My Hero Academia
“Season One”
With decades of anime under my belt and seeing the industry's ebb and flow through various trends and genres, I initially hesitated about "Boku no Hero Academia" (My Hero Academia). It debuted during a period when the market was rife with superhero stories. As an old-school fan, I feared it would be just another trope-filled concoction playing into the popularity of Western superhero comics.
Yet, the series deftly surpassed my expectations in almost every aspect, offering a refreshing take on the genre and paying homage to the Shounen classics that defined my early fandom years.
My Hero Academia is a fascinating concept in Shonen manga and anime. Written and drawn by author Kōhei Horikoshi, this series has become one of the most popular franchises in the medium in recent times, and it has generated a lot of different discussions about what it means to be a hero while combining a lot of traits and tropes from comics and manga.
So, there was a lot of anticipation for the anime's first season, even if the general consensus now is that it was too slow of an introduction. Was it good? Was it bad? Let’s find out with this review of My Hero Academia season 1.
Izuku "Deku" Midoriya is an average young man in a world that is not normal. In this series, he is a Quirk-less boy in a world where about 80% of the world's population develops a unique ability called “Quirk” once they reach a certain age. Quirks are superpowers, and people become either heroes or villains as they get older because of this.
Midoriya wants to become a superhero. This becomes a problem as he develops a profound admiration for heroes but can’t become one himself. He is constantly bullied and humiliated because of it. However, things start taking a turn for the better when his lifelong idol, All Might, sees something in him and decides to train him for admission to the most coveted superhero academy in the entire world.
The story of an underdog has always had an intrinsic appeal, resonating across generations and cultures. Despite his lack of Quirk, Izuku's dream of becoming a hero is compelling and easy to root for. His dedication, spirit, and morality remind me of the iconic Shounen protagonists I grew up with. The narrative becomes increasingly enthralling when All Might, the world's top hero, selects Izuku as his successor for the "One For All" Quirk, triggering a series of events that comprise the bulk of season one.
The series' strong suit is the depth of its characters and the world they inhabit. The Quirks and the society that supports them have a well-defined structure, allowing for various intriguing outcomes. In this universe, a person's superpowers can make or break them, but the story's emphasis on a good heart makes even that setting feel optimistic.
In that regard, Deku could very well be on the cliché side of things as a protagonist. He is the classical shonen main character, but he works for this kind of story because he is supposed to represent the ideal of the hero and the desire to protect others. His element as a superhero fanboy gives him some funny moments, and he is not a perfect individual, often falling short in tests or struggling to use his abilities.
In addition to our main protagonist, My Hero Academia offers a roster of well-developed characters. Izuku is a classic protagonist, relatable, and a beacon of hard work and determination. His journey to master his new Quirk under All Might's mentorship forms the backbone of the season. All Might himself, despite his invincible image, has a vulnerable side that becomes apparent as we delve deeper into his relationship with Izuku. This duality makes him more than a symbol of peace, painting him as a profoundly human character.
There is not a weak link in the cast. All Might, as stated, is a classic shonen mentor and a very notorious Superman analog; Katsuki Bakugo is annoying and pretentious (but he is meant to convey that); and it is always a pleasure to see Ochako Uraraka break away from the passive, shy cliché anime girl. Izuku's childhood friend and rival, Bakugo, and Todoroki, another influential student at UA High School, add depth and drama to the story. These heroes-to-be, among many others, exhibit a wide range of eccentricities and personalities, which gives the story greater depth.
My Hero Academia has some impressive animation. The series features the distinctive style of Studio Bones, known for its work on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Soul Eater. The action sequences are thrilling and exciting, with vivid colors and sharp details that are true to the manga's art style.
While it doesn’t get the same plaudits as Demon Slayer or the first season of One Punch Man, this anime works quite well with what it has and is done in a way that feels natural and fits with the tone it is trying to convey. This is important because it adapts the source material to a visual medium, and fans expect certain moments to be done effectively.
The visuals are a joy to see. From Deku’s funny expressions when he is scared or shy, to Bakugo’s yelling and constant rage modes, to the battle sequences and emotional moments, My Hero Academia has a lot of great visuals that stick in your mind the moment you watch them. That is very important and one of the reasons the manga has been such a success over the years: it has a very strong visual impact, and the anime takes a lot from that.
A superhero anime is nothing without fights; the fighting is exciting, if occasionally brief, which is the first criticism. Do you believe this show was sinless? The second most common criticism leveled at My Hero Academia's first season is that the pacing is excruciatingly slow. The anime's story slows down at times when it could have benefited from a faster pace. That is a bummer, but it will not ruin the season.
On the flip side, the exciting thing about the series is that the voice acting in this anime requires a lot of character and personality. A good example is how Deku needs to be very emotional and show a lot of range, how Bakugo needs to be loud and visceral, and how All Might feels larger than life, which the chosen cast has done.
The soundtrack works quite well. It’s not the greatest in the world, but it adds to the atmosphere. It fits with moments of sadness and moments where Deku has his own triumphs, which is the main point of soundtracks in storytelling.
It is not the most remarkable anime series on those fronts, but it is done in a way that is quite compelling and enjoyable, which is a lot more than what can be said of other franchises.
Compared to other anime airing during its debut period, My Hero Academia stood out, despite the high bar set by One Punch Man and Attack on Titan. While it shares common elements with these series, such as action-packed battles and high stakes, it distinguishes itself through its approach to the superhero genre. It offers a thoughtful, nuanced perspective by delving deep into its characters' motivations and the societal impacts of widespread superpowers.
Moreover, the series maintains a balance between serious plotlines and lighter moments, preventing it from becoming too grim or frivolous. This balance, reminiscent of long-standing franchises like Naruto or One Piece, is one of the keys to its broad appeal.
Finally, Season One of My Hero Academia provides an engaging story, complex characters, high-quality animation, and a unique take on the superhero genre. As an avid anime watcher, it not only lived up to but surpassed my high hopes, giving new life to the tired superhero genre. It's a must-watch for new fans exploring the anime world and older fans like me, reminding us of why we fell in love with Shounen in the first place.
My Hero Academia's debut season set the bar high for future installments. It introduced the show to global audiences, made it a smashing success, and laid the groundwork on which subsequent seasons could build and develop into something much richer. Despite some shaky pacing and solid but unremarkable animation, this has a lot going for it, especially for fans of comic book heroes.
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My Hero Academia Season One Official Trailer
