My Hero Academia Vol. 8 by Kohei Horikoshi
My Hero Academia Vol. 8 continues the thrilling adventures of Izuku Midoriya (Deku) and his classmates at U.A. High School, as they move from their internships to facing even greater challenges. This volume highlights the students’ growth and their struggle to live up to their heroic ideals in a world that’s becoming more dangerous by the day. As they hone their Quirks and develop into true heroes, they’re confronted with real threats from the League of Villains that will test their abilities, relationships, and resolve.
Highlights of My Hero Academia Vol. 8:
- The Aftermath of the Internship Arc: Vol. 8 opens with the aftermath of the students’ internships with professional heroes. The internships not only help them refine their abilities, but they also introduce them to the harsh realities of being a pro hero. The students are forced to face the darker side of heroism as they encounter real danger and are pushed past their limits. As they return to U.A., the students are filled with new experiences, lessons learned, and a renewed sense of determination to protect others.
- The League of Villains’ Escalating Plans: The League of Villains, led by Tomura Shigaraki, continues to be a looming threat. In this volume, the League becomes more organized and more dangerous. Shigaraki’s plans start to take shape, and his ability to recruit powerful individuals into his ranks means that the stakes are getting much higher for the heroes. Kurogiri and Toga Himiko, among others, are introduced as formidable members of the League, each bringing their own unique abilities and philosophies to the table. Their presence further intensifies the growing tension between heroes and villains.
- The Rise of the Villains: This volume delves deeper into the intentions and actions of the villains. Tomura Shigaraki becomes more than just a reckless antagonist; his vision for the world and his personal motivations begin to emerge. The League of Villains is not just a group of criminals, but a carefully organized force with its own ideology. This exploration into the villains’ ranks gives us a better understanding of why they oppose the heroes, and it becomes clear that the fight for justice isn’t as black and white as it seems.
- The Shie Hassaikai and the Villains’ Ambitions: A major turning point in this volume is the introduction of Shie Hassaikai, a criminal organization with its own sinister agenda. The organization is headed by Overhaul, a villain with a deadly Quirk and a mysterious past. Overhaul and his group present a formidable threat to both the public and the heroes, setting the stage for some of the most intense battles in the series so far. The confrontation with Shie Hassaikai shows the students and pro heroes how deep the corruption and danger in the world can go, making them question their own ideals and the challenges they face as protectors of society.
- Deku’s Struggles with One For All: Throughout Vol. 8, Izuku Midoriya continues his struggle with One For All, the powerful Quirk passed down to him by All Might. While he’s learned a lot, he still has trouble controlling the immense power that comes with it. Deku’s inner conflict regarding how to use One For All without hurting others is explored in more detail. His growth as a hero is clear, but it’s also a reminder that power, when unchecked, can be a double-edged sword. Vol. 8 sets up Deku’s continuing journey to master his Quirk while also facing moral dilemmas about the responsibilities of being a hero.
- Katsuki Bakugo’s Development: Katsuki Bakugo, one of the series’ most intense characters, continues to be a standout in Vol. 8. While he’s known for his brash, fiery attitude and his rivalry with Deku, this volume shows a different side of him. As the characters face more dangerous challenges, Bakugo’s pride and determination to be the best are tested, pushing him to grow as both a hero and an individual. His rivalry with Deku remains strong, but it’s clear that the two are growing in different ways, and their contrasting paths serve to highlight their differences and potential.
- The U.A. School Festival: While the threat of the League of Villains looms large, the students of U.A. High School also face more lighthearted moments in Vol. 8. The U.A. School Festival is a fun but also revealing event in which the students participate in various activities, showcasing their growing teamwork and skills. Despite the tension of the outside world, this festival is a reminder of the importance of camaraderie and friendship among the students. It provides a brief respite from the chaos and allows the characters to bond over their shared goals.
- The Tension Between Heroes and Villains: Throughout this volume, the growing rift between the pro heroes and villains becomes increasingly apparent. As the League of Villains and other rogue elements in the world intensify their attacks, the heroes are forced to confront the limits of their abilities and the corruption that exists even within their own ranks. The line between hero and villain blurs, and the question of what it truly means to be a hero is explored more deeply.
My Hero Academia Vol. 8 is a pivotal volume that propels the series into darker, more complex territory. The students of U.A. High are beginning to face the full scope of the dangers that lie ahead, both from villains and from within themselves. With the introduction of new villains like Overhaul and the Shie Hassaikai, as well as the continuing development of key characters like Deku and Bakugo, Vol. 8 builds tension and sets up the high-stakes confrontations that will define the next phase of the story.
This volume is full of action, emotional growth, and plot twists, making it a must-read for fans of the series. It balances moments of humor and lightheartedness with darker, more intense scenes that reveal the true costs of heroism. Vol. 8 lays the groundwork for the battles to come, establishing new threats while continuing to explore the evolving dynamics between heroes, villains, and everything in between.
