This week’s chapter of My Hero Academia, Chapter 424, marks a significant turning point in the beloved series. In the Author Notes section of Weekly Shonen Jump 2024 Issue #27, creator Kohei Horikoshi confirmed that this chapter signals the beginning of the end for the manga. However, he reassured fans that this does not mean the series will conclude immediately. Instead, Horikoshi aims to delve into the world’s status quo following the heroes’ hard-fought victory over All For One and Tomura Shigaraki.
The chapter picks up one week after the climactic battle, showcasing Japan’s Pro Heroes collaborating with international allies to rebuild the devastation caused by the villains. With assistance from the United States and other nations, the heroes utilize their Quirks to expedite the recovery process, transforming what could have taken decades into a matter of months.
While the nation begins to heal, the same cannot be said for some of the heroes who fought valiantly on the frontlines. A focal point in this chapter is Katsuki Bakugo, who faces a grim prognosis from his doctors. Although most of his body has been repaired through surgery, his arm has sustained such severe damage that it may never regain full functionality. Given that his Explosion Quirk relies on his palms, Bakugo opts for extensive physical therapy rather than a prosthetic arm. However, his doctors advise caution, as he still needs time to recover from the emergency heart surgery performed by Edgeshot.
Izuku Midoriya and All Might are also shown to be heavily injured and bedridden in the hospital. During a poignant conversation, Midoriya reveals to All Might that he still feels the embers of One For All within him. This revelation deeply saddens Bakugo, who overhears the exchange and is troubled by the thought of his rival returning to a Quirkless state. Nonetheless, All Might expresses gratitude to both Bakugo and Midoriya for their heroism.
The chapter concludes with an unstated time jump, depicting a recovered but scarred Midoriya returning to UA High School. This moment serves as the launchpad for the upcoming Epilogue story arc. Horikoshi has confirmed that the series will not conclude in this chapter or the next, as he intends to explore the implications of a world without All For One.
Horikoshi’s long-term planning suggests that there is ample storytelling potential in this Epilogue arc. Throughout The Final Act Saga, the concept of Pro Heroes has been fundamentally challenged. While the heroes succeeded in defeating All For One and Shigaraki, the world will not revert to its previous state. This shift allows Horikoshi to further examine the essence of heroism. The actions of Deku and his friends have demonstrated that the world needs heroes who prioritize the protection and salvation of others over the pursuit of fame and fortune.
Class 1-A, including characters like Ochaco Uraraka and Shoto Todoroki, has stepped up during the Final War Arc, positioning them as key figures in shaping the future of heroism. Additionally, the status of Heteromorphs, or Mutant-type Quirk users, will likely be a significant theme in the Epilogue. All For One’s actions during The Final Act Saga highlighted the discrimination faced by Heteromorphs, and Horikoshi has hinted that this issue will be addressed in the upcoming arc. A panel in Chapter 424 featuring scales in a hospital room suggests a connection to Spinner, the last survivor of the League of Villains, indicating that the plight of Heteromorphs will be a focal point moving forward.
As the Epilogue unfolds, the future of Izuku Midoriya will undoubtedly take center stage. The series began with Midoriya narrating his journey to become the greatest hero, and this new arc will likely explore the next steps in that journey. Midoriya’s statement about feeling the embers of One For All suggests that he may still have access to the Quirk in limited bursts, reminiscent of when All Might passed the Quirk to him. This opens the door for Midoriya to potentially utilize One For All again, albeit in a diminished capacity.
Moreover, the possibility exists that Shigaraki may have inadvertently returned the One For All Quirk to Midoriya during their final confrontation. The emphasis on their last fist bump raises questions about the true nature of Midoriya’s current state. If he is indeed Quirkless, it does not preclude him from being a hero. The groundwork for this was laid during All Might’s final battle against All For One, where he employed an Iron Man-like armor to combat the villain. With Midoriya back at UA High School, he could collaborate with Mei Hatsume or Melissa Shield to develop new technology, allowing him to become a different kind of hero.
The duration of the Epilogue arc remains uncertain, known only to Horikoshi and his team. However, fans can look forward to exploring the evolving landscape of heroism in My Hero Academia as the series approaches its conclusion. The themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the true meaning of being a hero will undoubtedly resonate as the story unfolds.
Source: Viz Media; Comicbook.com
