Overview of “My Hero Academia”Openings
- “No.1″from Season 5 creates emotional tension with its gradual buildup, lacking the intense action common in the series’ openings.
- “Starmarker”from Season 4 introduces a delightful and vibrant atmosphere, highlighting a lighter theme.
- “Tagatame”from Season 7 is a deeply emotional opening filled with arresting visuals that resonate with the audience.
My Hero Academia continues to be celebrated as one of the premier shonen anime series, chronicling the inspiring journey of Izuku “Deku”Midoriya—from a Quirkless boy to a symbol of heroism. This series features an ensemble cast that enhances its engaging narrative, rich with action, drama, poignant emotion, and complex themes that provoke thought and reflection.
Throughout its run, MHA has presented a remarkable selection of opening sequences that fans have come to cherish. Each opening ingeniously pairs its animation with a theme song, effectively setting the tone for new arcs and seasons. While some intros shine brighter due to nostalgia, excitement, and innovative visuals, each contributes to the anticipation surrounding the series.
13 “No.1″(Season 5, Opening 1)
Gradually Builds Up the Drama
- Artist: DISH//
Season five of MHA embraces a less action-centric introduction than its predecessors, yet the opening sequence remains engaging. Initially, it highlights Class 1-A’s preparation for upcoming battles against Class 1-B, setting a tone of anticipation. The musical composition introduces a beautiful blend of calmness and emotional escalation, preparing viewers for the unfolding season ahead.
The theme song “No.1″elegantly transitions from serene to dramatic, embedding a sense of expectation within its peaceful framework.
12 “The Fox of Utaeba”(Season 2, Opening 2)
Interesting Visuals
- Artist: amazarashi
- “Singing to the Sky” translates to “Singing to the Sky”
The second opening of Season 2 introduces unique visual elements that contribute to its allure. Showcasing Izuku’s growth by placing him in contexts with All Might, it deviates from portraying him as an admirer to an equal, emphasizing his development.
In the backdrop of the Hero Killer Stain incident, this opening resonates with a dramatic undercurrent, contrasting with the upbeat energy of earlier episodes.
11 “Starmarker”(Season 4, Opening 2)
Memorable and Relaxed Vibe
- Artist: Kana-Boon
Diverging from traditional themes, “Starmarker”centers on lightheartedness as it showcases Class 1-A gearing up for the school festival. The refreshing, colorful aesthetic brings a unique twist, reinforcing a sense of joy and community.
Post intense battles from the first half of Season 4, this opening delivers a well-deserved sense of fun, portraying the characters in casual settings engaged in activities like music, thus ensuring it remains memorable for viewers.
10 “Merry-Go-Round”(Season 5, Opening 2)
Darker, Intense Visuals
- Artist: MAN WITH A MISSION
“Merry-Go-Round”marks a tonal shift, introducing darker tones to the series’ visuals, with dynamic instrumentation. It puts Ikuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, and Shoto Todoroki in the spotlight amidst a palette evocative of fire, mirroring their intense trajectories as they work under Endeavor, the No.1 Pro Hero.
The striking blend of Japanese and English lyrics adds to the song’s uniqueness, complemented by a compelling build-up that resonates with the season’s dramatic intensity.
9 “Make My Story”(Season 3, Opening 2)
Hyped and Exciting
- Artist: Lenny code fiction
The second opening of Season 3 shifts focus from the dramatic conflicts of the season’s first half to Class 1-A’s pursuit of Provisional Hero Licenses alongside rival institutions. Although not lacking action, the excitement is rooted in camaraderie and personal challenge.
The energetic rock theme injects a palpable sense of energy, propelling viewers into a thrilling narrative while alluding to critical character developments that lie on the horizon.
8 “Curtain Call”(Season 7, Opening 2)
Aggressive Yet Reflective
- Artist: Yuuri
This opening resonates with a synchronized rhythm, spotlighting the evolution of both heroes and villains throughout the series. It presents a powerful contrast between Izuku and Shigaraki, exemplifying how both characters have morphed alongside the journey.
