10 My Hero Academia Anime Story Arcs: Hits and Misses

My Hero Academia, also known as Boku No Hero Academia, is a highly acclaimed anime of the new generation that is now approaching its final arc. Renowned for its exceptional action sequences, it has garnered a massive and dedicated fanbase in just seven years.

Throughout its six seasons, My Hero Academia has showcased numerous captivating story arcs that have distinctively drawn in fans with their innovative narrative style.

In certain cases, fans have been highly dissatisfied with certain story arcs for various reasons. These reasons include repetitive narratives, characters lacking depth, and overall uninteresting plots.

5 My Hero Academia story arcs that left fans disappointed

5) U.A School Festival Arc

The U.A School Festival arc in My Hero Academia (image via Studio Bones) is not a bad arc, but it does come directly after the highly regarded Shie Hassaikai Arc, considered one of the best in the series. This arc serves as more of a "breather" for viewers, with no major stakes involved.

Class 1-A intends to showcase a dance alongside a live band at U.A High's annual School Festival. Throughout the arc, Izuku Midoriya strives to bring a smile to Eri's face for the first time. Despite offering a much-needed break for the characters after two significant arcs, this storyline fails to generate high stakes and suffers from a slow pace, resulting in decreased viewer engagement.

4) Remedial Course Arc

Todoroki and Bakugo in the Remedial Course Arc(image via Studio Bones)

This arc spans only 3 episodes and follows the events immediately after the Shie Hassaikai Arc in the 4th season of My Hero Academia. The first episode deals with the aftermath of the intense arc, while the remaining two episodes center around Shoto Todoroki, Katsuki Bakugo, and two other students from Shiketsu High as they attempt to obtain their hero licenses after failing the provisional hero license exam.

The stakes in this arc are relatively low, as the focus of the narrative is primarily on the U.A and Shiketsu High students' efforts to win over a group of mischievous elementary school students.

3) Joint Training Arc

The arc offered a momentary respite for both the heroes and the audience following the previous plotline. Although there were humorous and touching moments, it didn't significantly contribute to the overarching narrative.

The Joint Training Arc in My Hero Academia(image via Studio Bones)

The Joint Training arc, featured in the 5th season of My Hero Academia, was not received poorly. It introduced fresh characters from Class 1-B, who showcased their unique quirks in a thrilling clash against Class 1-A. However, despite the intriguing premise, some fans felt that the arc overstayed its welcome, stretching across 10 episodes.

In this arc, there was a tournament-style battle between Class 1-A and Class 1-B, allowing new characters to take the spotlight. However, the main criticism of this arc was its uneven pacing. Many episodes included unnecessary flashbacks that did little to enhance the story. On a positive note, viewers were treated to Midoriya revealing a new power known as Blackwhip, adding some importance to this arc.

2) Final Exams Arc

Bakugo and Deku face All Might(image via Studio Bones)

The Final Exams arc occurs towards the conclusion of the 2nd season of My Hero Academia, spanning a mere five episodes. It follows the Hero Killer arc and revolves around a clash between the students and teachers of U.A High.

Although this arc highlighted the students' teamwork skills in outsmarting their instructors, it lacked significant consequences. Furthermore, it presented a highly intense showdown pitting the hesitant duo of Bakugo and Deku against All Might.

There weren't any boring moments in this story, apart from Miss Midnight's fight against Mineta, who's heavily regarded by the fans as one of the worst characters of the series.

1) Meta Liberation Army Arc

The League of Villains(image via Studio Bones)

The Meta Liberation War arc served as the penultimate arc before the Paranormal Liberation War arc in My Hero Academia. Taking center stage in this arc was The League of Villains, specifically Tomura Shigaraki, who embarked on a seemingly insurmountable mission to prove his worthiness as the successor to All For One.

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This arc held great importance within the overarching story as it essentially provided a background for the Paranormal Liberation War arc. However, numerous fans experienced confusion in the main narrative due to inconsistent pacing.

A major criticism of this arc was that the anime version felt somewhat rushed. Given that the manga spanned around 19 chapters for this arc, fans believed that the anime did not adequately develop the story within its limited 6-episode format.

5 My Hero Academia story arcs that are widely loved by the fans

5) Hero Killer Arc

Image via Studio Bones: Stain in the Hero Killer Arc.

Stain stands out among other villains in the series due to his distinct motives and ideals. He firmly believes that All Might is the sole hero deserving of the title, and his goal is to eliminate the other 'undeserving and counterfeit' heroes in existence.

Although eventually apprehended by the authorities, his profound impact on the heroes and audience endured. In the culmination of this narrative arc, Tomura Shigaraki capitalizes on Stain's renown to expand the League of Villains, successfully molding the group into a truly formidable criminal syndicate.

