Shuichi Iguchi, also known as Spinner,[2] is a recurring Villain affiliated with the League of Villains, was part of the Vanguard Action Squad,[3] and later became one of the nine lieutenants of the Paranormal Liberation Front.[4]
He and the rest of his team serve as the main antagonists of the Forest Training Camp Arc, Paranormal Liberation War Arc, and Final War Arc.
After the Final War he became an author, writing a book on Tomura Shigaraki and the League of Villains, to ensure their legacy is never forgotten by the Heroes. Additionally, along with Mr. Compress, he is one of the two surviving members of the League of Villains.
Appearance#
Shuichi is a young man with a reptile-like appearance, with bright green scales for skin and a face shaped like that of a lizard. His eyes are pink (red in the anime), and his hair is relatively long and swept backward, being a desaturated pinkish-purple in color, standing out from the rest of his colors.[5]
In reflection of his great admiration towards Stain, Spinner wears clothes similar to his: a sleeveless shirt and dark, baggy pants with brown holsters around his thighs, black boots and pale, metallic knee guards. He wears a mask made of a long, white tattered strip of cloth, similar to Stain, with goggles on his forehead, a red scarf and bandages wrapped around both his arms, partially covered by black wristbands. He also wears two belts, with one that carry a second blade, a blue and white polka chest armor, and also carried an enormous sword on his back that was made out of many smaller blades bound together, until it was destroyed[6], in which later, he carries a large, yet reasonably sized sword instead.
During the Final War, after receiving the Body Bulk Quirk from All For One, Spinner becomes several stories tall, with an incredibly muscular physique, and his green scales turning a darker shade. He also acts and appears much more animalistic. He loses his knee guards and holsters around his thighs and gains a larger version of his old sword, made out of many swords bound together.
After the end of the Final War, Spinner received heavy scars on his face from the top to the bottom of his neck, as he is recovering from his three-Quirk usage. The Body Bulk and Scalemail have shredded most of his scales on his body with more scars.
Outside his Villain costume, he wears a light blue hoodie and a black leather jacket with it.
Personality#
Shuichi has very little respect for Heroes, purposely treading on Pixie-Bob's face, grinning as she lay on the ground beneath his foot, unconscious and bleeding as a result of the joint attack between him and Magne, believing Heroes to be corrupt.[7]
Much like Dabi, Shuichi admires Stain greatly, but differently. In contrast, Dabi loosely follows Stain's ideals, while Spinner is wholly obsessed with Stain's methods to the point where he copies his clothing and weaponry style, aiming to follow the same ideals as him and make his dreams come true.[6] As a result of this, he is much more morally inclined than the rest of the League of Villains, shown when he attacked Magne to protect Izuku Midoriya (whom Stain had labeled as someone worthy of being called a hero) despite his villainy, and questions whether or not the League's actions truly follow his idol's ideals.[8] Due to the discrimination he's faced all his life because of his Mutant Quirk, Spinner is surprised whenever his appearance gets a compliment.[9]
Despite being a villain, Spinner displayed a sense of morality and was shocked upon learning of Tomura Shigaraki's true goal of eradicating society rather than reshaping it to improve it. His dedication to Stain's ideology also has him question some of the League's actions, such as attacking a police convoy to exact revenge on Overhaul.[10] It is revealed, however, that Stain's will has inspired Spinner when he felt hollow and had no purpose, having lived his life as a recluse due to discrimination from his Mutant Quirk.
While fighting Trumpet's forces, Spinner acknowledges that he is weak and follows Tomura's cause as a "bandwagoner" but resolves that he has no issue with either of those things and is willing to aid the League of Villains in their goals no matter what.[11] Following the events in Deika City, Spinner's priorities pivot from blindly following Stain's will to his new loyalty towards Tomura Shigaraki.[12]
Spinner also demonstrates a strong camaraderie towards the League, genuinely considering them friends, even to the point of bonding with Tomura over video games. During the Paranormal Liberation War, he told Himiko Toga, who also admires Stain, to come back to them safely when she was leaving to confront Ochaco Uraraka,[13] and also aided Tomura when the latter was unconscious and gave him his signature hand mask as a way to help wake him up, to help him achieve his dream.[12]
However, once All For One began to take command of the Paranormal Liberation Front and Tomura himself, Spinner once again began to question his actions in the League, intending to follow Tomura and not All For One, despite the latter's claims to support his feelings. Spinner's loyalty to Tomura kept him at his side, guarding his body as he recovered and showing his worry during his transformative process to become "something more".[14][15]
While it may not have been his intention, following the war's aftermath, Spinner would become an icon for other heteromorphs who felt oppressed by society, similar to his idol and motivation, Stain. Becoming a symbol resulted in him developing further pressure and insecurity toward himself, feeling like his actions have exceeded his ideals and not feeling worthy of his role, resigning to do everything for "Tomura's sake".[16] It even reached the point that he willingly allowed himself to receive more power from All For One to fight in the Final War due to feeling so far behind his fellow members in the League.[17]
By the time he became the leader of the heteromorph movement, his words would spur on over 15,000 people consisting of villains and primarily average civilians. However, Spinner's increasingly deteriorating mental state due to having multiple Quirks in his body made him unstable and unable to lead the crowd correctly, who were eventually swayed away against him upon witnessing the needless destruction he caused. While Spinner temporarily felt joy that he had finally become "someone" with so many people following behind him, once they were all gone, he returned to his original resolve: to do anything to help Tomura.
