My Hero Academia has undeniably carved its niche as one of the most acclaimed anime and manga series of our time. However, despite its popularity, some critiques suggest that the narrative unfolds rather swiftly. This pacing could be a flaw that, if addressed, might have significantly enhanced the storytelling experience.
One of the core challenges with My Hero Academia is its compressed timeline, taking place over just a little more than one year in the series’ universe. While this concise timeframe may not seem problematic at first glance, it adversely impacts character development, authenticity, and opportunities for additional content such as OVAs and films. The rapid progression between key events can make character arcs feel inadequately explored, and the gravity of their growth feels somewhat unearned. As we analyze the scope of the story, it’s worth pondering how much richer the narrative could have been had it been stretched over an extended period.
The Compressed Timeline of My Hero Academia
Taking Place Within One Eventful Year
The entirety of My Hero Academia unfolds within a compact span, where numerous pivotal events occur in rapid succession. For instance, there is merely a month separating the Hero Killer Stain incident from the Forest Training Camp assault, and the climactic confrontation between All Might and All for One unfolds just days after the training camp fiasco. This relentless pacing could have benefitted from a more leisurely approach, allowing the complexities of the story to evolve organically across multiple years at U. A.High School, rather than confining it all to Class 1-A’s freshman experience.
From a logical standpoint, the tight timetable raises questions about plausibility. For example, the League of Villains skyrocketed from obscurity to a formidable national threat in less than a year. A more gradual development of this antagonist group, transitioning from minor adversaries to a dangerous force, would have added layers of intrigue to their narrative. Moreover, given All for One’s known penchant for long-term strategizing, his hasty maneuvers in this single year feel disjointed and implausible.
The sheer volume of crises occurring within such a short timeframe strains credibility. Imagine the uproar if the USJ incident, the Forest Training Camp raid, and the harrowing work-study assignments had all transpired within the same year. The resulting societal upheaval would likely have led to U. A.being disbanded swiftly. This issue is compounded by subsequent events, including the Paranormal Liberation War and the Final War, which occur just months apart. Such continuous threats within such a brief span seem overwhelming for the student body.
The Case for Spreading Out the Narrative
Potential for a More Expansive Storyline
By extending the story’s timeline, we could explore additional arcs in greater depth. For instance, the second year might involve the students navigating their provisional licenses, the Shie Hassaikai arc, and the school festival, culminating in the expansion of the League of Villains during the Meta Liberation Army arc. Class 1-A’s third year could then pivot to the Paranormal Liberation War, showcasing the devastating destruction in Japan, leading into the Dark Deku arc, and culminating with the Final War at the time of graduation.
Enhancing Character Development Through a Lengthened Timeline
Allowing Room for Character Growth
Extending the narrative over several years would grant characters more opportunities for growth and maturation.Supporting characters like Tokoyami, Shoji, and Yaoyorozu would greatly benefit from this additional spotlight. Allowing for character arcs to develop more fully would enhance their interaction and challenges, elevating their role in the story. Furthermore, even protagonists like Deku would profit from a prolonged timeline, giving him clearer progression in mastering the powers of One for All, rendering his adept use of these abilities during the Dark Deku arc more credible.
This expanded timeframe could also integrate additional storyline elements, such as shorter arcs that provide fresh perspectives on Deku’s classmates. These additional narratives could serve to keep characters like Iida engaged and relevant as the ultimate climax approaches. Currently, several initially significant characters fade from memory as the plot moves forward, exemplified by Kirishima. Such chapters could further foreshadow their eventual outcomes, making the later phases of the series more cohesive.
While it is improbable that these structural adjustments will occur, the existing tight timeline bears some drawbacks for the overall narrative. Granting more time between events could enhance the viewing experience of My Hero Academia, also facilitating smoother integration of films and OVAs into the overarching storyline. Unfortunately, fans will likely never experience this idealized version of the series, leaving a sense of disappointment.
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