Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Manga

  • REVIEW: ‘One Piece’ Chapter 1033 Finally Gave Zoro That Moment

    REVIEW: ‘One Piece’ Chapter 1033 Finally Gave Zoro That Moment

    The latest chapters of One Piece were a well-balanced mesh of action, drama, and character development. Sanji was the main act for quite a few chapters due to his conflict of embracing the alterations inflicted upon him by wearing the Germa 66 raid suit. Yet, the latest chapter has fully moved over to Zoro, who’s still in his ongoing conflict with King. Ever since the post-time skip, it seemed he never had a true challenge. So, Eiichiro Oda gave him exactly that in the mysterious Lunarian who seemingly takes each strike without a scratch. Will Zoro finally meet his match?

    Let’s not waste any time and just focus on the biggest aspect of this chapter. Yes, there has been quite a bit of foreshadowing by Kaido and even the anime release, but Zoro finally has unleashed his Conquerors Haki. He has definitely been pushed to his limit and we once again are reminded by Raleigh’s lesson that it is formed through combat. Seeing the underlings of the Beast Pirates foaming at the mouth and seeing the lightning around all three swords is a great visual flair to confirm it. His ambitions have finally broken to the point that he can not only wield Enma – likely turning it into a black blade by the end of this fight – but also solves the question of what a sword curse is all about.

    I love the flashback to Zoro’s time as a kid. Didn’t expect we get an explanation where he got the two swords for his fight against Kuina from, but it’s a nice detail. The introduction of Shimotsuki Kozaburo and confirmation of his connection add a nice layer. Though the hints that Zoro is also a member of the Shimotsuki family due to his father potentially being Ushimaru does raise a few questions. We’ll likely find out more once Onimaru makes their return to the story. For now, we got a confirmation about his backstory set-up a few episodes ago and the mangaka manages to make a joke drawing for one of the swords as a person into an actual character design.

    His opponent, King, is given a lot more weight this time around. A short discussion between Queen and Sanji hints at some kind of underlying weak spot that’ll probably get exploited by Zoro. It makes me wonder if the Lunarian’s “defeat” might be connected to Mihawk that builds up a parallel with his pupil. While great foreshadowing, it does take away from the momentum that we had with Sanji when he kicked Queen full force a few chapters ago. Still, the built-up is strong and Oda will very likely take a detour before getting back to Zoro’s big payoff.

  • ‘My Hero Academia’ 5th Season to Mix Up the Manga’s Arc Structure

    ‘My Hero Academia’ 5th Season to Mix Up the Manga’s Arc Structure

    As the Joint Training Arc comes to its close in the 5th Season of My Hero Academia, fans are excited to see what story arc will be adapted next for the remainder of the season. Many readers of the manga are anticipating for the season to cover one of the most popular arcs in the franchise; “The Meta Liberation Army Arc”, which is more commonly referred to as “My Villain Academia” and it shifts the focus of the story towards the League of Villains. It provides some backstory to these characters as well sowing the seeds for what’s to come later on in the show. However, it seems that fans are in for a bit of a switch-up as to what to expect for the story this season.

    https://twitter.com/heroaca_anime/status/1406174916446203906?s=20

    Following the premiere of Episode 101: Have a Merry Christmas, a mid-season trailer was released for the anime’s 5th season, indicating that the first arc the second half of the season will delve into is the Endeavor Agency Arc. When watching the episode, you’ll notice that there’s been a bit of a time skip if you’re a reader of the manga. Following the events of Episode 100 with Bakugo and Todoroki obtaining their hero’s licenses and being celebrated in their achievement by their fellow classmates from Group 1A, the next episode immediately starts with them being interviewed over their acts of heroism in defeating a gang of villains. Now, continuity-wise, it all seems to flow as one continuous story, but readers of the manga will notice that the anime completely skipped over the My Villain Academia Arc and it seems to be delving completely into the Endeavor Agency Arc. This no doubt is to prepare fans for the upcoming release of the third My Hero Academia film, “My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission“, which is currently set in that very arc.

