“I would quit drawing manga”: My Hero Academia Was Never Just a Story Meant to Entertain Fans

My Hero Academia fans, prepare to go beyond in 2025 as the anime’s final season announces its much-awaited release window! After enthralling fans for over a decade, the mangaka captivated many readers with the series’ splendid narrative and compelling characters.

Vigilante Izuku Midoriya in My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]

With the conclusion of Season 7, My Hero Academia continues to make waves in the anime world. The latest is the culmination of the years-long struggle between the pro heroes and villains. Furthermore, after the release of Chapter 431, MHA is buzzing online, skyrocketing the hype for Season 8.

With the manga officially concluded, My Hero Academia‘s creator recently shared insights into their struggles and revealed a deeply emotional life lesson embedded in the story.

My Hero Academia‘s creator opens up about the powerful message behind the story

Despite My Hero Academia‘s controversial epilogue, the anime’s recent season created a significant buzz online. MHA Season 7 marked the end of Deku’s journey and All for One’s final attempt to thwart humanity’s future and rule above everyone.

All Might vows to train Izuku in My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]

MHA Season 7 has left several fans awe-struck battling a rollercoaster ride of emotions and praying for Heroes’ success. Throughout Deku’s journey, Kōhei Horikoshi introduces several terrifying villains and lets all hell break loose–pointing its story toward an ending.

My Hero Academia‘s resemblance to superhero genres, similar to Marvel and DC, played a vital role in its success. Additionally, this similarity has played a key role in MHA‘s rising popularity among Western audiences, making it America’s most in-demand series of the Summer 2024 anime season.

Class 1-A of My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]

Beyond My Hero Academia‘s thrilling action and captivating narrative, Horikoshi delves into the heroes’ flaws and their journey to overcome past mistakes, adding even more depth that makes the series truly legendary.

In an exclusive interview with ComicBook, Kōhei Horikoshi revealed his intention behind adding such details, and the revelation is truly heartwarming. He said:

When my second serialization was canceled, I thought, “I’ll never be able to draw manga again.” I drew My Hero Academia thinking that if this didn’t work out, I would quit drawing manga. 

Horikoshi nearly quit his manga career before MHA, making the series a true embodiment of his message to never give up. He also added:

I’m sure everyone’s been through a situation they regret. It could be that my theme was relatable for many readers, but I was really developing the story based on my feelings without forcing anything, so I wasn’t deliberately choosing to depict the characters’ flaws either.

Nevertheless, Season 7 has become the franchise’s most profitable and fan-favorite season, reminding viewers of the beauty of Horikoshi’s narrative and how flawlessly the anime adaptation brings it to life.

Deku’s new form in My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi. [Credit: Studio Bones]

While MHA‘s popularity largely stems from overseas, it’s surprising to learn that despite the clear inspirations, Western comic books had little influence on the mangaka.

Unveiling the true impact of Western Comic Books on My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia features the story of a young high school student, Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, All Might, and becoming the greatest hero.

Mirko from My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]

As a superhero-themed manga, it’s no surprise that Kohei incorporates numerous Marvel and DC references and easter eggs, well-known both globally and within the comic book community.

Thanks to these references and easter eggs, MHA has gained a massive overseas following, particularly among Western fans. Kōhei Horikoshi once acknowledged the influence of Western comics, sharing a surprisingly unexpected revelation.

In an interview with Viz Media, Horikoshi opened up about the influence of American comics but revealed it to be minimal, surprising many Western fans in the process.

Uraraka pleads to let Deku stay in U.A. High in My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]

Despite Horikoshi’s years of hard work, the mangaka has faced a storm of criticism for My Hero Academia‘s epilogue. Many fans felt betrayed after reading the manga chapter 430.

Over the years, the fandom set its own high expectations from the series. Naturally, Horikoshi not meeting them led to surprise and disappointment.

My Hero Academia is available to watch on Crunchyroll.