My Hero Academia’s Epic Finale Redefines the Superhero Genre
As My Hero Academia wraps up its final season, the series secures its legacy as a groundbreaking superhero anime, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and unforgettable cast.
With its last season now complete, My Hero Academia stands tall among the greatest superhero tales ever told. The story of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, who rises from a powerless admirer to the world’s top hero, has left a lasting mark on fans everywhere. Deku’s journey almost never happened, though. After the manga’s climax in 2024, creator Kōhei Horikoshi shared with Comicbook.com that he nearly gave up on his career before bringing Deku to life.
“When my second serialization was canceled, 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 gamble paid off. Horikoshi’s manga has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, consistently ranking among the top sellers, and the anime adaptation has become a global phenomenon.
Legacy of a Modern Classic
Spanning 170 episodes and four feature films, My Hero Academia has dominated the anime landscape over the past decade. Its influence is set to continue with a Vigilantes spinoff and a Hollywood live-action adaptation, which Horikoshi is actively involved in. While Western superhero franchises struggle with fatigue, this series has only grown more beloved, with its final season earning some of the highest fan ratings in the franchise ’s history.
The show’s premise, inspired by the X-Men formula, brings together a diverse group of students training to master their unique abilities and protect society. What sets Horikoshi’s work apart is the depth given to nearly every character, making viewers root for all of Class 1-A and the many heroes and villains that fill this world. Antagonists like Tomura Shigaraki, Himiko Toga, and Stain each have distinct motivations, echoing the complexity of classic comic book villains.
Unpredictable Powers and Real-World Themes
The “quirks” in this universe are unlike anything seen in other superhero stories. While some characters can fly or possess super strength, others wield powers as unusual as explosive sweat or manipulating road markings, leading to some of the most inventive and unpredictable battles in anime. Beyond the action, the series tackles deeper issues facing Japanese society and humanity as a whole—discrimination, isolation, and the meaning of justice are all explored in ways rarely seen in the genre. There are no easy answers in a world where even the strongest heroes can lose their powers or their lives.
Even the most beloved characters aren’t immune to loss. All Might, once the symbol of invincibility, suffers a fate that shakes the foundation of hero society. Yet, despite these dark turns, the show never loses its heart, thanks to its focus on the students’ personal growth and relationships.
Heartfelt Bonds and Unwavering Spirit
Unlike the Avengers or hardened X-Men, these are teenagers whose friendships and everyday struggles are just as important as their battles for justice. The series shines in its quieter moments—Bakugo’s rivalry, Ochaco’s feelings for Deku, and the camaraderie of Class 1-A ground the story in genuine emotion. In the climactic showdown with All For One, the class rallies behind Deku, urging him on even when the odds seem impossible. Their support captures the show’s core message: no matter how tough things get, believing in what’s right is what truly matters.
That earnestness is the soul of My Hero Academia. In a world where people often hide their true selves, Deku and his classmates push themselves to go “Plus Ultra,” inspiring viewers to do the same. The series has become a gateway to anime for many, much like Naruto and Dragon Ball before it. As Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami once said,
“Jujutsu would not exist without My Hero,”
a sentiment echoed by countless fans and creators alike.
It’s fitting that a story born from near-defeat would become a beacon for anyone who’s ever dared to dream big. Deku’s unlikely rise, mirroring Horikoshi’s own, proves that the most powerful hero stories can come from the most unexpected places.