"My Hero Academia Manga Review: The Ultimate Power Fantasy You Need to Read! - Abbey Badges

Understanding the Context

What Is My Hero Academia?

My Hero Academia follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a quiet, underdog student born without a Quirk in a world where nearly everyone possesses supernatural abilities—called “Quirks.” Despite society’s reliance on powerful heroes, Izuku dreams of becoming a Full Power Hero, overcoming his disadvantaged origins. The series documents his grueling training under the legendary Quirkless hero All Exceptions, Uno Disello, and his transformation into a symbol of hope and resilience.

A Masterclass in the Power Fantasy Genre

Key Insights

At its core, My Hero Academia is a compelling power fantasy—a genre that romanticizes immense power, personal growth, and the battle between good and evil. But this isn’t just a typical “strong protagonist” story; Horikoshi delivers layered storytelling that elevates the genre to extraordinary heights.

Power as Metaphor
Quirks symbolize boundless personal potential, but My Hero Academia frames power not as a mere advantage—it’s a responsibility. Izuku’s journey reflects the struggle many face: burdened by weakness (literal and emotional), he learns that true strength lies in courage, intelligence, and compassion. This makes the series resonate far beyond typical action tropes.

Growth Through Hardship
One of the manga’s strongest attributes is its focus on character development. Izuku isn’t born powerful—he earns every skill, every alliance, and every breakthrough through relentless effort and heartfelt connections. From underdog to Declaration candidate to full-fledged hero-in-training, his progression mirrors the universal desire to rise above limitations—a deeply relatable theme.

Thrilling Visuals and Tension-Packed Action

Final Thoughts

The art by Kohei Horik Yoshida brings the manga to life with crisp, dynamic panels that capture gravity-defying battles and subtle emotional beats with breathtaking clarity. The action sequences—whether Risks’ card-based combat or All For One’s devastating presence—are choreographed with precision and flair, while quiet moments of camaraderie and vulnerability keep readers emotionally invested.

Horikoshi balances high-octane spectacle with intimate storytelling, ensuring that every battle serves not only the plot but deepens character arcs. This seamless blend of speed and substance makes the fight scenes unforgettable and the stakes feel real.

A Rich, Evolving Universe

Beyond the heroobing externals, My Hero Academia builds a meticulously crafted world brimming with history, morality, and cultural nuance. The structure of hero training academies, societal attitudes toward “Non-Quirks,” and the ethical dilemmas heroes face deepen the narrative beyond superficial heroics. Sets like U.A. High School aren’t just backdrops—they’re living ecosystems that shape the characters and influence their choices.

The recurring threat of antagonists like All For One and All Out—villains born from corrupted Quirks and ambition—adds tension and philosophical depth, inviting readers to question what it means to be a hero.