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My Hero Academia S7 Ep 6 Review

The final battle for the world’s fate has begun at long last! On one side, we have the heroes of Japan fighting to stop All for One. On the other side, we have an army of villains led by All for One and Shigaraki, who are too OP for anyone to fight on their own. Fighting the villains as a single force is a no-win scenario, and the heroes know it. Thus, they opt for a more straightforward strategy to win this war: divide and conquer. Take them out one by one. However, that’s easier said than done.

Everyone Played a Part in this Trap!

The episode starts with a flashback explaining what should’ve already been made obvious: Aoyama duped All for One; however, I had forgotten how they fooled him in the manga. Lucky for me, the anime quickly reminded me of Shinso, the guy with the Quirk, a vocal version of LeLouch’s Geass. He used his Quirk to calm the Aoyama’s minds and hearts and fool All for One, proving once more why overlooking Shinso is a bad idea. The man’s Quirk is built for efficiency!

It’s not just Shinso, though, that’s played a part. As the episode makes clear, all the protagonists have a part to play in the hero’s divide-and-conquer plan. Monoma used his Quirk to copy Kurogiri’s, warp the heroes, and separate the villains. The support department has made the stage and cages to trap the villains. Everyone who has a power and is a protagonist in this series does something to help out, and I love it. The reason is my own belief that All Might’s decision to shoulder everything by himself was a mistake. Instead, everyone should work together to inspire people in the same way All Might has.

Deku Has to Fight is Yandere Stalker

The result: the heroes successfully isolate the villains to take them down. They even build a cage specifically meant to counter Shigaraki’s powers! However, there’s one slight problem: Deku, the lynchpin to fighting Shigaraki, isn’t there. Toga pulled him into a wormhole along with her. Now he’s stuck with Froppy, and Uravity fighting Toga.

Did we mention that Toga has a crush on Deku? It’s not going to work out well for him.

That aside, I liked this episode. I spent months reading this war play out in the manga, and it looks like the anime will live up to the hype. Buckle in, everyone. Get ready for one heck of a final war! Go beyond, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Division” a 4/5

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My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission Review

Remember how excited fans were when My Hero Academia got its first film? Some of the most elite Shonen series have made it onto the big screen over the years; it’s like an unofficial sign of greatness. Now, MHA has its film cinematic outing available in the US, World Heroes Mission, and it opens us up to the world of heroes beyond that of Japan. Unfortunately, the villain this time around is neither charismatic nor memorable like other villains.

A World Without Quirks

Taking place during the Endeavor Agency Arc, the basic premise was hinted at in a filler episode that I covered. Essentially, there’s this doomsday cult that prescribes to the idea that Quirks will eventually become too much for humans to control and wipe everyone out. Thus, this group, Humarise, wants to eliminate all Quirks to save humanity. When the heroes attempt to stop them, Deku stumbles upon key intel that puts him square in Humarise’s sights and forces him to go on the run while abroad. Luckily, none of the Heroes buy it, and it does little to hamper the plot of the film.

Humarise: So Unoriginal

I’m going to come out and say it: Humarise is not the best villainous faction I’ve seen in a Shonen anime. Heck, it’s not even the best evil faction in the context of My Hero Academia. That’s because there’s nothing original about them.

Firstly, there have been cult/terrorist groups like Humarise in comic books for years. I could make a whole list regarding how many anti-metahuman groups I’ve seen in Marvel Comics, and a lot of them direct their hatred towards that of Mutants. Secondly, they may think they’re doing the right thing, but Humarise is doing anything but that. Their ultimate goal of wiping out Quirks would kill off 80% of the world’s population. No matter how you slice it, that’s wrong and there’s no justifying it. Lastly, they’re not even original in the context of MHA, with that Yakuza group wanting to do the same thing.

In addition, their leader, Flect Turn’s, motivation boils down to the fact that his Quirk can’t be controlled. Thus, because it’s brought him so much misery, he wants to get rid of Quirks outright. It’s Overhaul all over again.

