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Summary
- The narrative of My Hero Academia revolves around Deku, a boy born without quirks who becomes a hero after inheriting a formidable ability from All Might.
- Both Avatar: The Last Airbender and MHA explore themes of growth, featuring young protagonists navigating their adventurous journeys.
- The series showcase epic quests where youthful heroes confront malevolent forces while engaging with complex societal issues.
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Kōhei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia stands out as one of the most influential anime and manga series of the past decade. Following the conclusion of iconic series like Naruto in 2015 and BLEACH in 2016, it continues the legacy of Shōnen Jump’s celebrated battle manga alongside other notable titles such as Black Clover and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
While My Hero Academia is deeply rooted in the author’s admiration for Western comic book traditions from prominent publishers like Marvel and DC, intriguing parallels with the acclaimed Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender emerge upon further exploration. This prompts a comparison of their similarities and the extent to which Avatar may have influenced MHA.
The Plot of My Hero Academia
A Superpowered Society and a Boy’s Journey
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My Hero Academia chronicles the journey of Izuku “Deku”Midoriya, a 15-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without a “Quirk”— a superhuman ability that 80% of society possesses. In a world where heroes are commonplace and celebrated, Deku’s aspiration seems unattainable. His idol, All Might, who embodies the very essence of heroism and peace, ultimately ignites a dramatic turn in Deku’s life after an unexpected encounter unleashes a series of events leading to his selection as All Might’s successor.
Overview of Avatar: The Last Airbender
One of the Greatest TV Shows of All Time
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Avatar: The Last Airbender has garnered critical acclaim as a landmark in animated storytelling. Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, it unfolds during a century-long conflict among four nations harnessing elemental powers. Each nation represents an element: water, earth, fire, and air. Central to the narrative is the Avatar — an individual capable of mastering all four elements and promoting harmony. The story follows 12-year-old Aang, the last Airbender, who awakens from a century-long slumber to assume his monumental role in restoring balance to a devastated world.
As Aang, joined by Katara and Sokka, navigates challenges, they strive to prepare him to confront Fire Lord Ozai and the looming threat of Sozin’s Comet, which could tip the scales in favor of the Fire Nation, leading to irreversible destruction.
Connecting Themes in Both Series
The Burden of Youth
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Both My Hero Academia and Avatar: The Last Airbender feature antagonists that disrupt the balance of their respective worlds, embodying the threat of chaos and destruction. The Avatar Cycle symbolizes the ongoing struggle against evil through the reincarnation of the Avatar, each bestowed with insights from their past lives. This narrative device allows past Avatars to guide the current incarnation in their quest for justice.
In a similar vein, Deku’s journey with the Quirk One For All mirrors the cyclical legacy of the Avatar. Each previous wielder’s presence influences the evolution of the Quirk, much like how each Avatar can glean wisdom from their ancestors. Furthermore, notable character parallels exist between Zuko from Avatar and Shōto Todoroki from MHA, both grappling with paternal influences and their inherent powers.
As both series unfold, they delve into the societal themes of belonging and acceptance, such as the conflicts faced by Benders and Non-Benders in Avatar, and the struggles between Quirk users and the ordinary populace in MHA. This exploration enriches the narrative, making the themes relevant to audiences navigating their own societal challenges.
My Hero Academia is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with the eighth and final season set to debut in Fall 2025.
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