My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

TitleMy Hero Academia Season 7
DirectorNaomi Nakayama, Kenji Nagasaki (Chief Director)
StudioBones
Episode Air Date10/12/2024

As a long-time fan of both shonen anime and superhero comics, I must say that the fight between All Might and All For One in the latest season of “My Hero Academia” has been nothing short of breathtaking. It’s reminiscent of the iconic Batman vs Superman fight from The Dark Knight Returns, a comparison that speaks volumes about the epic nature of this showdown.


This section reveals significant plot twists from the 159th episode of My Hero Academia titled “Battle Without a Quirk,” which is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.

2021 has been a momentous year for “My Hero Academia”, but this past weekend has truly stood out, with the Season 7 finale and the North American debut of the latest film, “You’re Next“. This could very well be the best time to be a fan of this series, as Studio Bones ensured an impressive conclusion, not just in terms of production standards, but also surprisingly, in its mood.

Despite some intense moments, the climactic finale isn’t all sunshine; it follows a series of emotionally charged character developments over several weeks that represent the culmination of years of narrative. We’ve seen everything from the final flickers of the Todoroki family saga to Himiko Toga’s tearful encounter with Ochaco Uraraka, and the tension has never been more palpable.

One Villain’s Final Act of Love

My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

Without a doubt, it’s been demonstrated beyond any shadow of a doubt that Himiko Toga stands among the most remarkable characters in “My Hero Academia”. From her intriguing backstory, to Misato Fukuen’s captivating voice acting, and the poignant sapphic subplot she shares with Uraraka, which adds depth to the series’ themes, Toga encapsulates the show’s most powerful messages. Just as eloquently as these ideas were expressed last week, there is still more to explore and experience. And that is where the story unfolds further – in the finale.

In our previous discussion, it’s clear that Toga’s sorrowful tale stems from the fact that society branded her a monster without trying to comprehend her actions. Although drinking blood might seem disturbing for a child, her obsession with blood was just her unique way of expressing and perceiving intimacy due to her special ability. This unfair labeling led to her isolation, leaving no room for her to be considered ‘normal’. Consequently, it’s not surprising that she nurtured resentment towards the world.

Toga Pays Back The Hero Who Saved Her Smile

My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

She bestows Uraraka with her blood, a deeply symbolic expression of affection – much like the gift Jin Bubbaigawara once offered her. This act serves as the poignant finale to the love ballad titled “The Story of Himiko Toga.

The central idea in her story – and Uraraka’s struggle to rescue her – revolves around exploring what could have changed if she had been nurtured with affection and educated about the world without prejudice. After the conflict, when the clones were destroyed and the heroes were secure, she finally grasps these subtle implications. Her perception of love is linked to kinship, but authentic love encompasses not only taking but also giving selflessly.

Despite Uraraka saving everyone, she’s critically ill. Instead of fleeing to enjoy the world her friends in the League constructed, Toga refuses to accept this fate. She donates her blood to Uraraka; a profound act of affection she’s never shown before – similar to the selfless gift Jin Bubbaigawara gave to her. This act serves as the poignant climax in the love story known as “The Life of Himiko Toga.” Just like the most heart-wrenching sad love songs, it’s painful yet undeniably stunning.

All Might vs All for One, Redux

My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

This fight serves a similar significance or impact as the battle between Batman and Superman in “The Dark Knight Returns”.

In Season 3, the battle between All Might and All for One was one of the most highly anticipated showdowns in shonen anime in quite a while. Now, as we approach the end of Season 7, it seems that a quirkless All Might facing off against All for One at his peak power makes their earlier fight seem almost trivial. In terms of My Hero Academia, this battle is similar to the one between Batman and Superman in The Dark Knight Returns.

A significant part of what makes it amazing can be attributed to All Might’s advanced suit, which surpasses all assumptions about its coolness while in motion. Although his hair and signature smile retain some familiarity with the classic All Might image, the design leans more towards Iron Man and Batman rather than the Superman-like appearance he was previously known for. Considering the new methods he needs to employ to have a chance in combat, this modernized look seems quite fitting.

Due to the immense challenge posed by All For One, each moment he manages to avoid defeat feels even more victorious. This is especially true because things rarely come easy for him. His suit constantly teeters on the brink of destruction as soon as combat begins, but he holds an edge in mental strategy. His grin, his chuckle, his unbroken spirit – they all provoke All For One. It’s almost like he never stepped away from the fight at all.

A Bombastic Tribute to Class 1-A

It appears that All Might was emulating the spirit of Deku when he stood ready to confront his formidable enemy without a quirk. This action seemed reminiscent of what Deku had shown – proving that one can be a hero regardless of having a quirk. As the battle unfolds, the most astonishing revelation is that All Might wasn’t just drawing inspiration from Deku but from every student in Class 1-A as well.

The timeless appeal of characters shouting out their unique abilities lies in the adaptability of those phrases over time. For seven seasons, All Might has witnessed these young heroes continuing the legacy he and his contemporaries started, all while grappling with his fading power. In this journey, he has found inspiration. The diverse hero names echoing around him and the display of their distinctive powers is akin to an instant serotonin boost directly to the heart.

Closing the Book on Season 7

My Hero Academia Season 7 Goes Out with a Smile

The storyline was rich and engaging, leaving little room for appreciation of the stunning visuals, which were breathtaking from beginning to end. It’s almost unbelievable that after a season filled with intense action that sparked numerous bold claims about “top fights” or “standout episodes”, Season 7 managed to surpass expectations right up until the final moments.

2025 marks the conclusion of “My Hero Academia,” with its eighth season set to air. The nail-biting cliffhanger left fans yearning for more of the Deku vs Shigaraki fight, but it seems that every moment of that epic battle is being saved for the grand finale. While some may find this a letdown, given what this season has achieved, I am confident in the creators’ vision for the climax of what promises to be Studio Bones’ next magnificent work.

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2024-10-13 22:03