Verowl

I really like the thought that Wesker will finally know what it means to live ;3

MOre KILLER COLOR >:D

Killer belongs to rahafwabas

----------------------------------------------------- KEN KANEKI X ALBERT WESKER ----------------------------------------------------- Suggested couple names for them ウェスカネ ( Wesukane ) UroGhoul

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1. Introduction

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello, good morning. I would like to present a pairing that I have recently developed. I usually look for partners for characters I like because I believe that, narratively, it can be a way to give them a more complete closure, especially for complex or damaged characters. In this case, I became deeply interested in psychologically analyzing Albert Wesker, a character from Resident Evil. Based on that analysis, I tried to find him a partner who would not only fit superficially, but who could connect with him on a psychological and emotional level. Within the Resident Evil universe, I did not find any character who could fulfill that role. None seems capable of teaching Wesker to live for himself, for his own happiness, and not solely for an imposed or inherited ideal. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that Ken Kaneki, in his post-Dragon version, is the character who fits him best. Below, I will explain why.

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2. Wesker’s Psychological Profile

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1. Questionable Psychopathy------------------------------------- Wesker is often labeled as a psychopath or sociopath. However, I consider this classification to be simplistic and imprecise. He does not fully fit into either profile:

He does not act solely for pleasure or personal gain

He possesses a structured vision of the world

He genuinely believes his actions have a positive purpose

It is true that:

he shows contempt for humans

he sometimes enjoys others’ suffering

he does not display classic emotional empathy

But this does not come from nothing, rather from:

a sense of superiority

a need for control

a dehumanization of others

Therefore, if a category had to be assigned, he would be closer to a functional sociopathy, although incomplete.

2.2. Emotional Repression------------------------------------------- Wesker actively represses his emotions.

He considers feeling to be a weakness

He avoids any vulnerability

He maintains constant control over himself

This does not mean he lacks emotions, but rather that: ➡️ he deliberately suppresses them to avoid losing control.

2.3. Sadistic and Dominant Traits--------------------------------- Wesker shows sadistic tendencies, especially in his enjoyment of:

dominating

subjugating

demonstrating superiority

However, this is not simple cruelty. It can be interpreted as a consequence of:

a controlled childhood

having been treated as an experiment

In other words, he goes from being controlled → to being the one who controls.

2.4. Messiah Complex------------------------------------------------ He is not a classic narcissist.

He does not seek external validation

He does not need to be understood

He does not insist on convincing others

But he does believe that: ➡️ he has the responsibility to “fix” the world.

This complex likely originates from his relationship with Spencer, adopting his vision as a way to stop being a victim. His internal conflict can be summarized in a key idea: “Am I anything more than a product?”

2.5. Need for Control----------------------------------------------- This is one of his most important traits. Wesker needs to control everything because:

he fears unpredictability

he fears losing control

he fears becoming vulnerable again

Emotions, being uncontrollable, are repressed.

2.6. Perfectionism-------------------------------------------------

He does not tolerate mistakes

He demands absolute perfection

He imposes impossible standards on himself

This is not ambition, it is survival: ➡️ “if I fail, I stop being valid”

2.7. Utilitarianism------------------------------------------------------

Wesker perceives the world in terms of utility:

people = tools

value = function

This leads to a key consequence: ➡️ he also treats himself as a tool

Which prevents him from:

enjoying

living

existing outside of a purpose

Profile Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------

Wesker is someone who:

has replaced affection with control

has replaced identity with purpose

lives without allowing himself to be human

He is a perfectionist who believes he will save humanity, but in reality condemns himself to not live.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. What Kind of Person Does Wesker Need?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is where the core of compatibility lies.

3.1. Someone Who Does Not Judge Him (Amorality)------------------- This is the most important point. Wesker does not respond to good vs evil discourse.

Clear example: Chris Redfield

judges him

confronts him morally

tries to stop him without understanding him

➡️ Result: Wesker completely rejects him.

He needs someone who:

does not label him as a monster

does not impose morality

seeks to understand him

✔ Kaneki fits perfectly:

he has moved beyond binary morality

he understands that good and evil depend on perspective

he does not judge, he understands

3.2. Focus on Wesker as an Individual------------------------------------ Trying to change his worldview will not work. Wesker will interpret that as: ➡️ another form of ideological control.

