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Phó のヒーローアカデミア [Boku no Hero Academia]#1
My Hero Academia, Vol. 1
What would the world be like if 80 percent of the population manifested superpowers called “Quirks” at age four? Heroes and villains would be battling it out everywhere! Being a hero would mean learning to use your power, but where would you go to study? The Hero Academy of course! But what would you do if you were one of the 20 percent who were born Quirkless?
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…
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…
189 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
About the author
Kohei Horikoshi
258books2,321followersHORIKOSHI Kouhei
Name (in native language): Quật việt canh bình
Associated Names:
Kouhei Horikoshi
Born 1986 in the prefecture Aichi, Horikoshi first attracted attention in the second half of 2006 when he entered Shueisha's 72th Tezuka Award for Newcomers with his one shot "Nukegara" and made it to the final six, where he gained himself an "Honorable Mention".
Various short stories in Shueisha's Akamaru JUMP followed over the years until he published his one shot "Oumagadoki Doubutsuen" in issue #2/2010 of Weekly Shounen JUMP.
Kouhei Horikoshi is a graduate of Nagoya University of Arts. He was previously an assistant toTANAKA Yasuki.
Zodiac: Scorpio
Pixiv:Quật việt
Name (in native language): Quật việt canh bình
Associated Names:
Kouhei Horikoshi
Born 1986 in the prefecture Aichi, Horikoshi first attracted attention in the second half of 2006 when he entered Shueisha's 72th Tezuka Award for Newcomers with his one shot "Nukegara" and made it to the final six, where he gained himself an "Honorable Mention".
Various short stories in Shueisha's Akamaru JUMP followed over the years until he published his one shot "Oumagadoki Doubutsuen" in issue #2/2010 of Weekly Shounen JUMP.
Kouhei Horikoshi is a graduate of Nagoya University of Arts. He was previously an assistant toTANAKA Yasuki.
Zodiac: Scorpio
Pixiv:Quật việt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,126 reviews
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June 11, 2024Finished my re-read for the Manga Monday Book Club! Can't wait to discuss it.:D
*reread: 3rd time and it still SLAPS
*reread: 4th time and it still SLAPS
*reread: 3rd time and it still SLAPS
*reread: 4th time and it still SLAPS
April 30, 2020
a decent intro to a great series I hope. Deku is definitely a hero to be remembered.
August 27, 2018
I plucked this tiny tome off of several students' Want-to-Read shelves and it is first book I've read that actually included instructions on how to read it---insofar as you read from right to left, beginning in the upper right-hand corner. Actions, sound effects & word bubbles in proper Japanese order- are completely reversed from the English order.
It was a bit trickier than I expected at first (and I realized that "my" high school students are much better at this than I am) but then it just clicked and I was rolling. I really enjoyed the unique idea that idiosyncrasies may actually be super-powers.
It was a bit trickier than I expected at first (and I realized that "my" high school students are much better at this than I am) but then it just clicked and I was rolling. I really enjoyed the unique idea that idiosyncrasies may actually be super-powers.
March 25, 2018
Kids with superpowers go to superhero school to be taught by existing superheroes how to be superheroes. So it’s the X-Men? Yup. Except way shittier! And that’s My Hero Academia! Boo! I give it an F!
It really is that derivative, at least going by this first volume. Creator/writer/artist Kohei Horikoshi basically rips off the X-Men. He calls mutations/superpowers “quirks” in a feeble attempt to make it seem less blatant but that’s about the only thing different he brings to the table.
This first volume introduces us to our bland protagonist who doesn’t have superpowers but has a heroic heart - and that’s what matters youse guys, snore… - who, after a random act of bravery, gets picked by this world’s Superman, All Might (stupid name), to be his successor. Why? Reasons we’ll probably find out in later volumes. Very unsatisfying.
After the generic superhero fights between equally generic and forgettably designed superhero/supervillain characters, come the still more generic training scenes as our protagonist undergoes months of physical exercise because All Might’s powers in his existing frame would kill him or something. Even though All Might in his true form is as skinny and weak as our protagonist is. So it doesn’t make any sense and that block of pages is pointless filler. Garbage.
At Xavier’s Academy, I mean, “UA”, the dull cast is expanded with even more bland, unimaginative, archetypal characters like the contrived rival who hates the protagonist for no reason, the obvious love interest, and the tough but kindly instructors. Wrap up the terrible writing and awful storytelling with standard manga art and you’ve got a steaming pile of cliched, predictable nothing.
My Hero Academia hasn’t got any clever observations on the superhero genre, nor any fresh takes, original ideas or even an entertaining story - it’s just an uninteresting, badly conceived/executed, tedious X-Men knockoff. My, what an overrated boring manga series!
It really is that derivative, at least going by this first volume. Creator/writer/artist Kohei Horikoshi basically rips off the X-Men. He calls mutations/superpowers “quirks” in a feeble attempt to make it seem less blatant but that’s about the only thing different he brings to the table.
This first volume introduces us to our bland protagonist who doesn’t have superpowers but has a heroic heart - and that’s what matters youse guys, snore… - who, after a random act of bravery, gets picked by this world’s Superman, All Might (stupid name), to be his successor. Why? Reasons we’ll probably find out in later volumes. Very unsatisfying.
After the generic superhero fights between equally generic and forgettably designed superhero/supervillain characters, come the still more generic training scenes as our protagonist undergoes months of physical exercise because All Might’s powers in his existing frame would kill him or something. Even though All Might in his true form is as skinny and weak as our protagonist is. So it doesn’t make any sense and that block of pages is pointless filler. Garbage.
