There’s no denying that 2024 has been a thrilling ride for the anime community. This season delivered epic finales for fan-favorite series, with My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen stealing the spotlight. Both series created a massive buzz, but their unpleasing epilogues left countless fans calling out for justice and longing for a more satisfying conclusion.
Vigilante Izuku Midoriya [Credit: Studio Bones]
While Gege Akutami has remained quiet about the future of Jujutsu Kaisen, Horikoshi managed to turn criticism into appreciation, winning My Hero Academia fans over. MHA has a special place in the hearts of many fans, who were sad when Kōhei Horikoshi recently concluded the series after a truly epic and heroic run.
Though the story has come to a close, My Hero Academia is going out with a bang, as its final volume shattered incredible sales records just one week after its release. Following the record-breaking success of MHA Volume 42, Akutami has the opportunity to win over Jujutsu Kaisen fans, much like Horikoshi did.
How Kohei Horikoshi shifted My Hero Academia fandom’s criticism into appreciation
With the release of the final chapter, My Hero Academia has earned its spot as one of the best new-gen anime in the community. Kōhei Horikoshi captivated his audience with his splendid narrative and the complexities of good and evil.
Deku looking more terrifying than a villain. [Credit: Studio Bones]
MHA features the story of a young high school student, Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, All Might, and becoming the greatest hero. Despite enthralling fans for over a decade, My Hero Academia is facing tons of backlash and accusations for a rushed ending.
Many fans felt betrayed after reading My Hero Academia‘s final Chapter 430. Throughout the years, Deku’s journey captivated several viewers to the series.
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Over 10 years, the fandom set its own high expectations from the series. Naturally, Horikoshi not meeting those expectations, was a source of disappointment.
This led many critics to attack Horikoshi and tarnish My Hero Academia, claiming it had ruined its decade-long run. However, the fandom failed to see that Horikoshi had a surprising twist waiting for them.
Midoriya and all One for All users | Credits: Studio Bones
In a welcome turn of events, the release of My Hero Academia Volume 42 on December 5, 2024, included one extra installment to the series: Chapter 431.
#MyHeroAcademiaWhat a season finale! The OST, All Might’s awesome armored suit cgi transformation, good action sequence…they did the All For One vs IronMight fight justice pic.twitter.com/dzkzAhB67q— 𝙕𝝙𝗞𝝞🥷🏽 (@Zakiabjr) October 12, 2024
This chapter, set eight years after the conclusion of the series’ core narrative, offered a glimpse into the future of Class 1-A and Hero Society. Deku now stands as the central figure, taking All Might’s place, while Dai replaces him in the foreground.
Deku and Dai together in MHA manga chapter 430 | Credits: Viz Media
This shift symbolizes Deku’s evolution into the Symbol of Peace and Dai stepping into the role of his successor. Chapter 431 gave fans a deeper look into their favorite characters, leaving a stronger impression on the fandom, who now saw it as a more fitting epilogue compared to the previous chapter.
My Hero Academia Volume 32 hits a remarkable milestone
After surpassing the 100 million mark, Volume 42 of My Hero Academia has achieved yet another milestone, cementing the series’ place in history as one of Weekly Shōnen Jump’s greatest.
“My Hero Academia” FINAL Vol.42 by Kohei Horikoshi has 1 million copies in circulation!Battle Action Manga about a young boy who attends a special academy for aspiring heroes aiming to become like his idol hero.Eng Release @VIZMediaFrench Release @ki_oon_Editions pic.twitter.com/1yFLQ2VVEc— Manga Mogura RE (Anime & Manga News) (@MangaMoguraRE) December 11, 2024
Volume 42 recently reached 1 million copies in circulation within a single week since its release. The final volume was released in Japan on December 4, with 38 additional pages of content.
Himiko ambushes Uraraka in My Hero Academia. [Credit: Studio Bones]
What makes My Hero Academia‘s latest achievement even more impressive is that only three other manga series have ever reached the one million mark in their first week: Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, and of course, One Piece.
Related That’s Why My Hero Academia is The GOAT: Kohei Horikoshi Let the Most Underrated Class 1-A Hero Surpass Bakugo, Tokoyami by Series End
What’s even more impressive is that these numbers only reflect sales in Japan, and with My Hero Academia‘s large international fanbase, the total sales are expected to soar further once the final volume is released overseas.
Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara from Jujutsu Kaisen | Credits: MAPPA
Following the success of Volume 42, which finally provided fans with the satisfying conclusion they had been hoping for, Gege Akutami has the opportunity to take a similar approach, turning criticism of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s rushed epilogue into a more fulfilling ending.
My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed on Crunchyroll
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
