What Lies Beyond: The Future of My Hero Academia Anime Revealed!

The final arc of My Hero Academia's manga is currently underway, and although the anime is not yet finished, many fans speculate that the seventh season will be its last. However, the franchise still has a lot to offer, particularly with the renowned studio Bones leading the way.

My Hero first aired in 2016 under the direction of Kenji Nagasaki, who has been at the helm ever since. Bones Studio C, known for their work on Darker Than Black, Soul Eater, Ouran High School Host Club, and the original Fullmetal Alchemist, has been responsible for bringing this beloved series to life. Up until now, the series has already seen six seasons and three successful animated films, with the latest film grossing an impressive $47 million worldwide.

New Films

The prospect of more original stories within the universe but on the big screen is undeniably exciting. My Hero Academia's films have consistently raised the bar, becoming grander, more daring, and more ambitious in their animation. However, not everyone has been equally enthusiastic about the visually stunning films.

When the quality of the TV anime occasionally falters, fans easily blame the films for draining the budget and deferring talented resources that could have further improved the TV series. It's difficult to dispute this argument, as shōnen film spin-offs often seem purposeless, restricted from altering the established status quo. Why should these movies, whose connection to the original canon is unclear, receive the lion's share of the budget?

However, the defense for these films lies in their ability to consistently introduce entertaining and likeable original characters with engaging storylines, even if the main cast remains relatively unchanged. One such example is the highly acclaimed third film, World Heroes' Mission, which resonated with fans due to the inclusion of the original character Rody Soul. Voiced in English by Ryan Colt Levy (known for his role as Denji in Chainsaw Man's English dub), Rody Soul added depth to the film's narrative.

Once the show concludes and the prospect of another massive season becomes less imminent, it becomes more justifiable to create fresh, high-budget films. These films could continue the tradition of exciting adventures similar to the previous three instalments, while also providing glimpses into the futures of the main characters or exploring entirely new regions within the world.

With the involvement of series creator Kohei Horikoshi, the new films have the potential to not only serve as big-budget expansions but also offer an opportunity to delve into ideas that Horikoshi may not have had a chance to explore. This has already been exemplified in the second film, Heroes Rising, which originally showcased the concept for the series' ending. By watching the film this way, the story takes on a completely new significance and intensifies the impact of the climax. It would be fascinating to witness Horikoshi's exploration of what could have been in a fresh format, or even to see different directors and artists take on the world of My Hero Academia. In fact, there is already a spin-off waiting to be animated, making a potential continuation, be it on television or otherwise, even more compelling.

Vigilantes

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a manga prequel to the main series, has already concluded with a total of 15 volumes and 132 chapters. As the title implies, it revolves around superheroes who operate outside the boundaries of the law, lacking formal education from a hero academy or an official license. Hideyuki Furuhashi is the writer of the series, while Betten Court handles the illustrations.

In previous articles, we have discussed Vigilantes, highlighting its distinctive nature compared to the main series and the aspects in which this spin-off potentially outshines the original. Being centered on unlawful hero activities, it inherently possesses a sharper edge. However, as a prequel, it also provides a unique perspective on beloved characters that fans are familiar with.

Characters such as All Might and Aizawa take on different roles in Vigilantes compared to the original series, where they primarily served as mentors. This shift in perspective from official heroes to vigilantes naturally influences the portrayal of the world. Vigilantes puts a greater emphasis on certain elements that become more prominent in later seasons of My Hero, creating an effective continuation of the story.

If Vigilantes were to be adapted, it would benefit from being led by a different creative team to capture the change in approach and art style. It might be worthwhile to bring in a new director and character designer, possibly with the production being hosted at one of Bones' other studios. After all, Studio C can't solely handle the franchise indefinitely, can it?

Something Completely Different

With that being said, it is important to acknowledge that all good things eventually come to an end. While there are possibilities for the My Hero Academia brand to continue in animation, it might be beneficial for the series to take a long break after the main series concludes. Bones Studio C has been exclusively dedicated to this franchise since 2016, and there will undoubtedly be a substantial amount of work to be done before it reaches its conclusion. However, once it does, perhaps the studio should be given the opportunity to work on something new.

Nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean that Bones' involvement in My Hero should come to a complete end. Thanks to their production model, they have been able to consistently adapt an ongoing shōnen series almost every year. Although there have been some noticeable low points, the overall quality has remained far more superior than what could have been expected. Gone are the days when shōnen adaptations were prone to long hiatuses, filler arcs, or forced endings when they caught up to the manga.

Bones has already achieved this feat twice before, with Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater. In the case of Fullmetal Alchemist, they even had the opportunity to make a second attempt. They should be proud of what they have accomplished with My Hero, but perhaps it is time for them to step back temporarily as the end approaches.

Bones was initially established as a direct result of the success of Cowboy Bebop, a series that stood out from the rest of Studio Sunrise's portfolio. The studio was formed with the intention of creating unique, captivating art similar to Bebop, by bringing together the most talented individuals in the industry. They have produced visually stunning works that at times may have seemed unconventional, but they have also demonstrated a capability to create art that resonates with mainstream audiences.

With My Hero Academia coming to a close in the near future, contemplation arises regarding the next course of action for both the story and the intellectual property. Whether approached with a hint of cynicism or boundless optimism, it remains indisputable that the franchise's direction should prioritize what is most beneficial for the art and its creators.