‘My Hero Academia’ Final Season Review: Episode 160 Sets Up an Epic Series Conclusion

What does it mean to be a hero? My Hero Academia has spent nearly a decade answering that question, following Izuku Midoriya’s (Daiki Yamashita/Justin Briner) rise from a Quirkless boy to the world’s greatest hero. With the manga complete and the My Hero Academia Final Season Premiere now upon us, Episode 160 wastes no time setting the stage for an epic journey.

The premiere is equal parts spectacle and reflection, blending striking animation with a sense of finality that reminds fans just how far this story has come. It’s a strong start that captures the emotion, energy, and artistry that have always defined the series.

The legacy of All Might (Kenta Miyake/Christopher Sabat) defines the world of My Hero Academia. Known as the Symbol of Peace, his presence has always extended beyond the classroom at UA High. The MHA Season 8 Premiere deepens this role, highlighting how his sacrifices not only shaped society but also the students who follow in his footsteps. Voice actor Kenta Miyake’s commanding performance in the Japanese dub captures the fragility and strength of a man carrying the world on his shoulders. It’s the kind of vocal performance that elevates a story far beyond the manga panels.

The Symbol for Peace Is Back for One Last Season

At the center of the My Hero Academia Season 8 Premiere is the long-awaited clash between All Might and his greatest rival, All For One (Hiroshi Kamiya/John Swasey). Their battle is more than fists and power-ups; it’s a confrontation between ideals. Right versus wrong, selflessness versus domination, the two frame their fight through biting sarcasm, even addressing one another as “friend” in mocking tones.

Still, the first half of the episode leans heavily on footage from last season’s finale. While the recap sets the tone for new viewers, longtime fans may find the repetition slows the pace of the narrative. Once the fight moves into new territory, the energy shifts dramatically. The choreography and visual direction in the latter half give weight to every blow, emphasizing that this is not just another clash but a turning point.

All Might’s fight is more than a personal struggle; it reflects the lessons exchanged at UA. This moment plays as a culmination, the teacher who once shaped future heroes now fights with the strength inspired by his students. It’s an example of anime portraying growth not as a one-sided mentorship, but as a reciprocal exchange of values. This reinforces My Hero Academia’s broader message that being a hero is not a solitary journey, but a collective one.

The World Watches All Might vs. All For One in the ‘My Hero Academia’ Season 8 Premiere

The My Hero Academia Season 8 Premiere also shines a light on side characters, most notably Yuga Aoyama (Kōsuke Kuwano/Joel McDonald) and Toru Hagakure (Kaori Nazuka/Felecia Angelle). Their victory over the villain Kunieda (Tatsumaru Tachibana/Landon McDonald) provides a welcome shift from the central battle. Their teamwork delivers one of the episode’s standout sequences, capped with a victory that glimmers as one of their defining moments. These beats emphasize that the story isn’t solely about legendary heroes, but also the young ones stepping forward in their own ways.

Perhaps the most moving scene arrives far from the battlefield, a young boy in another country watches All Might’s desperate fight on television. His grandmother insists the battle will not affect their lives, yet the child refuses to look away. This brief moment serves as a poignant reminder of how acts of heroism inspire people beyond borders. All Might’s fight may be local to Japan, but his influence and impact are global, resonating with people who may never meet the hero face-to-face.

Even resonating with the Hero Killer Stain (Go Inoue/Robert McCollum), who comes to the aid of All Might. Known for condemning false heroes, his presence reinforces the idea that All Might’s heroism transcends allies and enemies alike, displaying that true heroics can inspire even those once opposed to it.

‘My Hero Academia’ Episode 160 Review: A Hero’s First Step Toward the End

My Hero Academia Episode 160 sets a strong tone for the final season. The voice performances elevate the emotional stakes, while the polished animation and explosive action scenes bring the clash between All Might and All For One to life in dramatic fashion.

The episode’s themes of sacrifice and resilience resonate clearly, tying together years of character growth. However, the reliance on recycled footage in the first half slows the pacing and may leave longtime viewers impatient. Even with that drawback, the premiere succeeds in capturing the heart of the story and framing the endgame with clarity and spectacle.

With the anime in its final season, My Hero Academia now stands as one of modern anime’s defining franchises. The completed manga, three feature films, spin-off series like Vigilantes, and successful video games all contribute to its lasting impact. The world of heroes created by Kōhei Horikoshi has left an indelible mark on the medium. The My Hero Academia Season 8 Premiere embodies this legacy by striking a balance between action and reflection, demonstrating that the series still has plenty to say as it approaches its conclusion.

The My Hero Academia Final Season premiere is now streaming on Crunchyroll. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for the latest entertainment news and reviews.