along. It practically writes itself.
Present Mic & Eraser Head's Heroic Chemistry
Shota Aizawa was introduced early on in the series as the grumpy but well-meaning instructor to class 1-A's students. Some might see him as a gruff father figure since deep down, he cares deeply about his 20 students and is longing to see them realize their potential (not terribly different from a classic tsundere character). But in his personal life, poor Aizawa seems a bit lonely. He gets along with the other staff at U.A., but he seems to have no solid friendships, and certainly no romantic partner to speak of. Ms. Joke makes all kinds of teasing overtures to him, but Aizawa seems to sees her as a fellow teacher from another school or a professional ally and nothing else. His personal life is a bit empty, and that is where Present Mic comes in.
Aizawa's cool maturity plays off well against Present Mic's flamboyant, energetic personality. Aizawa lets his actions do the talking; Present Mic lets his, well, talking do the talking. He loves hosting radio shows and commentating on school events, and the more attention he gets, and the more excited the crowd becomes, the better. Present Mic is the kind to nose right in on a friend and ask "watcha doin'?" or "hey, you okay?" without being prompted. He fits into Aizawa's life like a puzzle piece, and that's what makes the ship so popular among fans on Tumblr.
Present Mic & Eraser Head Go Way Back Together
Aizawa and Present Mic were once classmates at U.A. during their student years, and even then, they played off each other well, such as Present Mic generously granting Aizawa his whimsical hero name (Eraser Head) and Aizawa cooly and quietly accepting it without question or complaint. Aizawa clearly respects Present Mic and appreciates him, but no way would Aizawa jump up and down and say "thank you so much!" like Present Mic would if the roles were reversed. Aizawa is the reserved half of the friendship, keeping it grounded, while Present Mic is the adventurous half that moves the friendship forward.
Suppose they became something a little more, though, as some fans want them to? Other creative pairings have already been made, such as Ochaco with Katsuki Bakugo. It's open season out there. Present Mic and Aizawa have mutual respect and understanding, and they visually and personally complement each other snugly. Present Mic can add a little color and adventure to Aizawa's life and take him on adventures in their daily life together, and Aizawa can be the cool, mature one who provides a solid, reliable foundation to keep things in perspective.
That's what helps solidify their chemistry, and in the fan art, such as seen here, Present Mic takes Aizawa on all kinds of whimsical adventures, from a matsuri summer fair to Aizawa relaxing at home and Present Mic fondly watching him, taking a breather from the day's excitement. Even if you don't see a romantic undercurrent between them, they make a great pair, all the same.
