Kenji Hikiishi—better known by his striking hero name Magne—is a compelling figure in the world of My Hero Academia, both in the anime and manga. As a member of the infamous League of Villains, Magne stands out not just for his unique abilities, but also for the depth of his personal journey. While he fights alongside some of the most dangerous criminals in the series, there’s more to Kenji Hikiishi than meets the eye. His actions are driven by a deep-rooted sense of injustice, shaped by a life marked by societal prejudice.
Magne, as many fans affectionately refer to him, possesses magnetic powers that allow him to control metal with impressive precision. It’s a fitting ability for someone whose very presence seems to pull attention toward him. He also sports a prosthetic arm, which enhances his physical strength and resilience—both useful traits in battle, but also symbolic of his struggle to adapt in a world that often rejects those who are different. And yet, despite his fearsome look and villainous alliance, Magne shows genuine compassion, especially toward the marginalized. This duality makes Kenji Hikiishi such a fascinating character to follow throughout the story.
His backstory, revealed gradually in the manga, sheds light on why Magne chose the path he did. Born into a family of transvestites who faced relentless discrimination, Kenji Hikiishi grew up witnessing the cruelty of a society quick to judge. That pain fueled his desire to dismantle a system he saw as fundamentally broken. Joining the League of Villains wasn’t just about rebellion—it was an attempt to fight back for others like him. However, as time goes on, Magne begins to question the cost of their war. The violence, the destruction—it starts to feel excessive. Slowly, he starts wondering whether the methods of the League truly align with his original intentions.
It’s this internal conflict that adds layers to Magne’s character. He’s not simply a villain; he’s someone trying to find justice in a world that denied it to him. Fans of My Hero Academia are naturally drawn to Kenji Hikiishi because of this complexity. Even when he’s on the opposite side of the heroes, his motivations resonate. There’s a humanity in Magne that challenges viewers to think beyond simple labels of good and evil.
When we look at personality types, Kenji Hikiishi fits the ESFP mold quite well. Known for being energetic, spontaneous, and highly social, ESFPs thrive in dynamic environments—and Magne is no exception. His cheerful, boisterous attitude lights up scenes, even amidst chaos. He easily bonds with others, quickly integrating into groups like the League of Villains, not just for ideology but for camaraderie. Magne lives in the moment, feeding off adrenaline and excitement. Whether he’s charging into battle or cracking a joke mid-fight, he embraces the thrill of the now.
But like many ESFPs, Magne can be impulsive. Remember that time he rushed into Overhaul’s territory without a solid plan? That kind of risk-taking is classic ESFP behavior—passionate, bold, but sometimes lacking foresight. Still, this spontaneity is part of what makes Magne so unpredictable and engaging. He values freedom above all else, and nothing frustrates him more than feeling controlled. That rebellious streak? It’s central to who he is. Kenji Hikiishi wants to live by his own rules, and that desire for autonomy is a key reason he aligned with the League in the first place.
Diving deeper into his psyche, Magne also strongly aligns with Enneagram Type 8—the Challenger. These individuals are defined by their strength, assertiveness, and protective instincts. Magne doesn’t back down from a fight; in fact, he welcomes it. He respects power and isn’t afraid to challenge authority, especially when he sees corruption or hypocrisy. His loyalty to Overhaul and the Eight Precepts of Death might seem surprising given Overhaul’s extremism, but for Magne, it’s about belonging to a group that shares his defiance against a flawed system.
Type 8s are often seen as tough and dominant, and yes, Magne definitely has that gruff exterior. But beneath it lies a deep sense of care for those he considers his own. He may act tough, but his actions reveal a softer side—one that protects, supports, and even empathizes. That emotional contrast is what makes Kenji Hikiishi such a richly developed character.
In the end, Magne from My Hero Academia stands as a testament to how complex characters can be. Whether you call him Kenji Hikiishi or simply Magne, his journey reflects real struggles—identity, acceptance, resistance, and redemption. Through his ESFP energy and Type 8 intensity, Magne emerges not just as a villain, but as a person shaped by pain, passion, and purpose. And honestly, that’s exactly why fans keep coming back to his story.
I'm not interested in working with anyone who isn't interested in winning everything.