Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding My Hero Academia Anime's Backgrounds

The anime adaptation of My Hero Academia presents an intriguing case study on how adaptations can shape public perception of a series. Bones Studio's work on Kohei Horikoshi's manga has propelled the series to global success, but it has also faced criticism. In recent seasons, the depiction of backgrounds in the anime has been a point of contention, highlighting the significant evolution of Horikoshi's art over the years, which has posed challenges for Bones.

The My Hero Academia anime adaptation is having some issues with the backgrounds

As My Hero Academia manga has evolved over time, Kohei Horikoshi's art has continued to improve, enhancing the overall tone of the story. While still conveying its hopeful message and vibe, the shading and use of black on the pages have become notably darker and more intricate, resulting in a more precise and sophisticated look in each chapter of the manga.

However, the recent seasons, especially the sixth and most recent one, have not been able to capture that same magic with the backgrounds. They seem quite similar in style to the earlier seasons. This is understandable since Studio Bones has been working with the same creative team for a long time. While their success is undeniable, it could be argued that something has been lost in the process.

Horikoshi's art is arguably the manga's strongest element, and the use of backgrounds to create a darker and more specific atmosphere has a significant impact on the anime. For instance, the backgrounds in the bright and optimistic Sports Festival in the second season do not appear or feel very different from those in the intense War arc in the sixth season, despite the stark contrast in tones.

What to expect from the seventh My Hero Academia season?

The upcoming April release of the seventh season of the anime is highly anticipated, with Studio Bones aiming to impress fans with their portrayal of the final War arc. As the series nears its conclusion, there will be a need for top-tier animation in key moments, such as the anticipated battle between Star and Stripes and Tomura Shigaraki. With the end in sight, the studio is expected to bring their absolute best to the table.

Final thoughts

The upcoming season is anticipated to feature the initial confrontations of the War arc, including Katsuki Bakugo and Tomura Shigaraki, as well as Endeavor and All For One. These pivotal battles, such as Shoto Todoroki versus Dabi, are significant moments for the characters, and it is hoped that Studio Bones will do justice to them.

Final thoughts

Criticism of the My Hero Academia anime adaptation has centered on the excessive use of blue backgrounds that clash with the manga's increasingly dark themes. Hopefully, the seventh season will address this issue.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of My Hero Academia, I have mixed feelings about the recent controversy surrounding the anime's backgrounds. On the one hand, I understand the frustration of fans who feel that the backgrounds lack the same level of detail and sophistication as Horikoshi's manga art. The use of repetitive blue backgrounds, in particular, has been a point of contention, as it detracts from the increasingly dark and intense tone of the story.

On the other hand, I also appreciate the challenges that Studio Bones faces in adapting Horikoshi's manga to the anime format. The manga's art style has evolved significantly over time, and it can be difficult to capture the same level of detail and nuance in an animated series. Additionally, the production schedule for an anime series is often tight, which can limit the amount of time and resources that can be devoted to each episode.