    However, this shift in the story does not necessarily mean that the My Villain Academia arc will be glossed over this season. The aforementioned arc was teased in today’s episode, as the episode started with an ominous “9 days ago” message and a shot of Deika City being desolated. Amongst the rubble was a haunting shot of the League of Villains’ leader, Tomura Shigaraki. Also, in the trailer released today, you can also spot a shot of one of the key players in the My Villain Academia arc, Rikiya Yotsubashi aka Re-Destro.

    The 5th season has been confirmed to have 25 episodes. This was confirmed by Toho when they announced the release of 4 volumes for physical release regarding this upcoming season, the final volume ending with Episode #113. This means we have around 12 episodes left for the rest of the season. The Endeavor Agency Arc spans around 11 chapters in the manga while the Meta Liberation Army arc covers 22 chapters. So, there’s a high chance that both arcs will be covered this season, with the Endeavor Agency Arc being the opener for the 2nd half of the season while the Meta Liberation Army arc will close it out. While the order of the story is being changed up for the anime, fans of the popular manga franchise can rest assured that they’re in for fantastic story development in the coming episodes.

    Sources: Twitter, GamesRadar

  • Theory Thursday: Exploring ‘Eternals’ Anime and Manga Inspirations

    Theory Thursday: Exploring ‘Eternals’ Anime and Manga Inspirations

    Following her historic win at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Oscars for her directorial work on Nomadland, all eyes are on the Academy-Award-winning director Chloé Zhao. She will deliver what could very well be a heavy Award Season contender for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Regardless, fans are definitely in for what could very well be one of the most original cinematic experiences the MCU has ever produced. In an interview with Variety, she discussed some of the inspirations for her work on Eternals.

    Jack Kirby and his imagination, his incredible work, is really the foundation of it. On top of that, there is what Marvel Studios has built, this incredible journey they have going on. And then on top of that is me as a fan of the MCU. And then, me as a fan of the genre, but also growing up with sci-fi and manga and fantasy films. And how can we have this big melting pot and cook up something that may just taste a little bit different? It was just an exciting thing; all of us went in wanting to do that. We’ll see.

    That particular quote teases a visual feast that will arrive in theaters this November. The combination of Jack Kirby‘s original designs with modern manga and sci-fi adaptations through the lens of Zhao sounds like an incredible visual experience. The one element that stands out amongst these components is the reference to the Japanese comic. Manga and its animated counterpart, Anime, aren’t always mentioned by directors as an inspiration. So, why don’t we take a look at what may be the potential inspiration that lends Eternals a unique visual style?

    Neon Genesis Evangelion

    The concept art for the god-like Celestials instantly reminded me of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The Celestial seems to have an uncanny resemblance to the EVA mechs from the anime and could’ve been how they will bring these larger-than-life beings to live-action. Pacific Rim did something similar by grounding its camera work and immerse viewers into the scenery of giant mechs fighting giant Kaiju. Zhao may have taken a similar approach to make the Celestials stand out even more. The iconic anime may also inspire the Marvel Studio film’s story. Evangelion‘s protagonists, who pilot the titular mechs, take on an onslaught of Kaiju-based creatures known as Angels. These creatures are creations by the first race of beings of the universe. They are simply known as the Seeds of Life. In Eternals, the alien race faces off against an evil race only known as “Deviants.” These inhuman-looking creatures were also created by the Celestials in the comics. Notice the similarities between the two?

    Berserk

    Now, there is one Berserk. The series’ protagonist, Guts, could very well be the character template for Kit Harrington‘s Dane Whitman. He is also better known by comic fans as the Black Knight. Apart from them being expert swordsmen, these characters exist in a moral grey area. Overall, they are portrayed as heroic characters but have committed acts that would be considered ethically wrong, especially by modern sensibilities. It can’t be easy for a normal man to live among god-like entities and their ongoing war with strange inhuman monsters. A character like this would introduce an interesting dynamic to the MCU that questions what it means to be a hero. It could make Eternals stand out even more once it drops in theaters this coming November.

