Summary
My HeroAcademiais one of those animethat’s become a household name over the years. A big part of its appeal is how it mixes the underdog story with the chosen one trope in a way that feels fresh and well-balanced, even though these tropes are overdone at this point. The world-building feels incredibly vibrant and consistent, and best of all, almost all the characters get their time to shine.
That’s a rare feat in anime with large casts, butMy Hero Academiahandles it well and gives characters room to grow. Sadly, with the manga’s conclusion, the anime’s end is also approaching with the final season. But fear not! Fans don’t have to sit in a post-MHAslump for long. These new and upcoming anime are already showing enough promise to ease the withdrawal… and maybe even stand shoulder to shoulder withMy Hero Academiaitself.
With Vengeance, Sincerely, Your Broken Saintesswill visually be the most distinct animein the lineup that can potentially compete forMy Hero Academia’s spot. Fans might need some time to acclimate to the light anime format — it’s essentially manga panels in animation form. However, the real hook of this anime is in its compelling premise.
The protagonist, Lua, goes through an uphill struggle because of her peculiar healing ability, which requires transferring others’ wounds onto herself. People mock her as the “fallen saintess,” but the final betrayal by her best friend sends her will and sanity tumbling. The second prince approaches her with a chance to get back at everyone.With Vengeance, Sincerely Your Broken Saintessis essentially a Villainess-esque anime without the isekai aspect.
29: Ruler’s Crown
Super Powers/Abilities And The Hunt For A Mysterious Serial Killer Like Stain
WhileMy Hero Academiais the complete package,9: Ruler’s Crownis looking to channel certain aspects of it. Particularly, the bits about peopledeveloping superhuman abilities overnight, and their implications. The otherwise unremarkable town of Shiromitsugawa had nothing going for it. The town tries and fails to become a tourist attraction, and in the process, has its local shrine’s relic accidentally destroyed. This sets off a chain reaction that grants the town’s inhabitants powers.
While most use them for selfish gains, a bigger problem arises that makes them question everything. There is a serial killer on the loose who’s wreaking havoc all around the town.9: Ruler’s Crownprotagonist is a young, dutiful young man, Kakeru Niimi, who takes it upon himself to uncover what’s really happening in his hometown. His interesting perspective on the story’s events is a perfect setup for mindblowing twists in the serial killer’s pursuit.
BothSecrets of the Silent WitchandMy Hero Academiahave protagonistswho are reserved and don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Though for entirely different reasons. Monica is a powerful mage who doesn’t need incantations or the need to shout elaborate spells to cast her magic. Instead, she can do it silently, because her true weakness is her fear of speaking in front of an audience.
Things take a turn for the worse for Monica when she’s put in charge of guarding the prince. She is more petrified of the obligation of social interaction to keep up appearances than the actual security detail job. Monica’s relatable anxiety and struggle in this anime have the potential to push its popularity to rival that ofMy Hero Academia.
Hell Teacher Nubeis a classic 90s manga seriesgetting its long-overdue anime remake. It has all the ingredients to topMy Hero Academia’sgreatness and shares a lot of themes with it, specifically the special student and teacher dynamics. The main protagonist, Nube, is an elementary school teacher who essentially just personifies the spirit of a “hero.” He doesn’t hesitate to risk his own life to save and protect his students from demonic creatures.
Nube has a demonic hand that he uses to fight and exorcise demons. His indomitable spirit and selfless devotion resemble those of the UA High teachers. The retro designs of the characters inHell Teacher Nubealso provide a great nostalgia trip for older anime fans. It’s an old-school vibe for fans of traditional shonen.
5Towa no Yuugure
Sci-Fi Romance With All The Trappings Of A Grand Rollercoaster Journey Of Emotions
Towa no Yuuguremight not haveflashy, high-stakes hero battles, but it could carve out a legacy of its own just likeMHA. It has this very unique sci-fi, dystopian setting that’s so much more nuanced about the idea of love than so many other romance anime out there. Naturally, the anime leans heavily into philosophical themes and a unique kind of romance rarely explored in mainstream series.
The story follows Akira, a high school student who confesses his feelings to his crush, Towasa Omaki, right before entering cryogenic sleep. When he wakes up two centuries later, he sees someone who looks just like Towasa — only to realize it’s an android made to resemble her. The android unexpectedly proposes marriage to him, but the most he can do is travel with her in hopes of finding the real Towasa. With a subplot involving an organization controlling society on a near-dictatorial level,Towa no Yuuguresets the stage for a story that blends emotion, mystery, and rebellion in all the right ways.
6Ninja vs. Gokudou
A Fascinating Clash Of Two Factions From Japanese Lore That Will Grip Viewers
Ninja vs. Gokudouhas a simple, yet utterly fun premise that will hook anyone who has hadstrong opinions about the Shie Hassaikai arcinMy Hero Academia. Especially the fight between Kai Chisaki and the League of Villains. In this anime, there’s no elaborate prologue to forcefully sit through. Instead, the action kicks off right from the start. What follows is an ultra-violent fightfest between shinobi and yakuza, two factions that have been at each other’s throats for generations.
Ninja vs. Gokudou’sdual protagonists belong to the two rival groups. Their realization that an alliance could prove beneficial to their respective orders shakes the very foundation of centuries of animosity. The real struggle, however, lies in convincing their leaders — a setup that gives this upcoming anime the perfect opportunity to stand out, potentially even more thanMy Hero Academiain terms of emotional and ideological stakes.
Out of all the anime on this list,Tougen Ankihas the mostrock-solid foundation that could transcendMy Hero Academia.Both have a fairly large cast of characters and an academic setting where young students master their powers. The protagonists of both anime are also thrown into the deep end by fate, where they must overcome adversity.
InTougen Anki, the main character is Shiki, a young boy of demonic lineage who is raised by a man belonging to a clan of demon hunters, the Momotaro. When Shiki’s adoptive father is assassinated, he seeks vengeance. Uncovering the web of deception sets him on a collision course with both the Oni and the Momotaro. But first, he needs to master his own Oni powers, and that’s where he joins a school with other demons with a similar goal.