At Least Rody Was Fun

The film did introduce us to a new character by the name of Rody Soul that was at least a little interesting, as far as anime film characters go. Rody’s a small-time thief around Deku’s age who, through fate or accident, gets embroiled in this Humarise debacle with Deku. However, his life has not been the easiest; his Dad dissappeared when he was young, leaving him to look after his siblings on his own. Because of his tough upbringing, he’s had to learn to trust only himself to survive. He’s like a less angry version of Bakugo, basically.

As far as original characters go, I thought that Rody was okay. This movie was just as much his story as it was about yet another mission Deku finds himself in. And, despite his limitations, he ends up becoming integral to stopping Humarise. Also, he gets bonus points because he works for this bar owner named Stanleyk. Get it?

Fun Film, Forgettable Plot

Overall, I thought that this My Hero Academia film was pretty fun. As far as relevance to the plot of the series goes, though, it has none. However, that’s par for the course for Shonen films. Whenever a Shonen anime gets a movie, it almost never affects the overall plot. It’s really just a standalone, extra-long filler episode where the show’s staff can cut loose, much to fan’s enjoyment.

So, while we wait for the upcoming Paranormal Liberation War, this film should be enough to tide fans over. Also, the action was absolutely amazing.

I Give My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission A 3.5/5

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My Hero Academia S5 Episode 25 Review

I will be upfront and completely honest with you guys. As far seasons go, I think that Season Five of My Hero Academia has been the weakest in the anime’s run. It’s not its fault. It’s just that the arcs that it’s covered from the manga haven’t been the most exciting, save for the first and the last. However, those who keep up with the manga know that this season’s merely meant to build up to something big. As the fifth season of the anime ends, we prepare for the biggest arc in the series to date: the Paranormal Liberation War.

Heroes and Villains Get Stronger

As we saw at the end of the last episode, Tomura Shigaraki’s now more powerful than ever. He’s taken control of the Meta Liberation Army, renaming it the Paranormal Liberation Front. He’s won the loyalty of Gigantomachia. And now, he’s about to unlock the full strength of his Quirk.

If you recall last season, we were introduced to the “Quirk Singularity Theory.” Essentially, it’s the idea that as Quirks evolve over the generations, they’ll become too powerful for humanity to control and destroy them. Daruma came up with it, and All for One took him seriously. Now, they’re using that theory to power Shigaraki up to surpass All for One. Heck, they’re going to try and have him surpass One for All. If that happens, then everyone is at risk.

Prelude to the Paranormal Liberation War

I have been saying it for some time now, but all of the events of this season have been setting us up to something bigger: the Paranormal Liberation War. What is that, exactly? The Paranormal Liberation War arc is one of the biggest arcs in My Hero Academia. With Tomura on the verge of obtaining ultimate power, the Heroes need to act, and they need to do it now. Fortunately, thanks to Eraserhead and Present Mic’s work, they learn where he’s being kept: Jaku Hospital. Horikoshi’s a huge Star Wars fan, and it seems like every important location in the manga will be Star Wars related. However, if you know Star Wars and the planet Jakku, then you know that this is going to be big. Super big.

There’s not that much left to say about this episode, as it’s meant to set us up for the big one. The Paranormal Liberation War’s about to begin, and Deku and the others are caught right in it. This is going to be good! GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “The High, Deep Blue Sky” A 3/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 19 Review

Finally! After weeks and weeks of waiting, MHA is about to get to the good stuff! With the fifth season of the anime only having six episodes left, it’s got to get a move on if it wants to lay the groundwork for the next season. The season that will, more than likely, focus on the biggest and darkest arc to date. And it starts with Present Mic and Eraserhead encountering a face from their past.

Eraserhead and Present Mic’s Friend

There are people out there that you look at and wonder “why are they even friends?” People that are so different from each other that it seems like they never naturally associate. Then again, opposites attract, as is the case of Eraserhead and Present Mic. But they also had another friend, one who kept them both together: Oboro Shirakumo. He was tragically killed while the three were doing their work studies. However, All for One stole his corpse and resurrected him as the Nomu, Kurogiri.

I remember reading this moment in the manga, and I thought to myself just how messed up it was. It was bad enough that Oboro died at such a young age. But for All for One to bring him back as a puppet for evil? That’s sick on so many levels! I felt Aizawa’s tears as he tried to reach out to what was left of his friend in Kurogiri.