What he needs is someone who:

does not question his global goal

questions his personal well-being

✔ Kaneki can do this:

he does not try to “save the world”

he tries to understand individual suffering

3.3. Someone Powerful--------------------------------------------------- Wesker does not respect weakness. He needs someone who:

is at his level

is dangerous

has caused destruction

✔ Kaneki:

is extremely powerful

has killed and suffered

is a hybrid

➡️ Wesker would see him as an equal, not inferior.

3.4. Patience and Dialogue--------------------------------------------- Wesker does not change under pressure. He needs someone who:

does not force him

does not attack him

is consistent

✔ Kaneki:

is reflective

empathetic

patient

3.5. Imperfection---------------------------------------------------- This point is key. Wesker lives under absolute perfection. He needs to see that:

someone can be powerful and still fail

mistakes do not destroy value

✔ Kaneki:

makes constant mistakes

evolves through pain

3.6. Emotional Expression--------------------------------------------- Wesker represses. Kaneki feels.

Kaneki shows that:

feeling is not weakness

showing emotions does not destroy you

3.7. Understanding Without Condemnation-------------------------- If Wesker changes, he will not say: ❌ “my plan was wrong”

He will say something like: ✔ “this path no longer serves me”

Kaneki allows that change without invalidating him.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Why Does Wesker Fit Kaneki?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now from Kaneki’s perspective.

4.1. Experiments and Loss of Humanity------------------------------- Both share:

forced transformation

loss of identity

reconstruction of the self

Kaneki deeply empathizes with this.

4.2. Connection to the Monstrous------------------------------------ Kaneki has always connected with “monsters.” Wesker is not a normal human.

➡️ He is someone Kaneki can understand.

4.3. Intellect Kaneki loves existential themes. Wesker is:

philosophical

complex

intense

➡️ He is literally a walking existential problem.

4.4. Need to Be Needed------------------------------------------------ This point is extremely important.

Kaneki desires:

to be needed

to be irreplaceable

to have purpose in others

Wesker needs:

someone who understands him

someone capable of sustaining him

➡️ They complement each other perfectly.

4.5. Comparison with Touka Kirishima------------------------------ Without attacking: Touka is independent she can adapt to multiple relationships

But Wesker: needs a very specific profile

➡️ Kaneki fulfills that role uniquely.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Conclusion

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- The key of this relationship is that it is not based on:

morality

classic redemption

salvation

It is based on: ➡️ understanding, reflection, and internal questioning.

Kaneki does not try to change Wesker. He tries to understand him.

And precisely because of that: ➡️ Wesker could change.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

BONUS

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the side of Dead by Daylight, I have a different perspective

At this stage Kaneki is acting like Albert Wesker. Taking on the personality of his aggressor to avoid being a victim, and here Kaneki thinks the world is wrong, which leads me to view the relationship from the perspective that Wesker would want an alliance with Kaneki because of his power and evolution.

This will end up with him convincing Kaneki that together they can fix the world, in exchange for not touching his friends if they leave the realm, but by being together, his loneliness will fade, culminating in Kaneki coming to see the world in the same way as at the end (that his pain helps him understand and help Wesker) and they will end up becoming something more, repeating the cycle of post-dragon Kaneki with Wesker that I described previously.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The original art for a Huskerdust print available via Streamily November 24, 2024. Art by Alyah and frostisass. Signed by Blake Roman.

Initially, this print was intended to be signed by both Blake Roman and Keith David, however, the print ran into a multitude of problems. First the print's art had to be changed to comply with the current canon status of Husk and Angel Dust's relationship. So, the reflection was changed from a kiss to simply reflecting the same image above and below the street line.

Then, it was discovered that Keith David never agreed to do signings via Streamily and customers were unable to receive both autographs on the now significantly altered print. Customers were given partial refunds for Keith David's autograph but no refunds were granted to those seeking them for the change to the print's art.

An overwhelmingly unsatisfying experience for Streamily customers across the board.

This also resulted in the Hellaverse twitter account issuing a statement that the prints licensed by voice actors for signings were not official and their contents not canon unless endorsed by an official account.

The prints are still being archived here regardless as I believe these statements to be caused primarily by NDAs related to Hazbin Hotel. And while their contents may not be guaranteed to be officially canon at the time of release, they are still official merch in my eyes.

DABIPRESS RAP!!!!!

