The My Hero Academia universe continues to expand, celebrating a decade of incredible storytelling with new content that keeps the fanbase thriving. Weeks before its major wins at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, fans were treated to "My Hero Academia: More," bringing back beloved older characters and a long-awaited confession. Alongside more seasons of Vigilantes, the appetite for MHA remains insatiable. Studio Bones upped the ante by hosting an exclusive, month-early premiere at Anime Expo for their latest short, "My Hero Academia: I am a hero too," featuring a high school-aged Eri. Mark your calendars for August 3, 2026, when this charming new chapter releases worldwide.
Eri's Grand Debut in "I Am A Hero Too"
Years following Jirou's electrifying concert at the school festival in Season 4, Eri has blossomed. No longer the timid child who sought permission to speak, she stands as a confident young adult, finding her own voice through song. The shadows of her past are gone, replaced by the bright gaze of a teenager eager for the future. And what a future it is! Deku has soared back through the hero ranks, balancing his teaching role with professional hero work, now standing as the Number 4 hero—with Mirio still triumphantly holding the top spot.
Under the compassionate wing of Jirou and Kaminari, Eri's burgeoning love for music has flourished, culminating in the formation of her very own street band. To express her profound gratitude to her heroes, she has extended an invitation to their debut performance. However, there's a unique condition: her esteemed guests must remain hidden from the public eye. These heroes are now global celebrities, and their presence would undoubtedly draw all attention away from Eri's moment. She yearns to prove her talent independently, to shine without riding on the coattails of their immense fan bases, just as they commanded the stage years prior. It's this very sentiment that inspires her poignant song choice: a heartfelt cover of "Hero Too."
While the concept is undeniably exciting, it's crucial for fans to temper their expectations regarding the short's length. At a mere six minutes, "I am a hero too" dedicates the majority of its runtime to Eri's performance. The cover itself is exquisite, distinguishing itself from the original with its acoustic arrangements and gentle, evocative vocals. Visually, the short adopts a captivating watercolor aesthetic, a departure from the comic-book style seen in recent openings and endings. The imagery of a self-assured Eri, singing with Jirou's spirit, is incredibly moving. Yet, its brilliance leaves you yearning for more, imagining what a full episode, complete with new original songs from her band, could have offered.
Voice Actor Powerhouse at Anime Expo
Despite the brief runtime of the short, the enthusiasm from fans at the premiere was palpable. The panelists, acutely aware of the short's length, ensured the event was equally engaging. Our hosts were none other than the Japanese voice actors of Deku and Shigaraki: Daiki Yamashita and Kōki Uchiyama. Following an exhilarating montage of the series' most heroic moments, the iconic hero and villain voice actors invited the audience to choose between their two favorite character moments.
For Shigaraki, his powerful speech to the heroes in episode 121 during the Paranormal Liberation War won by a significant margin over his initial attack on USJ. For Deku, his climactic final smash in episode 167 garnered louder cheers than the pivotal moment All Might first declared, "You too can become a hero." Daiki Yamashita himself likened the crowd's roar to the explosive sound of Present Mic. Even impressive IMDb ratings were highlighted, specifically episodes 162, 163, and 167, boasting an average of 9.8.
The conversation then shifted to their evolving friendship behind the scenes. Kōki Uchiyama initially harbored concerns that becoming too friendly with his co-stars early on might soften his portrayal of the menacing villain. He deliberately chose to make his first joint recording with Daiki Yamashita during the intense invasion depicted in episode 11. Since then, their bond has strengthened through countless interactions, both within the recording booth and during various radio talks. When queried about resemblances to their characters, Uchiyama noted a touch of Deku's inherent innocence in Daiki. Conversely, Daiki perceived Uchiyama's objective perspective as mirroring Shigaraki's calculating nature, making him an excellent judge of character.
This deep-seated camaraderie culminated in their breathtaking final performance together in episode 167. When their fists collided in the epic showdown against All-for-One, the script offered no specific instructions for their final screams. Their raw, unscripted exclamations in that moment were left entirely to their own performance. Uchiyama expressed immense admiration for Yamashita's powerful screams, while Yamashita confidently believed he could match his intensity. Their subsequent dialogue in the vestige realm also marked a significant first for Daiki, witnessing Uchiyama perform as Tenko for the first time rather than just Shigaraki. He cherishes this rare, quiet moment within the series. To cap off the discussion, Daiki recalled how, upon the episode's airing, the outpouring of cheers on social media perfectly echoed the characters rooting for Deku's victory within the show. The thunderous "Plus Ultra!" chanted by the Anime Expo audience at the panel's close served as a powerful confirmation of this enduring fan passion.
As My Hero Academia continues its monumental run, these new narratives and behind-the-scenes insights only deepen the connection between the series, its creators, and its dedicated fans. The future of heroes, and the heroes themselves, has never looked brighter.
