Welcome to Manga Unmasked! In this series, we'll be taking a deep dive into the various manga series available in our collection. So, whether you're already a fan of manga or just a curious reader, we hope you might learn a little about your next potential reading obsession. In this first-ever edition, we step into a world of superpowered humans—heroes and villains alike—where those with power can attend hero school and someday become Pro Heroes themselves. Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!
Check out the previous manga explored with the Manga Unmasked series—My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, Sailor Moon, Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki, One-Punch Man, One Piece, Delicious in Dungeon, Apothecary Diaries, and Witch Hat Atelier.
Download the Libby App to access eBooks and digital audiobooks on your Apple or Android smart device. If you prefer to read on a larger device, go to www.aclib.us/LibbyApp for the browser option.
Don't see your favorite manga, anime, or author in this list or our collection? Suggest materials to add to our catalog.
A Bit of Background
My Hero Academia is a shounen* superhero manga series written and illustrated by Kōhei Horikoshi. It was first serialized in July 2014 in the Weekly Shounen Jump magazine, and the chapters have since then been collected into 35+ volumes as of December 2022.
* Shounen means "young man/boy." For manga/anime, shounen is the term used for stories generally marketed to a younger male audience but is a genre anyone can enjoy.
Prior to My Hero Academia, Kōhei Horikoshi wrote and illustrated three one-shots—Tenko (2007), My Hero (2008), and Shinka Rhapsody (2008)—and two manga series—Oumagadoki Zoo (2010-2011) and Barrage (2012).
My Hero Academia hit the small screen with its anime debut on April 3, 2016. Since then, the series expanded into a franchise with six seasons of anime, eight additional episodes from Original Video Animations (OVAs) and Original Net Animations (ONAs), three movies, multiple spin-off series, a stage play, a trading card game, and multiple video games.
The manga and anime have won multiple awards, including the Sugoi Japan Award and Harvey Award for Best Manga. In 2015, the series placed first in the Next Manga Awards in the print category. The anime also received two nominations for Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
A World of Superpowered Quirks
In the world of My Hero Academia, people with unique superpowers called Quirks are the norm. It is estimated that 80% of the population develops these unique Quirks by the time they turn four years old. The abilities and appearances of Quirks are highly varied in both strength and usefulness but generally fall into three categories: Emitter, Transformation, and Heteromorph Quirks.
Emitter Quirks can usually create, control, or alter things around them, like creating and controlling fire or ice.
Transformation Quirks give the user the ability to transform or alter some aspect of themself, like growing in size or turning one's skin into steel.
Heteromorph—or Mutant—Quirks give the user a permanent mutation, like multiple arms or animalistic features, in addition to what power they may gain from their form.
With a great Quirk comes great responsibility! (That's how that saying goes right?) In a world full of superpowered people, licensed—and sometimes sponsored—Pro Heroes patrol the streets to protect civilians and battle it out with those villains who would abuse their Quirks. Teens with particularly powerful or handy Quirks can go to a hero academy and train to become Pro Heroes themselves.
What of the remaining 20% who are Quirkless? Well... That's where we find our protagonist.
Introducing, The Main Cast
Izuku Midoriya, a.k.a. Deku
Quirk: One for All (Borrowed)
Izuku Midoriya is the protagonist of My Hero Academia. Born Quirkless, Izuku is often bullied by other children and his classmates, but that doesn't discourage this hero superfan. Izuku is determined to become a hero like the No. 1 Pro Hero and Symbol of Peace, All Might—a great hero who saves people with a smile.
When Izuku gets the chance to meet his childhood hero, he's shocked to be told that it would be next to impossible to be a hero without a Quirk. Being a hero is a dangerous enough job with the strongest Quirk around, and All Might would know given the hole blown out of his side by a villain. But when Izuku's classmate is in danger, his body moves on its own to try and help. All Might, impressed and a little humbled by Izuku's heroic spirit, offers him the opportunity of a lifetime: train with him, earn All Might's Quirk, and enter the hero academy of his dreams, U.A. Of course, Izuku accepts.
Toshinori Yagi, a.k.a. All Might
Quirk: One for All
Toshinori Yagi is the No. 1 Pro Hero All Might, the Symbol of Peace. He also quickly becomes Izuku's mentor and (rookie) teacher. His mysterious Quirk gives him a massive boost to his strength and speed. It can also be passed down to others, which makes it highly unusual.
All Might is a cheerful and exuberant hero whose dramatic presence and grin alone make citizens feel at ease and villains tremble! His mere existence acts as a deterrent against villains who would commit evil acts. But All Might is keeping a secret. Years ago, in a battle against a powerful foe, he was gravely and permanently injured, resulting in a massive scar and the loss of his stomach and a portion of his left lung. His determination to continue working as an undaunted hero while his health deteriorated caused his "True Form" to thin to near skin and bones. Despite his poor health—and his tendency to cough blood when startled or excited—All Might still buffs into his "Muscle Form" to fight crime and protect the people of Japan.
