Guess I'll be less surprised than I normally would be once I get to reading REDACTED
My Hero Academia II - A true Hero
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In isolation, it hits all the right emotional points just fine. But in the bigger picture, all this traitor Aoyama reveal does is remind me of better times this would've fit. I'm reminded of Bakugo having a mental breakdown over what he believed to be his own fault that All Might used up the last of his power and how well that stuff was, timing and all. The paranormal liberation war arc was a hard cut off point for anything like this to really have any strong impact on the series as a whole anymore, and it definitely shouldn't have been pushed after multiple arcs after a timeskip, even if it was a short one.
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I don't have an example off the top of my head, but I can at least tell you what I didn't like about Kanjuro. Outside of his awful handling after the revelation, which I guess you can argue is a separate issue, what I didn't like about the buildup and reveal itself is that it was basically treated like an afterthought. Like desa said, it basically amounted to someone bringing up a hunch once and then barely ever talking about again. Were literally any of the Strawhats aware of this traitor's supposed existence?
It's hard not to be an afterthought because the focus is on Kaido, like what else is Kanjuro supposed to achieve on that level of scale? He can't take the role of the main villain because that won't make sense. Thematically, there's no reason for him to take the spotlight. From the straw hats perspective, yeah they didn't really care but there was an entire running plotline with Kinemon's struggling to fight him. He is also unapologetic and screwed over the scabbards not once but twice after his role as a traitor was revealed.
His entire personality was formed around the portrayal of an actor obsessed with his craft, the vengeance adds to that but is not all of it. It's not that he doesn't have his "own ambitions" or is just following orders but rather, him not falling for Oden's charisma and sticking to his role of an actor/traitor shows how firm of a grasp he has on his own goal.
The difficulty of coming up with a good traitor example is because this is it, this is the traitor writing standard. Something like Bleach with Aizen, is objectively speaking, bullshit and done for that surprise factor (dude wasn't even supposed to be a villain). Yeah, CP9 was cool but they lacked what fueled Kanjuro, it was just a job for them. You can literally replace them with anyone with any personalities and it wouldn't change a thing. Most literature would have characters betray another for stuff like wealth and envy, dating back to Monte Cristo, that's the established and "grab it from your bookshelf" stuff. Kanjuro has his entire character design and colors based on Kabuki, and then an entire backstory linking his design to his role and then his powers. The lack of connection between him and Orochi is something that annoys me too but any signs of a connection before the reveal might as well be a deadass giveaway. I think there's some issues here and there if I were to nitpick, but he is still a well written traitor. Especially when you compare it with Aoyama.
I do agree that the strawhats not caring is largely due to Oda making a conscious decision to not have them bond with Kanjuro and keep it to just a conflict within the Scabbards. It will make the arc alot more bloated then it already is. You also can't shoehorn anyone that is not in Kanjuro's position to be the traitor either, the Flying Six being one doesn't make sense because they are not like CP9 who have anonymity and why the hell would they. Any of the ninjas doesn't make sense and have less relevance. There's literally no one else that's a better traitor.
The entire narrative runs between him and the scabbards and is not supposed to be one between him and the strawhats, that's the difference.
Additionally, the reveal happening just because Kanjuro decided, for some reason, to give himself away is dumb. It would be much more impactful if we found out he was the traitor in action, i.e. actually getting caught off guard by him sabotaging the group at a critical moment, like stabbing Kiku or something. You know, like Squard, in the very same series?
I just want to say that I always though he did that reveal to kidnap Momo and it was obvious he had won because the scabbards were on a boat flanked by battleships so it wasn't a dumb move.
I actually agree with a lot of your points. The scabbards are really subpar in terms of getting our emotional investment and is, like you brought up, bloated. As compared to a singular character like Vivi who we are lot more invested in, all of the scabbards just feels like a hive mind.I typed a lot more than I intended but about utilization too, how Aoyama was utilized was basically dropping a phone call here and there but you can see, especially on a re-read, how Kanjuro's little actions or lack there of makes so much sense and plays to his character and powers. This is the difference between someone that is invested in their traitor character and someone who utilized it for shock value. The mere fact that Aoyama's reveal was done because his parents happen to infodump on him on the same moment that the very character that is conveniently invisible (out of 19 other classmates) is nearby tells you a lot about the writing. I actually can't believe that this amount of convenient writing is now being used, and is comparable to how Kanjuro was written but to each to their own I guess.