At Xavier’s Academy, I mean, “UA”, the dull cast is expanded with even more bland, unimaginative, archetypal characters like the contrived rival who hates the protagonist for no reason, the obvious love interest, and the tough but kindly instructors. Wrap up the terrible writing and awful storytelling with standard manga art and you’ve got a steaming pile of cliched, predictable nothing.
My Hero Academia hasn’t got any clever observations on the superhero genre, nor any fresh takes, original ideas or even an entertaining story - it’s just an uninteresting, badly conceived/executed, tedious X-Men knockoff. My, what an overrated boring manga series!
November 28, 2021
A hero teaches new heroes at a hero school. That's basically it. I do think there's a lot of potential for manipulation of the standard tropes (weak main character with hidden powers, wise but strict mentors with good intentions, standard bully only there to antagonize the MC, etc). But right now, BNHA is a manga with an underwhelming storyline that can be cheesy and nonsensical at times and a main character with an unrealistic dream and very cliche means of reaching it.
June 3, 2021
everybody gangsta until midoriya gained muscles
July 29, 2018
I decided to check some Manga out and this is what was recommended to me. I've never been able to get into Manga due to the whole reading backwards thing. I still don't get why with today's technology they don't just flip the art around and present this as a normal graphic novel for Western audiences, but I digress.
The story is about one of a very few young people who are born without "quirks" or superpowers. All he desires is to help people. Along comes the most famous super hero in the city "All Might" who turns out can pass his power onto someone else. But their body must be trained to control the power or it could kill them. Eventually, our young hero gets into superhero school where the book instantly becomes derivative of the X-Men or Sky High.
The art is very good except I have a hard time getting past the over expressive faces Manga is known for. It drives me batty, especially when mixed in with an otherwise serious comic. Some of the hair styles are just ridiculous, "Yes, I'm talking to you All Might".
The book was good enough I'd consider reading another volume just because of how obsessed other readers I know are with this. But I wouldn't say I've been converted over into a fan of Manga yet.
The story is about one of a very few young people who are born without "quirks" or superpowers. All he desires is to help people. Along comes the most famous super hero in the city "All Might" who turns out can pass his power onto someone else. But their body must be trained to control the power or it could kill them. Eventually, our young hero gets into superhero school where the book instantly becomes derivative of the X-Men or Sky High.
The art is very good except I have a hard time getting past the over expressive faces Manga is known for. It drives me batty, especially when mixed in with an otherwise serious comic. Some of the hair styles are just ridiculous, "Yes, I'm talking to you All Might".
The book was good enough I'd consider reading another volume just because of how obsessed other readers I know are with this. But I wouldn't say I've been converted over into a fan of Manga yet.
July 25, 2017
Is it only in my imagination, or there is tendency of Japanese mangaka to create superhero genre manga? After One Piece that in borderline with pirates with super powers theme, then there are manga such asワンパンマン 1 Wanpanman 1,斉 mộc nam hùng のΨ nan 1 Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan 1,andVăn hào ストレイドッグス 1 Bungō Stray Dogs 1.
From the first volume, what I could say, it is a "from zero-to-hero" theme in a high school that specialized to educate future super heroes, a.k.a. Xavier school for Japanese kids. And to make the plot interesting, the main character was originally has no super power. So as you can guess, a lot of potential for character growing: by mentally and by seeing his super power grows.
So far no surprise yet. And as in other manga, I expect whole classmates of main characters will be explored.
From the first volume, what I could say, it is a "from zero-to-hero" theme in a high school that specialized to educate future super heroes, a.k.a. Xavier school for Japanese kids. And to make the plot interesting, the main character was originally has no super power. So as you can guess, a lot of potential for character growing: by mentally and by seeing his super power grows.
So far no surprise yet. And as in other manga, I expect whole classmates of main characters will be explored.
January 27, 2018
I don't normally read shounen(mostly because omg some of them are the longest series ever) but this one is relatively new so it's like there's 167 volumes out. Yet.
I personally love the character designs, but mostly just for the students. The pro heroes are typically over-the-top with crazy costumes and even crazier hair styles. The contrast between the students and the foes really helps with distinguishing who is who.
The story is what you'd expect from a shounen manga:the main character is someone who has been small and weak and different his whole life but then he's given something that makes him into the most powerful hero around. And of course he goes to a new school where his bully goes to too. And then there's a cute girl who quickly helps out the main character and becomes a friend to him (even though he has trouble talking to girls.)
Despite all of those clichés it still feels like a somewhat refreshing take on the genre.The quality of the artwork helps with that as well.
So, I can see why this is popular now.I just hope each subsequent volume keeps up the fast pace and that the story and battles don't become stale and boring.
Random, but whyDetroitSmash? 😄
I personally love the character designs, but mostly just for the students. The pro heroes are typically over-the-top with crazy costumes and even crazier hair styles. The contrast between the students and the foes really helps with distinguishing who is who.
The story is what you'd expect from a shounen manga:the main character is someone who has been small and weak and different his whole life but then he's given something that makes him into the most powerful hero around. And of course he goes to a new school where his bully goes to too. And then there's a cute girl who quickly helps out the main character and becomes a friend to him (even though he has trouble talking to girls.)
Despite all of those clichés it still feels like a somewhat refreshing take on the genre.The quality of the artwork helps with that as well.
So, I can see why this is popular now.I just hope each subsequent volume keeps up the fast pace and that the story and battles don't become stale and boring.