Katsuki Bakugou
Quirk: Explosion
Katsuki Bakugou—"Kacchan"—is Izuku's rival and a deuteragonist in the series. His Quirk makes him sweat a nitroglycerin-like substance that he can ignite on command, creating explosions of varying strength and size.
Bakugou grew up alongside Izuku and became a bit of a bully after developing his flashy and powerful Quirk. He was the first to call Izuku "Deku" (meaning useless) and teased him for wanting to be a hero while being Quirkless.
Bakugou is an incredibly driven character with a dream to become the No. 1 Hero who always wins. His inflated confidence and abrasive personality make him appear quite unheroic, but he has genuine skills and a talent for strategy. (Give this gremlin a chance. His character development is fantastic.)
Class 1-A
There are 20 U.A. first-year students in Class 1-A. Each of these students passed the rigorous testing to get into U.A. and dream of becoming heroes.
While each shine individually in the series, we'll have the abbreviated descriptions here.
Top Row (Left to Right): Mezo Shoji a.k.a. "Tentacle Hero: Tentacole" (Quirk: Dupli-Arms), Hanta Sero a.k.a. "Taping Hero: Cellophane" (Quirk: Tape), Koji Koda a.k.a. "Petting Hero: Anima" (Quirk: Anivoice), and Rikido Sato a.k.a. "Sweets Hero: Sugarman" (Quirk: Sugar Rush)
2nd Row (Left to Right): Fumikage Tokoyami a.k.a. "Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi" (Quirk: Dark Shadow), Yuga Aoyama a.k.a. "Shining Hero: Can't Stop Twinkling" (Quirk: Navel Laser), Mashirao Ojiro a.k.a. "Martial Arts Hero: Tailman" (Quirk: Tail), and Toru Hagakure a.k.a. "Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl" (Quirk: Invisibility)
3rd Row (Left to Right): Denki Kaminari a.k.a. "Stun Gun Hero: Chargebolt" (Quirk: Electrification), Kyoka Jiro a.k.a. "Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack" (Quirk: Earphone Jack), Mina Ashido a.k.a. "Pinky" (Quirk: Acid), and Shoto Todoroki (Quirk: Half-Cold Half-Hot)
4th Row (Left to Right): Momo Yaoyorozu a.k.a. "Everything Hero: Creati" (Quirk: Creation), Tenya Ida (Quirk: Engine), Katsuki Bakugou (Quirk: Explosion)
5th Row (Left to Right and Bottom): Izuku Midoriya a.k.a. "Deku" (Quirk: One for All), Ochaco Uraraka a.k.a. "Uravity" (Quirk: Zero Gravity), Tsuyu Asui a.k.a. "Rainy Season Hero: Froppy" (Quirk: Frog), Eijiro Kirishima a.k.a. "Sturdy Hero: Red Riot" (Quirk: Hardening), and Minoru Mineta a.k.a. "Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice" (Quirk: Pop Off)
Shouta Aizawa, a.k.a. Eraserhead
Quirk: Erasure
Eraserhead, the Erasure Hero, keeps busy as an underground hero and the no-nonsense homeroom teacher of U.A. Class 1-A. His Quirk erases others' Quirks at a glance, at least until he blinks. Quite a useful Quirk if you are responsible for a class of 20 rambunctious, superpowered teens!
Eraserhead works with his fellow Pro Heroes and U.A. Faculty to raise the next generation of heroes right. His peers pictured are (left to right) Ectoplasm, Power Loader, Cementoss, Snipe, Present Mic, Thirteen, and Midnight.
Tomura Shigaraki a.k.a. ...
Quirk: Decay
Tomura Shigaraki is the series antagonist. He first appears, covered in dismembered hands, with a large, multi-Quirked figure called Noumu and a man made of dark mist called Kurogiri. His Quirk, Decay, allows him to destroy whatever he touches with all five fingers.
To say more... would be spoilers.
To learn more about these characters and their stories, you'll have to read the series!
