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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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I’m currently writing this on my phone as I prepare to go to bed, but this can’t wait until the morning. I just got done watching My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising. It was amazing! A huge step above Two Heroes, which was already a good movie.

The film takes place sometime after Season Four of the anime, though I’m not sure when. All the students of Class 1-A are filling in for the Pro Heroes by watching over the small island town of Nabu. Once again, Horikoshi wears his love for Star Wars on his sleeve. This month long excursion has no Pros and no teachers, so it’s a good chance for the students to gain experience. That is, until a quartet of villains arrives and turns the island into a disaster zone. Cut off from the world, the students of Class 1-A have to pull off all the stops to save the island. And man, do they go beyond, plus ultra!

Using the Cast to their Full Exent

A complaint I have about Two Heroes was how it never used app of Class 1-A as much as it could have. It only focused on around half the class, with the other half only making cameos with no lines. In Heroes Rising, though, the opposite happens.

Whether it’s through helping the islanders or throwing their might at the villains, this film gives each member of Class 1-A a moment to shine. While some will get more attention than others, I still enjoy seeing how each of these young heroes can show off what they can do.

Flashy Villains, No Depth

The villains in this story were terrifying on a scale that few in MHA can match. However, they’re so lacking in depth that I can’t even hope to remember their names. I guess that doesn’t matter, though, when they can bulldoze their way through the heroes. As a result, the students get pushed to their absolute limits to win, which makes for some intense fights.

Then we have the big bad, Nine. He’s called that because he let the League of Villains Dr. Eggman experiment on him. As a result, he has a weaker version of All for One’s Quirk. That alone makes him a nightmare, but the damage it does to his body keeps him from being All for One 2.0

So, he comes to the island looking for a Quirk to negate the damage, so he can fulfill his evil plans. What are they? Make a world where the strong rule: same spiel, a different bad guy. He doesn’t need depth when he can create a grandiose disaster and throttle the heroes in the worst beatdown I’ve seen since the Original Broly. Which leads for the team-up that fans have wanted

Deku and Bakugo

We’ve seen how Dekh’s relationship with Bakugo’s evolved over the series. Whereas Bakugo once thought his former friend was a nobody, this film shows him giving him genuine respect. He still yells at him and complains a lot, but he’s nowhere near as condescending. He wants Deku to get stronger so he can prove that he’s better than him.

Every generation of Shonen has had one great rivalry. First there was the legendary rivalry of Goku and Vegeta. Next, we had Naruto and Sasuke. Now, we have Deku and Bakugo, carrying the torches of those that came before.

In other words, this film’s about their relationship with each other and how far they’ve helped each other grow. This leads to the two facing down Nine in a climax that I can barely describe to you. The closest I can say is that it’s like the Deku vs. Overhaul fight times a hundred! It’s that good!

A Plus Ultra Film

While I do hold a soft spot for Two Heroes, I’d say that Heroes Rising was a significant improvement. If you haven’t seen it yet, then why are you still reading this? Go see it before it’s too late

I Give My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising a 4.8/5

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 12 Review

All her life, Eri’s known nothing but despair and suffering at the hands of Overhaul. Then she met Lemillion and Deku, who gave a sliver of hope that someone would save her. As we saw in the last episode, though, Eri’s despair reached new levels as Lemillion lost his Quirk and got beaten to a pulp. Fortunately, a new hope emerges in front of Eri in the form of Deku! Now the real fight can begin!

Recap

With Mimicry defeated and Toga and Twice retreating, Nighteye, Deku, and Eraser charge straight for Overhaul’s location. Now utterly infuriated, Overhaul uses his Quirk on himself, fusing himself to his subordinate. As a result, he turns into this four-armed abomination of nature. Deku fights him with everything he’s got, but his lack of experience shows, as the villain quickly figures out his attack pattern.

On the other hand, Sir Nighteye uses his ability to see the future to keep up with Overhaul, yet he can’t do any real damage. To the young heroes horror, Nighteye’s impaled by spikes created from Overhaul’s Quirk. As the villain once more tells Eri that she’s responsible for their suffering, the poor girl almost gives into despair. Fortunately, despite the odds being stacked against them, despite Eri telling them to forget about her, Deku refuses to give up hope. At that moment, Ryukyu, Uravity, and Froppy burst in through the ceiling from the battle above.

Review

If there’s one thing that Shonen anime have taught me, it’s that all the great heroes have something in common. When they face impossible odds, like fighting a god, or the world itself, they don’t give up hope. When people say they’re fated to lose, they’ll walk up to them and say “screw fate”. Guess who ends up losing?

Deku may still have some confidence issues and get nervous pretty easily, but he knows how important it is to never give up hope. That’s why he can’t stand to see a little girl like Eri knowing nothing but cruelty all her life. As a result, he’s not going to stop until he’s beaten Overhaul into the ground.

