English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “The Boy Born with Everything”

I am everything, I am nothing.

My Hero Academia began its second season as more enjoyable and engaging than its freshman run. Bolstered by the U.A. High School Sports Festival, My Hero Academia season two remains entertaining and unique. Benefiting from loads of energy, style, and substance, it’s a fantastic sophomore season. “The Boy Born with Everything” might be its strongest episode thus far.

As “The Boy Born with Everything” opens, the U.A. Sports Festival breaks for lunch. It resumes with series protagonist Izuku Midoriya, or Deku (Justin Briner) in the stadium tunnel confronted by Todoroki (David Matranga). Wielding powerful quirks of ice and fire, Todoroki is a strong-willed and capable classmate. While until this point in season two it’s been unclear why Todoroki aims to bring down Deku, he reveals his motivation during “The Boy Born with Everything.”

Moreover, “The Boy Born with Everything” presents a further insight into the My Hero Academia universe. It’s a surprisingly dark episode. There’s talk of arranged marriages and child slavery, possibly abuse.

Nevertheless, My Hero Academia includes a mix of lightheartedness as well. “So that’s why Todoroki’s so focused,” Deku wonders thoughtfully. “He’s like a comic book character. A hero with a tragic backstory, fighting to rise above it.” There’s a hilarious moment when a Class 1A girls are duped into wearing cheerleader outfits. “Looks like Class 1A is going full-on fanservice!” the announcer bellows. I really enjoyed both of these moments for their meta-dialogue.

The final battle is announced, and it’s a one-on-one competition. The U.A. Sports Fest final battle is always a one-on-one, but the specific fighting varies. The year before, it was a form sword fight. While “Cavalry Battle Finale” featured an action-oriented narrative and rapid pace, “The Boy Born with Everything” slows down. Yet it eschews becoming boring. Rather, there’s a character-driven story. I like this change, and it suits the episode.

But before the final battle, side games initiate. There’s a scavenger hunt, and it’s fun witnessing the student running about and enjoying carefree entertainment. Plus, this moment displays a brief montage of students preparing for the finals in various ways: additional nourishment, resting, planning, and stressing out.

Overall “The Boy Born with Everything” is probably my favorite season two entry. It’s gripping, and well-balanced in its dark, emotional moments as well as humorous asides.