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Sandstorm

Character

Sandstorm is the conjectural label for the Quirk that let the hero Snatch convert everything above his waist into loose, obedient sand. It made him a nightmare to grab hold of and a versatile long-range fighter, though it could not save him from attacks that swallowed an entire area.

Quirk Type: Transformation
Quirk Range: Long Range
Debut Chapter: Chapter 160
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Overview

The power carried by Sajin Higawara, the Pro Hero Snatch, was never given an official title, so Sandstorm serves as a placeholder name. It surfaces in Chapter 160 and reaches the anime in Episode 77.

Despite producing effects at long distance, the ability is filed as a Transformation Quirk, because the sand it works with is Sajin's own remade body rather than material summoned from elsewhere.

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Mechanics

Activation reduced Sajin's upper half to granular sand, which he then steered at will. The loose material answered his direction closely enough that he could mold it into whatever shape a moment called for.

That flexibility covered all three basic needs in a fight. He struck with it, blocked with it, and wrapped opponents up in it. His control was fine enough that a sweep of the sand could push back open flame.

The Quirk also created a specific matchup advantage. Powers that need to make contact with a solid body, Decay among them, struggled against a torso that offered nothing to grip. That defense had a clear ceiling, though: abilities that engulf a whole zone rather than touching a target, such as Compress, went right past it.

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Notable Users

Sajin Higawara is the only known holder of the ability, and it defined his fighting identity as the Sand Hero.

His most memorable use of it came in his confrontation with Tomura Shigaraki, where the sand form initially frustrated the villain's touch-based Decay before the encounter turned against him.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the sand guy in MHA?

The sand-based hero in My Hero Academia is Sajin Higawara, the Pro Hero known as Snatch, who wields the Sandstorm Quirk.

What is the Sandstorm Quirk?

Sandstorm is a fan-given name, not an official title, for the Quirk that lets Sajin Higawara turn everything above his waist into loose, controllable sand.

What type of Quirk is Sandstorm?

Sandstorm is classified as a Transformation Quirk with long range, since it reshapes Sajin's own body into sand rather than summoning outside material.

How did Sandstorm perform against Tomura Shigaraki?

Sajin used Sandstorm against Tomura Shigaraki, and his sand form initially frustrated Shigaraki's touch-based Decay Quirk before the fight turned against him.

What weakness does Sandstorm have?

Sandstorm struggles against Quirks that engulf a whole area rather than needing direct contact, such as Compress, which can bypass its sand defense.

Sources & Information

Looking for more on Sandstorm? The My Hero Academia Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.

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This content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the My Hero Academia anime series, manga, and official materials. My Hero Academia was created by Kohei Horikoshi, published by Shueisha, and animated by Bones. All rights to My Hero Academia and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.

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Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:

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  • Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
  • Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Kohei Horikoshi.

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