English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “Hero Killer: Stain vs U.A. Students”

My Hero Academia continues to dominate as one of the top anime series.

Following up an epic series entry in “Midoryia and Shigaraki.” Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku (Justin Briner) sets off to protect Hosu city. Meanwhile, hero Gran Tornio who has mentored Midoriya during his internship, battles the zombie-like creatures made by the League of Villains.

Deku embarks on a mission to save his fellow classmate, Tenya Iida (John Michael Tatum). Iida’s brother was paralyzed from the waist down by Hero Killer Stain. Moments before Stain murders Iida, Deku arrives and battles Stain. It’s remarkable how much Deku progressed in his quirk, and how much more control he maintains over One For All.

Also joining the fray, Todoroki (David Matranga) lends his talent. There are quite a few twists during the episode. I expected a few outcomes, several of which never panned out. Moreover, I really enjoyed seeing Todoroki and Deku working together to take down Stain. It’s similar to the U.A. Sports Fest, but with students working together, not separately.

Like Deku, Todoroki also advanced substantially. It’s his character arc and mentality, however, which surpasses his increasingly advanced quirk power. A brief flashback explains why Todoroki opted to intern with his father. Formerly, Todoroki shirked any relation to his father. Now, he doesn’t respect his dad but rather seeks to learn how to become the best hero he can be.

As the series progresses, there’s a clear theme of maturation. This manifests in the advanced quirks, as well as wise worldviews. The exception, though, is Iida. Instead, his vision appears clouded by revenge. He exhibits a dark side which I expected more from Todoroki rather than Tenya.

My Hero Academia has really come into its own. I like the fast pacing, as well as mature themes and even new opening which further reinforces the shifting themes and content. Like a hero gaining their quirk, My Hero Academia is blossoming from a good show to a great series, and one of my favorite anime series to date.