Link:

1) Introduction

I’m writing about “Dabipress” (Dabi × Mr. Compress) because, in my opinion, it’s a pairing that doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves within the fandom. There are several reasons: Mr. Compress is less popular compared to other villains; some fans tend to prefer “toxic” or highly dramatic ships; and Dabi’s main storyline is focused on Shoto and his family. Even though they have few scenes together, if we look at their interactions and personalities, there’s an emotional richness worth analyzing.

2) Official Interactions between Dabi and Mr. Compress

2.1 The Training Camp Attack

When Mr. Compress proudly announces that he captured Bakugo, Twice mocks him for taking too long. Then Dabi steps in and defends him, saying: “He did well.” This is rare for Dabi, who almost never praises or defends anyone. Given his pride, the damage he suffered with Endeavor, and his tendency to belittle others, the expected reaction would have been indifference.

Even more curious: earlier, Dabi hadn’t reacted when Twice called him “lazy,” but here he does step up to defend Compress. And Compress isn’t even present when Dabi says this—Dabi gains nothing in return (neither gratitude nor reputation). It’s a unique gesture of recognition. (Unlike his “kindness” toward Toga and Twice, which can be explained as utilitarian—since he acts in front of them to get something in return.)

Other important scenes include: Snatch’s death, their moments together during the Paranormal Liberation War, and Compress’s reaction when Dabi reveals he is Toya. These moments show that Compress truly loves the League, and that when Dabi reveals his identity, Compress is shocked by Dabi’s lineage.

Why didn’t we see more scenes together?

After Dabi reveals he is Toya Todoroki, Compress is imprisoned, cutting off any chance of further development between them and reducing Mr. Compress’s appearances overall. Also, neither are the central focus: Compress points toward Shigaraki and Spinner as the main villain storyline, while Dabi is tied to the Todoroki family drama.

Finally, another reason may be that Compress is expressive and theatrical, but not “direct” when it comes to showing affection: instead of saying “I love you,” he’s more likely to say “You’re amazing.” That style suggests fondness, but implicitly, without stating it outright. (I infer this because, when talking about the League, he only openly expresses his attachment in critical moments.)

3) Psychological Profiles

3.1 Dabi (Toya Todoroki)

Toya has a deeply complicated past with childhood trauma and neglect/abuse from his father, Endeavor. His arc portrays him with constant anger, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and an obsessive bond with his father figure. Psychologically, this aligns with what is called insecure/disorganized attachment (difficulty trusting and bonding), alongside emotional regulation issues: mistrust, outbursts of rage, poor self-image, and difficulty forming stable relationships. Although he seems indifferent, there are hints that he cries in private; his anger works as a shield to hide vulnerability.

A key point is his relational utilitarianism: because of his wound (“you only matter if you meet your father’s expectations”), Dabi uses relationships as tools—the League isn’t a refuge, but a means—blocking him from forming healthy bonds. Still, there are signals of potential change: when Shoto asks him about his favorite food, Dabi breaks down. This can be seen as the impact of being seen as a person, not as an instrument, or as recognition of his similarities with his brother.

The risk of change lies in emotional dependency: if someone tries to “rescue” him without clear limits or professional support, he could cling anxiously. To heal, Dabi would need someone very patient, steady, nonjudgmental, and respectful of his pace.

3.2 Mr. Compress (Atsuhiro Sako)

Atsuhiro is an extroverted showman, almost histrionic (dramatic and theatrical), and charismatic. He talks a lot, shows off his tricks, and maintains a theatrical tone even in dangerous situations. Beneath that, he’s a caretaker: he often acts as the voice of reason in the League, worries when his teammates suffer (Magne, Twice), protects younger members, and sacrifices himself for them.

His lineage—an ancestor who robbed corrupt heroes to help the poor—suggests an antiheroic moral stance sensitive to social injustice. His theatricality functions as an adaptive mask: a way to handle horrible situations with humor and control without exposing fragility. In Winnicott’s psychological terms, it’s a “mask” mediating between inner and outer worlds.

This profile—stable, protective, creative, and empathetic—makes him ideal as support for someone with complex trauma. Moreover, Compress has actively trusted and protected his teammates, even intervening to free chained allies, including Dabi, during the war, risking himself in the process. This shows loyalty and courage, qualities Dabi could value.

It’s also worth noting that lineage matters to Compress. While some may see his taste for luxuries (eating sushi, living comfortably) as a moral contradiction, it can also be read as genuine respect for his family legacy, fulfilling a duty to his ancestors, who clearly mattered to him.

