Boku no Hero Academia 7

My Hero Academia Season 7

Characters

Izuku Midoriya

MAIN

Tomura Shigaraki

MAIN

Dabi

SUPPORTING

Rumi Usagiyama

SUPPORTING

Tsunagu Hakamada

SUPPORTING

Ethan Drive

SUPPORTING

Nezu

SUPPORTING

Yuu Takeyama

SUPPORTING

Kouta Izumi

SUPPORTING

Moonfish

SUPPORTING

Kunieda

SUPPORTING

Fuutou Nahashira

SUPPORTING

Tamashiro

SUPPORTING

Manami Aiba

SUPPORTING

Seiji Shishikura

SUPPORTING

Itsuka Kendou

SUPPORTING

Katsuki Bakugou

SUPPORTING

Himiko Toga

SUPPORTING

Kidou

SUPPORTING

Kyouka Jirou

SUPPORTING

Bix

SUPPORTING

Rikidou Satou

SUPPORTING

Kouji Kouda

SUPPORTING

Tooru Hagakure

SUPPORTING

Tomoko Shiretoko

SUPPORTING

My Hero Academia Season 7: A Penultimate Symphony of Heroism and Heartbreak

Written By SON HAK at July 08, 2025

As the dust settles on the battle-scarred world of My Hero Academia, Season 7 emerges as a breathtaking crescendo in Kōhei Horikoshi’s superhero epic, delivering a masterful blend of raw emotion, explosive action, and narrative depth that redefines the shonen genre. Premiering on May 4, 2024, and concluding on October 12, 2024, with 21 episodes, this penultimate season—produced by Studio Bones under the deft direction of Kenji Nagasaki and Naomi Nakayama—stands as a testament to the series’ ability to balance high-stakes battles with profound character growth. Covering the Star and Stripe Arc, U.A. Traitor Arc, and the initial chapters of the Final War Arc (manga chapters 329–398), Season 7 is a narrative juggernaut that dares to ask: what does it mean to be a hero when the world teeters on the brink of collapse?

A New Dawn with Star and Stripe

Season 7 opens with a transatlantic bang, introducing Cathleen Bate, America’s No. 1 Pro Hero, Star and Stripe, voiced with commanding gravitas by Romi Paku (JP) and Natalie Van Sistine (EN). Summoned by All Might to aid Japan against the looming threat of Tomura Shigaraki and All For One, Star and Stripe’s arrival is a spectacle of power and patriotism. Her Quirk, New Order, allows her to rewrite reality itself, making her a formidable force in the season’s opening salvo. Her clash with Shigaraki is a visual and emotional tour de force, blending Studio Bones’ signature fluid animation with a haunting score by Yuki Hayashi. Yet, her fleeting presence—culminating in a tragic sacrifice—sets a somber tone, reminding viewers that even the mightiest heroes are not invincible. This arc, while brief, underscores the global stakes of the conflict and the ripple effects of All Might’s legacy.

The U.A. Traitor Arc: A Gut-Punch of Betrayal

The season’s emotional core lies in the U.A. Traitor Arc, a narrative pivot that shakes the foundation of Class 1-A. The revelation of Yuga Aoyama as the traitor, coerced by All For One through threats against his family, is a masterclass in storytelling. Studio Bones elevates this arc with nuanced animation—every tear in Aoyama’s eyes, every tremble in his voice (voiced by Kosuke Kuwano in JP and Joel McDonald in EN), conveys a young hero crushed by guilt. The episode covering chapters 336–338 is particularly poignant, with a standout moment being Toru Hagakure’s face reveal, a long-awaited milestone for manga readers and anime fans alike. The studio’s attention to detail—Hagakure’s expressive eyes glistening under moonlight—amplifies the emotional weight of her forgiveness and Class 1-A’s resolve to redeem their friend. This arc challenges the binary of hero and villain, asking whether salvation is possible for those who stray.

The Final War Arc: A Battle for the Future

The bulk of Season 7 dives into the Final War Arc, a sprawling conflict that pits heroes against villains in a meticulously orchestrated divide-and-conquer strategy. The heroes’ plan to segregate All For One’s forces across multiple battlefields results in some of the most visually stunning sequences in the series’ history. From Deku’s relentless duel with Shigaraki to Armored All Might’s desperate stand against a rejuvenated All For One, the animation captures the chaos and desperation of a world on the brink. Standout moments include Katsuki Bakugo’s near-fatal sacrifice, which left fans reeling after episode 11, and the breathtaking choreography of Deku’s One For All at full throttle. The season’s pacing, though condensed compared to prior seasons, is relentless, with each episode weaving together visceral action and character-driven introspection.

Unique Flourishes: Anime-Original Touches

While staying faithful to Horikoshi’s manga, Season 7 sprinkles in anime-original scenes that enhance its emotional and narrative impact. These additions, though sparse, include expanded flashbacks of Star and Stripe’s mentorship under All Might and subtle moments of camaraderie among Class 1-A as they grapple with Aoyama’s betrayal. These scenes, crafted with input from Horikoshi, add depth to the characters without deviating from the source material’s spirit. The season’s soundtrack, featuring opening themes “Tagatame” by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure and “Curtain Call” by Yuuri, alongside ending themes “Tsubomi” by Omoinotake and “Rokutōsei” by Six Lounge, perfectly complements the tonal shifts from hope to despair.

Why Season 7 Stands Out

What makes Season 7 uniquely compelling is its unflinching exploration of heroism’s cost. Unlike earlier seasons, which reveled in the optimism of youth and potential, this season confronts the harsh realities of a society fractured by fear. All For One’s chilling declaration—to “steal the future” by sowing despair—resonates through every battle, forcing characters like Deku, Bakugo, and Ochaco to confront their ideals head-on. The season’s efficiency, despite its shorter 21-episode run, ensures that every moment lands with purpose, from quiet character beats to earth-shattering showdowns. Studio Bones’ animation reaches new heights, with vibrant colors and dynamic camera work that make each punch feel seismic.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Season 7’s release was a global event, trending across platforms like X and garnering 4.7 million social media engagements before its premiere, outpacing other superhero shows like X-Men ’97 and Invincible. Its nomination for Best Continuing Series at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards reflects its critical and fan acclaim. Posts on X captured the fervor, with @MHAOfficial announcing the season’s May 4 premiere and subsequent dub release, sparking waves of anticipation. The season’s ability to balance spectacle with introspection has cemented My Hero Academia as a cultural juggernaut, rivaling the manga’s 71 million copies sold worldwide.

Looking Ahead: The Final Act

With the eighth and final season slated for October 2025, Season 7 leaves fans on a knife’s edge, poised for the climactic resolution of Deku’s journey. The season’s cliffhanger—midway through Armored All Might’s battle and Deku’s clash with Shigaraki—sets the stage for a finale that promises to be both heartbreaking and triumphant. For those eager to continue, the manga picks up at chapter 399, available on VIZ Media, Shonen Jump, or MANGA Plus.

Final Verdict: A Heroic Triumph

My Hero Academia Season 7 is a love letter to fans who’ve followed Izuku Midoriya’s journey from a quirkless dreamer to the world’s last hope. It’s a season that dares to break hearts while igniting hope, blending jaw-dropping animation with a narrative that challenges the very essence of heroism. Whether you’re a manga reader or an anime-only fan, this season is My Hero Academia at its peak—unapologetically emotional, visually spectacular, and profoundly human. As Deku would say, it’s time to go beyond… Plus Ultra!

Where to Watch: Stream Season 7 on Crunchyroll, with English dubs available two weeks after the Japanese release. Select episodes are also on Hulu, Netflix (seasons 1–4), and Disney+.