English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “Fight on, Iida”

Fight…for your right!

My Hero Academia season 2 thus far has been good, but with its superb “Shoto Todoroki: Origin,” My Hero Academia morphed into a phenomenal show. With “Fight on, Iida,” it continues to shine as one of the finest anime series I’ve seen.

Most of season 2 focuses on the U.A. High School Sports Festival. After the initial rounds, the Sports Fest assumed a single elimination format. Because series protagonist Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku (Justin Briner) is both the lead character as well as the currently most powerful hero All Might’s (Christopher R. Sabat) protege, the audience expected Deku to win the tournament. But in “Shoto Todoroki: Origin,” he goads Todoroki (David Matranga) into using his full potential.

After his elimination, Deku recovers from injuries. While Midoriya suffers physical damage, he also feels as though he’s let All Might down. However, on the contrary, All Might praise Deku’s ability to inspire his comrades to utilize their full potential.

Meanwhile, Tenya Iida (John Michael Tatum) battles Todoroki and loses. Initially, I was confused at the episode title because of the quick battle. Whereas the past several My Hero Academia entries concentrated on one battle in depth, this instead offers a sequence of several fights.

However, it’s at the conclusion of “Fight on, Iida” where the title becomes apparent. It’s not only referring to Tenya, but his entire family. There’s also a menacing presence introduced during the show which promises to pose a threat for the next series entry.

With “Shoto Todoroki: Origin,” I was rather surprised that Deku lost to Todoroki. I expected the protagonist to prevail and win the U.A. Sports Fest. But My Hero Academia continues to defy my expectations with “Fight on, Iida.” This episode was grisly, dark, and jarring. Additionally, it infuses the season with an air of mystery that’s much needed. In defying audience preconceived notions, My Hero Academia propelled itself into greatness. While the storytelling, animation, and voice acting were on point and continue to be, it’s now a series which eschews tropes.