Apr 23, 2015
It's the rising star of Jump, the so called "next Naruto/One Piece." Yes, it's of the mold of the two. Yes, you can see the similarities in holistic structure, but what is it that makes Boku no Hero Academia a compelling read for shounen fans looking for something to pass the time?
Story- 7
The premise is simple: Many people have superpowers, the boy has none, he gains powers through strange means much later than others, and he enters THE school of superpower training. Right.
It is only a 7 because the premise has been set and there are simply developments going on at the moment-- this manga
...
will likely be written for a while and being 39 chapters in is kind of early for the story to develop. That being said, story isn't a strong suit CURRENTLY, but the quality of writing has been gaining steam in recent weeks (for a shounen weekly) and Horikoshi Sensei showing flashes of brilliance from time to time, I think this will be higher soon enough.
Art- 10
The style is typically cartoony, but this is only because of the whole superpower premise. Sure, it isn't realistic, but if you look at the art in context, it is exceptionally well done. Horikoshi has certainly developed his own style that we could distinguish after reading Boku no Hero Academia for a few chapters. The art is detailed all around: the backgrounds, character designs, facial expressions; you name it. To top it all off, it's consistent, and really, that's all we could ask for isn't it?
(Note to fellow readers: I think Midoriya freak out faces and Bakugou psycho faces are insanely good)
Character- 9
There are only so many characters: Izuku (main character), Bakugou (MC main rival), Todoroki (MC rival 2/upcoming close friend), Uraraka (heroine), All Might (the hero Izuku looks up to), and plenty more who are nameable, but the list would be too long.
The fact of the matter is that they are nameable. Readers can distinguish between these characters not only because of their different physical designs but their personalities as well. The characters who seem as though they'll be relevant in the future are being developed with their own pasts. And these character layouts are just so different from most shounen manga we've seen in the past 30 years or so.
For example: Izuku and Bakugou. (Minor spoilers ahead) Midoriya isn't your typical main shounen in the sense that he's an idiot who loves to eat and such, but he thinks for himself. He writes notes on people he think might be rivals with as material he could possibly get on them. He analyzes everything down to a science, fanboys about them, and anticipates how anyone could fight each other due to their specific circumstances. He overthinks, sure, but he does it beautifully and relatably that I think most of us would understand.
Then we have Bakugou, the rival. He is so mean: bullies people around him, taunts them, and destroys their souls. Yet, at the same time, we can see another layer under him that wants to be a hero the same way Midoriya does, just coming to conclusions in a different manner than Izuku. He also analyzes, albeit to a much lesser degree; he lets the powers he's used to do the other half of the work for him.
The characters really express Horikoshi's respect for Togashi: thinkers who manage to be realistic but at the same time captures our attention by being over the top at the right times, motivating us to be the best we can be. Really, characters are a strong suit here.
Enjoyment- 10
I love reading this each week. I look forward to the art, the character development (there's always some), and hope for the day that the story takes a turn and just skyrockets and makes this manga THE big thing. It's just a good part of my day when I read it.
Overall- 9
Some shounen veterans might say this number is too high, but I'm giving this manga a 9 due to ALL factors, especially my investment in it. Although at the moment it's an 8, I think it will become a 9 because of the direction Horikoshi is taking it each week. It has strong development, consistent art, and good writing overall. If you like shounen, you will definitely enjoy reading this: it has all of the normal stuff in blood, tears, and determination, but readers of all will definitely enjoy reading this for the character development if nothing else.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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