Random, but whyDetroitSmash? 😄
June 23, 2017
Ok so I haven't read manga since I was like 12 (and even then I never delved into it too much) but recently a lot of my friends have gotten into this series (and the anime) and I thought it looked cool so I was like "sure why not." And!! Damn I really enjoyed this and ended up reading the whole first volume in one sitting, whoops.
Thoughts:
- I really like the premise & world-building. Obviously the whole superhero/superpowers thing has been done many times before, but this takes an interesting spin on it. The characters' powers (aka "quirks" ) are really cool, and I like that every power has its own unique drawback.
- It's very funny actually! I was expecting something a bit more serious––and while it's definitely heavy at times, there's also a lot of humor and funny little breaking-the-fourth-wall moments which I enjoyed a lot.
- Izuku is so cute??? He's just.... so small and precious.... He wants to be a hero and help people so much, and he's just so pure. I want to adopt him please.
- I fucking love All Might. I'm a sucker for "" cool mentor "" characters so I guess it's no surprise but.... omg he's so awesome and hilarious.
- Kacchan is a huge asshole but I'm also really interested to see where he goes as a character.
- I mean in general I just really like all the characters and I look forward to seeing how they develop.
UHHhhh yeah so this was a lot of fun and I'm super pumped to read the rest!
Thoughts:
- I really like the premise & world-building. Obviously the whole superhero/superpowers thing has been done many times before, but this takes an interesting spin on it. The characters' powers (aka "quirks" ) are really cool, and I like that every power has its own unique drawback.
- It's very funny actually! I was expecting something a bit more serious––and while it's definitely heavy at times, there's also a lot of humor and funny little breaking-the-fourth-wall moments which I enjoyed a lot.
- Izuku is so cute??? He's just.... so small and precious.... He wants to be a hero and help people so much, and he's just so pure. I want to adopt him please.
- I fucking love All Might. I'm a sucker for "" cool mentor "" characters so I guess it's no surprise but.... omg he's so awesome and hilarious.
- Kacchan is a huge asshole but I'm also really interested to see where he goes as a character.
- I mean in general I just really like all the characters and I look forward to seeing how they develop.
UHHhhh yeah so this was a lot of fun and I'm super pumped to read the rest!
May 2, 2017
Despite all the manga I've racked up that is on my TBR, someone recommended this to me a couple of days ago and I read it all in one day. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a great introduction to the series. I can say that I know I'm prime audience because I love hero stories. LOVE. While this is of course tasked with some of the leg-work of the introduction and while I did lose myself in the action (and how it was drawn) a few times, I thought the overall experience was worthy of a 4-star rating.
Here are some of the positives:
- I know he's kind of whiny but the MC is also a precious cinnamon roll.
- "I'm so sorry" vs "you can be a hero" *cries forever*
- The MC works really hard and yes he gets a little luck and a power but hardwork is there.
- Obvs don't know where the series is headed, but I'm so happy the MC starts with some traditional hero qualities. None of this anti-hero mess. HERO! HERO! HERO!
- The meta-jokes, especially about how All Might is drawn. Love.
And so now I've got a cart of all 7 released volumes and two pre-orders and I'll one day make them all mine.
September 2, 2018
I'm sliiiiiiightly obsessed with this series! I just started the show and I'm so excited to read the manga along with it! It's just so amazing!
April 12, 2020
Sure to be the next big thing in the Shonen Jump world, MHA is already gaining enough momentum to be mentioned in the same discussions as One Piece or Naruto. The story is perfect for non-Japanese audiences as well as it has created a world which is both familiar for superhero fans while offering something very new and refreshing. It engages the audience as you feel for the main character Deku as he faces many trials and tribulations with a healthy dose of triumph. The plethora of characters are rich in personality and engaging. After reading the first volume, I`m completely hooked!! I can`t wait for the next volume and more!!
June 18, 2024
Loved it!!!! I've seen pieces of the show, so I thought I'd read through the whole series. Waiting for Shoto Todoroki to show up 🤭👀
February 28, 2024
Reread: 28/02/2024
I have read this quite a few times and its fun revisiting it every time and omg I just love the origin of Deku, its so simple and he is a character whose underestimated and almost unloved feels like, but thats the kind of protagonist you can get behind and yeah loved the small nuances put into his character and this hero course which is refreshing to see and the presence of All-might whose his mentor aka the old man figure and the supporting cast is fun too and I like Ida and Uraraka and Bakugo is the Sasuke kind of character, but his over the top attitude makes him a standout character. I really like the art too!
____________________________________________________________________
Reread:31/5/21
Still fun and just shows a new perspective on this whole hero thing and about a guy who following his idol wants to become a hero despite everyone against him, good start! Also the ending when they get their superhero costume was awesome!
___________________________________________________________________
This starts off with Izuku going through the day and ideals of becoming a hero to get into UA academy and he loves all might the no. 1 hero but then things happen and he gets trapped by a villain and thus his hero comes into save him and the whole adventure starts. Izuku doesn't have any quirk/power but when he jumps in blindly to save his friend Bakugo, All might chooses him to carry on his legacy with the power of "One for All" and its epic. In this volume we see him training Izuku and then he gets into UA High and doing the coursework, going against Aizawa and going through the trials or risk expulsion and meeting new friends and more! Its well done, I really enjoyed this volume, its character introduction at its finest! And the art is just gorgeous and next up: Hero class begins!
