It's a pretty big problem of mine where whichever anime or manga I'm currently watching or reading is suddenly my new, absolute favorite of all time. The fandoms I'm constantly in are always increasing, you could even say it's a bad habit of mine. But this series? It's totally on a different level of "I'm definitely addicted".When I first ever heard of Boku no Hero Academia, I wasn't interested at all, but mostly it was because I was unconvinced of the originality in the plot and the fact that the main character seemed like such a joke and really quite laughable (his eyes! his EYES!). Looking back, I think it was a pretty stupid reason, but the point is, no one should judge this anime solely by its appearance. Yes, it's about becoming a hero, and yes, the main character starts off as a wuss and gradually matures and becomes amazingly strong.. but BNHA.. these superpowers are defined in such a way that they seem as if they are just one step ahead of present-day reality. And they are.
I, too, hated that Izuku Midoriya was a crybaby, and then suddenly met the greatest hero in the world, thus beginning on his journey to become a badass superhero, but you must understand that if something like this were to happen in real life, would we consider it cliche? Would we think, "Nah, this guy can't be for real.. he's just another weak-turned-strong MC"? It's true that that aspect could be questionable, but the process is what most people overlook right away. Most shounen would be along the lines of, "And so MC began to work harder and harder.. timeskip he is now undefeatable!". But in this series' case, Izuku's becoming a hero is tedious, realistic, and grueling-- more like something that might happen in real life. At every turn, Midoriya is willing to take a new perspective into account, a new technique to sharpen his skills, a new opponent to help him become a more seasoned fighter in the world of heroes. Is that enough? It's better than just becoming zero to hero in two to three episodes.
I would also like to mention really quickly Izuku's character in general. Usually a shounen depicts its MC as someone who is a dumbass and clumsy and an idiot in everything he does-- wait for it-- except in combat. Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Kohei Horikoshi is at least willing to add in some characteristics that define Midoriya but aren't necessarily likable. For example, Izuku is constantly labeled as a fanboy. He also frequently becomes flustered and a huge mess in front of girls. Another type of shounen MC would have to be a Gary- or Mary-Sue. Can I just tell you how much I hate those types of characters are perfectly perfect in every single way imaginable? Their hair, clothing, body, everything is on fleek 24/7, they have the perfect social/love life, they have great friends, a great family, no flaws, no worries, no problems, absolutely nothing negative in their life. If there ever is someone like that in real life, be sure to introduce them to me. Then I'll punch them in the face.
Moving on, Izuku's fated encounter is totally overpowered by several other key traits of the series. With how the setting is set up, any Quirk is possible-- can we please get Marvel out of our heads? Super-speed, , telekinesis, telepathy, flight, invisibility, super-strength.. yes, way beyond the textbook powers. Let's talk "Dark Shadow", "Permeation", "All for One", "Metamorphosis".. THAT is what you call unique and innovative. Can we also go over the degree of realism that's presented with each superpower? Like "permeation", for example. That means the user can pass through anything and everything. Sounds flawlessly simple, right? Well, passing through everything also means.. passing through air. So you can't breathe. That and the fact that you won't be able to see, or smell, or hear, or feel anything. Like my example, every single Quirk has a certain amount of repercussions (well, except for Katsuki's, but then again, no one can really explain what's going on with him) for a more down-to-earth type of vulnerability. You can't really say anyone in the story is invincible.
Can we say how much popularity Boku no Hero Academia is getting versus how much it actually deserves? The artwork is breathtakingly simplistic in some ways yet admirable, while other times it's the downright definition of detailed and sophisticated. The plot is unexpected, carefully planned out, and, to be honest, has the perfect amount of angst, cliche, and beauty. Most of the main and supporting characters are versatile, dynamic, and most importantly relatable on a mental level.
With that being said, I have two minor constructive questions. How in the world did Hagakure pass the Yuuei entrance exam, let alone get into Class A? Why is it that All Might is so willing to spill out the secrets behind his appearance to a boy (Izuku) he just met? But to sum it all up, if you don't watch Boku no Hero Academia or read the manga.. what can I say? You're seriously missing out.