- MHA Volumes
**This list includes a brief summary of the events in each book. Here there be spoilers, so read the later summaries at your own risk.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 1, Izuku Midoriya: Origin
Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero more than anything, but he hasn’t got an ounce of power in him. With no chance of ever getting into the prestigious U.A. High School for budding heroes, his life is looking more and more like a dead end. Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of them all, gives him a chance to change his destiny…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 2, Rage, You Damned Nerd
Getting into U.A. High School was difficult enough, but it was only the beginning of Izuku’s long road toward becoming a superhero. The new students all have some amazing powers, and although Izuku has inherited All Might’s abilities, he can barely control them. Then the first-year students are told they will have to compete just to avoid being expelled!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 3, All Might
A sinister group of villains has attacked the first-year U.A. students, but their real target is All Might. It’s all that Midoriya and his classmates can do to hold them off until reinforcements arrive. All Might joins the battle to protect the kids, but as his power runs out he may be forced into an extremely dangerous bluff!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 4, The Boy Born with Everything
The U.A. High sports festival is a chance for the budding heroes to show their stuff and find a superhero mentor. The students have already struggled through a grueling preliminary round, but now they have to team up to prove they’re capable of moving on to the next stage. The whole country is watching, and so are the shadowy forces that attacked the academy…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 5, Shoto Todoroki: Origin
The final stages of the U.A. High sports festival promise to be explosive as Uraraka takes on Bakugo in a head-to-head match! Bakugo never gives anyone a break, and the crowd holds its breath as the battle begins. The finals will push the students of Class 1-A to their limits and beyond!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 6, Struggling
In the aftermath of the sports festival, the class 1-A students begin their internships. Midoriya goes to study under Gran Torino, who was once All Might’s mentor. Gran Torino appears to be a washed-up nutjob, but the old hero still has more moves than a football team, and Midoriya has a lot to learn! Elsewhere, the League of Villains enacts another sinister plot and unleashes a terrifying new enemy!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 7, Katsuki Bakugou: Origin
Midoriya has learned a few tricks from Gran Torino, but some things just have to be experienced to be understood. Even though he’s not ready, when the League of Villains attacks in the town of Hosu, Midoriya rushes to help Ida, who is engaged in a life-or-death struggle with Hero Killer Stain. Stain has some very particular ideas about heroes and their place in society—and he means to purge every hero he can find!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 8, Yaoyorozu Rising
The U.A. students have reached the practical portion of their final exam, but they didn’t expect to have to beat their own teachers in order to pass! Paired with his archrival Bakugo, Midoriya has to try to take on none other than All Might himself. Working with Bakugo is one thing, but is giving everything he’s got to beat All Might more than Midoriya can handle? And in a nearby arena, Yaoyorozu and Todoroki endure a similar struggle. All the while, a sinister new adversary prepares to make a move…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 9, My Hero
It’s off to summer camp for Midoriya and the U.A. students! But this is no ordinary vacation—it’s high-impact training where the students are expected to develop their Quirks even further! The teachers have set up some tough challenges, but none will be as difficult and as life-changing as the threat a new group of enemies poses. What’s even worse is who the villains’ target is and why…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 10, All For One
The League of Villains has grabbed Bakugo, and the resulting negative publicity has thrown U.A. into a huge uproar. With the public’s trust in heroes threatened, the faculty convene to figure out what to do. But Midoriya and the students of Class 1-A have plans of their own, even if their operation to rescue Bakugo could get them thrown out of school!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 11, End of the Beginning, Beginning of the End
Bakugo’s abduction by the League of Villains was a carefully calculated move designed to draw out the Heroes—All Might in particular—and destroy them. Midoriya and his friends set out on a rescue mission that eventually pulls in not only All Might but also several other heroes! The casualties mount, until at last the mastermind of the plot appears—the only villain powerful enough to go head-to-head with All Might and possibly win…All For One!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 12, The Test
Class 1-A is working on developing their ultimate moves—a process that will test their strength and creativity in all-new ways! To help them out, Mei Hatsume, a student from the Support Class, is brought in to develop improvements to their costumes. The attention from Mei might be more than Midoriya can handle, but he’ll need every edge he can get to pass the next hurdle for the students of U.A.—the Provisional Licensing Exam!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 13, A Talk About Your Quirk
The students of Class 1-A have reached another milestone—the Provisional Licensing Exam. After making it through the first part of the test, they ready themselves for the next phase, which takes place in a simulated disaster area. Midoriya and his friends have to rescue as many victims as they can, and although the students of rival Shiketsu High are technically supposed to be helping, competition between them is fierce and even dangerous! As the scenario unfolds and actual villains arrive to shake things up, the UA students will have to find new ways to work with each other and make use of their Quirks.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 14, Overhaul
Summer vacation is over, and it’s back to school for the students of U.A. High! But before classes can get started, Midoriya and Bakugo need to settle a beef between them that’s been a long time coming. Even if they can get past this bump in the road on the way to becoming superheroes, the hurdles just keep getting higher and higher—the hero work studies in the upcoming year will bring them even closer to their goal…or their destruction!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 15, Fighting Fate
A new and sinister enemy appears in the form of Chisaki Kai, the young leader of the Hassaikai yakuza gang. Looking to fill the power vacuum left by All For One, Chisaki makes contact with the League of Villains to gain possible support. When a chance run-in with a scared little girl brings Midoriya and his mentor Mirio face-to-face with Chisaki, none of them have any idea how much their lives are about to change…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 16, Red Riot
The Hassaikai crime gang, led by the young boss Chisaki, has been working on a plan to distribute a Quirk-destroying drug. The key to this evil scheme is the young girl Eri, held prisoner in Chisaki’s hideout. Nighteye asks other heroes to form a team to launch a rescue attempt—and the students of Class 1-A are going into the lion’s den with them! But Nighteye, who can see the future, refuses to look at the fates of anyone on the mission...