    Source: Variety

  • First Look at ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’s Original Character

    First Look at ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’s Original Character

    We are currently enjoying the fifth season of My Hero Academia that continues to tell the story of the manga’s famous Joint Training Arc. The series has been going strong and the third film is nearing its release. Luckily, to give us informed until its release, we got some more news for the project. It’s now been confirmed that My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission will introduce a brand new character. This time, we’ll be introduced to Rody Soul and he will be voiced by the incredible Japanese Voice Actor; Ryo Yoshizawa. You can check out the official announcement by clicking here, but luckily Twitter user @ryiopict translated the tweet.

    https://twitter.com/ryopict/status/1394429266238967809?s=20

    Regarding the character, Rody Soul has been given quite an interesting backstory. With the help of an app, we were able to translate the official description from the film’s official website:

    A boy who lives in a trailer house in Oceon, where Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki have landed. He gave up his drea, to feed his younger sibblings and made a living by working as a carrier.  In the wake of a certain incident, he decided to act with the three heroes, even though he is distrustful of heroes because of the enviroment he grew up in. Although he is in a good mood and has a humble personality, he does not reveal his true intentions to anyone.

    We already know that Oceon is a region that Izuku, Bakugo, and Shoto will travel to during their internship with Endeavor. In the film, something will occur that will make Izuku look like a mass murderer and a criminal in the eyes of the world. Could Rody Soul have something to do with the terrorist organization known as Humanist? Guess we’ll find out when the film officially drops in Japan this coming August 6th.

    Source: Twitter, Twitter (Translation), Hero Academia Film

  • Closer Look at ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ Stealth Suits Released

    Closer Look at ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ Stealth Suits Released

    As the fifth season of My Hero Academia is currently underway, new details on the upcoming third film subtitled World Heroes’ Mission have emerged from Japan. Earlier today, series creator Kohei Horikoshi shared a closer look at the designs of Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, and Shoto Todoroki’s new designs on Twitter. The costumes are being referred to as stealth suits for the Class 1A protagonists.

     

    As these brand new looks were revealed to the public, longtime MHA composer, Yuki Hayashi, took to Twitter to also confirm his involvement in the film. The film will tell an original story that takes place during the Hero Internship Arc. As it matches the show’s current development, there is a chance this arc will potentially be introduced in one of the final episodes. The film’s official synopsis offers some insight into why the three are called into action with these brand new stealth suits:

    A mysterious group called ‘Humarize’ strongly believes in the ‘Quirk Singularity Doomsday Theory’, which states that as quirks get mixed together in with future generations, that power will bring forth an end to humanity. They believe that quirks are a disease and aim to cleanse the world of anyone who possesses quirks.

    The upcoming film will focus on Deku, Bakogou, and Todoroki during their time working in Endeavor’s agency. They end up working in the nation of Oseon, where the mentioned Humarize group will enact their plans. It is uncertain how the team will get their stealth suits or if they might introduce some elements from the manga to built up towards the next arc in the series.

    Source: Twitter (Suits), Twitter (Composer), My Hero Academia Movie, International Business Times

  • Theory Thursday: ‘My Hero Academia’s’ Final Arc May Not Be The End After All

    Theory Thursday: ‘My Hero Academia’s’ Final Arc May Not Be The End After All

    My Hero Academia‘s 306th chapter indicated that the story of Izuku Midoriya and Class 1A could be coming to an end. As the manga enters its final arc after a 300+ chapter-long story, fans have been pretty vocal regarding the possibility of the series’ ending. Of course, rumors came to a cusp when the author and creator, Kōhei Horikoshi, commented on the series possibly heading towards its conclusion during an interview in Jump Festa 2021. It looks like a recent statement may hint at a future beyond the final arc. The release of the manga’s 30th volume in Japan included an afterword by the author. He addresses his original plans for the series and what is in store for the future. Check out the original Japanese afterword below, posted by Twitter user @kylescouter.

     

    One of our Knowhere Discord members, Randy, was kind enough to translate the original afterword to the best of his ability and this is what his translation stated:

    THE AFTERWORD:

    And so we come to issue 30. Before I had felt like just writing, and initially I was planning on writing 30 issues and ending the series, yet as I have written and drawn these last few issues I have surprised even myself. For the first volume/issue for the time I have worked on this, I have been enjoying fighting the good fight and the main story will continue! I wish you continued peace and blessings and thank you for this opportunity.”

