My Hero Academia’s final season is here, and after going through my blog, I realised I have not reviewed the series at all. Cue the third re-watch. This space is about to get a plus ultra dose of the series, and in a short time frame. I am going to cover as much MHA as I can while the final season airs. With that said, let us get started with where it all began, My Hero Academia season 1. (I should have actually saved that line for The First Words of My Hero Academia.)
[Post read time: 17–29 min]
It still surprises me that My Hero Academia’s first season is only 13 episodes. That compact runtime feels deceptive when you consider how much emotional weight and world-building Studio Bones packed into it. This third re-watch hit differently, though, knowing what’s coming somehow makes the stakes feel even higher. When you know exactly where these characters are headed, watching them take their first wobbly steps towards heroism becomes almost unbearably poignant.
I watch the English dub, and the voice work genuinely elevates every scene. There’s a rawness to the delivery that feels earned rather than performed.
About My Hero Academia Season 1
- Type: TV anime
- Genre: Shonen, Action, Superhero, School, Coming-of-Age
- Status: Completed
- Season: 1
- Episodes: 13
- Duration: +/- 5 hours
- Age restriction: TV-14
- Key themes: Heroism and what it truly means, perseverance against impossible odds, mentor-student relationships, overcoming physical limitations, believing in yourself when no one else does, the cost of protecting others
- Trigger warnings: Bullying, suicidal ideation references, violence
- Release date: 3 April 2016
- Animation studio: Bones (Studio A)
- Director: Kenji Nagasaki
- Series composition: Yōsuke Kuroda
- Character design: Yoshihiko Umakoshi
- Music composer: Yuki Hayashi
- English dub: Yes (Funimation)
- Source: Manga by Kōhei Horikoshi
- Kanji: 僕のヒーローアカデミア
- Alternative title: Boku no Hero Academia
- Average rating across platforms: 7.85/10 (based on MyAnimeList, Anime-Planet, Kitsu, and LiveChart)
- Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+
- Does the story carry on in the source material? Yes, the manga continues beyond Season 1
- Official website: heroaca.com
- Official hashtags: #MyHeroAcademia #BokuNoHeroAcademia #僕のヒーローアカデミア
In a world where 80% of the population possesses superpowers called “Quirks,” Izuku Midoriya is part of the unlucky 20% born without any abilities. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. After a chance encounter with the Symbol of Peace himself, Izuku’s life changes forever when All Might sees something in the quirkless boy that even he doesn’t see in himself. But becoming the world’s greatest hero isn’t just about gaining power; it’s about learning what true heroism really means.
My Thoughts: The foundation of something extraordinary
My Hero Academia Season 1 moves with startling urgency. Thirteen episodes doesn’t sound like much, but the pacing never feels rushed – it feels purposeful. We go from Izuku’s devastating doctor’s appointment as a child to his acceptance into U.A. High School to facing down genuine villains, and every beat lands exactly where it needs to. This is world-building done right: we understand the rules, the stakes, and the social dynamics without drowning in exposition.
The writing strikes a good balance between accessible and thoughtful. The dialogue often feels natural, the banter between Midoriya and Bakugo, the classroom scenes, the moments of mentor talk with All Might feel genuine. For example, when Midoriya wrestles with “Can I become a hero if I don’t have a Quirk?” the emotional honesty comes through.
What strikes me most on this third watch is how quickly the series establishes genuine danger. The U.S.J. attack isn’t some low-stakes training exercise gone wrong; it’s an attempted massacre. Students nearly die. Their teacher nearly dies. The show doesn’t pull its punches about what heroism costs, even this early.
Character work that refuses to take shortcuts
Every character feels lived-in from the start. Izuku isn’t just “the underdog”, he’s a kid who’s spent his entire life being told his dreams are impossible, and you can see that weight in every anxious gesture, every mumbled analysis, every moment where he has to force himself to be brave. Justin Briner’s voice work in the dub captures that perfectly: the trembling determination, the way Izuku’s voice breaks when he’s overwhelmed but keeps going anyway.
And then there’s Katsuki Bakugo, who could have been a one-note bully but instead is something far more complicated. That line where he tells Izuku not to apply to U.A., then Izuku follows it with “What if I really jumped?”, it’s a gut-punch of a moment that the show doesn’t forget. Bakugo is angry, cruel, and talented, but he’s also deeply proud, and the series never lets him off the hook for his behaviour, whilst also acknowledging the complexity underneath.
The supporting cast establishes themselves with remarkable efficiency. Ochaco, Tenya, Tsuyu, Momo, and the rest each get their moment to shine, and their quirks feel genuinely thoughtful.
What I’ve always appreciated most is how My Hero Academia makes nearly every character memorable, no matter how brief their screen time. Every quirk feels thoughtfully designed to reflect personality, not just power. That attention to detail gives the show its depth; the quirks aren’t just shallow abilities added, they’re vital additions to the flow of the series. The detail put into how each ability works, its limitations, and how it reflects personality is outstanding. Nobody feels generic, even characters with limited screen time.
