English Dub Review: My Hero Academia “Victory or Defeat”

Let’s see if this week’s episode gets defeated.

My Hero Academia episode “Victory or Defeat” resumes with the finals of the U.A. High School Sports Festival. When “The Boy Born with Everything” concluded, series protagonist Izuku Midoriya, or Deku (Justin Briner) was frozen in place.

As it turns out, his opponent Hitoshi Shinsou retains the ability to brainwash. But there are a few catches: in order to control someone, the brainwashed individual must first speak to Hitoshi. This allows his Quirk to manifest. Moreover, bump will lift Hitoshi’s control over them. It’s unclear how hard it must be, however.

I enjoyed “Victory or Defeat” for its slower pace. Sure, there’s action, but overall this episode takes a methodical approach that benefits the series. Despite the steady progression, there’s quite a bit of tension. That’s an element, My Hero, Academia does magnificently. While Deku is the protagonist, throughout the Sports Fest there’s been a sense that Midoriya may lose. As is the case during “Victory or Defeat.”

Additionally, “Victory or Defeat” advances several subplots. It’s likely that Todoroki (David Matranga) and Deku face off in the finals. That’s certainly what the story suggests thus far. Plus, there’s a further probe of All Might’s (Christopher R. Sabat) Quirk which was passed down to Deku. Midoriya witnessed several shadowy figures, one with eyes like All Might’s. Deku postulated that this may have been those who wielded the power of One For All (All Might’s Quirk) before.

It’s still a safe series. This isn’t necessary a con, but amidst the tension, there’s a bit of predictability. Additionally, some moments delve into heavy-handed sentimentality. For instance, there’s a touching segment explaining Hitoshi’s drive to win. This feels kind of forced.

Still, My Hero Academia is highly entertaining. As a fan of superhero flicks a la Blade and the expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe, I appreciate the supernatural aspects as well as the detailed setting. From the costumes to thoughtfully plotted out Quirks, it’s a series that brings its own superhero logic and fosters the sense of a universe. With the conclusion of “Defeat or Victory,” I’m once again left excited for the next chapter in the My Hero Academia saga.