Hottest Hero Happenings is a series in which we summarize the latest hero news. More specifically, said hero news concerns My Hero Academia’s currently airing third season. More more specifically, it operates on a ‘two episode per installment’ basis. More more more specifically, this particular installment will discuss episodes 11 and 12. More more more more spec…no, that would be too specific.
It’s all come down to this; All Might is facing off, toe to toe amongst the rubble of obliterated buildings, against his long standing nemesis All For One. As the fierce burning of One For All is extinguished from his very soul, can All Might find one final fragment of strength to fell the villainous tyrant standing before him, and how will society react in the aftermath of such a vicious showdown?
The fall of All Might.
Episode 11, “One For All“, sees the iconic hero’s grip over his quirk drastically loosening. As his muscular form evaporates, All For One gains the upper hand, taunting his rival. Insulting All Might’s master, Nana Shimura, whom All For One murdered in a previous battle, the once brass-bound will of the symbol of peace is torn asunder. Reduced to a quivering husk, a sense of helplessness enveloping him in the presence of the most heinously powerful villain, all seems lost for All Might. However, as a result of the outpouring of support received from both the public and heroes, All Might musters the power to pour the diminishing dregs of One For All into a final attack. As he bellows “United States of Smash!!!”, a conclusive punch collides with All For One, spelling the curtain call of the turbulent battle, alongside the end of the mightiest hero’s era of peace. All For One is incapacitated and imprisoned, and All Might has retired.
Farewell One For All.
Fully loaded with engrossing backstory concerning Nana Shimura and Tomura Shigaraki, alongside a hefty dosage of emotional punch as All Might hangs up his cape, “One For All” delivers heaps of emotional weight. Whilst it fails to rival the furious adrenaline that All Might verses Nomu so fantastically achieved (on account of All Might verses All For One being a mental battle more so than physical), its execution is superb regardless. And whilst a further episode showcasing the struggle between the opposing tour de forces would have been welcome (affairs feel ever so slightly brief for such a long anticipated and narratively significant bout), All Might verses All For One is a grandiose face off of gargantuan proportions regardless.
Episode 12, “End Of The Beginning, Beginning Of The End“, concerns the aftermath of such a monumental event in heroism history. Media buzz is in the air surrounding All Might’s true form and battle with All For One. As Principle Nezu states his intent to implement dormitories into U.A. High School, Toshinori (All Might) and Shota are tasked with meeting Class 1-A’s parents and convincing them “Could your son/daughter come and live at U.A. High School, despite that they’ve almost died on several occasions whilst under our tutelage?”. Safe to say, they encounter resistance, most notably from Izuku’s mother, who’s growing concerns regarding Izuku overflow as she talks with Toshinori. Contrasting this sincerely emotional conversation, meeting the families of Kyoka and Katsuki offers bunches of comic relief, alongside interesting insight as to these character’s backstories and home lives.
The parents of Class 1-A are an eclectic bunch.
The king of scowling.
“End Of The Beginning, Beginning Of The End” serves up a helping of both amusing tidbits, alongside more serious exploration of character’s concerns, including Izuku’s following his idol’s retirement. It exists as a necessary breather following the bombastic bombardment of intensity in episodes prior, and aptly sets up the future of U.A. High School and its students. As My Hero Academia’s third Season reaches its halfway point, the quality continues as consistently stellar, its occasional faults never rising above a nitpick.
You can watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll HERE.