All Might: The weight of symbols
Toshinori Yagi might be the series’ greatest achievement. The duality between All Might’s booming heroic persona and his frail true form creates this constant tension. Christopher Sabat’s voice work switches seamlessly between the two, and there’s something deeply moving about watching this man who literally cannot afford to show weakness finding someone he can finally be honest with.
His confession to Izuku about smiling to hide fear hit differently this time. “I smile to hide the fear inside. It’s just a brave face I put on when the pressure is high.” Coming from the Symbol of Peace, it reframes everything. Heroism isn’t fearlessness; it’s acting despite fear. That’s the lesson Izuku reminds All Might of and in turn All Might acknowledges Izuku on and places his trust in. It gets delivered with such sincerity that it elevates the entire series.
Animation that serves the story
Studio Bones’ work here is phenomenal. The character animation is expressive without being exaggerated, action sequences are dynamic and easy to follow, and the quieter moments get just as much attention. All Might’s muscular form has this old-school superhero aesthetic that contrasts perfectly with the more contemporary character designs. The colour palette is bright without being garish; it feels like a world where heroes are real and visible.
The U.S.J. fight showcases everything the studio does well. Aizawa’s combat is brutal and desperate; you feel every hit, every moment where he’s pushing past his limits. And watching him get beaten down, knowing full well what’s about to happen, doesn’t make it any easier. That’s my man, and every re-watch I still have to mentally prepare for those scenes. Watching him do everything he possibly can to protect his students, seeing him refuse to give up even when his body is breaking, it physically hurts to watch, and that’s exactly the point.
The animation during that sequence doesn’t shy away from showing damage. Aizawa’s injuries are visceral. The Nomu is genuinely frightening. All Might’s arrival feels like the cavalry showing up, but even his fight is tinged with desperation because we know his time limit.
Sound design and music that elevates everything
Yuki Hayashi’s soundtrack is already doing heavy lifting in Season 1. “You Say Run” becomes iconic for a reason; it transforms moments of determination into something transcendent. But it’s the quieter tracks that impressed me this time: the melancholy theme that plays during Izuku’s moments of self-doubt, the unsettling atmosphere during villain scenes.
The English dub cast brings incredible energy. Every major player nails their character’s essence. The delivery on key lines, Izuku’s “I made a decision that day. No matter what anyone else thinks, I have to believe in myself” or All Might’s “Young man, you too can become a hero”, these moments land because the actors understand the weight they carry.
Special mention to Shota Aizawa’s voice actor (Sonny Strait in the dub), who perfectly captures that exhausted, done-with-everything-but-still-cares energy. His deadpan delivery makes lines like “It’s cruel to let a kid keep dreaming of something that will never come true” hit with unexpected force, and when he’s fighting for his students’ lives, you hear exactly how much he cares underneath that apathetic exterior.
Themes that resonate in My Hero Academia Season 1
At its core, Season 1 interrogates what makes someone a hero. Is it power? Recognition? Fearlessness? The answer the show provides is simpler and more difficult: heroes are people whose bodies move before they think, who can’t stand by when someone needs help. Izuku proves his heroism before he ever receives a Quirk, throwing himself at a villain to save Katsuki despite having zero chance of success.
The mentor-student relationship between All Might and Izuku forms the series’ emotional backbone. All Might sees in Izuku what Izuku can’t see in himself, and watching Toshinori gradually open up to this kid who reminds him of why he became a hero in the first place is beautiful. It’s not just about the power transfer; it’s about belief, about someone finally seeing your worth.
There’s also something fascinating about how the series handles the cost of heroism. All Might is dying because of his job. Aizawa nearly dies protecting his students. Heroes operate in a world where they’re expected to smile through trauma, to be symbols rather than people. It’s a critique wrapped in celebration, acknowledging both the necessity and the toll of hero culture.
Pacing and structure
Thirteen episodes sounds slight, but My Hero Academia Season 1 uses its runtime perfectly. The first two episodes establish Izuku’s character, his meeting with All Might, and his decision to become a hero. Episodes 3-4 cover his training and the entrance exam. Episodes 5-7 establish U.A. and the battle trial. Episodes 8-13 build to and execute the U.S.J. attack. Nothing feels rushed; nothing overstays its welcome.
The series trusts its audience to keep up. Character dynamics are established through action and reaction rather than explicit explanation. The rules of how Quirks work are demonstrated rather than lectured about. It’s efficient storytelling that respects viewer intelligence.
Some plot conveniences exist (for instance, the timing of Midoriya inheriting his Quirk and entering U.A. works pretty well for the story). But they feel forgivable in context.
Where My Hero Academia Season 1 stumbles (slightly)
If I’m being critical, Mineta exists, and he’s exhausting from day one. The series’ tendency towards comedic perversion doesn’t add anything and actively detracts from scenes. It’s not pervasive enough to ruin the experience, but it’s tiresome.
