© 堀越耕平/集英社・僕のヒーローアカデミア製作委員会
If there's one thing this arc has struggled with since the battles began, it's juggling so many separate, parallel events. That's not as much of an issue in the manga, as the transitions between chapters mean it's much easier to accept the constant cutting between different battlefields and characters. In the anime, where time is a much more important factor, some episodes feel too crowded or too segmented to have proper focus.
“Light Fades to Rain” allows the entire episode to focus on the fight against Shigaraki—and it does so brilliantly. With a single opponent intent on crushing all those who stand before him, the tension is able to build and build with each attack. We see our heroes grow more desperate, trying their best and then some, hoping to slow Shigaraki down for a few precious moments. More than any fight before, it feels like they’re fighting against entropy itself, using heel and palm to hold off the inevitable for just a second. It’s gripping stuff—and easily the best action of the season so far.
Like Jiro and Tokoyami's roles in All For One, it also allows some of the long-time cast members to get some spotlight. Mirio's return is always welcome, and Suneater's plasma cannon is incredibly cool—even if I have no idea how combining a bunch of strange fruits and animals is equivalent to the mechanics of an organic laser gun. The most surprising thing is the glimpse into Nejire's past and how she met the other members of UA's “Big 3.” It's nothing dramatic, but I think it fits perfectly. These kids aren't brought together by anything grand or world-changing—they're just friends like anyone else, and the trust they form during their time together is what keeps them fighting with all they've got. Shonen manga love to celebrate the power of friendship, but the unwavering teamwork of this trio demonstrates that idea better than any speech.
That friendship is also what first rattles the Y'all For One corporation. That's important for a couple of reasons. First, it means Shigaraki's identity is more volatile than he'd like to believe, which makes him more vulnerable but also unpredictable in this fight. Second, Mirio hits the nail on the head: Shigaraki is only able to express his relentless desire for destruction because he's been groomed since childhood without developing any attachments. All For One spent years crushing any sense of humanity or kindness that existed in Tenko Shimura, teaching him to use others as puzzle pieces in a game, rather than true companions. Yet somewhere inside that aching soul is a kid who just wants to play with his friends and his dog—and he starts acting on that. It's hilarious to see this mutant Akira monster literally screaming like a child that Nuh uh, he has friends too! You're a lying lying pants on fire liar! I'd say the key to winning would be to challenge Shigaraki to a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors but with all those cards he'd probably cheat.
All that action and drama culminates with Bakugo, bloodied, beaten, and locked in battle to the point where his immense pride is finally cast aside. The moment is both melancholy and exciting to watch, as all the work and training he's put into his power has finally reached a point where he can truly threaten Shigaraki. At this new height, however, there's no sign of his usual cocky confidence. Instead, the only thing that comes to Bakugo's mind is appreciation for Deku's efforts throughout the series—finally reaching a place where he can understand the pain of having to harness a power that's too much for his body, facing someone unimaginably stronger, and fighting regardless. At his heart, Bakugo isn't here to save the world or prove himself—he's here to pursue the image of his best friend. So Shigaraki ripped that heart out.
I won't pretend that Bakugo's fate was predetermined—this is a Shounen battle manga, and people have come back from worse than this—but that doesn't stop the entire series from feeling truly tragic. There's a genuine sense of shock in seeing the loudest, angriest member of the cast remain dead, silent, and as pale as a reaper. You can see the pain on the faces of his friends and classmates. It all works, giving this battle an unsettling edge and tying a perfect bow in an already thrilling episode.
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My Hero AcadeKaren is now streaming on Crunchyroll.