My reason for writing this review is very simple, All I see are negative things and reviews on the internet about this anime/manga when infact it does not deserve all the hate that it has garnered over the years since it's release. It was hailed as the next big Jump manga for a while but in recent years perhaps due to it's toxic fandom, it has garnered quite a negative reputation which doesn't sit well with me. All I ask is that you give this series a chance.
I will elaborate why this series is worth all your time via some key points, This review encompasses both the anime and manga and will try to convince (you)the reader that this series is actually a well thought out Shounen.
- Let's start with the main character Izuku Midoriya, Typical cookie cutter Shounen protagonist, Starts out really unremarkable but actually develops into a really emotional guy. His kindness towards all attitude is something that we all need to follow in our lives atleast. I see the criticism that he cries a lot, Now tell me why that should be a negative thing? Infact, Izuku is one of the most emotional Shounen jump characters due to his diversity in emotions. Now let's come to his motivations, Pure and simple which are to surpass his teacher. (Seen a million times but where's the harm eh)
- The cast is really amazingly well developed and the author is a genius when it comes to character development. The villains in this series are actually one of the best written including the main Antagonist (Shigaraki). Initially, I also hated him but after reading through, I was like damn this is some really intense backstory and I couldn't help but understand his point of view. Horikoshi (The author) has a way of handling even side characters so well.
- Katsuki Bakugo (Yes you heard me right, The character which was hated by everyone including myself at the start of the series). At first glance he pisses everyone off but I swear in all my years of Shounen watching, I've never switched my perspectives about a guy as much as I did with him. Horikoshi really really nailed his character development and I think he became one of the biggest strengths of this series.
- The story. It doesn't do anything fancy, just takes the basic Shounen formula and amps it up. Arcs are done well and it does not feel like it's going in a confusing way or anything like that. Every arc has purpose and every plot point is covered very neatly. It's not the best story out there but it gets the job done. Power of friendship stuff is here too but I mean, Isn't that in most Shounen? So I won't subtract points for that haha.
- People actually die here, surprise surprise. Most Shounens play it safe by doing off screen deaths but the author is very bold when it comes to deaths and does them in a flashy yet thought provoking manner. You can't help but cheer for the losers and villains lol.
- Godly art. Horikoshi Kohei is an absolute madman when it comes to drawing. I won't be lying if I said that part of the reason of the success of MHA is due to his amazing illustrations. Now incase of the anime, It's handled by Bones. One of the best studios of modern times does a perfect job of adapting the manga. Very little room for error actually.
These are the points which I think make MHA a very splendid Shounen. See, if you don't like Shounen then you won't like this. But if you've read or seen a few of them then chances are that you'll probably like this one too because while MHA doesn't do many new things, it certainly does what it does excellently.
I hope this review convinced even one person to give this series a chance, If yes then welcome aboard because the series is in its final arc at the time of writing of this review.
All we need is a solid ending and I think MHA will go down as one of the most popular Shounens of this generation.
The series overall gets a 8.5-9/10 from me. It's no masterpiece but it's pretty damn fun to read and watch.
Thanks for reading this review!
