English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “In Their Own Quirky Ways”

Heroes go their own way.

My Hero Academia episode “In Their Own Quirky Ways” follows “Roaring Sports Festival,” continuing the U.A. High School sports competition. The heroes participate in a show of skill and powers (quirks).

Series protagonist Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku (Justin Briner) struggles to capture the lead. Fellow classmate Todoroki (David Matranga) mastered the first challenge, hulking robots, with extremely surprising ease. During the season 2 opener, as well as “Roaring Sports Festival,” this rivalry between Deku and Todoroki surfaces.

The class 1A students rapidly dominate the U.A. Sports Festival. As Professor Aizawa (Christopher Wehkamp), or Eraserhead, notes, however, it’s not their quirks that lend them a distinct advantage. Rather, it’s their experience and lack of fear. Class 1A remains less hesitant than the other classes. In part, this derives from Class 1A’s experience in the battle against the Villains Alliance.

Like “Roaring Sports Festival,” “In Their Own Quirky Ways” features loads of action. A high pace persists, especially as compared to the largely recap, decidedly slower season 2 intro. Again, “In Their Own Quirky Ways” marvelously highlights students and their abilities. It’s a neat exhibition of unique skills. As students fight to overcome obstacles in the sports festival, they too must decide when to use quirks to hurdle a challenge, fight a schoolmate, or unintentionally aid other contestants.

It’s not really a surprise, but Deku does emerge victorious from the first challenge. This sets up a second phase which is a sort of free-for-all, with students assigned point values. Deku has by far the largest so it’s clear that he’ll have hordes of U.A. students aiming to take him out in the next round.

Possibly the most enjoyable aspect of “In Their Own Quirky Ways,” and season 2 as a whole thus far, is its continuity. Season 1 focuses on Deku’s modest origins. Deku’s strength derives not from his quirk, but rather from his heart and motivation. I really appreciated Deku’s navigation of the sports festival, and reliance on determination, not strength and athleticism. Through the first leg of the sports festival, Deku refrains from even using his quirk.

All Might (Christopher R. Sabat), Deku’s mentor, even comments that he believed Deku’s greatest weakness to be his selflessness. However, that’s proven wrong during “In Their Own Quirky Ways.” Deku displays immense passion and dedication, proving himself as well as fulfilling his promise to All Might.

Even this episode name is clever. Quirk is the name for hero powers, but the various abilities are, well, quirky. The fast pace suits this episode, and while it’s rapid the narrative strays from delving into the frenetic territory. The next episode boasts a free-for-all skirmish with Deku as the primary target. I’m excited to see this forthcoming battle and witness how he reacts, and if he finally makes his official debut, quirk and all.