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 17, Lemillion
The raid on the Hassaikai gang is in full swing, and the heroes plunge into the darkness toward their ultimate confrontation. Lemillion engages Overhaul in an attempt to rescue Eri, and the battle reaches a new level of intensity. Midoriya is desperate to help his mentor, but what fate has Nighteye foreseen for them all in this clash? And does the key to Midoriya’s survival lie in Eri herself?
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 18, Bright Future
Midoriya is in the fight of his life—an all-out battle with Overhaul, who has unleashed his terrifying power. Midoriya is matching it with his own power, pushing One For All to 100 percent. Only by relying on Eri's restoration Quirk can he hope to take down Overhaul. If Midoriya manages to walk away from this fight, his life will never be the same again...
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 19, School Festival
In the wake of tragedy, Class 1-A prepares for the upcoming culture festival. While the students are busy planning for success, other forces are at work with their own agendas, and Midoriya, amid the preparations, continues to train with All Might. But when he runs into the failed hero Gentle Criminal, what lesson will he learn?
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 20, School Festival Start!!
With All Might in retirement, Endeavor takes up the mantle of the number one hero, a position he’s coveted for years. But now that he has it, he’s not entirely comfortable with the responsibilities and risks that come with it—both heroes and villains are always gunning for number one. What does the future hold for Midoriya, and what do his dreams about One For All mean?
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 21, Why He Gets Back Up
Endeavor and Dabi’s battle rages across the city as Endeavor fights to solidify his new position as the number one hero. Hawks provides support, but where do his loyalties really lie? Midoriya experiences a cryptic dream about the past—what secrets do the previous wielders of One For All have to show him? Then Class 1-A’s joint battle training with Class B begins.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 22, That Which is Inherited
In the third match of the joint battle training, the students of Class 1-A have their hands full dealing with the unexpected creativity of Class B’s Quirk use. These matches give everyone a chance to reflect on exactly where they all stand in relation to each other, and on the events in their lives that have brought them to this point. Then it’s time for Bakugo to show what he’s learned...
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 23, Our Brawl
The final match of the battle training between Class A and Class B continues. Zapped by Shinso’s mind control, Midoriya enters a fugue state where he meets one of the former users of One For All. What powerful Quirks have yet to be unlocked? Midoriya will surely need the full potential of One For All someday, but in the meantime, a new enemy—the Meta Liberation Army—begins to make its moves.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 24, All It Takes is One Bad Day
A new player emerges in the underground world of villains in the form of the Meta Liberation Army. Led by the CEO of the Detnerat Corporation, the MLA is preparing for a new metahuman revolution. In their eyes, the League of Villains is an obstacle to be removed, but Tomura and his band of miscreants aren’t about to go down quietly. It’s army versus league in all-out war, and dominance must be established.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 25, Tomura Shigaraki: Origin
Since the terrifying incident when Tomura’s Quirk manifested, only the greatest villain of them all, All For One, has been able to speak to the broken young boy’s heart. The consequences of that fateful meeting play out in the present as Tomura and Re-Destro, the leader of the Meta Liberation Army, battle for supremacy—and if it takes leveling a whole city to sort out who’s on top, so be it!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 26, The High, Deep Blue Sky
Hawks and the Safety Commission have managed to get their hands on some top-secret information. A big villain attack is coming, and the heroes must do all they can to prepare. As part of these preparations, Eraser Head and Present Mic pay a visit to the prison, while Midoriya, Bakugo and Todoroki begin training under Endeavor in order to become fighters who can stand on their own. But in the meantime, the boys will have to survive a dinner party at the Todoroki household!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 27, One's Justice
The confrontation between the heroes and the villains of the Paranormal Liberation Front is about to kick off! With so much at stake, even the students of U.A. have joined the heroes to help in the coming battles. Within the PLF, Hawks continues to play a dangerous game as a double agent, but the villains have fearsome resources of their own, including whatever lurks in the doctor’s lab. Plus, with every moment that passes, Tomura Shigaraki comes closer to his ultimate form… When it all gets started, there won’t be any going back!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 28, The Thrill of Destruction
The all-out war against the Paranormal Liberation Front continues at the hospital and the mountain villa! Mirko desperately battles High-Ends in order to reach Tomura’s stasis tank, knowing exactly how much is at stake if she fails. At the PLF hideout, Dabi is determined to roast Hawks, but Tokoyami isn’t about to let his mentor fall. Meanwhile, while helping to evacuate the city, Midoriya senses an ominous presence in the hospital… With things going from bad to worse, and the heroes’ forces battered and stretched thin, Midoriya realizes the time has come for him to join the fight, even if it may be his last.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 29, Katsuki Bakugou Rising