In the end, Aizawa and Present Mic end up getting some vital information out of Oboro/Kurogiri: hospital. Combined with everything we already knew about the villains activity, the puzzle finally becomes clear.

And thus, next week finally, finally sets us up for the villains return. Move over, MHA! My Villain Academia is about to begin people! GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!!

I Give “More of a Hero Than Anyone” A 4/5

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My Hero Academia S5, Episode 18 Review

You know how a lot of religions and spiritual schools say that we shouldn’t hold a grudge and learn to forgive and move on? It’s simple in practice, but in reality, it’s a lot harder to implement. There are going to be times when we meet people who commit actions that we consider unforgivable, such as Natsu’s resentment for his father, Endeavor, for how abusive he was in the past. We know that Endeavor’s trying to change for the better, yet Natsu refuses to give him a second chance. So what happens then? What happens to someone who remains unforgiven despite everything they try to do to make things right? That’s what this episode of My Hero Academia tackles.

The Unforgiven

After the awkward dinner of the last episode, Endeavor gets ready to take Deku, Bakugo, and Shoto back to U.A.. However, a psychotic villain that Endeavor put away years ago shows up out of nowhere and holds Natsu hostage in front of him. His goal’s simple: force Endeavor to kill him and end his miserable life, or watch as he kills his son. 

It’s a classic dilemma in the superhero-supervillain formula. Some villains aren’t out for power or wealth or fame. All they want to do is prove that even the Heroes can be as bad as they are. Batman and Joker have this dynamic in most incarnations, and it never gets any easier. Like Batman, the normally confident and brutal Endeavor hesitates, not for fear of taking a life, but for fear of what his son would think of him. Therefore, it’s appropriate that the Big Three of 1-A capture the villain before he can hurt anyone. 

Trying to Change

After this, Endeavor gives Natsu a genuine hug and apologizes for his hesitation. Moreover, he apologizes for being a terrible Dad over the years. However, Natsu still refuses to forgive him, despite all that Endeavor’s trying to do. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but Endeavor admits he doesn’t wants forgiveness. He wants to atone for his past sins, even if it means distancing himself from his family forever.

I personally liked this moment in the episode. It’s a very realistic outcome that I’m sure countless people have experienced. No matter how much someone might try to change for the better, some of us can’t forgive or forget their past actions. It’s hard being unforgiven by the ones you love, but it happens. And when it does, the best thing they can do is accept this and keep trying regardless. 

I understand why Natsu considers Endeavor unforgiven, and he may never forgive his Dad. However, I’m still hopeful that Natsu will be able to accept that his Dad’s changing and moves on with his life.

In the meantime, there are only six episodes left in the season, so the Paranormal Liberation War Arc better be beyond epic. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “The Unforgiven” A 4/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 17 Review

If you’ve ever read comic books before, than you know the personal lives of superheroes aren’t the most stable, even in the best of times. Yet when you look at how messed up the Todoroki family has it, it makes half of what Spider-Man goes through look like child’s play. His Wife’s in a mental ward, Shoto still has a grudge against him, and his other son can’t stand him. The Todoroki family is broken, but Endeavor’s trying to fix it. The question is, can he?

The Todoroki Family’s Dark Past

The first half of the episode continues the main plot of the arc: Shoto, Bakugo, and Deku working under Endeavor and trying to keep up with him. However, it’s the second half of the episode that takes focus. Endeavor’s eldest daughter invites the students to dinner. Calling it awkward is an understatement. Fuyumi tries to make the meal as enjoyable as possible, but Endeavor’s other son, Natsu, can’t stand what’s happening and decides to leave. As he does so, he basically calls out his Dad on how he’s trying to change now, after all the abuse and neglect he put them through.

This, to me, served as a reminder of how simply saying “I’m sorry” isn’t always enough to fix a broken relationship. In real life, it’s not always easy for people to forgive someone for past wrongs. Moreover, Natsu has a point in calling out his Dad’s recent change as too little, too late. However, we know that Endeavor’s genuinely trying to change for the sake of his family.

