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My Hero Academia has won over the hearts of millions for a decade, and excitement is building to an all-time high with the manga's final volume scheduled for release in December 2024. The volume will include 38 new pages of content expanding on the series' epilogue.
With all the hate the final chapter of the manga has received, this news has created a discussion over what should and shouldn't be resolved and what would unnecessarily drag out the conclusion.
It ranges from the hanging mysteries of what the future is to be for the characters to plotlines that are better left unexplored. Fans are excited to see Kohei Horikoshi wrap up this beloved series. To explore these possibilities, here are the 8 things the My Hero Academia epilogue needs to address and 8 that would be a waste of pages.
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Disclaimer: This list is ranked in no particular order and contains the writer's opinion.
All Might’s legacy, and 7 other things the My Hero Academia epilogue needs to address
1) Izuku and Ochako’s relationship
The romantic bond that Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka develop throughout the story has been a genuine but was an underdeveloped point in My Hero Academia. Even though their mutual respect and admiration for each other are obvious, Horikoshi has never concluded their romantic relationship.
Many fans are still confused about whether their connection has evolved into a romantic relationship or remained just friends. This has real possibilities since the depth of character development they have received so far can be used in an ideal conclusion to their realization.
There is also the case of Ochako acknowledging Toga's feelings for her and the latter sacrificing her life for the former. Exploring the complicated feelings surging within Uraraka would also make for a worthy addition to the epilogue.
2) Appearance of Deku's father
My Hero Academia has kept the world of Deku's father, Hisashi Midoriya, a mystery for the longest time. Even though it is mentioned early on in the series, how he relates to the greater plot remains unrevealed. His father has only been mentioned in hindsight and never played a substantial role in the storyline.
Fans have been speculating from being an easily absent parent to really serving a connection to the villains or more significant storylines. His whereabouts and what Deku would have had to go through without him are something the plot needs a conclusion on.
3) All Might’s legacy
The legacy of All Might is central to My Hero Academia. It has acted as a symbol of heroism and hope for the young and emerging heroes, similar to what fans have seen with the main character, Deku.
After the intense final war, the epilogue must highlight the influence that he has endured in the world. After the end of the war will Deku fully step into his role as the new Symbol of Peace, the epilogue must answer.
4) Strengthening emotional impact
The emotional impact should be heightened in the My Hero Academia epilogue for the series to leave an enduring impression. Heartwarming moments have been what defined the series, and so that must be enhanced in the epilogue-its moments of struggle and growth transforming these characters' destinies.
A lot was lost in the final battle against Shigaraki and All for One. Emphasizing how everyone coped with their losses and strived to build a better future would fall in line with My Hero Academia's underlying theme.
Touching reunions, fulfilling resolutions, and even glimpses of what might be heroes' lives post-battle would resonate with the fans. A good ending with so much emotional content would ensure that there was no room for loose ends.
5) The origin of Quirks
The origin of Quirks remains another crucial unsolved mystery in My Hero Academia. Although the series describes how Quirks began and affected society, it has never revealed the cause of their appearance. It is still unknown whether the phenomenon was random or there was a trigger behind it.
The explanation of this origin could make an even deeper impression on the world Horikoshi created, shedding more light on how quirks molded human evolution and their relation to the singularity theory. Providing a satisfying conclusion to the lore will lead to the solution of this question.
6) Bakugo’s growth and hero status
Bakugo's transformation from a hot-headed selfish boy to a true hero capable and aware of himself is long overdue. Although his development in the character has been profound, fans would like to know how he cements his position among the pro heroes.
The interactions of Bakugo with other heroes, especially Midoriya, as well as the consequences of his doings at crucial moments during the battles, may make him look more mature and heroic. Addressing his future role in society and as a symbol of growth would give his arc much depth and bring his story full circle in My Hero Academia.
7) The role of forgotten Class 1-A heroes
Class 1-A's less focused members, such as Sato, Shoji, and Ojiro, played their part but were rather relegated to the background by some of the more dominant classmates. The epilogue can now be focused on what these characters become pro-heroes or their significant roles in society.
With the series concentrating on major players such as Deku and Bakugo, these quiet members deserve mention for what they provided in the most dire battles. Their potential development can make that final chapter balanced and richly layered, highlighting each hero's worth in My Hero Academia.
8) Featuring international heroes
The international heroes were an exciting addition to the series during the Paranormal Liberation War arc, but their roles were underdeveloped. Star and Stripe's unique dynamics and powers from around the world hinted at something exciting and special; however, their impact on the overall story seemed incomplete.
We see many international heroes throughout the story, most of whom were inspired by All Might's heroic acts. It would be also interesting to view how the previous Symbol of Peace affected those living outside of Japan and influenced the growth of young heroes.