Tomura Shigaraki has finally awakened, and as he begins to unleash his savage powers, the heroes realize it’s going to take everyone and everything they have to stop him. Several heroes have been lost already, and even as the number one hero, Endeavor, takes on Tomura, Midoriya and Bakugo must put themselves on the line. Meanwhile, the massive villain Gigantomachia rampages toward Jaku City, and it seems nothing can stop him—but the students of U.A. are determined to succeed or die trying…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 30, Dabi's Dance
Midoriya and Tomura have finally come to blows and the battle intensifies as Tomura tries to steal One For All. The clash extends into the One For All spirit realm, where the previous users and even All For One join the struggle. While the battle for the ultimate Quirk rages, the other heroes and villains duke it out. Ochaco finds herself taking on Toga, who doesn’t want a fight so much as a heart-to-heart? Then, Dabi finally arrives in Jaku City with a shocking revelation…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 31, Izuku Midoriya and Toshinori Yagi
In the aftermath of the battle in Jaku City, the forces of good are reeling. With so many heroes dead, it seems like society itself is on the verge of collapse. Although Midoriya and the others have managed to drive off Tomura, All For One is only just getting started. As the dust settles, the Todoroki family must finally face their troubled past, and Midoriya begins to understand what One For All really is and that reaching his full potential might test his convictions…
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 32, Your Turn
With society wavering on the verge of collapse in the wake of the recent chaos, Midoriya has left his school and friends behind in order to save whatever lives he can out on the streets and lure All For One into the open. But the mastermind villain has his own plans and sends villains for hire after Midoriya, including one familiar face. Chief among these hired guns is Lady Nagant—a fallen former hero who delivers plenty of bang for her buck.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 33, From Class A to One For All
Knowing that All For One has put a target on his back, Midoriya has left U.A., hoping to draw the villains away from everyone he cares about. But his friends know the newest bearer of One For All shouldn’t handle this burden alone, so they set out to bring him back. The forces of good need every hero they can find as the unfolding crisis in Japan now has global ramifications, with even foreign heroes itching to join the fight...
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 34, United States of America
All For One's will has taken root in Tomura's mind, and this new entity is now a global threat. Even so, the United Nations is hesitant to dispatch heroes to Japan, but Star and Stripe—the U.S.A.'s number one hero—arrives to tackle this menace head-on.
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 35, Battle Flame
The ultimate war between heroes and villains looms in the near future as both sides regroup. Japan’s heroes weave their plans in the lead-up, but will spies within U.A. give it all away? The Hero Course students will have their parts to play as well, and Midoriya himself will have a major role. If things work out, the heroes hope to divide and conquer, but even the best-laid plans rarely survive contact with the enemy...
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 36, Two Flashfires
The plan to engage the villains on the heroes' terms has mostly succeeded. Now in different locations around Japan, the heroes and U.A. students take on the villains in all-out battles! First, Todoroki squares off against Dabi with terrifying intensity. Elsewhere, Endeavor and Hawks hope to turn the tables on All For One, but the villain mastermind has one last trick up his sleeve. Finally, it's Tomura's new and improved body versus the crew at the airborne U.A., where the youngest heroes have critical roles to play!
Image
My Hero Academia: Volume 37, Those Who Defend, Those Who Violate
The terrifying fusion of Tomura and All For One now seems unstoppable. Since the villains have the upper hand, even the president of the United States is considering the unthinkable—capitulating to Tomura. But Mirko, Edgeshot, and Jeanist are still on the scene, holding on for dear life. The heroes' big plan was always to pit Midoriya against Tomura, and when the young hero finally arrives and sees what's happened, all bets are off—Midoriya's ready to face his deadly rival!
More volumes to come!
Image
Look Ma! I'm on TV!
The My Hero Academia anime is produced by Bones and directed by Kenji Nagasaki. Season One aired with 13 episodes, introducing viewers to Izuku Midoriya's dream to become the greatest hero who saves with a smile in a world full of superpowered heroes, civilians, and villains. Season Two was quickly confirmed with a sneak peek at the end of Season One.
So far, five seasons have aired, each with two cours—twice the number of episodes in the first season—including a few recaps and fun filler episodes.
As of December 2022, the sixth season is airing in both the U.S. and Japan. An additional eight episodes from Original Video Animations (OVAs) and Original Net Animations (ONAs) have been released between the seasons.
My Hero Academia even made it to the silver screen with three movies that premiered in 2018, 2019, and 2021! A fourth movie was announced in August 2023 with a published comment from Horikoshi, translated on Twitter.
