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My Hero Academia (MHA, as English-speaking fans have shortened it to) has taken the anime world by storm since it made its debut back in 2015, and the popularity the series has gained shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Despite being first years, the students of Class 1-A have faced many challenges and obstacles — and not just school-related ones. There have been a number of times when the students were forced to fight actual villains and protect civilians. MHA has an immense amount of fight scenes that are unforgettable. Some battles are more brutal than others, but none of them are without significance. There are far too many to cover at once, but here are five MHA fight scenes that deserve a bit more recognition.
5. Suneater Vs. The Eight Bullets
Suneater vs. The Eight Bullets was not only one of the most action-packed and interesting fights in season four of MHA, but it was also beautifully done when it came to Suneater’s character development. Tamaki Amajiki (also known as Suneater) was an anxious but determined third-year student who is a part of The Big 3 (the top students at UA ). Though he didn’t think too highly of himself most days and often compared himself to others, Tamaki actually held a power that simply needed to be unlocked by pushing his limits.
In an attempt to find the head of the Shie Hassaikai, Kai Chisaki (also known as Overhaul), pro heroes, and the students involved with the incident assist the police in raiding the yakuza hideout. In a great display of courage and strength, Tamaki insists on staying behind to fight three members of The Eight Bullets, despite Kirishima’s objections. Despite Suneater’s previous insecurities, he gathers enough courage to fight and eventually is able to use his quirk at its full power.
Flashbacks of Tamaki’s childhood showed that he was very timid even at a young age, so much so that he had a hard time making friends — until he met Mirio Togata. Mirio became Tamaki’s true inspiration, as he often expressed admiration for him and his tenacity and constant positive outlook on life. During the battle, Tamaki remembers a conversation that he had with Mirio in middle school. He expressed how much he wanted to be like him, though Mirio essentially told him that he was firm in his own right and that he would be given his time to shine. This was enough to provide him with the courage and strength he needed to push forward full stop.
Tamaki symbolically shed his cocoon and gained his wings, proudly proclaiming that he is Suneater and was determined not to lose. Watching Tamaki use his quirk to his full potential was probably the most gripping of the fight. We get a glimpse of his eccentricity, which allows him to manifest different things on his body based on what he eats. Up until then, Tamaki was seen as timid and pessimistic, with very low self-esteem, so fans don’t see much of his quirk at its max. Seeing him use it to his utmost advantage during this part of the fight was amazing, as fans got to see him use incredibly cool moves like Chimera Kraken.
Tamaki was able to break down the walls that had been holding him back, making this particular fight a major turning point for his character. Tamaki kept his best friend’s words to heart, and that alone inspired him enough to reach inside of himself and grab that strength and courage that he never even knew he had. Tamaki’s fight left him physically battered, but he came out of it stronger than ever — both physically and mentally. Watching Suneater win the fight felt immensely inspiring and reminded MHA fans that they, too, can also reach their potential as long as they believe in themselves.
4. Deku Vs Muscular
An action-packed fight that leaves fans on the edge of their seats, Deku vs. Muscular was one of the most significant but often overlooked fights in MHA. Muscular is a villain that makes an appearance in season three during the Forest Training Camp Arc. Classes 1-A and 1-B embark on a fun trip to summer camp, where they’ll be able to further their training under the guidance of the superhero team, The Wild Wild Pussycats. Meanwhile, Deku meets Kota, a clearly troubled young boy who despises heroes; however, Deku understands the reason why after discovering the truth about the boy’s parents.
Trouble seemed to always follow Class 1A, so it was only a matter of time before the camp was taken over by The League of Villains, ultimately leading to Deku’s fight with Muscular. This fight was very impactful for more reasons than one and is another vital turning point for Deku in regards to his physical, emotional, and mental capabilities. Up until then, Deku had fought quite a few baddies, but never alone. He always had his classmates or teachers around to assist, even against the most dangerous of foes.
With so much chaos going on and everyone else utterly unaware of his whereabouts, Deku is forced to face Muscular alone to protect Kota. Muscular ended up being a very difficult opponent, and there were many moments during the fight where Deku couldn’t even land an effective punch. This made him realize that he genuinely did have quite a ways to go with training later on, but at that moment, Deku didn’t think; he just acted as he normally did. He made a promise to protect Kota no matter the cost, and he wasted no time jumping into the fight.
Despite the overwhelming obstacles and massive differences in strength and technique, Deku is able to overcome his doubts and lack of strength through sheer willpower, bringing out physical strength that should have otherwise been impossible for him. After hitting Muscular with a powerful Delaware-Detroit Smash at 100%, he was finally able to knock the villain out and claim victory. Kota was also left emotionally stunned, completely moved by Deku’s bravery and endurance. His views on heroes changed because of Deku, and he even became Kota’s hero, much like All Might was to Deku.