4) Emotional Compatibility in Dabipress

Shared values

Both question the hero system: Dabi because of his history with Endeavor, and Atsuhiro through his inherited “Robin Hood” ethic (stealing from the rich or corrupt to help the weak). This shared worldview creates complicity between rebels, fostering connection between people who don’t judge each other by mainstream social norms. In trauma recovery relationships, positive social support and a predictable environment help process pain and rebuild one’s life story.

Complementarity

Dabi is serious, quiet, and dangerous; Compress is spontaneous, humorous, and caring. “Opposites” work when one’s stability provides emotional grounding for the other. Dabi grew up in a chaotic environment; Compress represents constancy, patience, and clear boundaries. If he can create a safe space (predictable, understanding, consistent), he could help soothe Dabi’s broken attachment.

They also share a family lineage, which allows them to understand the pressure of being born into an important family. This may explain why Compress seems interested in Dabi’s background.

Aesthetic and narrative resonance

Dabi is constructed as a tragic, theatrical figure; Compress as a master of spectacle. This aesthetic compatibility (drama and performance) isn’t superficial: Compress values personal history and lineage as part of the “act,” and Dabi doesn’t judge him for “prioritizing the show” (e.g., not getting upset about losing Tokoyami, which was tied to Compress needing to finish the performance). It’s plausible that Compress would see Dabi’s scars as meaningful and beautiful marks, not flaws to be hidden.

5) Objection and Response: Father Figure or Healing Relationship?

A common critique is that Compress might serve as a substitute father figure for Dabi, given the age difference (~8 years) and Dabi’s lack of a healthy father. Psychologically, that wouldn’t be ideal: it could replicate dysfunctional dynamics (fear of abandonment, dependent rage). The therapeutic route isn’t a parent-child bond, but an adult-adult relationship with clear boundaries, validation, and consistency.

In the story, Dabi rejects the “mentor other than Enji” role (All For One), and Compress doesn’t treat the League as “children” (e.g., he asks Dabi for help convincing Toga to stay, which is more peer-like than fatherly). Therefore, the healthy form of Dabipress would be horizontal mentorship or partnership, not symbolic fatherhood.

Narratively, there are no signs of a paternal relationship either: Dabi isn’t looking for a “father” to replace Endeavor. The corrective experience Compress could offer is constant validation, not vertical or paternal authority.

Why don’t other League members fit as well?

Himiko Toga: impulsive, obsessive, volatile. Good for chaos, not for a patient healing process.

Twice (Jin): affectionate but unstable due to dissociative struggles (difficulty integrating emotions and memories).

Spinner: young, insecure, irritable, with loyalty crises.

Tomura Shigaraki: damaged leader, consumed by self-destruction; a stable relationship would be impossible due to his irritability and impatience.

6) Established Dynamics in the League

The League of Villains isn’t devoid of emotional ties; over time, its members have formed bonds functioning as small emotional axes:

Toga × Twice: Their relationship is playful and affectionate. They constantly joke, flirt, and share a teenage-like energy that contrasts with the League’s darkness. The clearest proof of their bond comes after Twice’s death: Toga fights furiously, driven by grief. Jin’s scarf becomes a tangible symbol of their connection, a relic of all they shared.

Spinner × Shigaraki: This relationship is more serious and devotional (based on admiration and loyalty). Spinner focuses almost entirely on Shigaraki, seeing him as leader and role model. The dedication is mutual: even in his last lucid moments, Shigaraki directs words to Spinner, reinforcing their connection. Their bond is built not on play, but on shared admiration, faith, and intimate hobbies like video games.

These duos hold clear roles within the League: Toga and Twice as the playful, affectionate pair; Spinner and Shigaraki as the devotional, ideological axis.

The space for Dabi – Compress

Unlike these already-established relationships, Dabi and Mr. Compress don’t yet have a defined narrative space. That’s the strength of considering them together: if others cover the playful or everyday registers, they could fit the “theatrical and intellectual” duo.

This doesn’t necessarily mean an explicit relationship must exist, but it opens the possibility that the characters were designed to complement each other. Psychologically: Dabi is theatrical and dramatic in a tragic sense, marked by coldness and pain; Compress is theatrical in a playful, performative way, a showman turning everything into spectacle. Together, they could represent a unique balance: Dabi’s dark drama alongside Compress’s bright theatricality.