- MHA Anime
**This list includes a brief summary of the events in each season. Here there be spoilers, so read the later summaries at your own risk.
Image
It’s an exciting age of heroes, where most people develop supernatural abilities known as Quirks. Bright-eyed kids like Izuku Midoriya dream of the day they become champions of the people. There’s just one little problem standing in Izuku’s way. In a world full of heroes, he’s Quirkless. Crushed, but not down for the count, this superhero fanboy dedicates his time to studying the pros in hopes that he, too, can join a prestigious high school for heroes.
In the face of despair, Izuku’s courage catches the eye of his ultimate idol, the Number 1 Hero and Symbol of Peace known as All Might! With special training from the big guy himself, Izuku and the talented first-years of the academy may finally have a shot at achieving their dreams. But these amateurs are put to the test of a lifetime when routine training becomes a battle against real villains!
Originally began airing in Japan on April 3, 2016. Season One covers the events in the Entrance Exam Arc, Quirk Apprehension Test Arc, Battle Trial Arc, and U.S.J. Arc (Volumes 1-3).
Opening theme: The Day by Porno Graffiti
Ending theme: Heroes by Brian the SunImage
My Hero Academia, Season Two Part One
Class 1-A made a name for themselves after facing The League of Villains, but an even greater challenge is about to begin. These young heroes will now fight students from other classes in the world's biggest Quirk competition—the U.A. Sports Festival!
With dreams at stake and friends turning to adversaries, Izuku will give everything he's got in his grand debut as the world's next Symbol of Peace.
Originally began airing in Japan on April 1, 2017. Season Two Part One covers the U.A. Sports Festival Arc (Volumes 4-5).
Opening theme: Peace Sign by Kenshi Yonezu
Ending theme: Dakara, Hitori ja Nai by Little Glee MonsterImage
My Hero Academia, Season Two Part Two
Our young heroes start their first internships with real pros! Put on blast by some serious training, Izuku will see how far he can push his new skills when a classmate gets cornered by Hero Killer: Stain. The fight leaves a lasting impression before Class 1-A goes back to the grind for final exams. Setting aside rivalries, the students face their toughest opponents yet—their teachers.
Originally began airing in Japan on June 24, 2017. Season Two Part Two covers the Vs. Hero Killer Arc and the Final Exams Arc (Volumes 6-8).
Opening theme: Sora ni Utaeba by amazarashi
Ending theme: Datte Atashi no Hero by LiSAImage
My Hero Academia, Season Three Part One
Summer is here, and the heroes of Class 1-A and 1-B are in for the toughest training camp of their lives. But nothing could prepare them for a surprise attack from the newest members of The League of Villains.
When a student gets taken away by force, it’s time for the pros to step in. Get ready for All Might’s most critical battle with the mastermind of the League, All For One!
Originally began airing in Japan on April 7, 2018. Season Three Part One covers the Forest Training Camp Arc and the Hideout Raid Arc (Volumes 9-11)
Opening theme: ODD FUTURE by UVERworld
Ending theme: Update by miwaImage
My Hero Academia, Season Three Part Two
Class 1-A is fired up to earn hero licenses after All Might’s epic battle with All For One. Once they’re official, Izuku and his friends can finally join the pros in the field. But first, they must pass a brutal exam that’s brimming with school rivalry!
Originally began airing in Japan on June 30, 2018. Season Three Part Two covers the Provisional Hero License Exam Arc and the beginning of the Shie Hassaikai Arc (Volumes 12-14).
Opening theme: Make My Story by Lenny code fiction
Ending theme: Long Hope Philia by Masaki SudaImage
My Hero Academia, Season Four Part One
The Shie Hassaikai make their move with a new drug that nullifies Quirks, and a little girl is being experimented on to create it! Luckily, she runs into Izuku and Mirio while they’re out on patrol, launching them on a dangerous rescue mission with the pros.
Originally began airing in Japan on October 12, 2019. Season Four Part One covers the remainder of the Shie Hassaikai Arc (Volumes 14-18).
Opening theme: Polaris by BLUE ENCOUNT
Ending theme: Kokai no Uta by Sayuri
Image
My Hero Academia, Season Four Part Two
The students of Class 1-A face the most normal high school thing they’ve ever done: the school festival. With their Quirks and talents combined, they’ll put on a show that will hopefully make all the other students smile!
Originally began airing in Japan on January 25, 2020. Season Four Part Two covers the Remedial Course Arc, U.A. School Festival Arc, and Pro Hero Arc (Volumes 19-21).
See Class 1-A's rocking musical debut: Hero Too
Opening theme: Starmaker by KANA-BOON
Ending theme: Shout Baby by Ryokuoshoku ShakaiImage
My Hero Academia, Season Five Part One
The rivalry between Class 1-A and Class 1-B heats up in a joint training battle. With wildcard Shinso competing on both sides for a shot at joining the Hero Course, this showdown might just be a toss-up.
