The wait is finally over, My Hero Academia has returned for its eighth and final season, marking the beginning of the end for one of the most beloved shounen anime of the last decade. The first episode, titled “Toshinori Yagi: Rising Origin,” sets the emotional tone for what promises to be a heartfelt and action-packed farewell to the heroes we’ve grown to love.
From the very beginning, My Hero Academia has been more than just about flashy battles and spectacular “Quirks.” It has always highlighted the humanity behind heroism, and this season’s premiere amplifies that beautifully. The focus on Toshinori Yagi, better known as All Might, adds a new layer of vulnerability to the series’ strongest character.
For years, All Might has symbolized unbreakable strength, hope, and the ideal of heroism. But in this episode, we see the cracks beneath that perfect image — his fears, his self-doubt, and his quiet resolve. It’s emotional, raw, and profoundly moving. This character-driven approach hints that season 8 will lean heavily into introspection and legacy rather than simply spectacle.
My Hero Academia season 8’s animation and action sequences delivered!
Studio Bones once again proves why My Hero Academia stands among the best-animated shounen of the modern era. The fluidity, attention to detail, and dramatic lighting in the battle scenes make every frame worth savouring. The explosive fight between All Might and All For One is nothing short of cinematic — heightened by a thunderous heavy metal soundtrack that perfectly captures the intensity of the confrontation.
Even though much of the episode revisits familiar scenes, the upgraded visuals and refreshed perspective make them engaging enough for a rewatch.
One notable drawback of the premiere is its pacing. Roughly half of the episode rehashes the climactic finale of season 7, which aired less than a year ago. For dedicated fans who remember those events clearly, the recap might feel unnecessary and slow. While it helps new or casual viewers catch up, it slightly undercuts the momentum of what should’ve been a gripping re-entry into the story.
Despite a slower start, the My Hero Academia season 8 premiere successfully sets the emotional groundwork for the show’s final act. It’s a reminder of what the series has always stood for, courage, sacrifice, and the legacy of heroism passed from one generation to the next.
Even stripped of his Quirk, All Might embodies the heart of the show: that true strength lies not in power, but in spirit. With stellar animation, moving storytelling, and a powerful emotional core, season 8 is shaping up to be a fitting send-off to this legendary saga.
Rating: 4/5 – A strong, emotional start that honors All Might’s legacy and teases a grand, heartfelt finale.
