My Hero Academia’s Finale Secures Its Place Among Superhero Legends
As My Hero Academia draws to a close, its final season confirms the anime’s status as a modern classic, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and unforgettable cast.
With the curtain falling on My Hero Academia, its concluding series firmly establishes the show as a standout not only within the Shōnen genre but also in the wider world of superhero tales. The transformation of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya from an ordinary admirer without powers to a symbol of hope will linger in the minds of viewers, much as Deku’s own journey inspired those around him. Yet, this celebrated saga nearly ended before it began. After the manga’s climax in 2024, creator Kōhei Horikoshi shared with Comicbook.com,
“When my second serialization was cancelled, I thought, ‘I’ll never be able to draw manga again.’ I drew My Hero Academia thinking that if this didn’t work out, I would quit drawing manga.”
Fortunately, his perseverance paid off. Horikoshi’s work has now sold over 100 million copies globally, consistently ranking among the bestsellers, and the animated adaptation has enjoyed similar acclaim.
Legacy and Influence
Spanning 170 episodes and four feature films, My Hero Academia has been a dominant force in anime over the past decade, with few rivals matching its impact. The legacy of the series is set to continue, with a new Vigilantes spin-off and a Hollywood live-action adaptation in the pipeline, the latter with Horikoshi’s direct involvement. While Western superhero franchises have struggled with waning enthusiasm, this Japanese phenomenon has only grown in popularity, with its final episodes receiving some of the highest praise from fans to date.
The premise, while reminiscent of the X-Men formula popularised by Marvel in the 1960s, is given fresh life here. The story follows a diverse group of gifted students training to harness their abilities and protect society. Horikoshi excels at developing nearly every member of Class 1-A, making it easy to root for the entire ensemble, as well as the many supporting heroes and even the antagonists. Each villain is distinct, driven by personal motives rather than simple malice. Tomura Shigaraki, for instance, uses his destructive power to challenge the very fabric of society, shaped by a troubled past. Himiko Toga, meanwhile, is a lovesick outsider, and Stain, the so-called hero killer, believes his actions serve a greater good. Like Magneto and other memorable adversaries, these characters are defined by their unique perspectives and abilities.
Inventive Powers and Deeper Themes
The “quirks” that define this universe are unlike anything seen in other superhero media. While some characters possess familiar abilities such as flight or super strength, others wield far more unusual gifts—explosive perspiration or the manipulation of road markings, for example—leading to inventive and unpredictable confrontations. Beyond the spectacle, the series delves into issues relevant to Japanese society and humanity as a whole, exploring themes of discrimination, alienation, and the complexities of justice. The narrative refuses to offer easy solutions, presenting a world where even the most valiant can falter and villains may occasionally triumph.
Aside from Deku, no protagonist is immune to devastating setbacks, whether through loss of powers or even life itself. The fate of All Might, once the unassailable icon, serves as a stark reminder of this. Despite such risks, the show avoids the unrelenting bleakness found in some contemporaries, instead focusing on the resilience and camaraderie of its young heroes.
Heartfelt Bonds and Enduring Spirit
These are not hardened veterans or world-weary defenders; they are teenagers whose friendships and everyday struggles are as significant as their battles for justice. The rivalry between Bakugo and Deku, or Ochaco’s quiet affection, lend the story a relatable, almost tender quality. It is in these quieter moments that the series finds its emotional core, encouraging viewers to invest in every member of the class.
Class 1-A remains the soul of the story, with Deku at its centre—a fact never lost, even as the narrative reaches its climax. In the final confrontation with All For One, the class unites behind Deku, urging him on despite overwhelming odds. Their determination to support a friend, regardless of the danger, encapsulates the show’s ethos: an unwavering commitment to doing what is right, no matter the cost. This earnestness is the series’ defining charm.
At a time when self-doubt is widespread, Deku and his peers remain steadfast in their resolve to go “Plus Ultra!” Their dedication has ensured the show’s place among the most influential anime, opening doors for new fans much as Naruto and Dragon Ball did before. As Jujutsu Kaisen’s creator Gege Akutami remarked when Horikoshi concluded the manga,
“Jujutsu would not exist without My Hero,”
a sentiment echoed by many in the industry.
It is rather fitting that a story which nearly never saw the light of day has become a beacon for those who dare to dream and persevere. Deku’s improbable rise, mirroring Horikoshi’s own, stands as a testament to the power of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.