The Birth of the Superhuman Age
Historical Period: Approximately 150–200 Years Before the Present
First Recorded Quirk: Luminescence — Qing Qing City, China
Modern Quirk Population: Approximately 80%
First Hero Licensing System: Rhode Island, United States
Current Era: The Age of Heroes
The emergence of Quirks forever changed human civilization. What began as isolated reports of extraordinary abilities eventually transformed the world, reshaping governments, cultures, laws, and society itself.
For generations, humanity struggled with discrimination, violence, and instability as superhuman powers became increasingly common.
From this chaos emerged professional heroes, individuals officially authorized to use their abilities to protect society.
However, beneath the peaceful appearance of modern hero society remain the consequences of its violent beginnings.
The earliest widely recognized Quirk manifestation occurred in Qing Qing City, China, when an infant was born emitting a brilliant light.
Known as the Luminescent Baby, this child became the first officially documented Quirk user.
Soon afterward, extraordinary abilities began appearing worldwide.
Some individuals developed elemental powers, enhanced physical capabilities, or permanent mutations.
Initially called Meta Abilities, these powers eventually became known as Quirks.
Over successive generations, Quirks spread throughout humanity, eventually appearing in approximately 80% of the population.
The sudden emergence of Quirks destabilized governments worldwide.
Existing laws could not adequately address individuals capable of extraordinary destruction.
Fear and discrimination spread as Quirk users faced persecution, while criminals exploited their abilities to threaten ordinary citizens.
Police struggled to contain superpowered criminals, and public order deteriorated.
During this period, a powerful criminal known as All For One established an enormous underground empire using his ability to steal and distribute Quirks.
His influence spread across Japan, allowing him to control criminals and manipulate society from the shadows.
Before professional heroes existed, ordinary citizens began using their abilities to protect their communities.
These individuals became known as Vigilantes.
Some were genuinely heroic, rescuing civilians and fighting criminals without compensation.
Others acted recklessly or pursued personal revenge.
Without official oversight, governments struggled to distinguish responsible protectors from dangerous individuals.
This eventually led to the establishment of professional hero licensing.
The modern professional hero system originated in Rhode Island, United States.
New legislation established official recognition for individuals using Quirks to fight crime.
Of 189 vigilantes considered under the early system, only seven received official recognition as heroes.
This established the distinction between licensed Pro Heroes and unauthorized vigilantes.
Other countries gradually adopted similar systems.
Heroism became a recognized profession, with government regulations, specialized training, and legal authority.
The modern Age of Heroes had begun.
As civilization stabilized, governments established laws regulating Quirk usage.
Professional heroes received licenses authorizing them to use their abilities during criminal apprehension, emergencies, and rescue operations.
Police continued handling investigations and criminal enforcement.
Specialized educational institutions emerged, including Japan's prestigious U.A. High School.
Hero agencies, sponsorships, and professional rankings became central features of modern society.
In Japan, the Hero Public Safety Commission oversees important aspects of hero licensing and professional regulation.
However, this system also created controversy.
Some heroes pursued fame and wealth rather than genuine heroism, while others questioned the restrictions placed upon ordinary Quirk users.
Quirks are commonly divided into three categories.
Emitter: Abilities that generate or manipulate substances, energy, or external effects.
Transformation: Abilities that temporarily alter the user's physical characteristics.
Mutant: Abilities that permanently modify the user's physical appearance or physiology.
Public Quirk usage is regulated, particularly when it endangers others.
Unauthorized vigilantism, illegal Quirk-based fighting, and dangerous experimentation can result in criminal charges.
Despite Quirks becoming commonplace, discrimination remains a major societal problem.
Quirkless individuals may face ridicule, while people possessing unusual mutations sometimes experience prejudice.
Others struggle with dangerous abilities that society considers threatening.
These inequalities have contributed to resentment toward established hero society.
Some movements demand unrestricted Quirk usage, while others argue that government regulation is necessary to protect civilians.
The conflict between personal freedom and public safety remains unresolved.
Professional heroes eventually became international celebrities.
Hero rankings began measuring their achievements, public approval, and contributions to society.
Japan's Hero Billboard Chart established a hierarchy of professional heroes, with the highest-ranked individuals enjoying tremendous influence.
In the United States, Eric Sterling, known as Overdrive, once held the position of America's Number One Hero.
Following his mysterious disappearance, Christopher Skyline, better known as Captain Celebrity, eventually rose to prominence.
However, the increasing commercialization of heroism created concerns about whether popularity had become more important than saving lives.
Modern Japanese hero society was profoundly shaped by All Might.
Possessing extraordinary strength and an unwavering determination to protect others, he became Japan's Number One Pro Hero.
His victories dramatically reduced villain activity, earning him the title Symbol of Peace.
For an entire generation, All Might represented safety and hope.
However, unknown to the public, he suffered devastating injuries during a secret battle against All For One approximately five years before the present.
His declining strength remains concealed to preserve society's faith in its greatest hero.
In the Year 2171, Quirks are an ordinary part of everyday life.
Professional heroes operate worldwide, hero schools train future generations, and Japan enjoys relative peace under All Might's protection.
U.A. High School prepares to welcome a new class of aspiring heroes, including Izuku Midoriya and American recommendation student Jaxon Sterling.
However, dangerous forces remain hidden beneath society's peaceful surface.
All For One survives in secrecy, criminal organizations continue operating, and resentment toward the hero system grows.
The next generation must eventually confront the flaws inherited from those who came before them.
Quirks changed humanity forever.
But possessing extraordinary power has never been what makes someone a hero.
What matters is how that power is used.