Originally began airing in Japan on March 27, 2021. Season Five Part One covers the remainder of the Pro Hero Arc and the Joint Training Arc (Volumes 21-23).
Opening theme: No.1 by DISH
Ending theme: Footprints by The PeggiesImage
My Hero Academia, Season Five Part Two
Izuku, Bakugo, and Shoto endure an explosive work study with Endeavor, who’s coming to terms with his role as the number one hero, and as a father. Elsewhere, a sinister group targets the League of Villains, putting their darkest convictions to the test.
Originally began airing in Japan on June 12, 2021. Season Five Part Two covers Meta Liberation Army Arc and Endeavor Agency Arc and sets up the Paranomal Liberation War Arc (Volumes 23-26).
Interestingly, the events in the episodes do not match the timeline of events in the manga chapters. The Meta Liberation Army Arc is spread between episodes 100 and 108-112. The Endeavor Agency Arc takes place in episodes 101-106. The setup for the Liberation War Arc is set in episodes 107 and 113.
Opening theme: Merry-Go-Round by MAN WITH A MISSION
Ending theme: Uso Janai (Believe) by Soushi SakiyamaMore to come! Season Six began airing in Japan on October 1, 2022, and in the US on December 4, 2022.
- MHA Movies
**This list includes a brief summary of the events in each movie. Here there be spoilers, so read the summaries at your own risk.
Image
Izuku Midoriya and All Might receive an invitation to I-Expo, the world’s leading exhibition of Quirk abilities and hero item innovations on I-Island! Amid the excitement, sponsors, and pros from all over, Izuku meets the daughter of All Might's old friend David Shield, Melissa Shield, a girl who is Quirkless just like he once was. Suddenly, I-Expo’s top-of-the-line security system gets hacked by villains, and a sinister plan is set in motion. It’s a serious threat to hero society, and one man holds the key to it all—the symbol of peace, All Might.
Check out the official trailer!
Context: This movie is canon material and includes new characters, David and Melissa Shield. It takes place between the Final Exam Arc (Volume 8. Season 2, Part 2.) and the Forest Training Arc (Volume 9. Season 3, Part 1.)
In an interview with Comic Natalie, Kohei Horikoshi did reveal that he was heavily involved in the writing of this movie. He also worked on David and Melissa's designs.
Additionally, the movie's prequel OVA, "All Might Rising," came out prior to the movie which gives a peek into Toshinori's youth, the loss of his mentor, training with Gran Torino, and his move to the U.S. after graduating from U.A. Kohei Horikoshi wrote and illustrated the one-shot manga on which the OVA was based. The OVA was included in the Blu-Ray release in Japan.
Image
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
Class 1-A visits Nabu Island where they finally get to do some real hero work. The place is so peaceful that it feels like a vacation—until they’re attacked by a villain with an unfathomable Quirk! With All Might retired and citizens’ lives on the line, there’s no time for questions. Izuku and his friends are the next generation of heroes, and they’re the island’s only hope.
Check out the official trailer!
Context: This movie isn't strictly canon... but that shouldn't stop you from watching it. It's gorgeous. Unbiased opinion.
Kohei Horikoshi released two statements about the film. He believed the film would be the last for My Hero Academia since it would be difficult to top. He also revealed that the film used a concept he'd originally intended for the end of the My Hero Academia series.
Fun Fact: There is a sneak peek at the villain, Nine, in the manga series if you squint (Volume 23. Chapter 222.). Other than that cameo, the movie has not yet affected events in the published volumes.
Update: The movie is canon. The two kids, Mahoro and Katsuma Shimano, appear in a significant cameo moment in Chapter 405.
The film takes place after the Meta Liberation Arc (Volume 23-25. Season 5, Part 2.).
Image
My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission
When a sinister organization threatens to wipe out superhuman powers worldwide, Izuku, Bakugo, and Todoroki have two hours to stop civilization’s collapse. But there’s still one problem: Izuku’s on the nation’s most wanted list.
Check out the official trailer!
Context: This movie is an entirely original story not connected to the manga series (so far), though it was inspired by the in-universe "Quirk Doomsday Theory." Kōhei Horikoshi oversaw the film's development.
The film seems to take place after the Endeavor Agency Arc (Volumes 25-26). The anime teased the movie during a filler episode (Season 5, Episode 16).
Keep your eye out for another movie speculated to come out in 2024!
If you plan to watch the series, OVAs/ONAs, and movies, I suggest watching them in the following order:
- Season One
- OVA 1: Save! Rescue Training
- Season Two Part One
- Season Two Part Two
- (Ending after the Vs. Hero Killer Arc)
- OVA 2: Training of the Dead
- Season Two Part Two
- (Starting at the Final Exams Arc)
- OVA 3: All Might Rising
- (Technically a prequel to the series, but it is best viewed before Season Three.)