Upon being visited by Izuku following the Final War, Spinner expresses bitterness towards the young man and labels him as a murderer for causing Tomura's death. After Izuku passes on Tomura's message to him, Spinner breaks down emotionally and temporarily reverts back into his hostile state, saying that Tomura was his hope for when he gave up on everything, his hero, but most of all, his very first friend.
After calming himself down, Spinner expresses remorse that he couldn't do anything to save Tomura, but is assured by Izuku that Tomura still cared about him and the rest of the League. Spinner decides that he will write a book detailing his and the League's story so they won't be forgotten. Realizing that the Heroes will keep fighting, he also tells Izuku to encourage Mezo Shoji to give life all he has.[18]
Abilities#
Overall Abilities: Spinner has shown to be a somewhat capable villain in close-quarters combat, primarily using his weapon arsenal against his opponents. During the Vanguard Action Squad Invasion, he was able to fight on equal ground with Mandalay for several minutes, rarely taking hits, and nearly landing a direct attack on the Pro Hero, had it not been for the timely arrival of Izuku, who destroyed Spinner's giant sword. Spinner halted his bout with Mandalay because he deliberately prevented Magne from chasing Izuku (knowing Stain acknowledged Izuku as a true hero), resulting in the villain pair arguing. This infighting gave Mandalay the opening to knock Spinner to the ground with a single kick, defeating the scaled villain.
Once the Revival Celebration was underway, Spinner was able to fend off a handful of Meta Liberation Army members to clear a path for Tomura Shigaraki to venture to the tower housing Re-Destro. Spinner still stood his ground as Trumpet, one of the M.L.A's leaders, arrived on the battlefield to use his subordinate-enhancing Quirk, Incite, to strengthen the Liberation Army soldiers that were present. He was eventually overwhelmed by some of the augmented adversaries but was able to escape due to Tomura's Awakening destroying Deika City. After the Revival Celebration, Spinner became a lieutenant of the now-unified Paranormal Liberation Front.
In preparation for the Final War, All For One granted Spinner two more Quirks: Body Bulk and Scalemail, making the villain even more dangerous and, eventually, mentally impaired due to the bestowal process. Once the war itself began, a giant-sized Spinner was confronted by Tentacole before activating Scalemail to overpower the multiarmed hero. This instance was brief as Tentacole was soon able to equal Spinner's heightened strength, forcing the villain to make his way to Central Hospital.
- Enhanced Strength: Spinner has an above-average amount of physical strength, as he could easily lift his makeshift sword, which was the same size as him, was comprised of an extensive array of bladed weapons. When he received the Body Bulk Quirk, Spinner's strength increased to where he effortlessly cut through a staircase with one sword swipe. When he used his Scalemail Quirk, his brawn was further augmented to the point where he punctured the side of a building just by pressing with his hands while climbing and could demolish the front of the hospital.
- Enhanced Durability: Spinner, after getting his new Body Bulk Quirk, gained a considerable increase in his durability, being able to withstand a series of punches from Mezo's Octoblow, taking minor damage. When he used his Scalemail Quirk, his durability increased to the point where he could withstand Mezo's Octospansion and easily break concrete.
- Enhanced Leap: After acquiring the Body Bulk Quirk, Spinner gained heightened leg strength, enabling him to jump at the height of a building and leap great distances.
- Enhanced Agility: Spinner has shown to be very agile in combat, managing to keep up with and dodge the attacks of several members of the Meta Liberation Army while being tired by Gigantomachia's intense pursuit.
Tactical Intellect: Spinner showcases observative and tactical skills. During the Revival Celebration, Spinner took notice of Tomura's Decay Quirk improving to where it can cause a chain reaction of disintegration, spreading beyond what Tomura initially touched. Later, he pointed out that if the League of Villains had yet to enter Deika City, somebody could have called many Pro Heroes to apprehend them. When faced with Trumpet and his army of followers, Spinner took a haphazard gambit in clearing a path for Tomura and realized that the present M.L.A members would go into a frenzy if their leader, Trumpet, were defeated. He then stated that it is ludicrous for support-type individuals such as Trumpet to be on the front lines of battle.
Towards the climax of the Paranormal Liberation War, Spinner, who was restrained by Best Jeanist, recalled how Gigantomachia was panting upon arriving at Tomura's location and finally realized that Gigantomachia can't use his full might in battle due to always awaiting instructions from his master. This realization compelled Spinner to desperately wake an unconscious Tomura so the latter could relay orders to Gigantomachia, which proved successful.[12] Spinner also engaged in tactical discussion with All For One following the war. All For One noted that Spinner's history of discrimination and the difficult life he's led has already begun to garner support from those hidden in the shadows, who have lives similar to his own, making him an ideal face for the growing movement.[14]
Skilled Driver: Spinner taught himself to drive by playing video games. Despite Dabi complaining about his skills, he could pull off a tricky maneuver without losing control.