I have read this quite a few times and its fun revisiting it every time and omg I just love the origin of Deku, its so simple and he is a character whose underestimated and almost unloved feels like, but thats the kind of protagonist you can get behind and yeah loved the small nuances put into his character and this hero course which is refreshing to see and the presence of All-might whose his mentor aka the old man figure and the supporting cast is fun too and I like Ida and Uraraka and Bakugo is the Sasuke kind of character, but his over the top attitude makes him a standout character. I really like the art too!
____________________________________________________________________
Reread:31/5/21
Still fun and just shows a new perspective on this whole hero thing and about a guy who following his idol wants to become a hero despite everyone against him, good start! Also the ending when they get their superhero costume was awesome!
___________________________________________________________________
This starts off with Izuku going through the day and ideals of becoming a hero to get into UA academy and he loves all might the no. 1 hero but then things happen and he gets trapped by a villain and thus his hero comes into save him and the whole adventure starts. Izuku doesn't have any quirk/power but when he jumps in blindly to save his friend Bakugo, All might chooses him to carry on his legacy with the power of "One for All" and its epic. In this volume we see him training Izuku and then he gets into UA High and doing the coursework, going against Aizawa and going through the trials or risk expulsion and meeting new friends and more! Its well done, I really enjoyed this volume, its character introduction at its finest! And the art is just gorgeous and next up: Hero class begins!
August 13, 2021
I've done this review a little differently.
Instead of reviewing the volume, these are just my notes on the individual chapters;
Chapter 1- The introduction to the world, the people and the powers. Mangas are so different but I really enjoyed it! I am excited to know more about this world and about the main characters!
Chapter 2- So begins the long trek for Izuku to become a hero! I liked that he worked for his strength, it wasn't thrust upon him. Izuku wanted it and truly earned it! Excited to see what kind of hero Izuku becomes.
Chapter 3- I love the slow progress! You see all the struggles, trials, the doubts and the fears. It's so interesting to see into Izuku's mind and what's purely instinct.
Chapter 4- This just goes to show that strength is not everything. This manga has reeled me in, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Chapter 5- The first day at U.A isn't quite what Izuku expects. Can't wait to see how he handles it.
Chapter 6- Izuku's first day at school and he's surrounded by people who are able to control their quirks and use them to their advantage. I love that even though he can't fully control his quirk yet, he was able to find the strength to concentrate hard enough to show that he has the capability to control it, no matter how small that control is!
Chapter 7- Izuku survived the first day and his training has just begun! Those last panels have me so excited to see what comes next for Izuku and to see how he grows and learns.
I'm enjoying this world and these characters so much, I can't wait to delve even deeper!
Instead of reviewing the volume, these are just my notes on the individual chapters;
Chapter 1- The introduction to the world, the people and the powers. Mangas are so different but I really enjoyed it! I am excited to know more about this world and about the main characters!
Chapter 2- So begins the long trek for Izuku to become a hero! I liked that he worked for his strength, it wasn't thrust upon him. Izuku wanted it and truly earned it! Excited to see what kind of hero Izuku becomes.
Chapter 3- I love the slow progress! You see all the struggles, trials, the doubts and the fears. It's so interesting to see into Izuku's mind and what's purely instinct.
Chapter 4- This just goes to show that strength is not everything. This manga has reeled me in, I can't wait to see what happens next!
Chapter 5- The first day at U.A isn't quite what Izuku expects. Can't wait to see how he handles it.
Chapter 6- Izuku's first day at school and he's surrounded by people who are able to control their quirks and use them to their advantage. I love that even though he can't fully control his quirk yet, he was able to find the strength to concentrate hard enough to show that he has the capability to control it, no matter how small that control is!
Chapter 7- Izuku survived the first day and his training has just begun! Those last panels have me so excited to see what comes next for Izuku and to see how he grows and learns.
I'm enjoying this world and these characters so much, I can't wait to delve even deeper!
January 2, 2021
There are teens and others in my family who have been binge-watching the anime and are now binge-reading the manga so I thought I’d check this out. It’s a kind of Japanese X-men, of sorts. Most of the population have powers, here called quirks, but a percentage do not.
Nerd Izuku wants to go to Hero school but has no quirks. Can he succeed in this super competitive environment? Nope. Until the most powerful guy, All-Might, apparently decides to help him.
I’d have to say this seems initially like pretty vanilla superhero stuff, not that engaging for me with the super manic action and the pointedly unlikeable characters (except Izuku and a couple other exceptions), but the rating for this is very high on Goodreads and (importantly, in this house) so to avoid getting beat up (since I am obviously a nerd without quirks): 3 stars.
Nerd Izuku wants to go to Hero school but has no quirks. Can he succeed in this super competitive environment? Nope. Until the most powerful guy, All-Might, apparently decides to help him.
I’d have to say this seems initially like pretty vanilla superhero stuff, not that engaging for me with the super manic action and the pointedly unlikeable characters (except Izuku and a couple other exceptions), but the rating for this is very high on Goodreads and (importantly, in this house) so to avoid getting beat up (since I am obviously a nerd without quirks): 3 stars.
Read
March 4, 2020I've been watching the anime for years now and decided that I can't wait for the anime to catch up with the manga anymore! I really want to know what happens, so I'm reading the manga from the beginning. 👀 But reading this is so nostalgic - I had been meaning to re-watch the anime from the beginning, but rediscovering the story in manga-form has been a cool experience!
June 13, 2021
Okay, well this is not what I thought it'd be at all, but I'm definitely continuing on with the series.