“Curtain Call”stands out due to its catchy yet aggressive tone, articulating the intensity of the season’s overarching themes while reflecting on the characters’ paths and the journey still to unfold.
7 “Man” (Season 7, Opening 1)
A Stunning, Metaphorical Opening
- Artist: TK from Ling tosite sigure
- “Tagatame” translates to “For Someone’s Sake”
“Tagatame”stands out for its dramatic melody and profound emotional impact, encapsulating a message of hope amid chaos. Its stirring visuals highlight Class 1-A’s teamwork and correspond with the metaphorical lyrics, which draw parallels between a fleeting rainbow and the yearning for a peaceful future.
The imagery concludes with Izuku reaching out to bubbles, symbolizing aspirations to mend a fractured world despite ongoing turmoil.
6 “Odd Future”(Season 3, Opening 1)
Showcases More Action and More Heroes
- Artist: UVERworld
“Odd Future”captivates audiences with intense visuals that showcase Shigaraki’s League of Villains for the first time. Moments of action packed with Izuku’s confrontations alongside All Might incite excitement as it hints at the season’s thrilling conflicts ahead.
The distinct musical arrangement energizes the sequence, making it a standout among the openings, particularly with its dramatic flair that diverges from other compositions.
5 “Peace Sign”(Season 2, Opening 1)
Fun to Watch, With an Extremely Catchy Song
- Artist: Kenshi Yonezu
Despite a more passive presentation, the ear-catching melody inspires an uplifting atmosphere, ensuring its lasting appeal and solidifying its place as a fan favorite even to this day.
4. “Bokura no” (Season 6, Opening 2)
A Much Darker Yet Resonating Opening
- Artist: Eve
- “Bokura no” means “Ours”
“Bokura no”encapsulates the emotional turmoil of Izuku’s character development into “Dark Deku, ”drawing viewers into a narrative of struggle and resilience. The opening focuses primarily on Izuku, vividly illustrating his pain through striking visuals and an intense atmosphere.
This entry features the darkest themes in MHA’s collection, characterized by a unique art style that paints a somber picture, setting it apart from previous cheerful openings while offering a glimmer of hope by the conclusion.
3 “Polaris”(Season 4, Opening 1)
Bright, Dramatic, and Beautiful
- Artist: BLUE ENCOUNT
“Polaris”is revered for its stunning visuals that briskly traverse significant moments of Izuku’s journey. This sequence deftly encapsulates not only achievements but also emotional milestones and fiery confrontations, inviting viewers to relive the series’ highlights.
This uplifting opening erupts with action, introducing new characters and significant stakes while the accompanying soundtrack has garnered substantial appreciation among fans.
2 “Hitamuki” (Season 6, Opening 1)
Has an Amazing Visual Style
- Artist: SUPER BEAVER
- “Hitamuki” means “Single-Minded”
The opening for Season 6 captivates viewers with its distinctive comic-book style, intricately combining vibrant panel art with the characters’ narratives. This hyper-stylized approach emphasizes action and character dynamics, making it exceptionally thrilling.
The energetic music from SUPER BEAVER propels the visuals, enhancing the exhilarating experience of the sequence as it successfully prepares the audience for the upcoming challenges.
1 “The Day”(Season 1)
For Many Fans, the Original Opening Just Can’t Be Topped
- Artist: Pornograffitti
The inaugural opening of MHA remains iconic, evoking nostalgia among long-time fans.“The Day”artfully combines a lively color palette with an exhilarating rock soundtrack, effectively setting the stage for the show’s thrilling narrative.
This opening effectively encapsulates crucial character dynamics—Izuku’s admiration for All Might and his complex relationship with childhood friend Katsuki Bakugo—laying a foundation for ongoing story arcs. The synchronization between visuals and music creates an unforgettable experience, making it a benchmark for all subsequent openings.
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