Shueisha | Viz Media
If you’re remotely a fan of superheroes, shows about schools, or just cool animation in general, you should be watching My Hero Academia. The anime series started in 2016 and rapidly became one of the most popular on TV, owing largely to its slick animation and gripping storyline.
Here are just a few reasons you should be watching My Hero Academia.
The series’ protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, is a believable character from the first episode through all of his adventures. He’s a normal kid, unlike most people in the show’s world. He has no superpowers, but he still idolizes heroes like the legendary “All Might” and wants to grow up to be a superhero. Without a Quirk, however, he’ll never make it into the prestigious Hero Course at UA, the school for superheroes.
After a chance run-in with his idol, however, Midoriya develops a Quirk of his own and starts a journey to become the world’s greatest hero. Part of the series’ real magic is the slow growth of Midoriya from a scared kid to a genuine superhero, making his way through a world full of supervillains and rivals who would see him fail.
High school is a rough time for most people. Being a socially awkward teenager is just part of being in high school, so finding a group of friends to support you is critical. Midoriya is lucky in that his class, Class 1A, is full of some colorful characters who turn out to be his staunchest allies. From the plucky Ururaka to the stern Ida, Midoriya’s friends are at the core of the show’s heart.
As the class fights villains and survives numerous run-ins with disaster, their bond only grows deeper. The show is at its best when it luxuriates in its enormous cast, fleshing out the motivations and superpowers of the seemingly countless superheroes introduced in every new season. Class 1A is critical for this, giving any superhero fan plenty of new faces to choose favorites from.
My Hero Academia is animated by Studio Bones, the same team that created the excellent Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. As you can see, it looks gorgeous in motion. One of the best parts of the show is seeing the heroes bring their powers to life in chaotic fights against villains. The first time you see All Might use his considerable power in a fight, you’ll be hooked.
Anyone who loves superheroes likely also loves the altruistic motivations that make them tick. What possesses someone to put their own life on the line to protect others? What, truly, makes a hero? The show dwells deeply on the topic, asking the questions that some lesser shows might gloss over.
If you’re not watching this show, you’re seriously missing out. My Hero Academia is now in its fifth season, and it appears to have plenty of gas still in the tank. As the Hero Course’s Class 1A continues their training, villainous forces gather against them. It’s a battle for the soul of the world, and neither side is backing down. Does Midoriya have what it takes to keep everyone safe?
