A Decade of Plus Ultra
When Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2014, few could have predicted it would become one of the defining manga of its generation. Now, with its 2024 conclusion, it's time to look back at why this series resonated so deeply with millions worldwide.
The Hero We Needed
In a world where 80% of the population has superpowers called "Quirks," Izuku Midoriya is born without one. This simple premise—a powerless boy dreaming of becoming a hero—struck a universal chord. Unlike protagonists in One Punch Man who start overpowered, or Naruto with his hidden demon fox, Deku earns every inch of his journey.
What Made It Special
- Western Comic Influence: Horikoshi's love for Marvel and DC comics shines through, making it instantly accessible to American readers familiar with X-Men or Spider-Man
- Complex Villain Philosophy: The League of Villains, especially Shigaraki and Dabi, challenge the very concept of heroism in ways that rival the moral complexity of Watchmen
- Emotional Weight: From All Might's "United States of Smash" to Deku's letters to his classmates, the series consistently delivers powerful emotional moments
Where to Experience the Journey
The complete manga is available on VIZ Media and the Shonen Jump app. The anime adaptation by Studio Bones streams on Crunchyroll and Funimation, with the final season bringing the story to its animated conclusion.
If You Loved MHA, Try These
- Jujutsu Kaisen – Dark shonen with incredible action choreography
- Spy x Family – For wholesome found-family vibes
- Chainsaw Man – Denji's underdog journey with a darker edge
- Invincible (comics/animation) – Western superhero deconstruction
The Legacy
My Hero Academia succeeded because it asked a simple question: "What does it mean to be a hero?" Through Deku's journey from a crying, notebook-scribbling fanboy to the Symbol of Peace, Horikoshi showed us that heroism isn't about power—it's about the choice to save others, even when you have nothing to give. Plus Ultra, indeed.