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Yeah, Kanjuro revealing hismelf when he did was fine, the scabbards were doomed, he had WON, it was his one chance to make that reveal before they all died and he never saw them again.
He had no idea crazy amounts of backup would be arriving like a minute later because Kinemon stumbled into accidentally fooling him. Like, the scabbards survived thanks to raw lucky fluke that had literally nothing to do with their own actions or planning.
Kind of like the ending of Deathnote, really.
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I dont see why he would reveal himself in that moment but not when they were 100% captured and inside a cell by Kaido and Orochi for the boiling. It just just seem very odd for the duo to suddenly decide this time is the definitely the one where everything is impossible to fail and they just have to prematurely gloat.
Both the academia and one piece one were quickly mentioned plot that were touched back on with very convenient/random reveal. They really dont have much to teach each other. Both were guess by the more invested fanbase. And both have some minimal reason it work like Kanjuro/Kinemon being the first pairing of Samurai we got introduced or that bond Nael guy created with deku about having quirk that dont fit their bodies.
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I dont see why he would reveal himself in that moment but not when they were 100% captured and inside a cell by Kaido and Orochi for the boiling. It just just seem very odd for the duo to suddenly decide this time is the definitely the one where everything is impossible to fail and they just have to prematurely gloat.
.In both instances Kanjuro had no intention of revealing his identity on his own, he was perfectly fine with dying with the other Scabbards. The only reason he revealed it the 2nd time around when they were at sea is because Orochi told him he could stop with his performance and bring Momo to him. He can't exactly kidnap Momo without it being obvious he's the traitor, so you may as well get some quick gloating in there.
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Hori´s illustration for Jump´s festa 2022:
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Wondering when she is gonna return, if I remeber correctly Aizawa said that she was already out of the hospital. Also, at first I didn´t notice, but that may be her new prosthetic arm, it looks a lot less robot-like than I thought it would too. -
I feel like this war is gonna have a ton of flashbacks, staring with resolving the Shirakumo/Kurogiri sub-plot. Also, where's Mirko? She got wrecked, but she's got to be patched up by now. Guess she'll get a flashback of her own. Nice seeing Class A's goodbyes to their family and friends. The Midoriya family hug really got me.
~Late Vigilantes Talk~
Seeing Koichi go on the offense is great. His energy punches make him a mid-range monster. And now everyone in the country watching his fight on TV, including AFO, knows his quirk is the real deal. It's hard to think Koichi's staying in Japan with AFO probably looking at Slide & Glide like it's a free bucket of KFC. -
It's hard to describe how little I care about almost all of the conflicts because they are so underbaked. The Todoroki subplot is just one angsty edgelord asshole against his family of… dubious qualities, Toga's subplot maybe got 1 or 2 chapters of development overall and her supposedly mirroring of Ochako is just nonexistant, the entire Spinner mutant thing was only built up in passing at best and Schiggy and AFO are... lame. Just talk no jutsu and get it over with already, Hori. Maybe we will get some Vigilante cameos in the final war, but I doubt it.
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Only going to talk about the GOAT of the MHA universe: Koichi's power-up was fantastic!
I don't care about the main series, give me next Vigilante chapter already!
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Vigilante is so much better than the main series What a chapter ! Koichi is the best !
! I guarantee whatever scene will be drawn for the Deku/Tomura battle and how Deku wants to save him won't be 10% as good as the one for the latest Vigilante chapter.
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Vigilante is so much better than the main series What a chapter ! Koichi is the best !
! I guarantee whatever scene will be drawn for the Deku/Tomura battle and how Deku wants to save him won't be 10% as good as the one for the latest Vigilante chapter.
The greatness of Koichi in directly inverse of Deku lameness.
MHA Spoilers
! So what happened to the plan to divide and conquer? I guess they awaken Shirakumo and he's gonna divide the lot into small groups. Wonder if Deku will end up with Shigi or AFO.
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Koichi is simply the best. But really, can somebody finally come to his aid? I really don't want him to die and it's a miracle he's still standing and fighting back
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Such a great progression of Koichi's character. Nothing about it seems forced. He's always had a heroic nature, we're just seeing it blossom and apply it to be more offensive instead of mostly defensive. I also like how the manga's handling the "save the villain" trope. No speeches, just tough love. You need to get knocked the hell out for your and everyone else's sake, period.
