My Hero Academia is a frustrating series for me, because in my opinion it always seems like it’s on the cusp of holistic greatness but then ultimately loses direction, doesn’t fulfill its potential or fumbles a bit, making it a perpetual 7.5/8 so far.

Some of the core elements of the series are just so damn good that it’s weird to think that it isn’t already a favourite of mine. Quirks and their relation to society, the execution of the themes of the subtleties of legacy and heroism..

..Shigaraki, Endeavor, Gentle, Bakugo, the thematic contrast between Deku and All Might, the parallels between AFO/Shigaraki and Deku/All Might, Hawks, the story’s take on the idea of redemption. All of these aspects are gold.

The series definitely has the emotional and writing highs to be a favourite, and it always builds up a great head of steam and momentum - but then it often just goes in a direction I don’t find to be very effective.

So looking at it as a whole, while it is fun to be able to follow an undoubtedly good series, it’s such a shame for me to only be able to say that it’s “good,” and not more. & I think a lot of that stems from my issues with how Horikoshi structures and prioritizes things.

My top 3 arcs (MVA, Pro Hero, Cultural Festival) are all relatively tight and focused, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I feel like Horikoshi’s biggest weakness lies with executing and structuring out longer arcs and being sharp and efficient. Maybe? I dunno.

I’ll obviously be happy to keep following My Hero Academia and I’d like to think that I’ve made it obvious that I do like the series quite a bit. I just find myself in a constant state of wishing that it would make that step up.

I’m definitely very glad for anyone who disagrees and thinks it’s a masterpiece though! This is just why I’m mildly disappointed with it not being amazing at the moment when I think it could be.