Top reasons to read the MHA manga
My Hero Academia (MHA), or Boku no Hero Academia, is a successful Japanese anime and manga series created by mangaka Kohei Horikoshi. The series has taken the world by storm due to its unique take on the superhero genre and its thrilling action sequences.
Fans of Naruto, One Piece, or JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure will surely love MHA due to its unique and diverse cast of characters, each with distinct quirks. MHA balances its serious moments with light-hearted humor and relatable characters, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Keep reading to discover why this series is worth investing your time.
What is My Hero Academia about?
My Hero Academia’s story takes place in a world where superpowers, called Quirks, are the norm. The main character, Izuku Midoriya (or Deku), is born Quirkless but dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. Despite being ridiculed and belittled by others for his lack of powers, Midoriya never gives up on his dream of becoming a hero.
His journey begins when he meets All Might, the world’s No. 1 hero with a Quirk that grants him immense strength and speed. All Might sees the potential in Midoriya and decides to pass on his Quirk, One For All, to him. It marks the beginning of Midoriya’s journey to realize his dream.
Midoriya enrolls at U.A. High School, a prestigious institution that trains young people with Quirks to become heroes. Along the way, he makes friends with his fiery classmate Katsuki Bakugo (also spelled in English as Bakugou), Toya Todoroki or Dabi (the eldest son of Pro Hero Endeavor), and the bubbly Ochaco Uraraka, among others.
The characters have unique Quirks and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the character development. My Hero Academia is not just about becoming a hero, but also about what it means to be a hero.
Throughout the series, Kohei Horikoshi explores themes of heroism, friendship, perseverance, and the consequence of power. Midoriya’s journey is not only about gaining powers and about learning how to use them responsibly and for the greater good.
Reasons to read My Hero Academia
There are several reasons why you should add My Hero Academia to your reading list. Here are some of them:
Stunning art style
One of the most noticeable aspects of My Hero Academia is its stunning art style. The artwork in both the manga and anime is highly detailed, expressive, and dynamic. It makes the action scenes especially thrilling. Kohei Horikoshi’s character designs are also very creative and memorable.
The interesting superpowers
The world of My Hero Academia is populated by people with a variety of unique superpowers known as Quirks. These Quirks are diverse and have distinct limitations, which make them captivating and sometimes strange.
With the Overhaul Quirk, for example, Kai Chisaki can disassemble any object he touches and reassemble it in any form he desires. All For One, the main antagonist, has the ability to steal others’ quirks by touching them.
Iwao Oguro, one of the Vigilantes, has the Overclock Quirk that enables him to increase his brain’s perception speed to such an extent that the world around him appears to move in slow motion. This Quirk can only perform briefly and needs to cool down after use.
The Quirks add a unique and imaginative layer to the story and make for exciting and unpredictable plot developments. In My Hero Academia Chapter 2, the readers will find an introduction to the main characters’ Quirks.
MHA manga has a darker tone than the anime
While the anime adaptation of My Hero Academia is known for its upbeat tone and comedic moments, the manga is darker and more mature in tone. It delves into heavier themes such as discrimination, corruption, and the nature of heroism. Reading manga allows for a more nuanced and layered experience of the story.
Reading the manga means no more spoilers for the anime
Reading the My Hero Academia manga will prevent you from encountering any spoilers for the anime adaptation. By reading the manga, typically the source material for an anime, you’ll have access to the complete story ahead of time.
The manga has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 2014.
The superb writing
The story and characters of My Hero Academia are expertly crafted. Each part of the story builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that flows smoothly. Furthermore, the characters are not stagnant but grow and develop significantly as the story progresses, making them more dynamic and relatable to the audience.
The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the pacing is spot-on. The series is a prime example of shonen manga done right. It’s sure to leave readers invested and emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys.
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FAQ
Is it worth reading the MHA manga?
Yes, it is. The art style is impressive, and it also offers incredible fight scenes.
How faithful is MHA anime to the manga?
The My Hero Academia anime (a dub in English is available) is faithful to the manga series. It’s also a great way to follow the series in action.
Why is MHA so inspirational?
It reminds us that being a hero is not always becoming the strongest, but it’s more about having the courage to help people, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
What is your favorite moment in the MHA manga?
There are many unforgettable moments in MHA. So far, one of the most intense scenes is Shigaraki’s flashback.
How does MHA compare to other manga?
MHA brings the school life genre to another level and has efficient storytelling. It can deliver a lot of plot twists and character arcs in a relatively short amount of time.