This season of My Hero Academia’s been a nice, slow burn, but I think that’s worked to its advantage. All the battles we’ve seen thus far have re-affirmed the driving theme of this whole arc: how heroes have the resolve to never lose hope in the face of despair. I think it’s an empowering message, and given us some of the best moments the anime’s seen thus far. So when I say I’m looking forward to Deku kicking Overhaul’s ass, I’m really looking forward to it. A new hope has emerged, Eri! Go beyond, Plus Ultra!

I Give “Unforseen Hope” a 4/5

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 10 Review/Recap

It’s just occurred to me that we haven’t seen the League of Villains since the Heroes raid started. Since the two groups formed an alliance, one would think they’d help defend the base. In this episode, though, the League of Villains makes its move at last!

Recap

As the heroes continue to break off to fight the Hassakai’s members, Midoriya’s group presses onward. In spite of Mimic using his drug-induced Quirk, the Yakuza fails to slow the heroes down. Reaching his limit, Mimic chooses to split the heroes up even further. This leaves them open to attack at the hands of League of Villains members Twice and Toga.

Several days prior, in order to cement their alliance, Overhaul asked Tomura to lend him Toga and Twice as temporary members. Even though the group holds a grudge against him for killing Magne and wounding Mr. Compress, Shigaraki agrees. His plan is to weaken Overhaul’s group from within so they may seize control of his drug. As a result, Toga and Twice decide to sabotage the Hassakai’s plans by goading Mimic into sending Deku and Eraserhead to another location.

Review

Ironically, some of the more interesting characters in My Hero Academia have been the League of Villain characters like Twice and Toga. They remind us that underneath their immoral actions, these people are still human, and therefore capable of love and affection. We see it when Toga comforts Twice when he’s having a meltdown, and in their desire to avenge Magne. Heck, we can sort of see it in Toga’s obsession with Midoriya. It’s a twisted version of love, but it still shows them capable of doing so.

This episode does a good job in building up tension for what’s about to happen. In the next episode, we’re going to see LeMillion catch up with Overhaul and Eri. Given what we hear in the previews, though, there’s cause for concern about his safety. If the League of Villains plan works, then I think Deku and Eraserhead will end up next to LeMillion. Here’s hoping. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Temp Squad” a 4/5

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 9 Review/Recap

While Kirishima’s Quirk, Hardening, isn’t as flashy as Bakugo’s or Deku’s, it’s still a powerful ability. As we saw earlier in the season, as Red Riot, he becomes a living shield to protect others. In this week’s episode, his status as a shield’s put to the test.

Recap

With Suneater having taken out three of the Eight Bullets, he’s out of the fight. Thus, Mimic tries to weaken the heroes further by taking out Eraser-Head. Thankfully, Fat Gum’s able to take the blow, but at the cost of separating him and Red Riot from the others. The pair are thus set upon by two more members of the Eight Bullets, the Spear and Shield combo of Rappa and Tengai. To the heroes shock, Rappa breaks though Red Riot’s.

The resulting shock reminds Kirishima of his time in middle school. His Quirk was seen as weak by others, and he lacked the courage to help others. Meanwhile, his classmate Ashido was the opposite who everyone saw as a future hero. It’s not until he remembers the words of his role model, Crimson Riot, of how all heroes face fear. However, it’s the fear of letting someone die that spurs them to act anyway. With those in his mind, Red Riot holds his ground against Rappa. This gives Fat Gum enough time to play his trump card: by burning up his fat reserves, he can absorb the blows he takes and send them back at an enemy. Thus, the Shield becomes a spear that shatters Rappa and Tengai.

Review

One of the hardest things about being a hero is dealing with the fear of death in battle. Not their deaths, per say, but the death of the people they swore to protect. But it’s that very fear that inspires the greatest of heroes to risk everything, and Kirishima faced it head-on. Like a true shield of justice.

I didn’t really care for Kirishima’s backstory, as it wasn’t that interesting to listen to. The thing I was most interested from his backstory, though, was the indirect mention of Deku. Apparently Bakugo’s encounter with that slime villain and Midoriya jumping in to save him was big news. While it makes for one heck of an origin story, here it serves as a sort of inspiration for Kirishima; I think.

I probably said it before, but I have the feeling that most of Class 1-A will end up being top-tier heroes. If Kirishima keeps training his Quirk, I think he’ll become a truly unbreakable shield. I can’t wait to see his progress. GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Red Riot” a 3.25/5

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 8, Review/Recap

Even though he’s one of the Big Three of UA, Tamaki Amajiki’s not like his two friends. He lacks their self-confidence, nor does he have a bubbly personality. However, looks are often decieving: underneath his shy exterior shines the heart of a hero. As the raid on Overhaul’s base begins, we learn why his hero name’s Suneater.

