My Hero Academia is often regarded as one of the top contenders for the title of "best" anime, and rightfully so. This shonen series takes place in a modern world where superpowers, known as "quirks," are the norm. The story follows a seemingly unremarkable protagonist who strives to become a hero capable of taking on supervillains.
While what constitutes the "best" anime is subjective, My Hero Academia stands out as a powerhouse in the anime world, with several reasons for its popularity. Here are some of the things that My Hero Academia does better than most other action shonen anime shows.
10 Undeniably Captivating
The impact of first impressions cannot be overstated, and My Hero Academia delivers on this front with impressive results. The anime series offers an interesting premise that quickly engages viewers, leaving them invested in the story from the get-go.
Unlike many other shounen anime, which can struggle with protracted exposition and world-building, My Hero Academia wastes no time diving into the plot, immediately capturing the attention of even the most impatient viewers. As a result, many viewers find themselves eagerly watching subsequent episodes in rapid succession, drawn in by the show's storyline.
9 Clear Storytelling
Although the premise of My Hero Academia may not be groundbreaking, its simplicity does not detract from its effectiveness. The show's clear storytelling allows the focus to be drawn to creating depth and developing characters. The story gets better with each arc, and every arc adds a layer of realism to the show.
As a shounen anime, My Hero Academia draws inspiration from common shounen tropes yet manages to avoid becoming overly tedious. The show's writing is well-executed, with surprising moments that catch viewers off guard without feeling forced. These plot twists initiate character development rather than being included for mere shock value.
8 Great Animation
The quality of animation can make or mar an anime series. In the absence of good animation, an anime with a compelling plot, great world-building, and complex characters could still fail to deliver a great viewing experience. Fortunately, My Hero Academia boasts impressive animation with thrilling action sequences and a complementary soundtrack.
This high level of animation remains consistent throughout the show. From the intricately detailed fight scenes to the breathtaking scenery, the creators of the show clearly put in a great deal of effort to ensure that the overall viewing experience is truly worth it.
7 Measured Pacing
Shounen anime series are often criticized for their slow pacing, causing many viewers to lose interest and abandon them. However, My Hero Academia stands out from the crowd by striking the perfect pacing balance, neither too fast nor too slow.
The show is relatively free from irrelevant filler episodes, resulting in a faster pace that remains true to the manga. Each episode propels the plot or develops a character in a significant way, making it a compelling watch from start to finish. With its well-paced storytelling, My Hero Academia keeps viewers engaged and invested throughout the series.
6 Light-hearted Comedy
A crucial factor in the success of My Hero Academia is its self-awareness and readiness to be just a bit self-deprecating. The show strikes a good balance between emotional and comedic scenes that feature witty remarks which provide insight into the characters and their relationships.
Some moments are heart-warming, while others are wacky and humorous, counteracting the show's more dramatic elements. The humor is goofy but never overbearing or distracting from the serious scenes. This allows the show to explore complex themes without sacrificing its lighthearted tone.
5 Incredible Power Scaling
Protagonist Izuku Midoriya, or “Deku,” starts off as weak and powerless with a great desire to become a hero who saves others from villains. While he does eventually gain the ability to unleash 100% of his power, it comes with a catch - he must be careful not to overuse it, as it could cause serious damage to his body.
This power scaling formula is unique among shonen anime series, as Deku must earn every ounce of power he possesses. He must train diligently and make steady, incremental progress toward becoming stronger. This approach to character development sets My Hero Academia apart from other series in the genre and makes Deku's journey all the more engaging to watch.
4 Comic Book Influences
My Hero Academia draws inspiration from Western sources, particularly western comic books. While some may argue that the superhero genre has become oversaturated, in the world of anime, there are actually relatively few notable superhero series, which gives My Hero Academia a unique feel compared to it other shounen anime.
The concept of superheroes battling supervillains has been around for almost a century, and it's a tried-and-true formula. There's no need to fix something that isn't broken. The superhero genre is easy to enjoy, and it blends seamlessly with the common shounen storytelling style, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
3 Short Arcs
Due to efficient storytelling, My Hero Academia arcs are never dragged out and are just the right length. The show manages to keep its storylines concise and on point, providing a significant amount of plot twists and development in a short period.
This approach not only makes for a more engaging viewing experience but also allows the show to cover more ground and explore more of its world without becoming bogged down by unnecessarily long story arcs. By striking a careful balance between pacing and content, My Hero Academia has established itself as one of the most efficient shounen anime series in recent times.
2 Splendid Voice Acting
The voice acting in My Hero Academia is undoubtedly exceptional at bringing its many characters to life. The little inflections and tonal differences, as well as the raw emotion that the talented voice actors convey, elevate the viewing experience and make the characters incredibly engaging.
The voice actors perfectly capture the essence of their respective characters and deliver performances that are both memorable and impressive. Combined with the show's good music, the voice acting truly shines, making the show more impressive than its description suggests.
1 Shows Quality Side Character Development
The diverse and dynamic cast in My Hero Academia is another standout aspect of the anime. With a wide range of relatable heroes, each with a unique personality that makes them easily distinguishable, the ensemble cast promotes inclusivity.
Supporting characters are intricately crafted, making most characters instantly likable and enjoyable to watch. Each character receives development through the many story arcs, ensuring that they all have time to shine and showcase their individual purpose and goals. My Hero Academia never leaves a character behind, making sure that each one has their key moments throughout the series.