May 22, 2020
Review to come later because internet;_;
September 17, 2018
My Hero Academia (MHA) is a very relatable story for anyone with a loser mentality, at an era when a large portion of people reading manga suffer from that. It doesn’t do something out of the ordinary, and certainly does not deconstruct everything we know about shonen stories, as many insist. It is just helping the reader cope with his anxieties by giving him a story where the loser gets all the fame and glory. Basically, it’s just well-presented empowerment fantasy; it doesn’t have much of a plot or even a smart exploration of its themes. And since many of you are bound to assume I am mistaken because there are thousands who praise it as the second coming of sliced bread, here are a few examples.
Chapter 1
1) The protagonist is a shy boy that is bullied at school. Very relatable if you are also bullied, right? Too bad the bullying is handled with the worst possible way and ruins the drama.
-It makes it seem like Deku was enjoying being tortured since he was doing nothing to stop something that can easily be stopped.
- His bully is a sociopath who is later on redeemed by… not doing anything for making up for all the harm he caused. Bakugo is like a sadistic torturer who is forgiven and gets away with it.
-As you find out later, the two of them were always best buddies, despite the daily torture Deku was experiencing. They were just going through a decade old tantrum because of a harmless inferiority complex.
- Adults don’t care about their young when they otherwise spend the whole show advising and teaching them. Most of the bullying takes place in school and in the presence of uninterested teachers who do nothing. Heck, even the parents do nothing. The bullying is presented in the most extreme way possible and is then forgotten by everyone, as if it never mattered.
2) The world is full of people with superpowers. That makes it sound cool as a setting to have endless possibilities for action adventures, right? Wrong, it is as dull as it gets. The world is exactly like ours, there isn’t a single difference in the way society works, despite having recovered after a devastating period of anarchy. Yes, the same can be said about Marvel and DC settings, but at least over there people with superpowers are the minority, not the majority, and the one in charge of the world is not Superman. In MHA, Almight is the one who shaped everything in a world that recovered from a major disaster and the result is a world where almost everyone has superpowers and the setting is exactly like ours. We live in an era where the battery of a cell phone is enough to change airport regulations, and yet the earth shattering events of MHA have zero effect despite lasting for centuries. Also, you don’t even get to see cool stuff every week like you do in western comics, since everything revolves around rookies in a school, training to do the most basic missions. That is plus ultra boring.
3) The protagonist is basically a geek who keeps notes on the powers of every hero and villain. That makes him relatable to the geek audience, since they do the same thing, and is also presented as a smart guy who uses his brain all the time to overcome every conflict. Too bad that is almost never used in any significant way throughout the story, as Deku only resorts to using his raw power in every battle. The notes are there more as a joke to show his geeky attention to detail, but they otherwise never help him in his missions.
4) The protagonist never stops crying about not having a superpower of his own, and thus being deprived the chance to become like the hero he adores more than anything else in the world. That makes him relatable to anyone who feels powerless to chase after his dreams because of various issues in his life (money, illness, shyness). That is all it is though, since in just a few chapters the protagonist gets exactly what he wants, thus it’s just shallow empowerment fantasy. You don’t get your wishes granted as easily as that in real life. And by easily, I mean the astronomically improbable way everything plays out in the chain of events that lead to him getting a superpower. There are fewer stars in the universe than there are odds against what happened in those few chapters for this perfect storm to happen.
5) The theme of heroism is presented in a most confusing way, since every person has a completely different idea of what it means to be a hero. As much as we want to think the same applies to everything in real life, the truth is, ideals do not have any meaning you feel like at the moment. For a setting that preaches heroism on a daily basis, and Almight is the symbol of peace that embodies all said ideals everyone can mimic, this is unacceptable. Heroism is not about making money, or always winning because you are stronger than your rival. This is all nonsense the author constantly presents in any way he feels like for the sake of conflict instead of thematic exploration.
Chapter 2
6) The protagonist vigorously trains his body so it can stand the superpower it will receive. That makes it seem like a cool message for the reader, how with hard work and some help from those above, you can accomplish your dreams. Unfortunately, this message also loses its meaning some volumes later, once you see there are other characters who were also perfect vassals for the superpower, well-mannered and far more trained than Deku would ever hope to be (especially that Tintin lookalike fellow). As much as Deku tries to make it seem like he deserves the power because he trained for it, in reality he began training towards becoming a hero only when he was promised a reward. That makes him sound lazy, since he wasn’t doing anything his whole life despite constantly claiming he wants it more than anything in the world. In effect, Almight just chose him instead of any other far more suitable candidate who was striving towards the same goals all his life, with no real justification other than attitude. Again, it’s just bottom tier empowerment fantasy.
Chapter 3
7) The protagonist breaks his arms for the first time while using his superpower. That makes it seem like everything is not working out perfectly for him and that there are consequences for using abilities he hasn’t mastered, seemingly making the whole thing balanced. It’s all very superficial though, since there are NO ACTUAL negative consequences. No matter how many times he breaks his arms, they will be instantly healed with a simple recovery kiss ability. And no matter how many times they keep saying his arms will eventually be unable to heal after a certain amount of breaks, it never happens. It doesn’t even make it harder to write or hold something as evidence of permanent damage. The mangaka just drew a few scars on his fingers as supposed proof of his power having a toll on him, but scars are nothing more than a visual cue. They are superficial and eventually almost disappear in later volumes. It’s all fake suspense.
