Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has quickly risen as one of the most popular shonen series of the generation and there’s no end in sight for its superpowered theatrics. My Hero Academia elegantly combines shonen storytelling staples with superhero archetypes to tell the inspirational story of Izuku “Deku” Midoriya as he goes above and beyond to become society’s Number One Pro Hero.
Each season brings Deku closer to this goal, but season six of My Hero Academia presents Midoriya and his friends with unprecedented obstacles that could forever change the face of the world. My Hero Academia’s sixth season has the potential to be the anime’s best season yet and the season premiere, “A Quiet Beginning,” has already teased greatness.
9 It Doesn’t Kick Off With Another Recap
An ongoing tradition over the course of the first five seasons of My Hero Academia is that the season premieres largely function as recaps that cover past events and can help catch up any newcomers.
Six seasons in, My Hero Academia has decided that there’s now too much in the series’ rearview mirror to sufficiently recap and strangers aren't randomly jumping into the sixth season of an anime with no preexisting knowledge. This allows “A Quiet Beginning” to dive immediately into the growing conflict at hand and not waste any time.
8 Eraser Head And Present Mic Confront Dr. Garaki
Dr. Garaki, My Hero Academia’s resident mad scientist, has been a crucial threat for years. However, season six makes Dr. Garaki’s continued crimes against humanity the focus of its premiere when the heroes raid Jaku Hospital. Team Endeavor takes Garaki out of commission, but this reckoning results in an emotional exchange between Eraser Head and Present Mic with the evil doctor.
Season five detailed how Garaki transformed Eraser Head and Present Mic’s best friend, Oboro Shirakumo, into the Nomu that’s now known as Kurogiri. It’s extremely cathartic that Present Mic and Eraser Head can properly express their pain to the one who’s responsible for it all.
7 Mirko Gets To Prove Herself Against The High-End Nomu Threat
There are dozens of formidable and fearsome heroes in My Hero Academia that ultimately don’t get their due because there’s not enough time to showcase every character. It’s always appreciated when a powerful supporting player gets the proper chance to shine.
Rabbit Hero: Mirko’s strength has never been questioned, but “A Quiet Beginning” appears to be the start of her proper glow-up. The premiere powerfully ends with Mirko leading the assault on Garaki’s hordes of High-End Nomu, which is set to dominate the season’s second episode, “Mirko, the No. 5 Hero.”
6 The Humble Check-In With The Todoroki Family
One of the richest sources of character development in My Hero Academia comes from the fractured Todoroki family who have only recently been able to process the damage that Endeavor has done to them. This relationship is still very much a work in progress, but an optimistic future lies ahead for these individuals.
"A Quiet Beginning" features a brief, albeit appreciated, exchange between Fuyumi and Natsuo Todoroki where they weigh in their current emotional stakes. These two aren't vital to the premiere's plot, but it goes a long way to show that the Todorokis are beginning to heal.
5 Denki Kaminari's Concern Over His Placement In The Ambush
Much of the season six premiere puts the many heroes in holding patterns while the professionals figure out the best plan of attack on the villains. A two-pronged effort is put together that will separately target and neutralize the villains’ bases at Jaku Hospital and the Gunga Mountain Villa.
This strategy divides most heroes and some of Class 1-A’s strongest find themselves guarding the rear on Team Edge Shot. Alternatively, other heroes like Denki Kaminari and Kinoko Kimori are confused over why they’re at the front of the assault and if they can handle this responsibility.
4 The Sheer Sense Of Stakes
The villains in My Hero Academia have been a palpable threat ever since the anime’s first season. However, season five mixed up its formula and gave its antagonists an unprecedented level of attention that’s still being explored in season six. The combined efforts of the League of Villains and the Meta Liberation Army result in the Paranormal Liberation Front.
This new antagonistic organization has more power and influence than ever before. Villains are always a concern in My Hero Academia, but the Paranormal Liberation Front assembles a plan that will systematically undo the ways of hero society if they’re not stopped.
3 The Relationship That's Formed Between Twice And Hawks
Hawks is one of the newer additions to My Hero Academia, but he’s already become a popular fan-favorite who audiences are eager to learn more about. Hawks placed himself into a stressful situation for the greater good when he infiltrated the League of Villains in order to gain intel on their upcoming attack. Hawks’ subterfuge puts him especially close to erratic enemy, Twice.
Twice doesn’t know that Hawks’ friendship has all been an act, and it results in a surprisingly sweet chemistry between the two of them. Whether this dynamic continues to evolve or not, it’s still a satisfying development.
2 The Pristine Quality Of Animation
Anime audiences have grown increasingly savvy over the many animation studios that help bring their favorite series to life. Studio Bones produced My Hero Academia for all six of its seasons. The anime’s visuals have never looked lackluster or that concessions were being made, but there’s still a greater confidence that’s present in each season of the series.
The season six premiere is one of the best-looking episodes of the anime, and it seems as if this year will be full of impressive visuals. The premiere isn’t absent of action and fight sequences, but even the patient conversations in “A Quiet Beginning” are beautifully animated.
1 The New Opening And Ending Themes
It may seem superficial, but in addition to compelling characters and suspenseful storytelling, the opening and ending theme songs are one of the most celebrated elements in anime. Audiences get incredibly excited when a new theme premieres and My Hero Academia has had several bangers throughout its run.
Season six is no exception and the new opening number, "Hitamuki" by Super Beaver is a passionate prelude to this season's intense action. Not to be outdone, season six's new ending theme, "Sketch," by Kiro Akiyama, is an equally effective cooldown number that celebrates both the many heroes and villains of this season.