The epilogue could take further steps to explain how these heroes got involved in the global fight against villainy which could help expand the world-building of the series. Mentioning the spotlight on their collaborations with Japan's heroes could give more depth to My Hero Academia's vast universe.
Introduction of new side characters and 7 other things that My Hero Academia epilogue should avoid
1) Dai’s character development
The character development of Dai does not deserve much more development in the epilogue. His struggle over his "wimpy Quirk" and living up to heroes like Izuku can be interpreted as a subplot that has already been handled. His development risks eclipsing the important characters whose resolutions are what have driven the series.
The epilogue is supposed to be an ending of larger stories and closure to characters like Izuku and Katsuki, rather than confusing and constructing a questionable future for a side character who was only marginally involved in the plot.
2) Random cameos with no purpose
The My Hero Academia epilogue should avoid random cameos that don't really add to the narrative. Although most of the characters contributed to the series, an epilogue that happens just for the sake of nostalgia or fan service would only dilute the conclusion.
Each of those cameos should have a great effect, either showing how the character has grown or their future status in the story. Otherwise, these appearances risk reading like pointless filler, which would subtract from the edge of the epilogue.
3) Pro Hero Deku teaching
Pro Hero Deku's narrative as a representative of hope and action would be compromised if he were depicted as a teacher. An aspect of My Hero Academia is mentorship, the development of Deku becoming a teacher would feel anticlimactic for his dynamic fighting style and strong determination to save other people directly.
His story thrives on his active heroism and how he develops as a protector of peace. A shift in the character arc towards a more static position risks losing the thrust of his inspirational rise as the greatest hero for the next generation.
4) Introduction of new side characters
Introducing new side characters in the epilogue would water down focus from the already established cast, which still awaits the resolution of their respective arcs. Attention to new characters may leave important developments for favorite heroes and villains incomplete.
The series has already featured a large ensemble cast and introducing even more at this point could feel intrusive and rushed. Prioritizing the core characters’ futures ensures a satisfying conclusion while avoiding unnecessary distractions that could undermine the emotional impact of My Hero Academia’s finale.
5) Bringing back dead villains
Reintroducing dead villains in the epilogue would undermine the emotional weight of their defeats and the growth heroes achieved through the battles. The impact that villains like Twice and Overhaul left on the story will be undermined if they come back, acting as a cheapening moment.
My Hero Academia has emphasized what happens when one gets committed to certain choices and what the cost of conflict is, so resurrecting dead antagonists could lessen the series' themes. Instead, the epilogue should focus on the aftermath of their actions and how society recovers in their absence.
6) Quirkless Society
A quirkless society would make the epilogue unnecessarily complicated to discuss. Although an intriguing and philosophical foundation for questions of equality and power, this is simply too huge a societal shift to ask for in 38 pages.
This kind of discussion would overshadow the resolution of existing character arcs and result in more questions than answers for readers at the end. It would be a waste to put it there because it can't be developed on 38 pages, hence unsuitable for the scope of the epilogue.
7) Unnecessary romance focus
While Izuku and Ochaco have been an important emotional arc, other characters should not be forced into unnecessary romantic subplots. The heroics, growth, and struggle of ideals the series appears to be based on have generally been the heart of My Hero Academia, and subplots developed around love risks diluting those themes.
The epilogue should respect the tone of the series and focus on character development and world-building rather than stick to superficial romances. Including the things that hold some significance for them could make the story more cohesive toward its conclusion.
8) The post-retirement life of a Pro Heros
The life after retirement of Pro Heroes is a risk of slowing down the momentum of this narrative and making its resonant conclusion somewhat diluted. Curiosity about Endeavor's old age or All Might's darkening after his retirement is better suited for spin-off or side content.
The mundane details of retired heroes threaten to overshadow the younger generation's achievements, shifting focus away from central themes in the series. Tie up the important storylines of the epilogue rather than engaging in mundane hero activities that don't amaze.
Final thoughts
My Hero Academia’s epilogue would be heavy with tying up loose ends without causing unnecessary distraction to the series. When that is done, the key themes such as Bakugo's growth as a hero, the origins of quirks, or All Might's lasting impact may add depth to the series' conclusion.
On the other hand, some of the distracting elements such as adding new characters to the story, focusing on the retirement process of Pro Heroes, or reviving dead villains ensure that the finale has an impact.
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Related links:
- My Hero Academia: 10 anime main characters who had more development than Deku
- Fate of all 24 My Hero Academia villains by the end of the series, explained
- Shigaraki not being Quirkless was the My Hero Academia ending's greatest mistake