    Translations can be a fickle thing. They can easily get misinterpreted, or parts of the text end up lost in translation. As such, I also contacted a friend who works as a translator. They were able to transcribe the afterword to offer an additional comparison point. This way, we have another translation to make sure.

     

     

    A portion of the translation varies a bit, but much of the context remains the same. Horikoshi first addresses the statements he made in 2018 about his original plans for the My Hero Academia story to end around the 30th manga volume. He talks about how he’s surprised that the manga has gone on for this long. Now the 4th line is where the two translations start to get a little bit mixed up, as they both talk about a battle or a fight. I am going to lean heavily on the second translation, as it does refer to a specific line in the afterword of the previous volume where Horikoshi thanked those who have “read the manga and hope they can enjoy its end.” The final line reads that the main story will continue, and he thanks everyone for supporting the series.

     

     

    This afterword can get interpreted in multiple ways. I believe that the manga has entered into the final arc of its story, but it could easily take more than a year until it ends. We’ve learned that lesson from Shie Hassaikai Arc and the Paranormal Liberation War Arc. Also, this doesn’t mean that Izuku Midoriya’s story will end right there and then. Writers are often vague with what they say, and more often than not, plans tend to change when one writes. The My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising film is a perfect example. Director Kenji Nagasaki talked about how the film used the original ending written by Horikoshi.

    Not only that, but there are far too many plot threads left hanging from the main story that is worth exploring, and most might not get the attention they deserve in this final arc. If you want to read up on how I think the series may end, check out the Theory Thursday article we posted earlier today regarding Izuku’s Vigilante Arc. So we can assume that My Hero Academia is still set to continue for the time being. However, whether Izuku Midoriya continues his story under the My Hero Academia brand or through a new title, that’s up to Kōhei Horikoshi.

    Source: Twitter, Comic Book, Twitter (Kenji Nagasaki)

  • Theory Thursday: Exploring ‘My Hero Academia’s Final Arc

    Theory Thursday: Exploring ‘My Hero Academia’s Final Arc

    “The Final Arc Begins” was the title for chapter #306 of My Hero Academia. As the manga appears to be reaching its end, fans from all over the world have shared mixed feelings about the worldwide phenomenon concluding so soon. Some believe it’s far too early for Izuku Midoriya’s story to end. After the last arc’s ending, there is a lot of excitement about how the story will conclude. Right now, we are only two chapters in without much information on where it is heading. As the new chapter set to arrive on Sunday on the next edition of Shonen Jump, I wanted to take my shot at predicting how this final arc could play out and ultimately how the story could end. If you only actively watch the anime and have not yet read the manga, consider this your SPOILER WARNING.

     

     

    Why did I name the final arc the Vigilante Arc? As of chapter #306, faith in heroes has waivered. Most of the pro heroes are either out of commission, still recovering, or retired at this point. The events of the Paranormal Liberation War Arc have left a deep scar in the hero community. Many believe that heroes are now unable to handle the attacks of the villains. As a temporary solution, the next generation of heroes is being called upon to rise to the challenge where pro heroes cannot. Since then, Izuku Midoriya left UA High School. Shortly before he did, he left a note to all of his classmates informing them about his decision to protect the people he loves, as well as explaining his quirk “One for All.” He even reveals his connections to All Might, All for One, and Tomura Shigaraki.

     

    Deku VS the World

    My Hero Academia's Villains, Ranked By Threat Level | CBR

     

    If we base ourselves on what has transpired in the last two chapters, we can deduce that “Deku” has been taking on villains on his own since he left UA in March. This decision would make Izuku a vigilante by the Hero Commission’s standards. Since the commission does not discriminate between a villain and a vigilante, both individuals violate Hero Law and must get prosecuted as the same.
    It’s April in the manga, which means this is the month where Class 1A will finish their first year. The next couple of chapters will most likely showcase Izuku’s rematch with Jailbreaker, but these events will certainly not go unnoticed in the hero world. Such a high-profile villain is a high priority for heroes to detain. There is no doubt in my mind that his classmates will intervene in the attack as a sort of final exam for the class. This action would bring about the reunion of Izuku and Class 1A since his departure from UA. And what exactly might occur after everything that’s happened?

