My Hero Academia: At the Center of the Spotlight

The fourth feature film, My Hero Academia: You’re Next, has captivated critics and audiences alike. Meanwhile, the original manga is steadily approaching its conclusion. As the 40th volume nears, the creator begins to tie up loose ends and reveal critical elements of the characters' pasts.

Never Giving Up

Exhausted, divided, and wounded, the heroes of My Hero Academia are fighting on all fronts to prevent All for One from achieving his goals. To buy time and complete his transformation, he has dispatched his minions to spread chaos across the country. Veteran heroes and students must unite to protect civilians and avert the nation’s collapse. Yet, every victory feels like a fleeting reprieve.

The primary objective is to stop All for One from merging with Tomura. As the ranks of the heroes thin dangerously, All Might steps back into the fray. Equipped with a combat suit, he throws himself against his nemesis. Though powerless, his chances of success are slim, yet his purpose lies elsewhere: to delay the villain and inspire confidence among freedom fighters and civilians. Even without a Quirk, a man can still stand against injustice.

My Hero Academia: All Might Goes Hulkbuster

This volume spotlights the iconic former No. 1 hero. Having passed the One for All torch to Deku several volumes ago, All Might lost all his strength, reverting to the frail figure he was before inheriting the Quirk. Yet, the series emphasizes a central lesson: it’s not the Quirk that defines the man.

All Might was a hero even before gaining his Quirk. Like Deku, he was driven by noble ideals and courage, qualities that led him to be chosen as a One for All successor. Though devoid of power, All Might’s inner fire remains undiminished. Turning to technology, he dons a combat suit reminiscent of Tony Stark’s to join the final battle.

The Hero’s Legacy

This volume rebuilds the hero's image, previously tarnished by revelations of their past mistakes and the rift between them and parts of the population. All Might’s sacrificial actions help restore this image. In one panel, he faces a spine-breaking moment akin to Batman in Knightfall. In another, his suit pushes its limits, reminiscent of Tony Stark’s iconic scene in Avengers.

It’s not just All Might who carries the banner of justice; other heroes are restoring balance across the country, liberating allies, and even guiding former enemies like Stain back to righteousness. Meanwhile, Katsuki Bakugo rises to the “7th sense” in a breathtakingly dynamic battle, showcasing his charisma and the nobility of his commitment. Once the rebellious "troublemaker," Bakugo emerges as an inspiring and heroic figure, finally revealing his true nature.

My Hero Academia: The Monster’s Origins

While action dominates this volume, the author includes quieter moments crucial to the story. These pages, intricately divided into smaller panels, unveil All for One’s backstory. As the fight prolongs and All for One de-ages, akin to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, he and the reader are taken through his memories—his family, the discovery of his powers, and his initial steps into crime.

These moments delve into his obsession with the One for All and reveal the tragic history with his brother and Kudo, one of the early wielders of the One for All. The narrative shifts into a heart-wrenching family drama, showing the choices that tore the siblings apart and created a lifelong curse for the elder brother.

Some manga linger in your mind long after the last page is turned. This 40th volume is one of them. The author masterfully drives the plot to its limits, showcasing the coherence of the universe and challenging readers to reflect on the weight of their actions. My Hero Academia is a rare gem, and we highly recommend diving into its world. Discover the complete series on the Ki-oon Editions website.