My Hero Academia Director Draws A Distinction Between The Manga And American Superhero Comics – Looper

In Episode 49 of “My Hero Academia,” All Might has a decisive and intense battle with the villain All For One. It’s one of the anime’s best fights as All Might grapples with saving citizens and defeating All For One while gradually losing his powers. With the cheering of onlookers and remembering his teacher’s words, All Might pushes well beyond his limits. But the cost of his win is the loss of his powers. We’ve witnessed many stories of heroes sacrificing themselves for the greater good within the pages of American comic books. And “MHA” has its share.

Still, as “MHA” anime director Kenji Nagasaki once told Anime News Network, where “MHA” differs is in its characters’ goals. The main cast isn’t just trying to save the day. They’re aiming more to save themselves and become their best. All of this combines with its American influences to create something original. “With including all these different characters, it’s more of a journey for each character to become their own hero, so in that sense, it’s very Japanese Shonen,” Nagasaki said to Anime News Network. “The mashing together creates something special for this anime and manga. In a sense, it does have American comic book heroes, but with the Japanese flavor.” 

The more Shonen part of Episode 49 best supports Nagasaki’s words. In his weakened state, All Might points outs to a news camera, saying, “Next, it’s your turn,” which his student, Deku, interprets as a message for the next generation of heroes. In other words, All Might calls for the new batch of young hopefuls to step up and become the heroes they always dreamed of being.