Minoru Mineta, hero name Grape Juice, trains in U.A. High's Class 1-A to become a Pro Hero. His short 108 cm stature, large round head, and purple hair resembling grape clusters define his look. His purple bodysuit hero costume features a yellow cape, gloves, boots, and mask; he later adds a stem-like accessory and communication headphones as an adult.
His personality mixes pervasive perversion with surprising intellect. He frequently attempts to peep on female classmates, makes inappropriate comments about their bodies, and engages in non-consensual physical contact, leading to punishments from peers like Tsuyu Asui and Kyoka Jiro, universal female disapproval, and widespread criticism. He often displays cowardice, panicking, crying, or trying to flee danger. Yet he ranks 9th academically in Class 1-A's midterms and develops strategic ingenuity in combat. While his primary motivation for heroism is gaining female popularity, he gradually acknowledges a desire to become genuinely heroic.
His Quirk, Pop Off, lets him generate adhesive purple spheres from his scalp that stick to any surface but himself; they regrow rapidly, though overuse causes scalp bleeding. He applies them to immobilize opponents, create shields (Grape Buckler), form projectile weapons (Mineta Beads), and enable mobility by bouncing (Jumping Mineta). His signature move, Grape Rush, involves hurling spheres while charging. Training enhances the spheres' adhesiveness and his scalp's durability.
Previously attending Kasagiyama Junior High, envy of popular peers fueled his ambition for U.A. Key development occurs across arcs: At U.S.J., initial terror shifts to effective teamwork with Izuku Midoriya and Tsuyu against villains. In the Sports Festival, he advances by latching onto Momo Yaoyorozu during the obstacle race and collaborates with Mezo Shoji and Tsuyu in the cavalry battle. His internship with Mt. Lady devolves into menial labor, souring his view of women. During final exams, he overcomes Midnight by exploiting her sadism, luring her into a trap while masking his mouth against her gas.
He aids class coordination for success in the Provisional Hero License Exam. During the Paranormal Liberation War, he exhibits bravery by begging All For One to take his Quirk instead of Fumikage Tokoyami's, demonstrating self-sacrifice. Post-war trauma deeply affects him, but he participates earnestly in the final battle against All For One. Post-graduation, he works as Mt. Lady's sidekick before founding his own agency, becoming the No. 108 ranked hero. Adult Mineta grows taller but retains a chubby build; perverted tendencies persist, including inappropriate messages to fans, yet he cultivates a covert following appreciating his courage.
Relationships reveal complexity: Izuku Midoriya earns his respect through shared battles, prompting genuine concern for Izuku. Tsuyu Asui frequently punishes his misconduct but partners strategically. Denki Kaminari shares his lecherous interests, fostering camaraderie. Momo Yaoyorozu attracts his objectification but despises his behavior. Mezo Shoji tolerates him, collaborating during the Sports Festival and receiving an apology for insensitive remarks.
Non-canon appearances include the "Two Heroes" film, where he assists scaling a tower during the I-Island crisis, and the "Smash!!" spin-off, exaggerating his perverted traits for comedy. He authors a manga about U.A.'s hero course alongside Manga Fukidashi, refining his artistic skills over time.
Titles
Minoru Mineta/Grape Juice