Then, we get the wham shot. The shrine dedicated to his oldest son, Toya Todoroki. If you’ve read the manga, then you know just how big a moment this is. I won’t spoil it, though. All I’ll say is that Toya plays a bigger role in the show than you think.

This episode was definitely a step-up from recent ones. Not much action, but the emotional stakes kept me interested. And the drama continues next week. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!!

I Give “The Hellish Todoroki Family” A 3.5/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 16 Review

When I saw that this week’s episode of MHA was a filler episode focusing on Tsuyu and Uraraka, I was confused. Why would they choose to put in a filler episode now? As it turns out, there’s a reason behind this. In case you didn’t know, the next MHA movie comes out August 6th, less than a month from now. And the events of this episode tie right into the plot of that movie!

Tsu and Uraraka’s Work Study Experience

While the big three of Class 1-A are working at Endeavor’s Agency, Uraraka, Tsuyu, and Nejire-Chan are back with Ryukyu for their work study. That’s when they get a request for help from Selkie, the aquatic hero that Tsuyu interned under. There’s a ship of drugs they’re after, and they need help catching it. Thus, the two hero agencies team up to catch the smugglers.

There’s a good reason why they’re after these drugs, too. They’re called “Trigger” and they boost a person’s Quirk to monstrous levels, much like what Overhaul’s drug did. In the end, the heroes end up stopping the drugs from getting shipped, and Tsuyu and Uraraka show just how much they’ve learned. Most telling is the fact that Uraraka starts to think things through before acting, as opposed to when she jumped in to save Deku without a plan.

There’s not that much else to say about this episode. The only thing that’s noteworthy enough to talk about is how this sets us up for My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission. According to information released, that film will see the heroes of Class 1-A travel abroad to help thwart a massive terrorist attack meant to wipe out those with Quirks.

Next week, though, the anime’s getting right back into the heart of the story. Specifically, Deku and Bakugo are going to get a firsthand look at Shoto’s family and how broken it is, and how Endeavor’s trying to make up for everything. Endeavor may have started out as a massive jerk, but he’s made big steps to change for the better. I just hope his family can see that. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!!

I Give “Long Time No See, Selkie” a 3/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 15 Review

Okay, I know I said that I was fine with waiting for the season to save the villain arc until the end, but now it’s becoming a problem. Like, a big problem. It’s throwing things at us without any context, and unless you’ve read the manga, then you’re going to be left confused. At least we’re getting closer to the moment we’ve been waiting for, though.

The Heroes Are Getting Stronger

As we learned last episode, Tomura and the other villains are planning something big! They’re gathering recruits all over Japan for a massive attack to destroy the society the heroes have fought so hard to protect. And what’s worse is the fact that the heroes may be short on manpower. As a result, it’s revealed that the purpose of the work studies this time around is to bolster the heroes numbers. In other words, the higher-ups want to use them as child-soldiers.

Under normal circumstances, I would object to this. Willfully using kids as soldiers isn’t right. However, the fact that the hero course students at UA have regularly faced danger makes this situation par for the course for them. They can handle it if they continue to get stronger like they have been.

As with last week, this episode focuses mainly on the big three of Class I-A: Deku, Bakugo, and Shoto, as they all train under Endeavor. They all know they have to get stronger, but the question is how they go about doing it. Surprisingly, Endeavor gives them some pretty sound advice: just take things one step at a time. He even tells Deku to compare using his powers to learning how to drive a car. It takes practice, but eventually, people do it without thinking.

Overall, this was another slow episode for me, but I’m being patient. It will make the villains arc that much more enjoyable in the end. And next week, we’re switching focus to Uraraka and her work studies. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “One Thing at a Time” a 3/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 14 Review

Since the end of last week’s episode, I’ve heard more than a few fans complain about the way that the season of My Hero Academia is playing out. In the manga, the Joint Training Arc was followed by an arc focused solely on the villains of the series. However, the show’s taken a different route. It’s focusing on the Endeavor Agency Arc first, then moving to the villains arc while hinting at the liberation going on in the background. I can understand why they’re doing this, at least. They want to save the best for last for this season. That way, when we get to Season Six, they can focus entirely on the biggest arc to date.