Chapter 4
8) More fake suspense in the whole entry exam, where the protagonist passes because of a hidden rule. Not only nobody knew about rescue points, but also it was very convenient for someone to be in need of help, that person being the cute girl the protagonist spoke to just a few minutes ago, and the only one who helped out even though it wasn’t supposed to give any points was the protagonist. Once again, everything plays out in a completely artificial way so he can be retroactively proven right for something that is normally not rewarded in a test.
Chapter 7
9) Even more fake suspense in how the teacher was lying about expelling the student who scores overall the least in the athletic trials. The protagonist should normally be the one, but nah, it was a lie. As you see, there is nothing you can take seriously in this damn manga, so don’t believe the hype.
Chapter 1
1) The protagonist is a shy boy that is bullied at school. Very relatable if you are also bullied, right? Too bad the bullying is handled with the worst possible way and ruins the drama.
-It makes it seem like Deku was enjoying being tortured since he was doing nothing to stop something that can easily be stopped.
- His bully is a sociopath who is later on redeemed by… not doing anything for making up for all the harm he caused. Bakugo is like a sadistic torturer who is forgiven and gets away with it.
-As you find out later, the two of them were always best buddies, despite the daily torture Deku was experiencing. They were just going through a decade old tantrum because of a harmless inferiority complex.
- Adults don’t care about their young when they otherwise spend the whole show advising and teaching them. Most of the bullying takes place in school and in the presence of uninterested teachers who do nothing. Heck, even the parents do nothing. The bullying is presented in the most extreme way possible and is then forgotten by everyone, as if it never mattered.
2) The world is full of people with superpowers. That makes it sound cool as a setting to have endless possibilities for action adventures, right? Wrong, it is as dull as it gets. The world is exactly like ours, there isn’t a single difference in the way society works, despite having recovered after a devastating period of anarchy. Yes, the same can be said about Marvel and DC settings, but at least over there people with superpowers are the minority, not the majority, and the one in charge of the world is not Superman. In MHA, Almight is the one who shaped everything in a world that recovered from a major disaster and the result is a world where almost everyone has superpowers and the setting is exactly like ours. We live in an era where the battery of a cell phone is enough to change airport regulations, and yet the earth shattering events of MHA have zero effect despite lasting for centuries. Also, you don’t even get to see cool stuff every week like you do in western comics, since everything revolves around rookies in a school, training to do the most basic missions. That is plus ultra boring.
3) The protagonist is basically a geek who keeps notes on the powers of every hero and villain. That makes him relatable to the geek audience, since they do the same thing, and is also presented as a smart guy who uses his brain all the time to overcome every conflict. Too bad that is almost never used in any significant way throughout the story, as Deku only resorts to using his raw power in every battle. The notes are there more as a joke to show his geeky attention to detail, but they otherwise never help him in his missions.
4) The protagonist never stops crying about not having a superpower of his own, and thus being deprived the chance to become like the hero he adores more than anything else in the world. That makes him relatable to anyone who feels powerless to chase after his dreams because of various issues in his life (money, illness, shyness). That is all it is though, since in just a few chapters the protagonist gets exactly what he wants, thus it’s just shallow empowerment fantasy. You don’t get your wishes granted as easily as that in real life. And by easily, I mean the astronomically improbable way everything plays out in the chain of events that lead to him getting a superpower. There are fewer stars in the universe than there are odds against what happened in those few chapters for this perfect storm to happen.
5) The theme of heroism is presented in a most confusing way, since every person has a completely different idea of what it means to be a hero. As much as we want to think the same applies to everything in real life, the truth is, ideals do not have any meaning you feel like at the moment. For a setting that preaches heroism on a daily basis, and Almight is the symbol of peace that embodies all said ideals everyone can mimic, this is unacceptable. Heroism is not about making money, or always winning because you are stronger than your rival. This is all nonsense the author constantly presents in any way he feels like for the sake of conflict instead of thematic exploration.
Chapter 2
6) The protagonist vigorously trains his body so it can stand the superpower it will receive. That makes it seem like a cool message for the reader, how with hard work and some help from those above, you can accomplish your dreams. Unfortunately, this message also loses its meaning some volumes later, once you see there are other characters who were also perfect vassals for the superpower, well-mannered and far more trained than Deku would ever hope to be (especially that Tintin lookalike fellow). As much as Deku tries to make it seem like he deserves the power because he trained for it, in reality he began training towards becoming a hero only when he was promised a reward. That makes him sound lazy, since he wasn’t doing anything his whole life despite constantly claiming he wants it more than anything in the world. In effect, Almight just chose him instead of any other far more suitable candidate who was striving towards the same goals all his life, with no real justification other than attitude. Again, it’s just bottom tier empowerment fantasy.
Chapter 3
7) The protagonist breaks his arms for the first time while using his superpower. That makes it seem like everything is not working out perfectly for him and that there are consequences for using abilities he hasn’t mastered, seemingly making the whole thing balanced. It’s all very superficial though, since there are NO ACTUAL negative consequences. No matter how many times he breaks his arms, they will be instantly healed with a simple recovery kiss ability. And no matter how many times they keep saying his arms will eventually be unable to heal after a certain amount of breaks, it never happens. It doesn’t even make it harder to write or hold something as evidence of permanent damage. The mangaka just drew a few scars on his fingers as supposed proof of his power having a toll on him, but scars are nothing more than a visual cue. They are superficial and eventually almost disappear in later volumes. It’s all fake suspense.