This MHA fight between Deku and Muscular brought out a lot of strength that Deku didn’t even know he had. In fact, there was even a moment where Deku didn’t think that he would make it out alive, yet he continued to hold out and fight. Not only was he able to endure the battle at his still rookie level, but he gained a new perspective on other things — like what it’s like to suffer through loss and be in a position like Kota’s. Deku was able to go beyond his abilities when things got extremely tough, but he never gave up and was able to not only tap into his full potential but also positively impact someone’s life too.
3. Lemillion Vs. Overhaul
Lemillion Vs. Overhaul was one of the most epic fights in MHA in a way that was tremendously inspiring. This arc is not only is packed to the brim with a ton of action but plenty of emotional moments as well. In this iconic MHA fight, Mirio Togata faces off with not only the villain but with his own personal demons as well. During the raid on the Shie Hassaikai, Mirio breaks away from the group, determined to find Overhaul as quickly as possible. It was not wise to go alone, but Mirio knew it was simply something he had to do on his own.
When Mirio was first introduced in MHA, he came off as goofy and a bit eccentric, which seemed to throw Class 1-A off when he was introduced as one of The Big 3. However, it was quickly established that Mirio was gifted in a way that others didn’t think about at first. Born with a complicated quirk that wasn’t suitable for hero work, Mirio still strived to become more. With hard work and dedication, he made his quirk his own and eventually became one of the top students at UA. Fighting Overhaul truly put Mirio to the test not only in his physical but also in his emotional and mental abilities.
Mirio and Deku encountered Overhaul unexpectedly, ironically right after Sir Nighteye explained to Deku that it had been very difficult to locate him. When a scared little girl covered in bandages (named Eri) seemed to be running from Overhaul, Deku hesitated to let her go back to him. A couple of factors prevented Mirio and Deku from being able to take Eri away from Overhaul, but she ended up reluctantly going back with him after threats of punishment. It was revealed that Eri’s DNA was being used for evil purposes against her will, which absolutely destroyed Mirio when he found out.
Mirio was known to be very light-hearted and positive, constantly smiling no matter the situation; however, his failure to save Eri really took a toll on him. Even his best friend had never seen him so down, so it was noticeably consuming him both mentally and emotionally. When it came time for him to help out with the raid, Mirio had already decided that he would rescue Eri from Overhaul, no matter what it took. Mirio never once wavered in battle, even after taking a quirk-destroying bullet for Eri, which took away his quirk entirely. Despite losing his quirk, he still fought with physical strength until he literally couldn’t fight anymore.
Mirio embodied a true hero, proudly displaying a type of courage that is rarely seen throughout the series. Even during the darkest moments of the fight when Mirio was struggling the most, he never stayed down, and when it came to Eri, he kept a smile on his face and showed no fear, even if he was feeling the opposite on the inside. The outcome of this MHA fight was bittersweet with Eri being rescued at the price of Mirio’s quirk and his mentor’s life, but despite that Mirio still remained positive and hopeful that his quirk would be returned to him one day. He never regretted giving it all up just to save Eri.
2. Deku & Eri Vs. Overhaul
The Shie Hassakai Raid Arc of MHA was already filled with satisfying fight scenes and never a dull moment, and it all came to a close with the final fight between Deku and Overhaul. This was an MHA fight that truly kept fans on the edge of their seats and then some. Not only was this particular fight important for both Deku and Eri’s development, but it was also a major turning point regarding the MHA plotline. At this point in the story, Deku tries to get Eri away from Overhaul by any means necessary, even though the outlook does not seem to lean in his favor at first. By this time, Mirio had sustained some severe injuries, not to mention the loss of his quirk, and things are starting to look bleak.
Deku attempts to help Eri and Mirio escape as Sir Nighteye attempts to hold Overhaul off on his own but to no real avail. So to prevent Overhaul from chasing Eri, Deku leaves her with an injured Mirio, hoping they can get to safety while he goes back to join the fight. We learn more about Eri and how she had been subjected to nothing but abuse her entire life. Eri possessed a rare quirk that caused her father to disappear from existence when she was younger, so she was constantly plagued with guilt. The guilt was only amplified further as Overhaul consistently emphasized her monster and subjected her to many horrifying experiments.