As I mentioned earlier, only someone like Compress—stable, patient, able to turn pain into spectacle—could connect with someone like Dabi. Not necessarily romantically, but through a meaningful bond, like the League’s other duos.

7) How Could the Relationship Develop?

After Toya’s revelation, Compress is imprisoned, which is why we never saw whether he would take interest in Dabi’s personal story. Still, there’s no evidence he wouldn’t have, given the chance. Considering his respect for lineage, history, and the “personal act,” it’s plausible he would approach with radical acceptance, saying things like:

“I prefer you with those scars; they tell your story.”

“That makes you unique on stage: why change the role that’s already yours?”

Such validation could dismantle Dabi’s self-hatred and self-destructive tendencies, reframing his past into a meaningful narrative: “You’re not doomed by what you lived; it brought you here.” To heal, Dabi doesn’t need a savior hero, but someone who accepts him as he is: broken, scarred, but alive and with a future. This shift would move him from “instrument” to “person with his own desire.”

Patience, strategy, and non-sentimentality

Dabi needs:

Extreme patience: As a child, when Natsuo wouldn’t listen, he felt unloved; he will repeat his story many times and needs a listener who won’t tire.

Strategic guidance: Almost “manipulative” in the clinical sense—boundaries that help structure mind and behavior.

Emotional containment without melodrama: Compress seems emotionally sober despite his theatricality; his “mask” protects without invading. In short: gentle firmness.

Aesthetic-moral key

Compress values the singular (lineages, stories, oddities) and would want Toya not to erase his past. He would love “the Dabi that is,” scars included—exactly what Dabi needs to stop hating himself. Stain also influenced Dabi by “naming” the corruption he already sensed in heroes; that external perspective validated his pain, and Compress could reinforce it non-nihilistically, turning rage into agency.

Extra-canon note (videogame)

In My Hero Ultra Rumble, certain Dabi–Compress dialogues sound respectful (“Sorry, Compress,” “It’s okay, Compress,” “I can’t help you”). Even though it’s not official manga canon, it opens the door to speculate a dynamic consistent with canon.

8) Conclusion

1) Introduction

I’m writing about “Dabipress” (Dabi × Mr. Compress) because, in my opinion, it’s a pairing that doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves within the fandom. There are several reasons: Mr. Compress is less popular compared to other villains; some fans tend to prefer “toxic” or highly dramatic ships; and Dabi’s main storyline is focused on Shoto and his family. Even though they have few scenes together, if we look at their interactions and personalities, there’s an emotional richness worth analyzing.

2) Official Interactions between Dabi and Mr. Compress

2.1 The Training Camp Attack

When Mr. Compress proudly announces that he captured Bakugo, Twice mocks him for taking too long. Then Dabi steps in and defends him, saying: “He did well.” This is rare for Dabi, who almost never praises or defends anyone. Given his pride, the damage he suffered with Endeavor, and his tendency to belittle others, the expected reaction would have been indifference.

Even more curious: earlier, Dabi hadn’t reacted when Twice called him “lazy,” but here he does step up to defend Compress. And Compress isn’t even present when Dabi says this—Dabi gains nothing in return (neither gratitude nor reputation). It’s a unique gesture of recognition. (Unlike his “kindness” toward Toga and Twice, which can be explained as utilitarian—since he acts in front of them to get something in return.)

Other important scenes include: Snatch’s death, their moments together during the Paranormal Liberation War, and Compress’s reaction when Dabi reveals he is Toya. These moments show that Compress truly loves the League, and that when Dabi reveals his identity, Compress is shocked by Dabi’s lineage.

Why didn’t we see more scenes together?

After Dabi reveals he is Toya Todoroki, Compress is imprisoned, cutting off any chance of further development between them and reducing Mr. Compress’s appearances overall. Also, neither are the central focus: Compress points toward Shigaraki and Spinner as the main villain storyline, while Dabi is tied to the Todoroki family drama.

Finally, another reason may be that Compress is expressive and theatrical, but not “direct” when it comes to showing affection: instead of saying “I love you,” he’s more likely to say “You’re amazing.” That style suggests fondness, but implicitly, without stating it outright. (I infer this because, when talking about the League, he only openly expresses his attachment in critical moments.)