4) Shie Hassaikai Arc

The battle between Lemillion and Overhaul from Studio Bones' adaptation of My Hero Academia showcased an outstanding story arc in the fourth season. With the U.A heroes and the police facing off against the Shie Hassaikai, the stakes were incredibly high. Leading the criminal organization was the formidable Overhaul, known for possessing one of the deadliest quirks in the series.

3) Hideout Raid Arc

During their confrontation with the Shie Hassaikai, Lemillion and Deku were driven by a strong determination. Upon discovering Eri, a young girl suffering from the hands of Overhaul, their main objective became to save her from his grasp. This story arc not only showcased some of the most exhilarating battles in the series but also witnessed the heartbreaking loss of Sir Nighteye, one of All Might's trusted allies.

The long-awaited and monumental battle between All Might and All For One finally took place during the Hideout Raid arc. This arc followed the intense Forest Training Camp, in which Bakugo was abducted by the League of Villains. The story unfolds with a courageous group of heroes launching a raid on the villains' headquarters. However, their plans take a drastic turn when All For One unexpectedly joins the fight, forcing All Might to confront his most formidable adversary once again.

2) Dark Hero Arc

This arc showcased the U.A. students' triumphant rescue of Bakugo through a clever strategy, while also depicting the epic showdown between All Might and All For One, where All Might expended his last remaining power. Widely regarded as the series' finest fight, this intense battle was followed by a heartfelt celebratory gathering led by the top-ranking hero.

Deku, portrayed as a vigilante (image via Studio Bones), finds himself caught in the aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War during the sixth season of My Hero Academia. This Dark Hero Arc highlights the global shift in dynamics caused by the war. As a result, Izuku Midoriya becomes a target for assassins dispatched by All For One, forcing him to go on the run.

Viewers are exposed to a remarkably distinct portrayal of Midoriya within this arc. Filled with an intense determination to shield his companions, Deku opts to withdraw from his studies at U.A High and seeks refuge within the streets. Confronted with countless challenges, he endeavors to safeguard both innocent civilians and the dwindling number of heroes, despite enduring days of deprivation without sustenance or respite. Ultimately, the arc culminates in a gripping clash between Deku and his classmates from Class 1-A, who vehemently implore him to return to the confines of the school.

1) Paranormal Liberation War Arc

The Paranormal Liberation War arc in My Hero Academia (image via Studio Bones) revolutionized the show's atmosphere, presenting the most remarkable arc thus far. The narrative commences with the heroes orchestrating a raid on the hideout of the villains. Nevertheless, the tides abruptly shift for the heroes when Shigaraki, having undergone a procedure to acquire All For One's power, awakens and embarks on a destructive rampage.

With the retirement of their most powerful hero, All Might, it seemed as though the villains had finally prevailed. Utilizing his newfound strength, Shigaraki obliterated an entire city and effortlessly overwhelmed the majority of the heroes.

Adding another layer of complexity to the storyline, a shocking revelation occurred when the notorious villain Dabi unveiled himself to the world as Endeavor's own son. This revelation sparked widespread animosity towards the hero, as the entire world turned against him. The devastating aftermath of the war shattered the faith of numerous heroes.

To conclude

Although certain story arcs in My Hero Academia may disappoint a large number of fans, they may still bring enjoyment to others. However, it is unrealistic for an anime to satisfy every fan with all of its story arcs. The overall success of a storyline is subjective and differs from person to person.

Despite its flaws, My Hero Academia continues to be adored by fans and has a dedicated following among the new generation of anime. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the 7th season, which is expected to surpass its previous seasons in quality.

Editor's P/S

My Hero Academia is a thrilling anime series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its captivating story arcs. Among its strengths, the Hero Killer and Hideout Raid arcs stand out as prime examples of exceptional storytelling. These arcs feature intense battles, compelling character development, and high-stakes conflicts that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The Hero Killer arc, in particular, explores the dark side of heroism and the lengths some individuals will go to achieve their goals. The Hideout Raid arc, on the other hand, showcases the growth and unity of Class 1-A as they face formidable opponents and uncover shocking revelations.

On the other hand, certain arcs in My Hero Academia have fallen short of expectations. The U.A. School Festival arc, while providing a breather from intense storylines, suffers from a lack of high stakes and a slow pace. The Remedial Course arc, though brief, fails to contribute significantly to the overall narrative and lacks compelling stakes. The Joint Training arc, despite introducing new characters and exciting battles, overstays its welcome with uneven pacing and unnecessary flashbacks. While the Final Exams arc highlights teamwork and presents an intense showdown, its lack of significant consequences and a rushed conclusion leave viewers wanting more.