A.N. — I wanted a hero for this spot, but finding one without a canon birthday was challenging. Most of the options are either dead, or I had already slotted them in elsewhere. This guy, the former No. 6, is unfortunately part of the first group.
145. Crust
Shield Hero: Crust was the prime example that not all top-ranking heroes needed flashy, offensive quirks to rise in popularity. Shield was primarily a defensive quirk, though Crust could chuck spinning pieces of his hexagonal shields when necessary. And while the edges were sharp enough to slice through impediments, Crust's focus was always on safeguarding those in harm's way. Perhaps that propelled his steady climb up the charts.
But everyone who met the man — civilian or fellow pro — accredited Crust's caring, heart-on-the-sleeve personality for his staying power. That combination of skill and sympathy cemented his status.