Will a My Hero Academia prequel on All Might ruin or revive the series?

As Kohei Horikoshi's acclaimed manga has reached its end, the idea of a My Hero Academia prequel has become one of the most talked-about topics in the fandom. There is considerable excitement around the possibility of exploring the backstory of one of the series' most beloved characters, All Might. A prequel focusing on the Symbol of Hope would undoubtedly offer an exciting story.

While a prequel could serve as an interesting way to bring the beloved series back, it may not be the most effective method to revive the franchise. A backstory centered on All Might would undoubtedly offer an intriguing look at the events that shaped the current timeline. However, the chances of it restoring the series to its former glory might not be very high.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia and solely reflects the author's opinion.

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A deep dive into the legacy of the Symbol of Hope could make for an exceptional My Hero Academia spin-off

Much like the widespread excitement Gojo's Past Arc generated in the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom, an All Might-centered prequel could elicit a similar response from the fandom of this beloved Shonen.

A prequel spin-off could be an excellent way to continue the My Hero Academia universe. While many fans are eager to see what lies ahead for Deku and his friends, the idea of a prequel focusing on All Might might actually add even more value to the overall narrative.

A prequel could offer deeper insights into the current timeline, providing context and backstory that enhances the story fans know and love.

All Might in My Hero Academia season 7 (Image via Bones)

Starting with a prequel spin-off centered on All Might as the protagonist would be a great starting point for spin-offs in this beloved series. This doesn't necessarily need to be a full-length series; it could be a shorter format like a one-shot, an OVA, a movie, or even a trilogy.

In fact, this might be the ideal approach, as it would allow the exploration of key past events while keeping things concise yet informative.

Such a prequel would allow fans to dive into All Might's journey as a Quirkless hero, shedding light on how he ascended to become the strongest hero, the symbol of hope for society. It would also delve into his past battles with All For One and provide more context on All Might's relationship with his mentor, Nana Shimura, the seventh One For All user.

This exploration of All Might's rise and All For One's temporary downfall would give fans a glimpse of a world vastly different from the one they know—one shrouded in fear, with All For One at the peak of his power.

The prequel is also poised to explore how All Might acquired One For All and the profound shift in his life after inheriting the Quirk. Ultimately, this journey would lay the foundation for the society in which Deku's story takes place.

The prequel would not only provide an important backstory on All Might's journey, but it would also feature exciting, action-packed fights. The All Might vs. All For One showdown that left that lethal wound on All Might would likely be a major focus. Fans will likely also see a showdown featuring Nana Shimura and All Might, which ultimately led to her death.

With so many captivating past events to explore, an All Might prequel would offer an enticing and entertaining spin-off. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see these significant moments come to life on screen, as they've only been hinted at or recounted in the present timeline.

While such a spin-off may not revive Horikoshi sensei's series per se, it certainly wouldn't detract from it either. Instead, it would expand the world of My Hero Academia, giving fans a deeper understanding of its past and offering an exciting new perspective on the beloved characters and events that shaped the world of heroes.

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A My Hero Academia prequel focused on All Might's backstory might not be the spin-off fans are waiting for

Armored All Might (Image via Bones)

Meanwhile, it's undeniable that a significant portion of My Hero Academia's fanbase may prefer to explore what the future holds instead of revisiting the past.

Delving into the future of the beloved characters from Deku's timeline would certainly be a way to revive the franchise by introducing fresh elements and showcasing new developments, rather than revisiting past events that the fandom is already familiar with, only in greater detail.

A sequel timeline would undoubtedly make for an incredible spin-off, continuing the journeys of the beloved characters. Fans would not only have the chance to witness their growth as heroes but also get to see which characters ultimately end up together. This is especially true given the hints of a budding romance between Deku and Ochako at the manga's conclusion.

Moreover, a sequel could delve into Deku's return as a hero without a Quirk, which was introduced but left largely unexplored, as the Shonen concluded with the reveal of his future as a mecha hero.

With so many compelling plotlines to build upon, along with countless other new and exciting possibilities, a sequel spin-off certainly has the potential to reignite the excitement in the My Hero Academia fanbase.

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Final thoughts

Ultimately, the My Hero Academia fandom would be thrilled to see a spin-off that brings back their beloved series. Whether it's a prequel focusing on All Might's prime or a sequel continuing Deku's journey, both options are incredibly intriguing. Even better, fans would love to see both! (Let's all agree that would be ideal!)

That said, starting with a prequel makes perfect sense, as it could provide essential context to the events that led up to the present timeline. Not only would it build excitement for a potential sequel, but it could also introduce fresh plotlines that seamlessly connect with future stories.

A My Hero Academia prequel centered on All Might could add new depth to the series without diminishing its charm, and if executed well, it could very well reignite the hype among fans. Both a prequel and a sequel have their own appeal, and if done right, each could offer an equally captivating and informative experience.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether a fan is more interested in the backstory or a narrative focused on the future.

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