Warning: SPOILERS for episode #155 of My Hero Academia
Deku’s fight againstShigarakiis undoubtedly one of the most iconic battles of theMy Hero Academiafranchise. This confrontation was more than a simple clash between opponents, it was a conflict that would determine the fate of the entire world. Among the many spectacular panels the creator of the manga, Kohei Horikoshi, gave fans during this battle, the standoff between the two combatants is among the best.
This beloved moment was brought to life in episode #155 of the anime adaptation, with one small but extremely significant detail having been removed. As Deku and Tenko prepare to battle once more, the floating grounds of U.A. High are noticeably missing from the scene. This decision, while not as important at first glance, takes away from the sense of urgency of the battle.
My Hero Academia Reveals the Truth About Shigaraki, Setting Up the Real Final Battle
My Hero Academia revealed a secret Shigaraki has been keeping even from All for One, finally setting up his long-awaited showdown with Midoriya.
U.A. High’s Disappearance Robs Anime Fans From the Impact of the Scene
The Desperation To Beat Shigaraki Is Not as Present in the Anime
During the initial stages of the battle against Shigarki, Deku and his allies tried to keep the villain inside the floating U.A. High ground, since Aizawa would have a clear vision of the enemy.Using his Erasure Quirk, Izuku’s teacher and Monoma could prevent Tenko from accessing his special abilities. This plan failed due to the unexpected arrival of Kurogiri, who took Aizawa away, giving his master freedom to utilize his Quirks. In a desperate attempt to prevent the villain from destroying U.A. and the civilians hiding inside, Deku launched himself and his opponent off the island.
This urgent move ended withDeku and Shigaraki facing each other, while the floating school fell behind them. Chapter #379 of theMy Hero Academiamanga ends with this iconic and awe-inspiring panel. Episode #155 did an amazing job animating this acclaimed moment, with almost all elements of the manga present during this scene. Nonetheless, the falling U.A. fortress,which is being held by Gentel Criminal, is nowhere to be seen during this scene, lamentably making the sequence less impactful.
By removing the school from the background, not only does the moment become less shocking for audiences, butthe importance of Deku swiftly finishing the battle is lessened. U.A. was turned into a floating island to keep civilians safe from Shigaraki’s Decay Quirk, which would have turned them all into dust. This threat would become a reality as soon as the school makes contact with the ground, which is why Izuku was so determined to end the battle quickly. Eliminating the island from the picture prevents viewers from feeling the dread and desperation Deku feels at the moment.
Animating U.A. Was Likely Extremely Difficult and Time-Consuming
The School May Be Missing for Its Complexity
It is no secret that animators in the anime industry have an arduous and often demanding job. The level of detail found in the My Hero Academia series is proof of the level of commitmentthe talented workers at Studio Bonesput into the show. Unlike the manga, which is static, animating a falling U.A. island would have been a burdensome labor. While not the best decision for the story, it is understandable that such a difficult task was put aside in favor of giving other important moments the care they deserved.
While the decision to eliminate U.A. from the background of Deku and Shigaraki’s fight might not be the best, episode #155 is still an amazing adaptation of the manga. TheMy Hero Academiaanime is still among the most popular, beloved, and stunning shows of 2024. The animators working on this incredible series still deserve recognition for their outstanding job and dedication.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