Chapter 4
8) More fake suspense in the whole entry exam, where the protagonist passes because of a hidden rule. Not only nobody knew about rescue points, but also it was very convenient for someone to be in need of help, that person being the cute girl the protagonist spoke to just a few minutes ago, and the only one who helped out even though it wasn’t supposed to give any points was the protagonist. Once again, everything plays out in a completely artificial way so he can be retroactively proven right for something that is normally not rewarded in a test.
Chapter 7
9) Even more fake suspense in how the teacher was lying about expelling the student who scores overall the least in the athletic trials. The protagonist should normally be the one, but nah, it was a lie. As you see, there is nothing you can take seriously in this damn manga, so don’t believe the hype.
March 15, 2020
I saw My Hero Academic pop up into my feed years ago and I was honestly curious about it. I heard a lot of people talk it up, but I never was able to find it in my book travel adventures. Then, lucky my discovered NetGalley (for the second time) and located this little gem! I was so pumped to finally be able to pick this up since I love manga and superheroes.
In this somewhat dystopian world, almost all of the population have super powers. These powers, known as "quirks" can be managed and controlled and then used to save the universe! There's heroes and villains everywhere, and they are constantly battling. At four years old, kids begin to show their powers and they learn to master them. There are hero academies to hone your skills, and our lead really wants powers and really wants to help people. Lucky him, a big time superhero finds him and wants to take him under his wing...
This book is serious fun. The pictures are amazing, the plot is interesting and the characters are cool to follow. There's non-stop action and fun around every corner and I found myself just binging the whole thing (I did not intend to, but it just kinda happened). I'd like to pick up the rest of this series if I can ever find them, because I enjoy Kohei Horikoshi's story telling abilities (and the illustrations are just super cool). I can tell the world in this manga is only going to get cooler, since this is just the first volume. I hope I get to see the world building and character development flourish in the future!
If you love X-Men, the Avengers and DC, you'll love these books. It's action packed and loads of fun. I honestly enjoyed the way I was able to sink into this book and just disappear from reality for a while. It helps that the book was easy to follow and easy to read. The worst part is I'm not used to the names used in this book and I don't know how to pronounce them, which is hardly a fault of the book. On top of that, I can only assume this series is going to get better. The first volume is like the pilot episode of a television show. We get an introduction to the world and the characters, and eventually we get released into the magic of the universe.
Four out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for providing me a copy of this long awaited manga!
In this somewhat dystopian world, almost all of the population have super powers. These powers, known as "quirks" can be managed and controlled and then used to save the universe! There's heroes and villains everywhere, and they are constantly battling. At four years old, kids begin to show their powers and they learn to master them. There are hero academies to hone your skills, and our lead really wants powers and really wants to help people. Lucky him, a big time superhero finds him and wants to take him under his wing...
This book is serious fun. The pictures are amazing, the plot is interesting and the characters are cool to follow. There's non-stop action and fun around every corner and I found myself just binging the whole thing (I did not intend to, but it just kinda happened). I'd like to pick up the rest of this series if I can ever find them, because I enjoy Kohei Horikoshi's story telling abilities (and the illustrations are just super cool). I can tell the world in this manga is only going to get cooler, since this is just the first volume. I hope I get to see the world building and character development flourish in the future!
If you love X-Men, the Avengers and DC, you'll love these books. It's action packed and loads of fun. I honestly enjoyed the way I was able to sink into this book and just disappear from reality for a while. It helps that the book was easy to follow and easy to read. The worst part is I'm not used to the names used in this book and I don't know how to pronounce them, which is hardly a fault of the book. On top of that, I can only assume this series is going to get better. The first volume is like the pilot episode of a television show. We get an introduction to the world and the characters, and eventually we get released into the magic of the universe.
Four out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for providing me a copy of this long awaited manga!
July 31, 2017
Svet u kome vecina ljudi ima neku vrstu super moci (quirk) i gde imamo posebne skole za ljudse koji hoce da postanu super heroji (hello x-men). Jedino sto mi za sada malo smeta je glavni lik, klinac dobrog srca koji ce kroz tezak rad i samodoricanje (izgleda) da ostvari svoje snove. Malo poveliki klise ali ko zna mozde me strip i iznenadi.
Svidja mi se osnova price, akcije ima na bacanje, crtezi su lepi.
Za sada fin pocetak.
Svidja mi se osnova price, akcije ima na bacanje, crtezi su lepi.
Za sada fin pocetak.
May 18, 2022
this series is gonna be so fun i can just tell
May 24, 2024
4/5
”Fear not, citizens. Hope has arrived. Because I am here!”
A solid start to what will eventually become an excellent series, if the anime adaptation is any indication. This volume essentially serves as setup for the rest of the series. We’re introduced to the primary characters of Midoriya, All-Might and Bakugo as well as some of the supporting cast (before they eventually become major characters in their own right), as well as being introduced to the setting - the academy itself.
This volume is fun, and it provides necessary depth to certain characters, introduces us to the concept of Quirks and begins to set the tone for the series. Though I will admit it’s not a true indication of what the series represents - unrivalled action, heart, emotion and awe inspiring characters; that will come with the later volumes.
I’ve never really been overly into the superhero genre. I’m completely apathetic towards Marvel, I could take it or leave it but for the most part it just doesn’t interest me. My Hero Academia is my exception to my rule. Through watching the anime, I’ve fallen completely in love with this series, the world, and its characters. It’s completely captured my attention and I’m so excited to start my wider adventure with this series. Usually I would start with the source material first, but I’ve done it in reverse this time. So far, the anime is completely faithful to the manga. School settings are always a good time, combine that with the fantasy of this series and its next level.
