My Hero Academia: Sketchbook of Madness

Chapter 1

Rome Art Exhibition: A Prodigy's Struggle in the Shadow of a Legend

By Alessandro Rossi, Art Critic

In the heart of Rome, amidst the ancient splendor and modern vibrancy, an art exhibition has recently captured the attention of the world. Spearheaded by Locke Lamora, the only son of the late, great Anya Lamora. A woman whose art once danced between the realms of reality and imagination, the exhibition is a critical juncture in determining the legacy of the Lamora artistic dynasty.

Anya Lamora, renowned for her unique quirk that allowed her paintings to transcend their canvases, creating experiences that were more than just visual feasts, left the world too soon. Her death, when Locke was merely four years old, left a void in the art world that still echoes with her absence. Anya's art wasn't just seen; it was an experience, a spectacle that even the wealthiest of patrons considered a privilege to witness.

Now, more than half a decade later, her son Locke, devoid of the familial quirk that made his mother a legend, attempts to carry the heavy mantle. The question on everyone's lips: Can Locke uphold the legacy of a mother whose art literally came to life?

The answer, unfortunately, seems to be a resounding murmur of doubt and disappointment. The exhibition, while showcasing a technical proficiency that is commendable for his age, lacks the soul-stirring magic that Anya's works were known for. Locke's art is grounded in reality, a stark contrast to Anya's which defied it. Where Anya's paintings were a gateway to another world, Locke's are merely windows - well-crafted, yes, but windows nonetheless.

Critics and art lovers alike find themselves torn. On one hand, there is an undeniable skill in Locke's work, a meticulous attention to detail and a clear understanding of form and color. On the other, one cannot help but feel the gaping absence of the quirk - that extraordinary ability to breathe life into art, something that Locke, through no fault of his own, lacks.

This exhibition has thus become a polarizing event. Some argue that Locke should be judged on his own merits, not compared to the otherworldly talents of his mother. Others are less forgiving, seeing him as a pale shadow, unable to step out from under the immense shadow cast by Anya Lamora.

One cannot help but wonder: is Locke's pursuit a tribute to his mother's legacy, or an unwitting journey towards tarnishing it? Only time will tell if Locke Lamora can redefine what it means to be a prodigious artist in a world where extraordinary is the norm, and in doing so, perhaps find his own kind of spectacular.

In the meantime, the Rome art exhibition stands as a testament to a young artist's struggle, a son's love for his mother, and the harsh reality of a world that often conflates talent with the supernatural. For Locke Lamora, the journey has just begun. Whether it leads to triumph or tragedy, is a story yet to be written.

Published February 19, 2224

***

He gawked at the photo attached to the article, those youthful peepers forever caught in a moment, trapped by ink and paper. He traced the image with his fingertips, giving it a once-over before he chucked the newspaper onto the coffee table with a dramatic flair. Uncrossing his legs, he sprang to his feet and began a restless march back and forth in front of the plush leather sofa he'd just vacated. Every so often, he'd massage his forehead, sneaking peeks at the offending article as if by some miracle it might rewrite itself.

"This is all kinds of wrong," he grumbled under his breath, his eyes squinting in disapproval.

"Wrong? What's wrong, Locke?" The woman's voice was tentative, her gaze flitting nervously between the crumpled newspaper and her stepson.