It's crazy how all three main characters are knocking on death's door. Any one (or all) of them can die. I want to believe we're getting a happy ending but I'm having some doubts. At least the supporting cast is near the fight and can call an ambulance for Koichi after the fight.
Koichi is simply the best. But really, can somebody finally come to his aid? I really don't want him to die and it's a miracle he's still standing and fighting back
Maybe what the creators are going for is The Crawler's the hero? Because I think we're passed the point of no return. A hero showing up now to save Koichi will seems like they're intruding on his fight. In any case, both Koichi and Number 6 are almost out of gas. We're in overtime; last one standing wins.
NNID: jervinnectar
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That talk Aizawa had with Aoyama was really great. "Your classmates like to sugarcoat everything", lol. Looks like Hori finally realized most of his base can't read between lines!
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Such a great progression of Koichi's character. Nothing about it seems forced. He's always had a heroic nature, we're just seeing it blossom and apply it to be more offensive instead of mostly defensive. I also like how the manga's handling the "save the villain" trope. No speeches, just tough love. You need to get knocked the hell out for your and everyone else's sake, period.
It's crazy how all three main characters are knocking on death's door. Any one (or all) of them can die. I want to believe we're getting a happy ending but I'm having some doubts. At least the supporting cast is near the fight and can call an ambulance for Koichi after the fight.
Maybe what the creators are going for is The Crawler's the hero? Because I think we're passed the point of no return. A hero showing up now to save Koichi will seems like they're intruding on his fight. In any case, both Koichi and Number 6 are almost out of gas. We're in overtime; last one standing wins.
Are you starting to feel the fight is going a bit too long?
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Are you starting to feel the fight is going a bit too long?
Yes and no.
If it was the same thing every chapter, I'd be more upset. I'm glad it's not about just the battle itself but Koichi and No. 6's character progression as well as their head space. What's going on in their minds? Why are they the way they are? Why are they even fighting? It's all getting addressed as the fight goes on. Not to mention, I like where we are in the fight more than the beginning with Kochi dominating No. 6. This isn't about Koichi holding No. 6 off until the heroes arrive. Koichi IS the hero, he just doesn't see it. He has to take down No. 6 and save the day. That alone make me more invested.
Plus, there's the aftermath. All three main characters are close to death. Any one of them can die since we haven't seen them in the main series. That adds a lot of tension to the fight. And even if Koichi survives (he probably will), there's the issue of his fight being broadcast across the country and AFO now interested in his quirk. Yeah, the manga takes it time, but that's always been the case. I'm used to it. This is definitely a series that'll get more popular once it's complete and people can read all the chapters at their own pace.
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Eletric War 2: Boogaloo. AFO flexing his vest game.
https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/viewer/1012731 -
Love how Horikoshi can go from 0 - 100 — so fun. Does anyone else think that the calvary is actually just Toga using Twice’s power at this point?
Also, AFO’s plan to destabilize Japan feels particularly relevant in today’s world — especially considering that he’s targeting the financial system to do it. Quite realistic and interesting; I doubt that this is the end for him here.
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I feel like I ordered Avengers: Endgame from a sketchy Chinese site
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AFO said that Aoyama wasn't 1000% on the mark, that leaves for speculation.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
I feel like I ordered Avengers: Endgame from a sketchy Chinese site
Hori is too much of a westaboo to not have that in mind. How the groups are gonna be separated is another story. Still wish Miruko paid for John-chan and Mocha-chan.
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The back of AFO's cave is filled with stolen Armani suits.
Good use of, what I assume is, Shinso's quirk on the Aoyama family while on the phone. Glad to see Mirko again. Mirio, Best Jeanist, and Hawks are missing. Yeah, no way is everyone fighting at the same location.
NNID: jervinnectar
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The back of AFO's cave is filled with stolen Armani suits.
Armani?! The man is better to know to use Ermenegildo.
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Seems like we really are in the endgame.
I'm not really sure how All For One would be able to produce the needed ressources in the quantities needed continuously for a country while also living normally or why he would be the one one able to but wathever. Its never gonna happen so its not that relevant.
I feel having One for all and Facepalm should be enough to guarantee victory regardless of the opposition. I cant take Aoyoma serious with how silly his attacks look. It always break tension and I'm not that intended or wanted by me.
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Armani?! The man is better to know to use Ermenegildo.
