My Hero Academia’s fifth season officially aired in 2021 (same year Spider-Man: No Way Home came out) on Adult Swim. It received positive reviews from critics, fans and viewers alike. As a fan of “My Hero Academia” and an anime enthusiast since Toonami aired in the late ’90s, I wanna share my thoughts on Season 5 before I embark on Season 6. By the way, a free-to-play video game, “My Hero Ultra Rumble” is available.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. Feel free to check out my non-spoiler article.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Justin Briner, Clifford Chapin, Christopher Sabat, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Monica Rial, Justin Cook, Ian Sinclair, Mike McFarland & Eric Vale all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings several elements to life such as an immersive world, character models, fluid movement, lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences showcase an individual’s unique power or as they call it a “quirk.”
Humor contains Funny Moments like Mineta being a Casanova wannabe to the ladies, Kacchan’s over-the-top yelling as if he’s the Gordon Ramsey of Class 1-A and Uraraka has the hots for Deku. In the words of Ben Stiller in “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.” “Joanie loves Chachi!”
Season 5 has three story arcs. “Joint Training,” Meta Liberation Army” & “Endeavor Agency Arc.” The last two episodes marks the beginning of Season 6’s story arc “Paranormal Liberation War.”
My favorite story arc’s the Meta Liberation Army. Because it focuses on Shigaraki and the League of Villains. Ten times better than “Suicide Squad 2016.”
As I’ve mentioned on my previous articles, Kirishima, Tsu, (rhymes with Sue) Mineta, Jiro & Tokoyami are my favorite characters.
Chemistry between Deku & Class 1-A serves as the main highlight. They work together to achieve their goal to becoming pro heroes.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B. My eyes were glued to the TV.
The show’s influenced by Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man Trilogy,” “X-Men,” “Harry Potter,” “Dragon Ball” & “Naruto.”
Shinzo partakes in Class 1-A v. Class 1-B challenge.
Class 1-A unleash new special attacks. They really pack a punch. They also improve their outfits.
Without giving too much away, Deku acquires a new quirk.
Here’s a tip. After you finish the Joint Training Arc, watch the second movie, “My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising.”
We learn more about the One for All quirk. I can’t tell you all about it. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Hawks is sent to infiltrate the League of Villains. He reminds me of Angel from “X-Men.”
In episode 100, a visual gag references Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.”
Episode 111-112 explores Shigaraki’s childhood leading up to his role as the bad guy.
Season Finale’s Post-Credit Scene marks a new challenge for Class 1-A. It’ll be more difficult than their previous encounters with the League of Villains.
Weak: As I’ve mentioned on my previous articles, it’s hard to remember a bunch of new characters.
The Final Verdict: A-
My Hero Academia’s fifth season is another near-perfect season. If you haven’t watched Heroes Rising, watch it right now.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 