I’m very excited to continue with the manga. I have the luxury of knowing what’s going to happen going forward whilst reading it, but that hasn’t effected my enjoyment; if anything it’s enhanced it. There’s lots of behind the scenes info as well on the creation of the characters, their concepts and original plans which has been a great addition.
Thoroughly, thoroughly recommend starting this manga, and the anime too. The anime is excellent, I have nothing to criticise - the manga is shaping up that way too. The only reason this isn’t a 5/5 is because this volume is purely setup. But if you do start, be patient and let it cook - amazing things start to happen.
”Fear not, citizens. Hope has arrived. Because I am here!”
A solid start to what will eventually become an excellent series, if the anime adaptation is any indication. This volume essentially serves as setup for the rest of the series. We’re introduced to the primary characters of Midoriya, All-Might and Bakugo as well as some of the supporting cast (before they eventually become major characters in their own right), as well as being introduced to the setting - the academy itself.
This volume is fun, and it provides necessary depth to certain characters, introduces us to the concept of Quirks and begins to set the tone for the series. Though I will admit it’s not a true indication of what the series represents - unrivalled action, heart, emotion and awe inspiring characters; that will come with the later volumes.
I’ve never really been overly into the superhero genre. I’m completely apathetic towards Marvel, I could take it or leave it but for the most part it just doesn’t interest me. My Hero Academia is my exception to my rule. Through watching the anime, I’ve fallen completely in love with this series, the world, and its characters. It’s completely captured my attention and I’m so excited to start my wider adventure with this series. Usually I would start with the source material first, but I’ve done it in reverse this time. So far, the anime is completely faithful to the manga. School settings are always a good time, combine that with the fantasy of this series and its next level.
I’m very excited to continue with the manga. I have the luxury of knowing what’s going to happen going forward whilst reading it, but that hasn’t effected my enjoyment; if anything it’s enhanced it. There’s lots of behind the scenes info as well on the creation of the characters, their concepts and original plans which has been a great addition.
Thoroughly, thoroughly recommend starting this manga, and the anime too. The anime is excellent, I have nothing to criticise - the manga is shaping up that way too. The only reason this isn’t a 5/5 is because this volume is purely setup. But if you do start, be patient and let it cook - amazing things start to happen.
December 20, 2020
*Reread 11/28/2020*
I fell off this series hard so I'm going to try to get back into it since I really liked it before. I feel like I'm going to go into this with new eyes now that I'm so jaded from the BNHA fandom. (There's some real weirdos in there), but I'm hoping I can get to the newer content and really enjoy it. Also Bakugo looks so good in the manga?? I like the way his face his drawn.
I still liked this first volume. It's a good set up for the series and although it's only been 2 years since I last experienced it, it feels somewhat new to me. I remember the characters and the general story, but I feel like I'm appreciating the smaller details now?
*Original Review 10/16/2018*
I just binge watched the show so now I gotta go back and read all the manga. It's so much fun! I love all the weird "quirks" /superpowers everyone has and I love Deku. ❤️
I fell off this series hard so I'm going to try to get back into it since I really liked it before. I feel like I'm going to go into this with new eyes now that I'm so jaded from the BNHA fandom. (There's some real weirdos in there), but I'm hoping I can get to the newer content and really enjoy it. Also Bakugo looks so good in the manga?? I like the way his face his drawn.
I still liked this first volume. It's a good set up for the series and although it's only been 2 years since I last experienced it, it feels somewhat new to me. I remember the characters and the general story, but I feel like I'm appreciating the smaller details now?
*Original Review 10/16/2018*
I just binge watched the show so now I gotta go back and read all the manga. It's so much fun! I love all the weird "quirks" /superpowers everyone has and I love Deku. ❤️
May 20, 2018
Not the most overly original concept or story. I was hoping for more to build off the basis however it was pretty standard and what youd expect. Some will love it
January 4, 2017
Overall, I think it was a decent intro to this manga series, although I am not as hooked as some other people right now. I find the concept really interesting and the art style is also quite good but there were just not as many exciting events in this first volume as I hoped. Especially the backstory of the protagonist was a bit rushed in my opinion, although I found him a likable character in general and I think that he has a lot of potential. There are also some interesting side-characters introduced which made me a bit curious for a the next volume. I was not necessarily blown away by this manga but I will definitely continue with the series to see how it will develop. 3.5 of 5 stars overall.
March 10, 2022
This is what happens when a manga artist decides to go all out with a super-hero homage, throws in some heart, some more classic hero-backstory stuff, and makes it a total YA with pizzaz.
I watched the anime first, mind you. I didn't really think it would be anything but average at first but then I kinda rather got hooked. Since then, the rest of my family has fallen in love with it. You don't want to know the kinds of schwag we've got. And now I've seen the show 3 times and only NOW am reading the manga series.
What is wrong with me? I usually NEVER do things like this in the wrong order!
Fortunately, so far, THERE'S NO DIFFERENCE.:)
Fun. Just plain fun.:)
I watched the anime first, mind you. I didn't really think it would be anything but average at first but then I kinda rather got hooked. Since then, the rest of my family has fallen in love with it. You don't want to know the kinds of schwag we've got. And now I've seen the show 3 times and only NOW am reading the manga series.
What is wrong with me? I usually NEVER do things like this in the wrong order!
Fortunately, so far, THERE'S NO DIFFERENCE.:)
Fun. Just plain fun.:)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,126 reviews