Side-effect treatment: Following his capture, Spinner received experimental medical treatment that counteracted the mental decay caused by his multiple Quirks, which allowed him to function properly without adverse affects from the strain on his mind.[19]
Quirks#
Gecko: Spinner's original Quirk gives him a lizard-like appearance and abilities. He can stick to walls like a gecko, but cannot do much else.[11]
Body Bulk: Spinner's second Quirk allows him to bulk up his entire body, increasing both his size and strength. He received this Quirk from All For One in preparation for the final war against hero society.[17] However, since receiving Body Bulk, he has started to grow more mentally unstable due to the stress of possessing multiple Quirks.[20]
Scalemail: Spinner's third Quirk allows him to cover himself with blade-like scales, granting him increased strength and defense. All For One gave Shuichi this Quirk along with Body Bulk for good measure. However, Scalemail causes Shuichi to bleed as he uses the Quirk, as well as intensifying the mental strain he is enduring.[21]
Stats#
Equipment#
Super Knife Knife Sword:[1] Spinner originally wielded a bizarre-looking sword, which is made of several knives, daggers, kukris, hatchets, and many other blades. They appear to be held together by chains and belts. The sword is about the same size as Spinner himself, yet he seems to very proficient at using it with great speed. Spinner commonly carries it around on his back, wrapped in cloth as to not injure himself. This sword, however, was completely destroyed by Izuku before it could do any major damage. He later acquires a bigger version of this sword to accommodate for his larger size granted by his Body Bulk Quirk.[17]
Unnamed Sword: Following the destruction of his former sword, Spinner replaced it with an unnamed blade that resembles a katana.[22]
Battles & Events#
Forest Training Camp Arc Vanguard Action Squad Invasion Tiger & Mandalay vs. Magne & Spinner Hideout Raid Arc Kamino Incident Hideout Raid Team vs. League of Villains Katsuki Bakugo vs. League of Villains Meta Liberation Army Arc League of Villains vs. CRC League of Villains vs. Gigantomachia Revival Celebration Spinner vs. Trumpet My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising Pro Heroes vs. Twice's Doubles Paranormal Liberation War Arc Paranormal Liberation War Gunga Mountain Villa Raid Villa Raid Team & Trainees vs. Paranormal Liberation Front Jaku Hospital Raid Best Jeanist & U.A. Students vs. Paranormal Liberation Front Final War Arc Final War Central Hospital Team vs. Paranormal Liberation Front
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Anime Appearances#
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Trivia#
- Shuichi's given name contains kanji for "excellent, outstanding" and "one". His surname contains kanji for that one" and "mouth, opening".
- Shuichi's family name comes from the Japanese word for "iguana."
- His design may be in reference to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in which the main four characters are reptilian anthropomorphic ninja with a similar design to Shuichi.
- According to Shuichi's Volume 24 profile:
- He likes video games.
- While Spinner's entire family have reptilian Quirks, his Gecko is a particularly weak one.
- When Spinner first appeared, Kohei Horikoshi gave the villain his large makeshift sword to create a "big body figure", but since one of his assistants complained that it was too time-consuming to draw the weapon, he just decided to let Izuku break it apart.
- Later in the Final War once Spinner gets the Body Bulk Quirk to give him a "big body figure", he would use a new version of that makeshift sword.
- Shuichi is the only lieutenant of the Paranormal Liberation Front to have a mutant Quirk, as well as the only one who is a C-rank villain.
- According to Shuichi's Ultra Analysis profile:
- While he originally joined the League due to Stain's influence, he ended up sympathizing with Tomura's motivations.
- As the League of Villains continued to push to new extremes, Spinner was bewildered by their resolve to destroy the world, a movement there's no coming back from.
- His personality is described as a "Stain zealot".
- Shuichi shares his birthday with Enji Todoroki and Taishiro Toyomitsu.
- Shuichi learned how to drive by playing Grand Theft Auto.[23]
- Shuichi's English voice actor, Larry Brantley, also voices Crust.
Quotes#
- (To Magne) "Holding power over someone's life is everything! Or don't you believe in following Stain's tenets?!"[6]
- (To Mandalay) "Dammit... · Stain will be revived...! Got that?! His will lives on here! Thanks to me · I'm gonna purge you corrupt heroes and that four-eyes kid."[24]
- (To Trumpet) "I've got nothing to love, like Toga does. Nothing I really wanna do. But back then, I just know… Something lit a fire in my heart. All I could think was how I wanted a glimpse of the future he was imagining! Sure… I'm just a nobody who jumped on a bandwagon but what's wrong with that!? Nothing, right!? And you people ain't much better · ! Ain't that right, politician?"[25]
- (To Himiko Toga) "Toga, I know we're just a gang of strays who happened to find each other... but you're not the only one feeling messed up over Twice. The League was the only place he felt he could belong, and the boss probably wants us to stick together. I know that doing as we please is the villain way... but you'd better come back to us."[26]
- (About Dabi) "He always had everything. A reason to live on. A goal. Power too. Things I lacked. Everything."[27]