He drinks a 16-year-old MacAllan but prefers a 40-year. AFO has expensive tastes — but drinks a damn fine whisky.
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Nice little double twist.
And Mirko's back. That's all that matters.
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I don't see the good guys winning against the villains with both AFO and Shigaraki present. I wonder what they have planned, seeing how some of their stronger fighters are even missing for now.
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Nice little double twist.
And Mirko's back. That's all that matters.
Maybe more completely out of place gore involving her.
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Love how Horikoshi can go from 0 - 100 — so fun. Does anyone else think that the calvary is actually just Toga using Twice’s power at this point?
Also, AFO’s plan to destabilize Japan feels particularly relevant in today’s world — especially considering that he’s targeting the financial system to do it. Quite realistic and interesting; I doubt that this is the end for him here.
Wouldn't be surprised if at least the League are doubles. AFO isn't gonna sick everyone on Deku, he's more subtle than that.
AFO is basically pulling a Griffith. Destroying the world so he can come in and save it. It could work if the only other option is starving, living without electricity, etc. The guy also oozes charisma, he knows how to get folks on his side.
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Are we just speedrunning the ending now? Is the series going to be suddenly done by like, chapter 350?
I don't understand what the point was of not making the last big arc the finale if afterwards there wasn't going to be any timeskip or training arc of breathing room and it was just going to jump right back into final battle mode almost immediately.
Well maybe this dumb brawl will last for a while and it'll get to chapter 400 and squeak out a 10th anniversary.
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Who cares ? Everyone knows the only story that matters is Vigilante with GOAT Koichi !
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Hori had already manifested that didn’t want to spent so much time like Oda in a series. At this point I guess his burnout speed running to end it.
After all - the real MHA (aka Vigilantes) - is ending soon.
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I thought he said there was only one year left?
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Where has Inasa been this whole time I wonder?
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this story works best when it's fast paced
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Am I misremembering complaints about the art being confusing in action scenes?
idk, but it wasn't confusing to me
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LOL Hori is at his worst when he is fast paced. He speed run the world building to the point that Vigilantes tells more about the world they live in than the main series. There no breath room, no time for consequences of actions to settle down only a constant rising of the stakes. For a series called My Hero ACADEMIA we will end the events without having the main character group enter their second year. You know how many UA staff I like besides Aizawa? Probably only Mic and Midnight and due to Vigilantes. And don't even like or remember the name of half the hero students.
You know how ludicrous is for a kid learning to handle his power go to I break myself if I use my quirk to I break the World if I use my full power. As fucking ludicrous as the multiple doomsday crossover events Marvel and DC have per year.
First Year should have ended in Kamino.
Second in the Yakuza-Internship.
Third in the war.
And Now the Final showdown. -
What, you didn't like the one chapter prison break arc that introduced many characters like… checks notes Lady Nagant?
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That's the weirdest thing. With a little more time skipping along the way and a handful more "school event" chapters they could have easily been in their third years by now instead of being all first year students. (Where ARE all the year 2 and 3 students, anyway? Outside of the big 3.)
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Hori had already manifested that didn’t want to spent so much time like Oda in a series. At this point I guess his burnout speed running to end it.
Not many can take as long as Oda. Even if it went for a couple more years it would be far behind him.
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Dont every adventure anime that also has school end up being about their one year? that was also the case with assassination classroom. And I think most of Negima is in that one year But I could be wrong.
I feel manga being about that one crazy year where you did all the most important things is common.
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Shokugeki no Soma was also one year. And it turned out horribly there too.
I think school settings in shonen are just often ill conceived. Authors inevitably don't have the ideas or the drive to fill up three whole years, so the main character ends up the best in their craft by the end of the first.
It's barely about the school part anymore - hasn't been for a while frankly - to the point where I wonder why the academy premise was ever shoved into this series in the first place. Dozens of characters left to languish, and many of the student focused arcs are often viewed as the lowpoints (license exam, class A vs. class B, etc.) too. I feel like it would've worked out much better for the worldbuilding and story Hori wanted to tell if Deku was an intern at a hero agency from the start.
Legend of the Strongest Onani Master Kurosawa
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Dont every adventure anime that also has school end up being about their one year? that was also the case with assassination classroom.
With Assassination Classroom they at least established that the dead line was one year before Korosensei blew up Earth. So we all knew the story was going to take place over the course of one year.
removed it from the post.
