My Hero Academia’s Ending Proves It Is the Best Shonen Anime Series (With the Best Shonen Protagonist)

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The final battle of My Hero Academia has concluded, and the series stands out as a prime example of what makes a shonen anime great. Many shonen stories start with a determined young hero aiming to save the world, and My Hero Academia stays true to that core idea throughout. Like other stories in the genre, the main character grows stronger and stronger, eventually becoming an incredibly powerful and dependable figure everyone can rely on – a true pillar of strength.

Shonen anime endings frequently feel unbelievable because characters often become impossibly powerful – think of Naruto gaining the Six Paths power. This makes them seem less like ordinary people and more like figures of myth. This also clashes with a central theme of many shonen stories: that anyone can achieve their goals through effort and perseverance. My Hero Academia, however, consistently upholds this ideal. Even during its final battle, the hero, Deku, remains relatable and determined, inspiring others to join his fight and demonstrating that hard work truly matters.

Here’s How My Hero Academia Proves It’s the Best Shonen Series With the Best Protagonist

What makes Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia so relatable is that he wasn’t born with the natural ability to be a hero. He starts the series determined to become one, even though he wasn’t supposed to. Despite being born without a Quirk, he shows real potential for heroism and the ability to inspire others. This leads him to unexpectedly gain a powerful ability. This initial setup sets Deku apart from typical action heroes; his strength isn’t about overpowering enemies, but about motivating people to push themselves and take action.

What truly sets Deku apart as a hero is his ability to move beyond the limitations of his predecessor, All Might. All Might’s immense power made him the Symbol of Peace, giving people a strong sense of security. But this reliance on a single, powerful figure was also his weakness. If All Might were to fall, it would cause widespread fear and hopelessness, as people felt protected because of his strength. This pattern – a hero carrying the weight of everyone’s safety – is common in many action stories, but Deku ultimately surpasses it.

Unlike some heroes who protect through their sheer power, Deku inspires others by working hard and taking action. This idea was particularly evident in the recent My Hero Academia episode, “Izuku Midoriya Rising” (Episode 167), where the villain All For One pointed out that Deku’s vulnerability actually motivates people to support him and keep fighting. This creates a stronger, more lasting kind of protection – one that isn’t dependent on a single, unique hero, but on a hopeful attitude that can spread throughout society. Considering Deku’s name literally means “You Can Do It,” inspiring others has always been central to the series, consistently making My Hero Academia one of the best shonen anime and giving it a truly great main character.

There Won’t Be a Shonen Series Like My Hero Academia Soon

Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia is a standout shonen series, capturing the heart of the genre while also achieving a rare feat: a long and lasting run. With over 400 chapters, it’s one of the last shonen series of the past decade to become hugely popular over a sustained period. Many newer shonen series haven’t lasted as long, often being cancelled due to low readership or intentionally shorter story arcs.

Even popular series like Demon Slayer have fewer episodes than My Hero Academia. This shows a trend in recent shonen manga towards shorter stories. My Hero Academia is now one of the last long-running series of its kind, and it will be hard for any new shonen series to become as iconic, especially because it consistently delivers the classic elements fans love and is considered one of the best in the genre.

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2025-11-25 03:11