Recap

While Ryukyu’s group and most of the police fighting the Shie Hassakai’s thugs, Fat Gum and Nighteye lead their teams inside the hideout. However, Overhaul’s Eight Bullets stand in their way to buy time for their boss to escape with Eri. Using their powers, the Eight Bullets are able to split the team up even further. In particular, the Bullet Mimic uses his doped-up quirk to turn the underground into a moving labyrinth. As a result, they’re split up even further.

When faced with three more members of the Eight Bullets, Suneater chooses to stay behind while everyone else moves on. Despite putting up a strong fight and showing the full extent of his Quirk’s power, the teamwork and trust of the trio of enforcers almost overwhelms him. Rather than give up, though, Amajiki remembers how he first met Togata in Third Grade and became his friend. He then remembers telling Togata how he shone like the sun, to which Togata said Amajiki would shine bright enough to eat the sun. That inspired his name, Suneater, and became his inspiration as a hero. Acknowledging how powerful friendship can be, Suneater bests the three Bullets.

Review

Hot dang, man! On paper, Suneater’s Quirk may sound a little weird, but in terms of praticality, it’s one of the strongest Quirks I’ve seen in My Hero Academia. The ability to transform distinct parts of your body into various animals can be a powerful ability in fiction. However, seeing Suneater combine the different traits like he did was so incredibly cool! No wonder he’s part of the Big Three of UA!

More than his powers, though, I loved seeing the flashback of Amajiki and Togata. The friendship those two have is, in my opinion, inspiring, because they inspire each other. Having a friend who encourages you to be better is one of the best things a person can experience. In a way, friendship’s the main theme of this episode.

While we see a positive example of friendship in Amajiki and Togata, we see a negative one in the three Bullets. They trust in each other because they have no one else, and while I feel sad for them, they don’t try to improve their lives.

This arc’s shaping up to be one of my favorites in My Hero Academia, and I’m betting the action will get even better from hero. I can’t wait for next week! GO BEYOND, PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Suneater of the Big Three” a 4.5/5. Great Action, Great Flashback, All Around Great Episode.

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 7 Review/Recap

Ever since Midoriya and Togata learned that Overhaul’s using Eri to create Quirk-destroying drugs, they’ve been wracked with guilt. I don’t blame them, though: I would be mad, as well. Unfortunately, they can’t do anything until they learn where Overhaul’s keeping her. While this episode sees them deal with these feelings, Nighteye gets an unexpected break thanks to an unlikely source: magical girls.

Recap

The work study students return to school with instructions to not talk about the case to anyone. This leaves Midoriya feeling frustrated at his inability to do anything. Thankfully, a friendly talk with Shoto and Iida helps him get his act together. Soon afterward, the five students get the call in: they found where Eri is.

By chance, Eri’s babysitter went out to buy her a magical girl toy at the same store Nighteye was shopping. Realizing something’s up, Nighteye used his Quirk and confirmed that Eri was at Overhaul’s HQ. Now armed with everything they need, the heroes mobilize to capture Overhaul and rescue Eri. Since they’re still doing work studies under the heroes taking part, the UA students are allowed to join in the assault.

Despite trying to keep things a secret, the Shie Hassakai learns of their assault. As a result, they hit back with their elite fighters, the Eight Bullets.

Review

As a fellow geek, it fills my heart with pride to see geek culture becoming so prominent. We’ve already established that Sir Nighteye’s a major geek , but the fact that he was able to figure that guy was Overhaul’s underling the way he did? As for those who think its weird that a grown man likes magical girl anime, it seems normal to me. Look at me: I like Star vs, and that’s a kids show.

That said, this episode was, for all intents and purposes, a cooldown episode. It helps the show redraw its focus in time for the non-stop action we’ll be getting starting next week. While boring at times, it helps build up the hype for the upcoming action. It’s going to be epic seeing the raid in full force next week! Go beyond, Plus Ultra!

I Give “GO!!” a 3.5/5.

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My Hero Academia, Season 4, Episode 6 Review/Recap

Ever since Midoriya had to Overhaul take that little girl, Eri, he can’t stop thinking about how scared she was. Before we could see him deal with that any further, though, the last episode switched the focus to Kirishima. As Red Riot, he encountered a villain with two very powerful drugs: one that can take away Quirks, and the other enhance them. The show’s made it clear Overhaul’s connected to this, but it’s not until this episode that we see how deeply it goes. It all connects back to that little girl named Eri.

