MHA is The Most Generic Shonen Anime in Decades – So Why Do We Love It?

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Since debuting in 2016, My Hero Academia has become a defining anime for modern Shonen fans. However, it’s sparked more debate than other popular Shonen series like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto. Some of this controversy stems from the fact that, despite its strengths, My Hero Academia often feels unoriginal and doesn’t really offer anything new to the genre.

Despite its biggest weakness, My Hero Academia has achieved significant success. While the series doesn’t really break new ground compared to other popular action anime, and a similar show is already poised to take its place, My Hero Academia is also unique as one of the last of its kind. It skillfully uses familiar themes and has been a bright spot in recent years, offering a hopeful tone that stands out from the generally darker trends in modern anime.

My Hero Academia Has Spent 8 Seasons Adding Nothing New to Shonen Anime

My Hero Academia definitely has its flaws. Many viewers point to slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a poorly executed vigilante arc for the main character, Deku. It also suffers from noticeable sexism, even compared to other action-focused anime. However, the most frequent complaint is that the show feels predictable and plays it too safe, and that criticism is often accurate.

Despite its strengths, My Hero Academia largely sticks to the classic Shonen formula. It features a determined underdog protagonist striving to become the best in a world filled with fantastical powers. He overcomes challenges, experiences emotional highs and lows, and enjoys plenty of comedic moments, all with the support of his friends. While familiar, the characters fit typical roles: Deku is a somewhat unremarkable hero, Bakugo and Todoroki are rivals, All Might is the traditional mentor who steps aside for his student to shine, and Uraraka is a female character with untapped potential who often gets sidelined. Even when the story gets intense, My Hero Academia maintains a generally upbeat tone and avoids overly complex or depressing themes.

My Hero Academia is the Truest Heir to Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach

The reason people are so passionate about My Hero Academia is the same reason some criticize it. Despite some dismissing the genre, well-made battle Shonen anime are naturally appealing, especially those with many episodes and a large number of characters. Series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach became legendary because they offered exciting fights and spanned many years – in fact, their stories are still continuing! Currently, My Hero Academia is the only anime that captures the same excitement and long-term appeal as those classics.

While My Hero Academia was once the most popular new Shonen anime, other shows like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen have since surpassed it in popularity. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has received more critical praise, and even the recent Chainsaw Man movie has made a significant impact. However, none of these series quite capture what My Hero Academia does so well. Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man are all fast-paced, darker anime with a focus on horror and relatively short storylines – none reaching 100 episodes. Frieren stands apart with its focus on character development and departure from typical Shonen tropes. For the last ten years, fans looking for a classic, long-running battle Shonen series have largely relied on My Hero Academia, and it’s been consistently excellent. It boasts a large, engaging cast of characters, thrilling fights, and memorable arcs like the Sports Festival and the Overhaul storyline, which have become modern classics.

Despite not breaking new ground, My Hero Academia is a well-made and popular anime. It arrived when there was a need for a series like it, and has successfully kept viewers hooked for eight seasons. While it won’t appeal to all audiences, its popularity is easy to understand.

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2025-11-09 00:40