The My Hero Academia manga series is coming to an end after a decade of running. Author Kohei Horikoshi has wrapped up the character arcs for both the heroes and villains, bringing their stories to a satisfying conclusion.
Despite fans' desire for additional content that could explore more stories and details, Horikoshi has hinted that he currently has no interest in expanding the series' universe.
In an interview with Viz Media, Horikoshi discussed the popularity and impact of the series. When asked if there were any characters whose stories he wanted to develop further, Horikoshi revealed that he intentionally created some characters and background stories that were not in the main plot as part of the structure he planned for the series.
Horikoshi expressed satisfaction with the original story's content and firmly ruled out any plans for a My Hero Academia prequel.
Kohei Horikoshi Compares My Hero Academia's World Building to Terminator 2's Subtle Hints at the Future
He used the film Terminator 2 as a comparison when asked if he might one day explore the backstories he created but didn't include in the main story. Horikoshi noted that while Terminator 2 acknowledges the existence of a future timeline, it doesn't delve directly into it.
Instead, the film cleverly reveals information for the audience to interpret for themselves, rather than using flashbacks to explain future events.
“Instead of drawing out all the carefully thought-out settings and episodes, I wanted to hint at those elements. For example, in Terminator 2, John Connor becomes a leader in the future, and Schwarzenegger's character is sent from that future world.
But there aren't many images that depict the future. Because the future isn't depicted in detail, the viewer's imagination is left open, and I think that's really great.” – Kohei Horikoshi
Horikoshi intended for My Hero Academia to have a larger universe beyond what is directly shown to readers, similar to how Terminator 2 left certain aspects of the future timeline up to the audience to imagine.
As such, Horikoshi is confident that the story lacks nothing, and his satisfaction with the series' ending means that fans shouldn't expect a spin-off.
Horikoshi Reveals Potential Plots for My Hero Academia Characters Amid Fans' Disappointment
Horikoshi has previously created detailed backstories for the previous holders of One For All. However, he has expressed no interest in publishing these backstories, which is disappointing for fans hoping to explore the past of each OFA heir.
Characters like Kudo and Bruce, who play important roles as leaders of the resistance against AFO and rescue Yoichi Shigaraki, could provide an interesting storyline separate from the main theme of My Hero Academia.
The world-building in My Hero Academia is one of the most interesting elements of the series, with many characters capable of leading their own stories. One such character is Kaina Tsutsumi, also known as Lady Nagant, who transforms from a former member of the Heroic Public Safety Committee into a villain.
In a bonus page for My Hero Academia Volume 32, Horikoshi shared more details about Lady Nagant's past, noting that the information provided was a condensed version, suggesting that her entire backstory could fill an entire volume. Horikoshi also mentioned his interest in writing short stories about Lady Nagant, indicating a change from his previous stance on expanding the series.
“After this series ends, I want to write a short story called 'Lovely Miss Nagant: The Brightest Star Locked Up'. Maybe that will never happen. Why not? Because I'm exhausted and need sleep!”
Another character whose backstory has yet to be developed is Star and Stripe, America's top Pro Hero. Despite only appearing briefly in the series, she is considered one of the strongest and most charismatic heroes, leaving fans eager to learn more about her and how her powerful abilities manifest in various battles.
Horikoshi rules out new behind-the-scenes stories for My Hero Academia as filler and upcoming movie offers new insights
Although Horikoshi has no plans to further develop the plot for My Hero Academia, the side series Vigilantes serves as an official prequel, expanding on the pasts of major characters such as All for One and Eraser Head.
Additionally, there are two other spin-off manga: My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions and My Hero Academia: Smash!!. Recently, a new spin-off manga was announced, which is expected to be a special chapter related to the upcoming movie My Hero Academia: You're Next.
Horikoshi has been known to have health issues in recent years due to the demanding nature of weekly publishing. However, My Hero Academia could follow the path of other series where sequels are handled by different artists, such as Boruto and Dragon Ball Super.
Whether Horikoshi's comments mean the end of potential sequels to My Hero Academia remains to be seen, but they certainly rule out a spinoff about previous OFA hosts. What's certain is that Horikoshi deserves a well-deserved break after the end of My Hero Academia.