The final episode of “My Hero Academia” has created a wave of reactions and reflections in the anime and manga community.
Among the many reactions, one that stands out comes from Eiichiro Oda, the legendary author of “One Piece.”
Oda's tribute comes in the form of an illustration featuring Smoker, a character from his series, inspired by fan art created by Kohei Horikoshi 22 years ago.
The gesture is not only a touching recognition of Horikoshi's work, but also highlights the humorous side of Oda's career and the manga world in general.
The Meaning of Oda's Gratitude
Oda's decision to draw Smoker to honor Horikoshi's first fan art was a sincere gesture, showing camaraderie and mutual respect between two of the most influential authors in the manga industry.
However, this tribute also highlights an interesting plot twist: while Horikoshi finished his series with the final volume of “My Hero Academia,” Oda’s “One Piece” is still ongoing, adding a touch of humor to the mix.
As “My Hero Academia” comes to an end, fans have been treated to glimpses of Oda’s affection for his mangaka friend.
Horikoshi, who submitted fan art of Smoker as a rookie artist, became a successful mangaka when his own series came to an end.
The contrast between Horikoshi's finished work and Oda's enduring epic has become a source of light entertainment in the anime community.
The film highlights a persistent joke about how some series end while others, like “One Piece,” continue to captivate audiences with their rambling plots.
One Piece's continuing journey
“One Piece,” at 1,122 chapters (and counting), is a testament to Oda’s dedication and creativity.
The longevity of manga is a rare phenomenon in the comics industry, where many series come and go.
The contrast between the ending of Horikoshi's “My Hero Academia” and Oda's ongoing story is a notable example of how different series have their own trajectories.
While Horikoshi's series has come to an end, “One Piece” continues to grow, showing the incredible endurance of Oda's work.
This enduring nature of *One Piece* has become part of a larger conversation within the manga community.
The contrast between Horikoshi's career milestone and Oda's ongoing epic serves as a humorous reminder of how some series survive and thrive long after others have ended.
Oda's tribute is therefore not only a recognition of Horikoshi's achievements, but also a reflection of “One Piece's” unique place in the manga world.
My Hero Academia's Ending: A Divisive Ending
The ending of “My Hero Academia” received mixed reactions from fans.
The final chapter, which spans eight years, shows Izuku “Deku” Midoriya in a new light.
Now a teacher at UA High School, Deku has lost his powers and taken on a more conventional role, only to receive a special suit from All Might.
This transformation was a significant departure from the high-stakes heroics that defined much of the series, and many fans found the ending somewhat underwhelming.
The idea that Deku has been forgotten by his friends and is living a relatively normal life seems counterintuitive to the plot of the series.
Furthermore, the introduction of the special suit late in the series, especially one that All Might obtained in less than a year, felt forced to some readers.
This ending felt abrupt and unpopular with all fans. The transition from intense action to a quieter, more thoughtful ending left some feeling uncomfortable.
The final chapter depicting Deku's new life, combined with the time skip, left many readers feeling restless.
This reaction is not uncommon at the end of a series, as final chapters can often evoke strong emotions and a wide range of opinions.
Reaction to the final chapter: Mixed emotions
Reactions to the ending of “My Hero Academia” were mixed. Some fans appreciated the opportunity to see the characters in new roles and explore different aspects of their lives.
However, others felt that the ending failed to fully capture the essence of what made the series special.
The change in tone and the introduction of new elements late in the story left some readers feeling disconnected from the story.
It's no wonder that the final chapters of popular series often elicit mixed reactions.
Fans often have deep attachments to characters and storylines, and changes in these elements can lead to a wide range of opinions.
The ending of “My Hero Academia” is a prime example of how an ending can divide the fanbase, with some supporting the new direction while others felt that it failed to live up to expectations.
Oda's Tribute: A Sincere Gesture and a Comedic Twist
Amidst the mixed reactions to the ending of “My Hero Academia,” Eiichiro Oda’s tribute stands out as a memorable and meaningful gesture.
By drawing Smoker in honor of Horikoshi's fan art, Oda not only honors his co-creator's achievements but also emphasizes the ongoing journey of “One Piece.”
The contrast between Horikoshi's completed series and Oda's ongoing story gives this tribute a humorous dimension.
The longevity of “One Piece” is a testament to Oda's dedication and creativity.
While other series come and go, “One Piece” continues to captivate readers with its vast world and complex plot.
Eiichiro Oda's tribute to the Smoker fan art drawn by My Hero Academia author Kohei Horikoshi 22 years ago! pic.twitter.com/oD0unVmHJz
— One Piece Daily (@opdaiIy) August 4, 2024
Oda's tribute to Horikoshi serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of his work and the unique place “One Piece” holds in the manga industry.
The Broader Context: The Dynamics of the Manga Industry
The manga industry is characterized by a world that is constantly changing, with new series appearing and existing series ending.
The contrast between Horikoshi's completed *My Hero Academia* and Oda's ongoing *One Piece* reflects the dynamic nature of the industry.
While some series have come to an end, others continue to thrive and thrive, adding subtle textures to manga storytelling.
Oda's tribute to Horikoshi reflects the camaraderie and mutual respect within the manga community.
It highlights how creators support and celebrate each other's achievements, even as their series continues to evolve.
This sense of community is an important aspect of the manga industry, where collaboration and mutual admiration play a major role.
A funny and heartfelt moment
The ending of “My Hero Academia” and Eiichiro Oda's tribute bring both humor and emotional empathy.
The contrast between Horikoshi's finished series and Oda's ongoing series highlights “One Piece's” unique place in the manga world.
While the ending of “My Hero Academia” has drawn mixed reactions, Oda’s actions serve as a reminder of the enduring nature of his work and the vibrant world of manga.
As fans continue to ponder the ending of “My Hero Academia,” Oda’s tribute stands out as a notable and touching moment.
It not only honors Horikoshi's achievements but also highlights the ongoing journey of “One Piece.”
This combination of humor and sincere recognition captures the essence of the manga industry and the bond between author and fan.
In the ever-changing world of manga, moments like these provide a sense of continuity and connection.
While the series may be over, the impact of the author and their work lives on, contributing to the rich and diverse world of comics.