Some of the early episodes have pacing that feels slightly uneven – the jump from “Izuku meets All Might” to “Izuku is training for the exam” happens quickly, and whilst it works, a bit more breathing room might have helped. Though given the 13-episode constraint, I understand the choice.
The re-watch value
Knowing where this story goes makes My Hero Academia Season 1 richer. Watching All Might talk about his time limit, knowing exactly how that plays out. Seeing Aizawa’s protective instincts, knowing what he’ll sacrifice for these kids. Observing the small character moments that plant seeds for later development. It’s a season that rewards multiple viewings because it’s not trying to hide anything – it’s confident enough in its storytelling to play fair.
The quotes I pulled during this re-watch (which you can see in 24 Quotes That Define My Hero Academia Season 1’s Spirit) really highlight how much care went into the dialogue. Lines like Izuku’s “Sometimes I do feel like I’m a failure. Like, there’s no hope for me. But even so, I’m not gonna give up. Ever” aren’t just motivational poster material; they’re earned moments that reflect genuine character growth.
Then, as an added bonu,s if you want to see some of the visual moments that caught my eye, I’ve gathered photomerged scenes in the My Hero Academia Season 1 Gallery post.
Favourite Character: Shota Aizawa
My favourite character of the season is Shota Aizawa, the exhausted, unsung teacher whose quiet dedication often hurts to watch. He owns this season for me. On first watch, he seemed like a harsh teacher meant to challenge the students. On the third watch, knowing his full character arc, every choice he makes is weighted with meaning. His introduction, where he threatens to expel students, isn’t cruelty; it’s desperation to prepare kids for a world that will kill them if they’re not ready. His fight against the villains in the USJ arc still hits me like the first time. Every re-watch, I brace myself for it. The way he assesses the situation, calculates his odds, and decides his students’ lives are worth sacrificing his own for, there’s no hesitation, no dramatic speech. He just does what needs doing. Seeing him throw everything he has into protecting his students while being torn apart in the process… it’s devastating and awe-inspiring.
Would I Recommend My Hero Academia Season 1?
Yes, if:
- You want a superhero story with genuine emotional depth
- Character development and relationships matter as much to you as action sequences
- You appreciate shonen that respects its audience’s intelligence
- Watching underdogs work for every victory appeals to you
- You’re interested in stories that interrogate what heroism actually means
- You can handle some darker themes (bullying, violence, characters facing mortality)
- You appreciate animation that serves the story rather than showing off
- Found family dynamics and mentor-student relationships engage you
- You want a complete story arc in a single season, whilst knowing there’s more to come
No, if:
- You need every female character to be given equal development (it’s improving, but Season 1 is still establishing the ensemble)
- Comedic perversion (even minimal amounts) is a deal breaker
- You prefer slow-burn storytelling with extensive world-building before action
- Traditional tournament arcs are what you’re after (that’s Season 2)
- You want morally grey heroes from the start (Season 1 is relatively straightforward good vs evil)
- Background character development is essential for you in a first season
- You need immediate answers to all mysteries (the series plays the long game)
Final Thoughts
My Hero Academia Season 1 accomplishes something rare: it makes you believe in heroes again. Not the sanitised, perfect versions, but the messy, complicated people who choose to protect others despite fear, despite danger, despite everything screaming at them to look away. It’s earnest without being naive, emotional without being manipulative, and it lays the groundwork for something that only gets better.
On this third watch, what strikes me most is how much the series trusts its core premise. It believes wholeheartedly that stories about people becoming heroes matter, that showing characters fail and persist and grow is worthwhile. There’s no cynicism here, no attempt to deconstruct superheroes into grim irrelevance. Instead, it asks what it costs to be a hero and decides the cost is worth paying.
Izuku’s journey from quirkless dreamer to U.A. student happens in 13 episodes, but it feels earned every step of the way. By the time All Might tells him “You too can become a hero,” we’ve already seen him prove it. The power is just confirmation of what we already knew.
Looking back, what stands out most in this season is how quickly the tone deepens. By the midpoint, the stakes already feel real. The show knows these kids aren’t training for sports festivals, they’re training for survival. And yet, it still makes space for humour, warmth, and hope. Izuku’s words from the first episode still capture that balance perfectly:
“No matter what anyone else thinks, I have to believe in myself.”
That’s the thread tying everything together. The belief that even if the world tells you “no,” you can still choose to act.
If you’ve been hesitant about starting this series, Season 1 is only 5 hours. Let it remind you why stories about heroes matter, why believing in yourself isn’t naive, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is keep smiling even when you’re afraid.
Final Rating: 8/10
A confident, emotionally resonant foundation that establishes character, stakes, and themes with remarkable efficiency whilst making you care deeply about everyone involved.
Date re-watched: 16 October 2025
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