RJ Writing Ink

My Hero Academia Season 4, Episode 24

It’s been a crazy season for My Hero Academia, and while the second half hasn’t been as exciting, it still aims to go out with a bang. Until now, the show hasn’t really focused on how All Might’s retirement has affected the Heroes. All we know is that Endeavor is now the number one hero, but people aren’t that confident in him. In this episode, though, we see him start to make an effort to change how people think of him. Even if he doesn’t do a good job at it.

Recap

With the School Festival over, Class 1-A gets some exciting news: Eri is going to be living in the Teacher’s Dorms! Due to her Grandfather, the head of the Hassakai, being in a coma, Mr. Aizawa’s basically adopted her so they can learn how to control her powers and then reverse what happened to Togata. In the meantime, the Wild Wild Pussycats visit and bring Kota, who acts like a tsundere fan of Midoriya.

On a national scale, the Japanese Hero Billboard Chart, which determines the ranking of Heroes in Japan, releases for the first time since All Might’s retirement. Endeavor is now officially the number one Hero, while in second place is a young man named Hawks. After the new ranks are revealed, Hawks pulls Endeavor aside and asks him to come with him to his hometown. He reveals that he’s been tracking reports of more Nomu across the country, and that he wants to help Endeavor become the leader that the Heroes need. However, their meeting gets interrupted when an extremely powerful Nomu attacks them, forcing Endeavor into battle.

Review

If All Might is the Superman of My Hero Academia, then Endeavor has to be its Batman. It’s dark, edgy, and abrasive Batman that doesn’t care what others think of him. We’ve already seen how much of a jerk Endeavor can be; look at his son, Shoto! However, I think we’re finally see him own up to the fact that he was a jerk and try to change. Trying to be like All Might, though, isn’t going to work.If he wants to make the title of No. 1 Hero his own, he has to do it in his own, Endeavor-way. At least he has Hawks to back him up.

I don’t quite know what to think of Hawks. On the one hand, he acts very laid-back and lazy despite being the No. 2 Hero at such a young age. At the same time, this episode shows how seriously he takes his Hero duties, protecting people while walking down the street and giving out autographs. In addition, while he has the ability to do so, he has no desire to be No. 1 because of all the work; he thinks Endeavor can be that guy. In other words, he wants to be the man in the chair for the hero so he can be lazy.

Endeavor and Hawks make for an interesting pair, but I think them being polar opposites is what makes this episode work. It almost makes me feel bad that the season’s ending next week, as I want to see more of their relationship. For now, though, the villains seem to be gearing up for something big with that new Nomu. With the next episode the last one of the season, here’s hoping that it lives up to the series motto: GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Japanese Hero Billboard Chart” a Solid 4/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.

My Hero Academia Season 4 Episode 20 Review/Recap

Ever since Midoriya began attending U.A., life seems to have gotten bleaker. First, the League of Villains, then Stain, All for One, Overhaul, and All Might’s retirement. However, despite how dark things are, U.A.’s determined to have their School Festival even as some seek to ruin it. Thus, both sides steel their resolve over a cup of rare tea in this episode.

Recap

Having gotten the go-ahead from Principal Nezu for Eri to visit the Festival, Togata brings her to U.A. ahead of time to meet everyone. Eri immediately endears herself to the entire school as they gush over her and look forward to seeing her at the Festival. Meanwhile, Principal Nezu speaks to the authorities, telling them of his plans for the Festival- if the alarm’s sounded, even on a false alarm, the Festival will be cancelled. Thus, Class 1-A steels their resolve over a cup of Gold Tips Imperial tea.

Meanwhile, Gentle Criminal prepares for his and La Brava’sgreatest stunt yet. On the day of the Festival, they’ll have Gold Tips Imperial tea at a nearby cafe. Then, they’ll sneak into U.A. High.

Review

In a nutshell, this ”School Festival Arc” has been pretty boring and forgettable. After everything we saw in the Hassakai Arc, though, it would be hard to top that. Nonetheless, I feel this episode sets that stakes for what’s to come and why they’re still important, if on a smaller scale.

This episode has Principal Nezu explain his reasons for having the Festival, regardless of the times they’re in. It’s because I’m times of hardship, it’s all the more important for people to smile and remember that bad things won’t last forever. Since Midoriya hopes the Festival will help zero smile again, it’s all the more important it succeeds. Conversely, Gentle wants to ruin it because it will make people be even more paranoid.

That said, I think Gentle and La Brava are the best part of this arc. They’re like the Joker and Harley Quinn, only the Joker genuinely cares about his Harley. It’s sweet to see, but I still don’t want then to win.

In addition, this episode has seen Midoriya try to branch out into ranged attacks, something that his fighting repertoire has been sorry lacking. He may not be able to do them on his own yet, but maybe Hatsume may be able to help.

That said, why did they name this episode after tea? I get that tea’s important to Gentle, but what does it have to do with the of the episode? It doesn’t really make sense to me. regardless, next episode will hopefully see the start of the fight between Deku and Gentle. Go beyond, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Gold Tips Imperial” A 2.5/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.