3) Psychological Profiles

3.1 Dabi (Toya Todoroki)

Toya has a deeply complicated past with childhood trauma and neglect/abuse from his father, Endeavor. His arc portrays him with constant anger, withdrawal, low self-esteem, and an obsessive bond with his father figure. Psychologically, this aligns with what is called insecure/disorganized attachment (difficulty trusting and bonding), alongside emotional regulation issues: mistrust, outbursts of rage, poor self-image, and difficulty forming stable relationships. Although he seems indifferent, there are hints that he cries in private; his anger works as a shield to hide vulnerability.

A key point is his relational utilitarianism: because of his wound (“you only matter if you meet your father’s expectations”), Dabi uses relationships as tools—the League isn’t a refuge, but a means—blocking him from forming healthy bonds. Still, there are signals of potential change: when Shoto asks him about his favorite food, Dabi breaks down. This can be seen as the impact of being seen as a person, not as an instrument, or as recognition of his similarities with his brother.

The risk of change lies in emotional dependency: if someone tries to “rescue” him without clear limits or professional support, he could cling anxiously. To heal, Dabi would need someone very patient, steady, nonjudgmental, and respectful of his pace.

3.2 Mr. Compress (Atsuhiro Sako)

Atsuhiro is an extroverted showman, almost histrionic (dramatic and theatrical), and charismatic. He talks a lot, shows off his tricks, and maintains a theatrical tone even in dangerous situations. Beneath that, he’s a caretaker: he often acts as the voice of reason in the League, worries when his teammates suffer (Magne, Twice), protects younger members, and sacrifices himself for them.

His lineage—an ancestor who robbed corrupt heroes to help the poor—suggests an antiheroic moral stance sensitive to social injustice. His theatricality functions as an adaptive mask: a way to handle horrible situations with humor and control without exposing fragility. In Winnicott’s psychological terms, it’s a “mask” mediating between inner and outer worlds.

This profile—stable, protective, creative, and empathetic—makes him ideal as support for someone with complex trauma. Moreover, Compress has actively trusted and protected his teammates, even intervening to free chained allies, including Dabi, during the war, risking himself in the process. This shows loyalty and courage, qualities Dabi could value.

It’s also worth noting that lineage matters to Compress. While some may see his taste for luxuries (eating sushi, living comfortably) as a moral contradiction, it can also be read as genuine respect for his family legacy, fulfilling a duty to his ancestors, who clearly mattered to him.

4) Emotional Compatibility in Dabipress

Shared values

Both question the hero system: Dabi because of his history with Endeavor, and Atsuhiro through his inherited “Robin Hood” ethic (stealing from the rich or corrupt to help the weak). This shared worldview creates complicity between rebels, fostering connection between people who don’t judge each other by mainstream social norms. In trauma recovery relationships, positive social support and a predictable environment help process pain and rebuild one’s life story.

Complementarity

Dabi is serious, quiet, and dangerous; Compress is spontaneous, humorous, and caring. “Opposites” work when one’s stability provides emotional grounding for the other. Dabi grew up in a chaotic environment; Compress represents constancy, patience, and clear boundaries. If he can create a safe space (predictable, understanding, consistent), he could help soothe Dabi’s broken attachment.

They also share a family lineage, which allows them to understand the pressure of being born into an important family. This may explain why Compress seems interested in Dabi’s background.

Aesthetic and narrative resonance

Dabi is constructed as a tragic, theatrical figure; Compress as a master of spectacle. This aesthetic compatibility (drama and performance) isn’t superficial: Compress values personal history and lineage as part of the “act,” and Dabi doesn’t judge him for “prioritizing the show” (e.g., not getting upset about losing Tokoyami, which was tied to Compress needing to finish the performance). It’s plausible that Compress would see Dabi’s scars as meaningful and beautiful marks, not flaws to be hidden.

5) Objection and Response: Father Figure or Healing Relationship?

A common critique is that Compress might serve as a substitute father figure for Dabi, given the age difference (~8 years) and Dabi’s lack of a healthy father. Psychologically, that wouldn’t be ideal: it could replicate dysfunctional dynamics (fear of abandonment, dependent rage). The therapeutic route isn’t a parent-child bond, but an adult-adult relationship with clear boundaries, validation, and consistency.

In the story, Dabi rejects the “mentor other than Enji” role (All For One), and Compress doesn’t treat the League as “children” (e.g., he asks Dabi for help convincing Toga to stay, which is more peer-like than fatherly). Therefore, the healthy form of Dabipress would be horizontal mentorship or partnership, not symbolic fatherhood.

