My Hero Academia, or Boku no Hero Academia, is an anime series about Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born with no powers or “quirks” in a time and place where having superhuman abilities is not the exception but the rule. But the most powerful quirk of all suddenly falls on his lap when he is chosen by All Might, the hero of heroes, to be the next bearer of his power.
In essence, it is an underdog story where the lowly but honorable protagonist struggles to find his place in a world that is less than welcoming to people like him. The storyline is interesting enough, and the TV is littered with every variation of this underdog story you could ever think of.
However, do not be too quick to dismiss My Hero Academia. An anime series does not reach four seasons for no reason. Here are some things that make watching this anime a different experience despite it telling the same old story.
1. It creates a world of its own, but still relatable
While the story of Boku no Hero Academia reels you in with the premise of superheroes and a promise of epic battles with villains, it’s the backdrop of the story that will make you stay. They managed to create a world that, while fantastic, is still relatable. They took the time to develop elements of the story that details the more mundane components of the superhero world, such as the way “quirk-less” people are living ordinary lives much like our own, commuting to work and collecting government pensions and allowances.
They also explored how a mother worries about her son while training in the hero schools, and the more dangerous implications after graduating. It gives audiences the choice of empathizing with the regular characters, not just the superheroes or villains.
2. The characters are well fleshed out
The main character, Izuku Midoriya, is your typical underdog, the exact type of protagonist in thousands of other animes. However, there is nothing typical about the way his origin story is developed. For one, he was born without powers and suddenly had to get used to having arguably the most powerful quirk of all, all the while not losing the chip on his shoulder or the endearing characteristics that landed him the unique ability in the first place. It makes him stand out from many characters like him, and you inevitably find yourself rooting for the small guy.
The series also succeeded in developing the storylines of all the other side characters. Katsuki Bakugo is not just another villain-like character to complement the hero, but a relentless force of nature. Ochako Uraraka tugs at your heartstrings for being in the hero business mainly to provide for her family, not for fame or acceptance. All the other characters have their own backstory that is inserted seamlessly into the story, without disrupting its flow or pace.
3. The fight scenes are amazing
Let’s face it. An anime is not complete without epic battle scenes. And two things make the fight scenes in Boku no Hero Academia stand out: killer animation and a catchy soundtrack.
The challenge in superhero animation is conveying the magnitude of their power and, more importantly, speed, without sacrificing the nuances of their movements. The fight scenes are crisp and clear, definitely a treat for battle-starved eyes.
The soundtrack, on the other hand, sets the pace of the fight and rounds up the whole experience of enjoying an epic battle between good and evil. The fight between All Might and his arch-nemesis All for One is one of the most intense battles not just in the series but in anime history.
You have been given only three of the many reasons to watch My Hero Academy, but it should be more than enough. My Hero Academia has all the ingredients of a good anime series and then some. Whether you are an anime addict or just a casual fan, watching it will be well worth your time.
