My Hero Academia: You’re Next review – fun but forgettable anime spin-off

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of anime watching under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from the classics like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece to the more recent phenomenon that is My Hero Academia. So here I am, reviewing the latest addition to the MHA universe, You’re Next.


The well-worn storyline of “My Hero Academia: Your Turn” carries a sense of cozy predictability, which elevates the somewhat directionless film from becoming completely forgettable.

In the fourth installment of the My Hero Academia series, titled “My Hero Academia: You’re Next”, we find our protagonists, Deku and Class 1-A, facing an intimidating adversary – a sinister version of All Might called Dark Might. This menacing character aspires to claim the role once held by the Superman analogue as the all-powerful guardian.

The aggressive tactics used to seize control of the ship filled with other wrongdoers, where a captive young woman (a target for a mercenary) resides, serves as a catalyst for our heroes’ intervention. This kidnapped girl possesses a formidable ability, making her more dangerous than any pretender to All Might’s power.

In theory, these storylines harmonize by exploring the theme of unyielding power and its manifestations. However, from a narrative standpoint, the film “You’re Next” appears to wander aimlessly and become muddled, as the various plot threads seem to contradict one another.

You’re Next just doesn’t find balance

A significant portion of the movie unfolds inside Dark Might’s spaceship, which mimics various environments to disorient the intruding U.A. students. Multiple teams navigate this complex layout, encountering distinct perils along the way.

My Hero Academia: You’re Next review – fun but forgettable anime spin-off

Just like most full-length projects by Bones, it’s visually stunning. The vibrant costumes stand out beautifully against the well-crafted backdrops, and the back-and-forth scenes remain captivating as always.

“My Hero Academia might be the most visually appealing anime series of its time. Kohei Horikoshi’s blend of sweet, youthful characters resembles a vibrant, bold cartoon that brings to mind classic Saturday morning shows like Astro Boy and Lupin III.

My Hero Academia is a particular kind of a heroism

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel that the movies serve as an undeniable testament to their awesomeness. They let Deku and his crew go big on the silver screen in a way that’s louder, livelier, and more vibrant than what we see on TV. While they may not always stick to the strictest of storylines, they certainly make a compelling argument for their existence!

In the context of “My Hero Academia”, the timing isn’t favorable for You’re Next due to the fact that Season 7 took us into the Final War, a pivotal moment where the main characters are battling against All For One and Shigaraki. It has been confirmed that Season 8 will serve as the conclusion of the series.

Steering from one moment to a lighter spin-off can leave you feeling quite jolted, a sensation not easily shaken off. This tension is often experienced with anime series of a certain duration; shows like Dragon Ball and One Piece have faced similar challenges at various points in their histories. Here, it doesn’t make things easier that the story’s focus seems misplaced. (As a fan, I can certainly relate to this!)

As a cunning gamer, I find myself in the shoes of “Dark Might,” hailing from a notorious criminal dynasty, my goal being to seize control of my dad’s dominion and expand it dramatically. When news of my daring kidnap scheme breaks out, it’s hard not to feel like the center of attention. The plot itself is nothing short of intriguing, making me the talk of the town.

Dark Might isn’t even the hero of his own story

Anna, originally from a wealthy background, possesses a unique trait – when her powers align with those of others, they amplify to extraordinary levels. However, if her powers don’t match with someone else’s, their strength significantly diminishes in her company.

My Hero Academia: You’re Next review – fun but forgettable anime spin-off

Giulio, her personal guard, is the sole individual capable of maintaining her authority due to his unique ability that renders others immobile. They possess an unconventional connection, reminiscent of two lovers from different worlds, as Deku and his companions strive to challenge destiny and discover a method for peace and joy to prevail for all parties involved.

Scenes featuring Anna are rich in elements that give My Hero Academia its unique flavor, as well as offering opportunities for deeper thematic analysis. They uncover Dark Might’s scheme, revealing it to be a grand deception rather than the significant threat it initially appeared to be.

Typically, there’s a sequence of events filled with setbacks and struggles as everyone prepares for a valiant stand. This is followed by a sweet conclusion that can stir even the hardest hearts if one is susceptible to such feelings. However, such emotions seem to be fading away.

My Hero Academia: You’re Next review score – 3/5

In simpler terms, “You’re Next” maintains the flair and vigor typical of My Hero Academia films, yet the absence of substantial storyline tension is becoming a concern for these spin-offs.

My Hero Academia: You’re Next is in US cinemas now, and UK theatres October 18.

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2024-10-16 18:19