Narratively, there are no signs of a paternal relationship either: Dabi isn’t looking for a “father” to replace Endeavor. The corrective experience Compress could offer is constant validation, not vertical or paternal authority.

Why don’t other League members fit as well?

Himiko Toga: impulsive, obsessive, volatile. Good for chaos, not for a patient healing process.

Twice (Jin): affectionate but unstable due to dissociative struggles (difficulty integrating emotions and memories).

Spinner: young, insecure, irritable, with loyalty crises.

Tomura Shigaraki: damaged leader, consumed by self-destruction; a stable relationship would be impossible due to his irritability and impatience.

6) Established Dynamics in the League

The League of Villains isn’t devoid of emotional ties; over time, its members have formed bonds functioning as small emotional axes:

Toga × Twice: Their relationship is playful and affectionate. They constantly joke, flirt, and share a teenage-like energy that contrasts with the League’s darkness. The clearest proof of their bond comes after Twice’s death: Toga fights furiously, driven by grief. Jin’s scarf becomes a tangible symbol of their connection, a relic of all they shared.

Spinner × Shigaraki: This relationship is more serious and devotional (based on admiration and loyalty). Spinner focuses almost entirely on Shigaraki, seeing him as leader and role model. The dedication is mutual: even in his last lucid moments, Shigaraki directs words to Spinner, reinforcing their connection. Their bond is built not on play, but on shared admiration, faith, and intimate hobbies like video games.

These duos hold clear roles within the League: Toga and Twice as the playful, affectionate pair; Spinner and Shigaraki as the devotional, ideological axis.

The space for Dabi – Compress

Unlike these already-established relationships, Dabi and Mr. Compress don’t yet have a defined narrative space. That’s the strength of considering them together: if others cover the playful or everyday registers, they could fit the “theatrical and intellectual” duo.

This doesn’t necessarily mean an explicit relationship must exist, but it opens the possibility that the characters were designed to complement each other. Psychologically: Dabi is theatrical and dramatic in a tragic sense, marked by coldness and pain; Compress is theatrical in a playful, performative way, a showman turning everything into spectacle. Together, they could represent a unique balance: Dabi’s dark drama alongside Compress’s bright theatricality.

As I mentioned earlier, only someone like Compress—stable, patient, able to turn pain into spectacle—could connect with someone like Dabi. Not necessarily romantically, but through a meaningful bond, like the League’s other duos.

7) How Could the Relationship Develop?

After Toya’s revelation, Compress is imprisoned, which is why we never saw whether he would take interest in Dabi’s personal story. Still, there’s no evidence he wouldn’t have, given the chance. Considering his respect for lineage, history, and the “personal act,” it’s plausible he would approach with radical acceptance, saying things like:

“I prefer you with those scars; they tell your story.”

“That makes you unique on stage: why change the role that’s already yours?”

Such validation could dismantle Dabi’s self-hatred and self-destructive tendencies, reframing his past into a meaningful narrative: “You’re not doomed by what you lived; it brought you here.” To heal, Dabi doesn’t need a savior hero, but someone who accepts him as he is: broken, scarred, but alive and with a future. This shift would move him from “instrument” to “person with his own desire.”

Patience, strategy, and non-sentimentality

Dabi needs:

Extreme patience: As a child, when Natsuo wouldn’t listen, he felt unloved; he will repeat his story many times and needs a listener who won’t tire.

Strategic guidance: Almost “manipulative” in the clinical sense—boundaries that help structure mind and behavior.

Emotional containment without melodrama: Compress seems emotionally sober despite his theatricality; his “mask” protects without invading. In short: gentle firmness.

Aesthetic-moral key

Compress values the singular (lineages, stories, oddities) and would want Toya not to erase his past. He would love “the Dabi that is,” scars included—exactly what Dabi needs to stop hating himself. Stain also influenced Dabi by “naming” the corruption he already sensed in heroes; that external perspective validated his pain, and Compress could reinforce it non-nihilistically, turning rage into agency.

Extra-canon note (videogame)

In My Hero Ultra Rumble, certain Dabi–Compress dialogues sound respectful (“Sorry, Compress,” “It’s okay, Compress,” “I can’t help you”). Even though it’s not official manga canon, it opens the door to speculate a dynamic consistent with canon.

8) Conclusion

Like, a lot