     

     

    Deku VS Class 1-A

     

    Izuku is depressed right now. He believes that everything that has transpired is because of him. So, he will want to seek atonement by going rogue and fix everything as a lone wolf. His class will not agree with him and will try to convince Izuku to return to UA to complete his training. This clash of ideals could lead to a bittersweet encounter and force Class 1A to take on Izuku. In a way, he has connected with his classmates and inspired them to become better heroes. Now, it’s time for Class 1A to repay the debt. This showdown could also lead to a final encounter between Deku and Bakugo, where his rival could have a heart-to-heart with Izuku. Even with their history, they’ve gone through enough together since they joined UA. He might even convince him to stay, thus bringing about his character development full circle.

    I believe that by the end of the manga, Izuku Midoriya will be convinced to return to UA to finish his training, thus bringing an end to the story of the First Year. Does this mean it’s the end of My Hero Academia? I believe it will. Will it end Izuku Midoriya’s story? I doubt it, as it’s only just the beginning. We still have quite a few plot threads that need answers and could be expanded into new stories down the line. Not only that, but we still need to find out how he becomes “the greatest hero,” as his future self teased when the series started. So more likely than not, there is a possibility that Izuku and the rest of 1A’s story could get continued as part of a sequel manga story, similar to how Naruto had a sequel titled Naruto: Shippuden. I guess only time will tell if, even as some hints may be pointing towards the future.

  • First Teaser Trailer for ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ Released

    First Teaser Trailer for ‘My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission’ Released

    Today seems like a great day to be a My Hero Academia fan. Following the premiere of the anime’s fifth season of the highly-acclaimed anime series, a brand new teaser trailer for the third My Hero Academia film has been released during AnimeJapan 2021. It only lasts for about 30 seconds, but it has quite a punch to pack. You can check it out here:

     

     

    The wording in the trailer translates to “A crisis leading to the destruction of the world. The time limit is two hours.” Our main character, Izuku Midoriya, is wanted by the authorities in this film, as he was accused of mass murder. He will get joined by his classmates, Katsuki Bakugo and Shoto Todoroki, who are all sporting brand new stealth costumes. We get our first good look at them when they jump out of a plane and into the city below. Going by trailer, we can also expect to see the pro heroes, Endeavor and Hawks. Their fellow 1A classmate, Fumikage Tokoyami, and various new heroes from around the world are joining. We also get our first glimpse at the villain, who asks whether “Quirks are a blessing given upon mankind or a power that will lead us to the destruction of the world.” The feature film will present an original story separate from the events of the manga and anime.

    My Hero Academia creator Kōhei Horikoshi will serve as chief supervisor and original character designer for the film. The director of the anime series and the previous two films, Kenji Nagasaki, is also returning. The film will release in Japan on August 6th, 2021.

    Source: YouTube

  • ‘My Hero Academia’: The Story So Far

    ‘My Hero Academia’: The Story So Far

    There aren’t many manga series that have achieved the international acclaim and success that My Hero Academia has. It’s become one of the most popular manga franchises, and with the fifth season finally airing this week, we’re going to recap the events of the first four seasons to get you guys ready to continue Midoriya’s story in the U.A.

     

    Season 1

    The first season kicks off with the introduction of our protagonist, Izuku Midoriya. In a world where individuals are born with special abilities known as “quirks,” he was born without one. This revelation, however, did not stop him from trying to achieve his dream of becoming a hero like his inspiration, All Might. When fate has them cross paths, his icon acknowledges Izuku’s dream and takes him on as his successor. He’s eventually accepted into his dream school, U.A., and enters Class 1A. Izuku’s classmates are pictured below:

     

     

    The class starts hero training with their professor and hero, Shota Aizawa. The season ends with Class 1A facing off against the newly founded League of Villains. They can delay the villain’s plans until All Might comes in to save the day.

