RJ Writing Ink

My Hero Academia Season 5 Episode 5 Review

Okay, I admit that I thought that this season of My Hero Academia started out slow. However, now that the joint training arc has begun, things have started to pick up. We’re seeing just what the students of the Hero Course are capable of, and they’re all quite formidable. Case in point, Fumikage Tokoyami, who has one of the coolest Quirks in the series, gets the spotlight this episode as he unveils a new move: Black Fallen Angel.

Did I mention that ‘Black Fallen Angel’ sounds like an awesome name for a heavy metal band?

Tokoyami’s Struggles And Successes

While most of the Joint Training Arc was forgettable to me in the manga, there were a few moments that stood out for me. And one of those moments involved Tokoyami unveiling a new power in his fight against Class 1-B. In addition, I also remember how it’s revealed that that he spent both his work study and internship working under Hawks, now the number two hero. The anime expands on what the manga told us by revealing just how frustrated Tokoyami was under Hawks, who did little to help him as a hero. However, that laid-back attitude was meant to encourage him to push for greater heights in the end. Which makes sense, as Hawks is the kind of person who prefers to get things done with the least effort needed.

As a result of Hawks’ training, Tokoyami came up with a new move with his new move that looks so amazing: Black Fallen Angel!

Tokoyami’s Stand-o Power!

There are plenty of heroes in My Hero Academia with powers that stand out, but I’ve always felt like Tokoyami’s Dark Shadow was different from others. It reminds me a lot of the Stands from the legendary manga, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. It manifests from Tokoyami’s body, he can use it in creative ways, and he can control it remotely. That sounds just like a Stand to me. As a result, Tokoyami has been one of the standouts in the series core cast. Unfortuntately, the coolness factor of this new super move gets hampered by the skills shown by Class 1-B.

Regardless of how I think about this arc, I’m well aware of its importance. It’s to show us just how much the heroes in training have improved. And if the last two episodes are any indication, I’d say they’ve made leaps and bounds since the start of the series. And given how the episode ends on a cliffhanger, I have a feeling this fight will be more interesting than the last one. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Operation New Improv Moves” a 4/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.

My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 4 Review

I remember telling you guys last week just how highly I thought of Shinso’s Quirk, Brainwashing, right? In the right circumstances, it can subdue a villain without any injuries or collateral damage. Since that often wont’ happen, though, we have to see how Shinso holds up in an actual fight. And I think that he does pretty well. Not only that, but the fighting animation for this episode is pretty darn good!

The Rules of Shinso’s Quirk

Picking up a short time before the training exercise started, Shinso explained to his new teammates the rules of his Quirk.

1. He has to think about using it in order for it to work.
2. Shinso must speak first, then get his target to respond.
3. Shinso can make his target perform basic tasks, but none that require actual thinking.

These are the basic rules behind his Quirk, meaning that those aware of it will be hard to trick, hence why he has that cool new collar: Persona Cord. (Which I personally think would make a good superhero name!)

As we all expected, Shinso’s lack of experience makes him an initial hindrance to Class 1-A, costing them the lead at first. However, Class 1-A successfully offsets this with their excellent teamwork. That, and Asui’s ability to secret toxic mucus that can disguise their scents. Which is both cool, and gross.

Aside from seeing Shinso work his Quirk in an actual fight, and seeing how how Eraser-Head’s been teaching him his methods, there was one other thing I loved about this episode: the animation. The fight scenes were so smooth and amazing to look at! If this is what’s going to be in store for us for the rest of the season, then I think that I’m going to be enjoying this over the summer!

I’m really going to enjoy this! Go Shinso! GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA

I Give “Go for it, Shinso” a 4.5/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.

My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 5 Review/Recap

After the multiple revelations of last week’s episode, I think viewers needed a chance soak everything in. So instead of focusing on Midoriya, this week’s episode focuses on his classmates; specifically Kirishima. As Red Riot, he’s doing his own work study with Amajiki under Great Saiyaman Fat Gum. However, he winds up getting caught in the effects of Overhaul’s master plan in the process.

Recap

At a secret location, Shigaraki meets with Overhaul and tells him he’ll work with him, on two conditions. Firstly, he won’t a subordinate: they’re equal partners in this plan. Secondly, the young man wants to know what Overhaul’s plan is. He already knows it has something to do with what they hit Mr. Compress with. Overhaul cryptically says that he plans to fine-tune what All for One did and upend the status quo.

Elsewhere, Red Riot (Kirishima) is on patrol with Suneater (Amajiki) and Fat Gum. After stopping a trio of robbers, Suneater’s suddenly shot by a fourth criminal with the same bullet used on Mr. Compress. Red Riot pursues the criminal on his own and seems to have him beat. However, the man then injects himself with a drug that makes his Quirk go crazy. As a result, Red Riot pushes his Quirk and defeats the bad guy with his new move: Red Riot Unbreakable! All the civilians present praise the young hero for his efforts, but Fat Gum’s left worried about the criminal used.

Review

By a wide margin, Midoriya’s my favorite character in My Hero Academia; partially because his sense of justice and bravery reminds me of Spider-Man. However, I think a good Shonen story needs to give its supporting cast time to shine. This episode was all about the supporting cast.

Aside from Kirishima’s amazing display, it’s also revealed that Uraraka and Asui are doing their own work studies. Like Deku and Kirishima, they’re working alongside another member of the Big 3, Nejire. As a result of all their heroics, the members of Class 1-A are getting noticed by the public. Honestly, I think its nice to see them get recognition; they’re building their legends as heroes.

As much as I loved seeing what the others are up to, there are bigger problems. I know that Overhaul has some kind of drug that can surpress a person’s Quirk. What worries me more, though, is that drug that criminal used to fight Red Riot. It was like a super-powered steroid, and in the wrong hands, that could be catastrophic. Whatever Overhaul has planned, it’s big. In other words, this episode sets us up for a something monumental, and I can’t wait to see what happens next week! PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Let’s Go, Gutsy Red Riot” A 4/5. Really enjoyable

Click here to see more animanga stuff.