Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Director: Kenji Nagasaki (Seasons 1-4), Masahiro Mukai (Season 5 onwards)
Total Episodes: 138+ episodes (ongoing, as of 2024)
Studio: Bones
Genres: Action, Superhero, School, Shounen, Superpowers
“My Hero Academia” (Boku no Hero Academia) is a vibrant and emotionally charged anime about a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, known as Quirks, and superheroes are the profession of choice for the elite. Based on the manga by Kōhei Horikoshi, the series, directed by Kenji Nagasaki and later Masahiro Mukai, has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the superhero genre. First airing in 2016 and still ongoing, My Hero Academia follows the journey of a boy born without powers in a world where superhuman abilities are the norm and how he strives to become the greatest hero.
Story & Setting
The world of My Hero Academia is a futuristic society where about 80% of the population possesses a unique superpower called a Quirk. Quirks range from common abilities like manipulating fire or growing limbs to bizarre or even seemingly useless powers. Within this society, professional heroes are celebrities, tasked with maintaining law and order while battling villains. The story focuses on Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who idolizes heroes, especially the world’s greatest hero, All Might. Despite being born powerless, Deku dreams of enrolling in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy that trains the next generation of heroes.
Deku’s life changes when he encounters All Might, who recognizes Deku’s unwavering determination and selflessness. All Might reveals that he can transfer his Quirk, One For All, to a successor, choosing Deku to inherit his power. From there, Deku’s journey of becoming a hero begins, filled with intense training, powerful friendships, and the constant struggle to overcome his limitations while protecting the world from rising villain threats.
Characters
My Hero Academia shines in its large, diverse cast, each with unique Quirks, personalities, and emotional arcs. The series is as much about the growth of these characters as it is about their fight against villains.
Izuku “Deku” Midoriya: The central protagonist, Deku, is a deeply empathetic, determined, and hard-working character. Initially Quirkless, he embodies the classic underdog archetype. His development from a timid boy into a capable and heroic young man is one of the most rewarding aspects of the show. As the ninth wielder of One For All, Deku must learn to control this immense power while staying true to his values of selflessness and heroism.
All Might: Deku’s mentor and the world’s Symbol of Peace, All Might is both an inspirational figure and a tragic one. Known for his charismatic and larger-than-life personality, he hides his true form, weakened by a previous battle. His relationship with Deku, both as a teacher and as the former bearer of One For All, is central to the emotional core of the series. His journey from the ultimate hero to someone who must pass the torch to the next generation is filled with powerful moments of sacrifice and mentorship.
Katsuki Bakugo: Bakugo is Deku’s childhood friend and rival, known for his explosive temper and equally explosive Quirk. His aggressive, arrogant personality masks his deep desire to be the best hero. Bakugo’s character development is remarkable, evolving from a bully who looks down on Deku to a more introspective and complex individual as he grapples with the weight of being a hero.
Shoto Todoroki: One of the most popular characters in the series, Todoroki is a prodigy with the power to control both fire and ice, inherited from his parents. His complicated relationship with his father, Endeavor, the second-ranked hero, and his struggle to reconcile his own ambitions with his past trauma make him a compelling character. Todoroki’s calm demeanor and immense power contrast with his inner turmoil, as he strives to define his identity beyond his lineage.
Ochaco Uraraka: Deku’s close friend and fellow classmate at U.A., Uraraka is upbeat, kind, and determined to become a hero to provide for her family. Her Quirk allows her to manipulate gravity, and while she starts off somewhat lighthearted, her growth as a hero, both in combat and emotionally, is handled with great care.
Tenya Iida: The class president of U.A. High’s Class 1-A, Iida is a serious and disciplined student, dedicated to upholding justice. His Quirk gives him super speed, and he often serves as a moral compass for his classmates, though he also undergoes significant development as he grapples with personal revenge and what it means to be a hero.
The supporting cast, including characters like Eijiro Kirishima, Tsuyu Asui, Momo Yaoyorozu, and Minoru Mineta, add variety to the series, each bringing their own skills and personality quirks. Additionally, the series boasts an array of memorable villains, most notably Tomura Shigaraki, the main antagonist who leads the League of Villains, and Dabi, whose connections to other characters add layers of intrigue to the ongoing narrative.
Animation & Art
The animation quality in My Hero Academia is consistently impressive, thanks to the talented team at Studio Bones. The dynamic fight sequences are fast-paced and fluid, with each character’s Quirk brought to life in a visually stunning manner. Key battles, such as All Might vs. All For One, Deku vs. Todoroki during the Sports Festival, and Endeavor’s climactic fight against the High-End Nomu, are some of the best-animated moments in modern anime.