     

    Season 2

     

    The second season kicks off with the first-year students showcasing their quirks to the world in a massive scale tournament. When it’s all said and done, Katsuki Bakugo ends up winning. Shortly after, pro heroes offer the students at 1A temporary internships. Izuku undergoes tutelage under Gran Torino, All Might’s former master. With his help, he learns how to control his quirk. In the meantime, a city gets attacked by the League of Villains. Izuku, Todoroki, and Tenya team up to take down a villain named Stain.

    Following Stain’s defeat, more villains were motivated to rise against the heroes. The final arc of the season has class 1A taking on their teachers for their final exam. The season ends with Izuku and Shigaraki coming face-to-face once again. It ends setting up Shigaraki as one of the big villains of the My Hero story.

     

    Season 3

    The third season starts with the two hero classes traveling to a Summer Camp, where they learn to master their quirks. That all changed when the League of Villains attacked the campsite. Their goal was to distract the pro heroes so they could abduct Bakugo.

    Following those events, the heroes immediately go out in search of Bakugo and the villain’s hideout. Meanwhile, Izuku, Kirishima, Shoto, Momo, and Tenya decide to take matters into their own hands to rescue Bakugo. They succeed in doing so. Meanwhile, All Might takes on the League’s founder, All for One, in a massive battle. All Might ultimately win the battle but retires after the match.

    The final arc subjects class 1A to a rigorous exam to receive their Provisional Hero Licenses. Nearly all the students passed except for Bakugo and Todoroki. The season ends with Bakugo and Deku going head to head in a match. All Might intervene to explain everything to Bakugo regarding One for All.

     

    Season 4

    The most recent season picks up right where the third season ended. The students participate in different work studies under the tutelage of pro heroes. Izuku gets to work for All Might’s former sidekick, Sir Nighteye. He is investigating a Yakuza group led by the villainous Chisaki. He has been creating a drug that can steal quirks. It is based on the blood of a poor girl named Eri. These events lead to the Shie Hassaikai raid, where the heroes attempt to rescue Eri and stop the madman. They succeed, but at a cost. The young hero, Mirio, loses his powers, and Sir Nighteye dies in battle. Luckily, he gets a chance to reconcile with All Might.

    Following these events, U.A. held its annual school festival, which almost got disrupted by two villains. It ends up getting foiled by Izuku. After the School Festival, Endeavor officially becomes the world’s no. 1 hero. We also get introduced to the brand new No. 2, Hawks. They both travel to Fukuoka, where a genetically-altered person, also known as a Nomu, appears and fights the two heroes. The season ends with Izuku having a mysterious dream. In it, he sees all of the former users of the One For All quirk. He witnesses the exchange between All For One and the original One For All. He ends up waking up before he gets to see the rest of that story.

     

    And now you’re all caught up for Season 5 of My Hero Academia.

  • Third ‘My Hero Academia’ Film Title and Release Date Leaked

    Third ‘My Hero Academia’ Film Title and Release Date Leaked

    It is a good week to be a My Hero Academia fan. It’s been a year since the anime’s 4th season ended and fans have been eager to see what comes next. After a long wait, the famed anime franchise will finally kick off its brand new season this Saturday. It is set to cover two important story arcs. The first story arc will adapt the Joint Training storyline, where Classes 1A and 1B band together. In the second one, they will also cover the manga’s climatic Meta Liberation Army battle, which will focus on the League of Villains. That’s not the only thing fans are looking forward to. Ever since the teaser and announcement of the third My Hero Academia film, fans have been eager to know more about the film’s plot and story. Well, thanks to the savvy Twitter user @Atsushi101X, we finally got some more details on the film.

    https://twitter.com/Atsushi101X/status/1375007760266403852?s=20

    The picture seems to be a key art for the film, along with some very interesting details. The third film installment will be titled “World Heroes’ Mission.” It’s set to release on August 6th, 2021. An official announcement is expected to be made at AnimeJapan 2021 this weekend.

    Based on the imagery, theories could be made that this film might adapt the Endeavor Agency arc from the manga. Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, and Shoto Todoroki undergo a Hero Work internship with Shoto’s father and No. 1 hero, Endeavor. There is a good chance it might also introduce us to the No. 2 heroes, Hawks, who has a relatively strong role during this arc in the Manga.

    Source: Twitter