Upon seeing the horror surrounding her, Overhaul gets in her head again. Eri thought about the lengths the heroes (Mirio especially) were going through just to save her. She was convinced the ordeal was her fault, and she went back to Overhaul to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. Sir Nighteye is concerned, as his vision had already shown that Overhaul would get away, and Deku’s fate would be sealed by death. However, Deku’s determination and tenacity wouldn’t allow it, so he engaged in another fight with Overhaul, now transformed into a monstrous form.
This is where not only Deku begins to shine, but Eri too. Because of Mirio’s inspiring words, Eri finds her own inner strength to finally fight off Overhaul and is even able to activate her quirk, which is the ability to “rewind.” This essentially meant that she could reverse injuries, make people younger, or make them disappear from existence entirely. Throughout the entire fight, Eri held onto Deku, wrapped up in Lemillion’s tattered cape as Deku engaged in battle with Overhaul. Eri’s thoughts on her quirk begin to change, thanks to Deku telling her that her quirk isn’t a curse like Overhaul had said–but a gift.
Deku’s determination was also a huge factor in winning the fight. Despite the odds being against him, Deku persisted, proclaiming that he would change the outcome of the future. His and Mirio’s perseverance also gave Eri the strength the be brave and use her powers to fight her abuser. In turn, she was able to lend Deku her power to help win the fight, as Deku was always so prone to injury when using One For All at high capacities. Having Eri there to heal the injuries inflicted by OFA consistently helped immensely and gave Deku the extra boost he needed to finish the fight. Had it not been for Eri’s power, Sir Nighteye’s vision would have probably come to pass. Eventually, Eri was brought to a safe place where she could grow in a much kinder environment. With proper training, Eri’s gift could absolutely become quite useful.
1. Endeavor & Hawks Vs. Hood
Easily one of the most epic fights in MHA, Endeavor and Hawks vs. Hood (also known as the high-end Nomu) was the battle that brought season four to an exciting close. Now the number one hero after All Might’s sudden retirement, Endeavor is left to figure out how he will going to present himself as the new number one. We are also introduced to Hawks, the number two hero, who becomes a significant part of the story and, ultimately, Endeavor’s constant source of support. Endeavor’s fight with the high-end Nomu was more than just the number one hero protecting the city. This fight was extremely relevant not just to the plotline but also to Endeavor’s character development as he finds out what it truly means to be the number one hero.
Endeavor meets Hawks at the Japanese Hero Billboard presentation, and he initially doesn’t like Hawks, as he finds his charismatic nature and loud opinions somewhat irritating. Hawks seemed to take an initial shine to Endeavor, unlike most people who find the Flame Hero scary and intimidating. When Hawks talks about the rumors of more supposed Nomu appearing around the country, he suggests the two team-up. Before Endeavor can give an answer, the two are bombarded by a beast of a Nomu, and the two are forced to take action.
The fight is by no means easy and even proves difficult for the new number one hero himself, who once thought a little too highly of his abilities. The Nomu is much stronger than any opponent he’s faced, and the fight becomes extremely brutal very quickly. Endeavor is seen at his absolute worst here, but at the same time his absolute best. Being the patriarch of a broken family (that he caused), he is forced to face his flaws and mistakes head-on. This included not only in his job as a hero but as a husband and father to a family that he had failed years ago. So in a way, Endeavor was also fighting a version of himself, a powerful being full of hate that he was trying so hard to overcome.
Hawks was relevant to this fight, as he provided constant support in battle and through his encouraging words. During the scene where Hawks uses his feathers to propel Endeavor into the air, the Flame Hero ignites again, now looking like a literal phoenix rising from the ashes. This definitely symbolizes Endeavor’s new start and the growth that follows. Again, we see Endeavor’s undying determination to change, and his new mindset helps him push him past his physical limits, giving him the ability to take Hood out for good.
This MHA fight is action-packed with a lot of dramatic elements that make the episode so much more engaging. As Endeavor took on the Nomu with difficulty, all eyes were on the new number one, including the eyes of his own children. Yet, Endeavor kept fighting, despite his injuries and the cap on his quirk. He had come to a realization of what was truly on the line– the people of his city, his country, and the lives of his children — and absolutely refused to stay down. This made the final scenes of the fight much more inspiring. Endeavor was determined to not only defeat the monstrous villain in front of him but the one inside of himself as well.
Underrated, But Epic Nonetheless
MHA has given fans a slew of epic fight sequences, and there are far too many to list them all. Obviously, choosing favorites is a matter of taste, but these five battles are all epic in their right and hold a great significance to the story. One thing that all of these fights have in common is that they are all exciting with never a dull moment. They are inspiring and full of heart, giving fans that true awe-inspiring feeling one can only get from watching MHA. And though they may not consistently be ranked in everyone’s top five, they are still very much worth rewatching.