- Movie: My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
- Season Three
- ONA: Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training (Two-Part Special)
- Season Four
- Movie: My Hero Academia the Movie 2: Heroes: Rising
- Season Five
- OVA 4: Hawks: Soothe (World Heroes’ Mission Special)
- My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
- OVA 5: My Hero Academia: Hero League Baseball
- OVA 6: My Hero Academia: Laugh! As if You Are in Hell
- Season Six
An Expanding Universe
With the success and popularity of the My Hero Academia manga and anime, it was only a matter of time before spin-offs branched from the series. Let's take a sneak peek at a few.
Kōhei Horikoshi wrote two databooks that contain character profiles with their stats, Quirks, and trivia facts about the characters. They also include concept art of characters. My Hero Academia: Ultra Archive: The Official Character Guide covers chapters 1 through 88. My Hero Academia: Ultra Analysis covers chapters 1 to 235.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. Vigilantes explores the wider world of My Hero Academia as a semi-canon prequel series. It follows Koichi Haimawari, a street performer named Kazuho Haneyama, and a vigilante called Knuckleduster as they try to do good around the city without Pro Hero licenses. Vigilantes delves deeper into the Quirk Enhancing Drug, Trigger, plotline from My Hero Academia as well as highlights characters from the main series. Learn what All Might—I mean, "Secretary" Yagi—was doing before he met Izuku, and get to know the work of his friend Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi. Meet pre-U.A. Shouta Aizawa a.k.a. Eraserhead as he works as an underground Pro Hero, and get a sneak peek at his history with his peers Hizashi Yamada, a.k.a. Present Mic, and Nemuri Kayama, a.k.a. Midnight, and an important look into their shared past with a certain Oboro Shirakumo, a.k.a. Loud Cloud, a.k.a. ... If you know, you know.
My Hero Academia: School Briefs are written by Anri Yoshi and include illustrations by Kōhei Horikoshi. If you like My Hero Academia but want to read more light-hearted stories involving Izuku, his classmates in Class 1-A, and the U.A. teachers, these short stories are for you.
My Hero Academia: SMASH!! is written and illustrated by Hirofumi Neda and includes gag comedy shorts with characters from the main series. It is pure goofiness.
My Hero Academia: Team Up Missions is written and illustrated by Yoko Akiyama. If you are a fan of all the many heroes in My Hero Academia and want to see them team up with the students of U.A. more, this is the spin-off for you.
Staff Reviews
Charissa: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Hero Academia is one of my favorite manga series. Horikoshi has written an amazing example of world-building, foreshadowing, character development, and turning multiple well-known shounen tropes on their heads—not to mention, his art style has evolved beautifully over the years. Izuku makes for a great protagonist, and his interest in the world around him—especially in heroes and Quirks—creates a reason for readers to share that same enthusiasm for the world of MHA. Like Izuku, I'm a bit of a superfan of All Might. Toshinori is just... a fantastic character all around. All the characters are written so well. Each has a moment to shine and many have beautifully written backstories deeply rooted in the lore. THE LORE. The deeper you dig, the more you can find. My partner and I have a particular interest in the Noumu lore. The villains are all fantastically written and—given that I'm caught up on the series—their backstories, flaws, and motivations give me chills.
Also, this series has a dear place in my heart for a more personal reason. Because I read and geeked over the series, the characters, and the fantastic story-telling of Horikoshi, I ended up meeting my fiancée. How can I not love it?
Tyjan: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like the manga’s illustrations of the characters, then you will love the anime! Horikoshi’s characters are beautifully animated in this adaptation. Bones Inc. has done a fantastic job bringing the characters to life from Horikoshi’s pages onto your television screen. As I am a big fan of All Might (I mean how can you not be?) I was thrilled to see the larger-than-life character use all his powers with all the style and grace I was accustomed to when reading the manga.
Horikoshi also does an amazing job of telling the story, delivering a roller coaster of emotions. And just like All Might, all the characters have become near and dear to my heart. So much so that I’ve found myself screaming “Plus Ultra!” every time I hear the theme song.
Danie: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
My Hero Academia takes the best traits of the shounen and superhero genres and blends them together in a natural, engaging story. There are some flaws, but overall the series has the heart and action to draw fans in by the droves. The main character Izuku is an underdog: bullied but still earnest, cheerful, and realistically flawed, making him entirely relatable amid a classroom of wanna-be-hero teens. The lore is fantastic and makes you want to submerge yourself into this superpowered society.
Most importantly to me, unlike a lot of shounen titles: the action isn’t unnecessarily drawn out. The story is quick paced so you’ll know within two or three episodes if this is the right fit for you.