Recap

Not long after Kirishima’s fight, he, Midoriya, Uraraka, Asui, and the Big Three are summoned to a meeting. Sir Nighteye’s brought in a lot of major and minor heroes to address the Shie Hassaikai and their plans. Based on everything they’ve learned, Nighteye’s determined that Overhaul’s created a new drug that can temporarily shut down people’s Quirk’s. However, what’s sickening is Fat Gum’s own revelation. The drug in question’s made from the blood and cells of Eri.

The revelation that Overhaul’s using Eri fills Midoriya and Togata with disgust. However, Nighteye takes the blame for them, saying he told them not to interfere. Despite several people wanting to go after Overhaul then and there, Nighteye promotes caution. If they lose Eri again, then the villain’s will make sure they never find her. As for the two young heroes, they’re more determined than ever to save Eri. In the Shie Hassakai’s hideout, all Eri can think about how kind Midoriya’s touch felt to her as she cries.

Review

Some say that it takes a truly evil person to hurt a child, and they’re right. The fact that Overhaul’s using Eri as a tool for something so vile sickens me to my stomach. The sad thing is that I knew this was coming since I read the manga, but it still disgusts me.

Once I got past the initial rage, though, I thought of what a quirk-destroying drug could do. Ultimately, the only conclusion to be made was that if Overhaul found a way to destroy people’s Quirk’s, it would trigger unrest on a global scale. I saw this exact scenario at the start of Joss Whedon’s run on The Astonishing X-Men, so I know how dangerous a power-destroying drug is.e

This season of My Hero Academia may lack the stakes that All for One brought, but the fact that we’re seeing how it affects people makes up for it. Justin Briner and Ricco Fajardo deliver with their emotions as Midoriya and Togata. I can’t wait to see them rescue Eri. Go beyond, Plus Ultra!

I Give “An Unpleasant Talk” a 4/5. No action, but plenty of drama to keep you hooked.

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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

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

After taking a break last week, My Hero Academia returns with another new episode. One that’s just in time for Toonami’s premiere of Season 4 of MHA. A chance encounter with a villain forces Midoriya to make a difficult decision. Not long after, he learns why All Might and Sir Nighteye split up, and All Might’s task of fighting fate. In other words, this season’s going to be amazing.

Recap

Claiming to be the father of the little girl, Eri, Overhaul tries to take her back with him. Picking up on how terrified she is, Deku’s very hesitant to let her go. However, Togata gets him to stand down. They can’t risk tipping Overhaul off about the fact they’re investigating him. Later on, Sir Nighteye grills him for almost letting his emotions get the better of him.

Unable to stop thinking about everything Nighteye’s said, Midoriya asks All Might what led to the two falling out. Back when he first beat All for One, All Might was in bad shape. Nighteye insisted that he retire and name a successor then; otherwise, he would die within six or seven years. All Might’s sense of justice was too strong, though, and he continued his work as a hero. Years later, Nighteye picked Togata as his successor, but then Midoriya came along. Nighteye called him a fool for giving up his quirk to Midoriya.

Deku’s shocked to hear all this. More importantly, it means that within a year or so, All Might could end up dying. However, All Might’s more determined than ever to continue fighting fate so he can see Midoriya live up to his expectations. In turn, Midoriya vows to live up to the legacy he carries on.

Meanwhile, we see more of Overhaul’s cruelty as he takes Eri back to his base, saying she’s important to his plans.

Review

I think that this episode delivered some pretty big bombshells. Firstly, we see just how cruel and evil Overhaul really is through the terrified reactions of Eri. We throw the word “evil” so much, it sometimes loses its meaning. However, we always think their’s something heinous about hurting a child. Seeing how scared Eri was made me feel genuinely disgusted at Overhaul, and I don’t blame Midoriya for wanting to say no. If someone like Luffy or Goku were in his place, they’d punch Overhaul’s lights out.

At the same time, I knew that Togata, AKA Lemillion, was right about standing down. The fact that he kept his cool under pressure speaks a lot about heroic he is. Even so, I knew he didn’t like letting Eri go, either.

Then we have the revelation of All Might’s possible fate. However, I don’t think Nighteye was talking about the people when he said All Might should retire. Knowing how much he admires All Might, I don’t think he could stand to see his hero in such a state. While he does care about the importance of the Symbol of Peace, I think deep down, Nighteye doesn’t want to accept the fact that All Might’s mortal. I could simply be over analyzing things, however. Regardless, in matters like these, I’m the kind of person who’d rather look fate in the eye and say “you don’t control me.” I hope All Might can fight fate and win, and I hope Midoriya can prove Nighteye wrong.

The next episode’s going to change focus to Kirishima and another one of U.A.’s Big Three. From the look of things, I think it will still tie in to Overhaul. Either way, I look forward to it. PLUS ULTRA!

I Give “Fighting Fate” a 4.5/5. Very good episode.

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