Speculations arise: Could the final arc of My Hero Academia manga be just the beginning?
Exciting possibilities emerge as the beloved My Hero Academia manga enters its Final Saga, leaving fans wondering if this captivating series will extend its thrilling journey beyond this anticipated arc
The Final Saga arc of the beloved manga My Hero Academia is currently underway, with the heroes facing a grim situation as Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo stand alone against All For One. Despite the nearing end of the manga, there is speculation on social media that the series may not conclude with the ongoing Final Saga.
On the bright side, anime fans can expect the series to continue for the foreseeable future, as the anime has yet to air its 7th season. This suggests that the series will continue for several more years, providing enjoyment for anime-only fans.
Can My Hero Academia manga continue even after its Final Saga?
Vigilante Deku as seen in My Hero Academia season 6(image via Studio Bones)
My Hero Academia has undoubtedly become one of the most popular anime and manga series of the last decade. With six seasons and over 400 chapters, it has gained a large and dedicated fanbase. Although the 7th season of the anime has not yet aired, the manga is reaching its conclusion.
Originally, series creator Kohei Horikoshi had intended to end the manga in 2023. However, due to health complications, the date has been pushed back and the story is now expected to conclude by 2024 or 2025. Despite this, some fans on social media have differing opinions about the series' future.
A popular theory on social media speculates the possibility of My Hero Academia continuing after the end of the Final Saga in the manga. The theory suggests that Horikoshi might follow in the footsteps of Naruto, which continued after the end of its classical series by rebranding to Naruto: Shippuden. Many fans have criticized the mangaka's decision to have the series' events occur within one school year.
After All For One is defeated, a timeskip could explore the lives of Class 1-A as full-fledged heroes or third-year students, allowing the story to continue beyond its Final Saga in the manga. The series could rebrand itself to explore the post-school life of Class 1-A, but no new antagonist has been teased beyond All For One/Tomura Shigaraki, making it difficult to top their threat to the heroes and the hero society.
The decision to take this approach may not sit well with many fans. As the narrative moves towards its conclusion, it's evident that Horikoshi is putting in maximum effort to deliver a truly unforgettable ending to this epic tale. However, it's undeniable that this has come at the expense of his own well-being, leading to numerous pleas from fans for him to take a hiatus or bring the story to a close ahead of schedule.
Continuing the series despite facing major health issues has never been a good decision for mangakas, and it's not what fans of the series would want either. Based on the current storyline, it's evident that Horikoshi aims to conclude the series with impact rather than dragging it out. He has expressed his desire for My Hero Academia not to have the same lengthy run as One Piece. While the idea of the series continuing after the Final Saga is an intriguing topic, it's unlikely to come to fruition at this stage.
Final Reflection
To wrap up, it is undeniable that the My Hero Academia manga will come to a conclusion. However, there is always the possibility that Horikoshi may revisit the series in the future or create a spin-off continuing the story.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of My Hero Academia, I am both excited and apprehensive about the upcoming Final Saga arc. On the one hand, I am eager to see how the story concludes and how the characters' journeys come to an end. The series has been a part of my life for many years, and I have grown attached to the characters and their struggles. I am excited to see how Horikoshi wraps up the story and ties up any loose ends.
On the other hand, I am also concerned about the potential impact of Horikoshi's health issues on the quality of the final arc. I understand that he is putting in maximum effort to deliver a satisfying ending, but I worry that his health may be suffering as a result. I hope that he is taking care of himself and that he is not pushing himself too hard. I would rather have a shorter, well-written ending than a longer, rushed one that compromises the quality of the story.
