Midoriya’s Unwavering Heroism Takes Center Stage
In the world of Shonen anime, Midoriya stands out as one of the most pure and heroic characters. This episode, fittingly titled “My Hero,” captures the essence of his character and brings a significant turning point to the season.
As the villains launch their attack, the Wild Pussycats send the students away and prepare for battle. However, Midoriya doesn’t flee. Instead, he informs Mandalay that he knows Kota’s whereabouts, leading to a confrontation between Deku and Muscular, the villain responsible for Kota’s parents’ deaths. While there were other elements to this episode, the primary focus was the intense battle between Deku and Muscular, which was executed brilliantly.
In the manga, the fight between Deku and Muscular spans several chapters, but the anime adaptation condenses it into a single episode. Despite this, the pacing is well-balanced, ensuring the fight carries weight and doesn’t feel rushed.
A Battle with Substance and Emotional Impact
The episode also strikes a balance in terms of substance. While the fight moves at a rapid pace, every crucial aspect of the clash is given the appropriate time to resonate with viewers. In particular, we witness Kota observing Deku at his finest, ready to fight to the bitter end despite being battered, broken, and terrified.
The battle is layered with complexity. Prior to this episode, we learn why Kota despises heroes: his superhero parents were killed in action and hailed as heroes, leaving him alone. However, Kota wasn’t present to witness their sacrifice, nor was he one of the people they saved in their final moments. Even his aunt acknowledges that one day, he would encounter someone willing to risk their life to save another.
This prophecy comes true when Deku faces Muscular. Regardless of the pain he endures or the seemingly insurmountable odds, Deku is determined to save Kota. He doesn’t do this to prove Kota wrong, as he learned in the previous episode that such an approach wouldn’t work. Instead, he does it because that’s what heroes do. Midoriya embodies the essence of a true hero, and his unwavering determination to protect Kota, coupled with his complete disregard for his own safety, makes for a powerful and beautifully animated sequence.
The Aftermath: A Hero Emerges
The most impactful part of the fight is its aftermath. Deku stands victorious over his defeated foe, his body ravaged from using One For All beyond his capabilities twice in succession. In this moment, Kota sees a hero—his hero. Deku demonstrates the value of his parents’ actions and the sacrifices made by all who stand to protect others. Whether it’s because Deku vanquished the villain who took his parents or his sheer heroic determination (or perhaps a combination of both), Kota finally recognizes Deku as a hero, and the moment hits hard. Plus, the entire scene looks incredible.
The episode also offers a brief glimpse of the Wild, Wild Pussycats at their best, showcasing superheroes in action—a rare treat in the series. Most episodes focus on the students of UA learning to become heroes, so witnessing experienced heroes in action is always a welcome change of pace. The last time we saw this was in the first episode. Although brief, the Pussycats’ efforts to protect the students and each other make for a great moment that doesn’t detract from the episode’s main focus while still leaving an impact.
This episode is a powerful, perfectly executed masterpiece, easily marking it as the best installment of season 3 thus far.
Check back next week for next week’s review of My Hero Academia
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Visitor Rating: 5 Stars