English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “Toshinori Yagi: Rising/Origin”

Overview:

The fierce battle continues between Armored All Might and All For One. Can All Might win?

Our Take:

There’s a lot to get into, but one of the things I think was a cool choice was bringing back the band that did the very first opening for My Hero Academia. Pornograffiti (weird name, I know) is back, and I think they had to have been asked to write this song specifically for the finale. There’s a lyrical throwback to the original opening song. Personally, whenever I think of MHA openings, the second one pops in my head, but I understand why the choice was made.

Most of this episode is spent showing Toshinori (formerly known as All-Might) doing what he can to slow All for One down. Toshinori goes down the Batman path by using a bunch of technology to keep himself in the fight. What I truly loved about him doing this is that a lot of the gadgets he uses are inspired by his students. When he does a kick move he calls out “Shoot Style” which is paying homage to the fighting style that Deku created.

I could not be happier with the first episode of this final season. This might be wishful thinking, but I’m hoping the anime can land the ending a little better than the manga did.