At least we’ve got a new opening, though.

A Slow Breather Episode

At the end of the Christmas party last episode, Shoto gave Deku and Bakugo a big opportunity to study with him under his Dad, Endeavor! The three strongest heroes of Class 1-A studying on the number one Hero. That’s a recipe for epicness waiting to happen. And it leaves us getting to watching the four of them take down a delusional villain who can control glass in the process.

However, the plot with the students isn’t the big draw to the episode. Rather, it’s what’s going on behind the scenes that’s got everyone’s attention. While anime-only fans will have to wait a little bit, those who read the manga will know what the plot revolving around Hawks is about. And it’s going to be big. And what’s worse is that Hawks can’t let the other heroes know since he can’t blow his cover. However, that doesn’t stop him from giving Endeavor a warning in the form of a coded message inside a book.

Okay, to be honest, it’s hard to talk about this episode without spoiling what happened in the villain arc that’s coming up. But that message to Endeavor about the enemy being liberation shouldn’t be taken lightly. Someday, very soon, a battle will be fought that will shake the world of heroes to its core.

Until then, though, there’s not that much to enjoy about this episode on its own. When the season is over and we look back on it, there will be more to enjoy. For now, though, there isn’t a lot I can say without spoilers. Sorry, guys. Hopefully, the next episode can GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!!

I Give “Off to Endeavor’s Agency” a 3/5

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My Hero Academia Season 5, Episode 13 Review

I know that Christmas in the Summertime is a thing, but I completely forgot the fact that the world of My Hero Academia has reached the Christmas season. It’s weird to see the anime celebrate the holiday when we’re about to head into Summer, but beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, those who’ve read the manga know that this is going to be one of the last happy moments that the young heroes will have for a long time.

The Coming Storm Grows Amidst the Holidays

With the end of the Joint Training Session, life at UA High returns to their concept of normality. However, the first signs of trouble are already brewing in the background. The public is pushing for the Pro Heroes to become more active in light of recent events. As a result, UA decides to reinstate the work study program and make everyone in the Hero Course take part.

The Public Safety Commission that’s in charge of all the Pro Heroes claims this move is to give the next generation of heroes real-life experience. However, the staff at UA High sees it for what it is. The government’s doing this to draft the next generation of heroes to fight the rising tide of heroes. While there’s no doubt that most, if not all, of the heroes in training are capable, it doesn’t make it any less right. They’re putting them in harm’s way before they’re potentially ready. In addition, this measure shows something that they shouldn’t be showing: the good guys are getting desperate.

For now, though, life goes on as normal. And the students of UA celebrate Christmas together.

The Importance of Happiness in Dark Times

Some people may be thinking “Why are the heroes celebrating Christmas when things are getting so bad?” Truthfully, it’s in dark times that people need to celebrate holidays the most.

It’s a psychological thing. When people are faced with crisis after constant crisis, then eventually, they’ll end up breaking and give into despair. Holidays like Christmas help people forget their woes and mentally recharge themselves. And after everything that Deku and his friends have gone through, they need this.

Also, there’s the fact that we get to see Eri dressed like Santa. Seeing her confusing the holidays up since she’s never been able to celebrate them is the absolute cutest thing imaginable!

Dark Forces At Work

While the heroes are celebrating the holidays, though, the villains are up to big stuff. This never happened in the manga, but the anime gives us a glimpse at what’s happening to Shigaraki amidst everything that’s happening. HE LEVELS AN ENTIRE CITY WHILE LAUGHING LIKE A MANIAC!!

While some may criticize the anime for jumping between arcs out of order, I thought that this was a good framing device. When the time come to show what the League of Villains has done, it’s going to make fans freak out.

In the meantime, though, the young heroes are about to resume their work studies, and Shoto makes Deku and Bakugo an offer they can’t refuse: the chance to work under Endeavor. The three strongest students of Class 1-A working together under the number one hero? It’s a dream come true for the fans. And while some will want to skip straight to the villains, trust me when I say that this will make everything worth it. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!!!

I Give “Have a Merry Christmas” a 3/5

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