The vibrant color palette and bold character designs make each hero and villain stand out, with their costumes reflecting their personalities and abilities. The show’s world is rich in detail, from the architecture of U.A. High to the devastation caused by villain attacks. The character designs by Yoshihiko Umakoshi stay true to the original manga while giving them a polished, high-energy feel suitable for action-packed sequences.
Soundtrack & Music
The music of My Hero Academia, composed by Yuki Hayashi, is a standout aspect of the series. The soundtrack is filled with energetic and heroic themes that perfectly match the intensity of the action. Tracks like “You Say Run” have become iconic, often accompanying the most thrilling and emotional moments of the series, heightening the impact of Deku’s most triumphant scenes.
The opening themes, such as “The Day” by Porno Graffitti, “Peace Sign” by Kenshi Yonezu, and “Odd Future” by UVERworld, are not only catchy but also thematically resonate with the show’s message of hope, growth, and the struggles of young heroes.
Themes & Social Commentary
My Hero Academia explores several profound themes that go beyond typical shounen tropes:
Heroism and Sacrifice: At the heart of the show is the idea of what it means to be a true hero. Characters are constantly faced with the choice between personal desires and the greater good, with All Might’s sacrifices serving as the ultimate example of heroism. Deku’s journey is one of learning that being a hero isn’t just about power, but also about the willingness to protect others at all costs.
Legacy and Mentorship: The relationship between All Might and Deku highlights the theme of passing the torch to the next generation. The series emphasizes the weight of legacy, as seen with Deku inheriting One For All, Todoroki struggling with his father’s legacy, and Endeavor’s own attempts to redeem himself as a father and hero.
Identity and Growth: Many characters grapple with defining their own identities, whether it’s Deku learning to believe in himself despite being born Quirkless, Todoroki coming to terms with his family’s complicated past, or Bakugo realizing that strength alone isn’t enough to be a hero. The series places a strong emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery.
The Nature of Power: The balance of power, both Quirks and political, is a recurring theme in My Hero Academia. The rise of villain groups like the League of Villains and the philosophical battles between characters like All Might and All For One explore how power can be both a force for good and evil, depending on how it is wielded.
Society’s Expectations: The show also critiques the expectations society places on heroes, especially in the professional world, where heroism becomes commercialized and competitive. Characters like Endeavor highlight the dark side of hero culture, where the desire to be the best can lead to toxic behavior and strained relationships.
Criticism
While My Hero Academia has been praised for its strong character development and world-building, it has also faced some criticism. One notable issue is the pacing, particularly in later seasons, where certain arcs may feel dragged out. Some fans have expressed frustration with the slower moments between major battles, though these often serve to develop character relationships and set up future conflicts.
Additionally, the focus on certain characters over others can be uneven. While Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki receive significant development, other members of Class 1-A sometimes fall to the sidelines, with less screen time and development. This can leave fans of certain characters, like Momo Yaoyorozu or Tsuyu Asui, wanting more from their arcs. Similarly, some of the side characters and heroes outside of U.A. High are underutilized, despite their potential to add depth to the world.
Moreover, the villain arcs have been a point of contention. While characters like Tomura Shigaraki and Dabi receive substantial development in later seasons, some fans feel that the villains are not explored as deeply as the heroes, leaving certain antagonists feeling one-dimensional early on.
Final Thoughts
My Hero Academia stands as one of the most popular and influential anime of the modern era, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide with its vibrant characters, emotional depth, and exhilarating action scenes. Its clever twist on the superhero genre, combined with its exploration of what it means to be a hero, sets it apart from typical shounen fare. The series is also notable for its well-developed world, where the lines between heroism and personal ambition are constantly blurred, providing fertile ground for rich character drama and moral dilemmas.
With its high-quality animation, memorable soundtrack, and a storyline that balances action with meaningful emotional arcs, My Hero Academia is a must-watch for fans of superhero stories and character-driven narratives. While it occasionally stumbles in pacing and character focus, the show’s core messages of growth, sacrifice, and legacy resonate strongly, making it a standout series in the anime landscape.
As the story continues, with new arcs delving deeper into both the heroes’ and villains’ pasts and ambitions, My Hero Academia remains an engaging and dynamic show that promises to keep evolving alongside its characters. For both newcomers to anime and seasoned fans, it’s a series that offers a thrilling, heartfelt, and thought-provoking experience.
