REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia,’ Episode 112 – “Tomura Shigaraki: Origin”

My Hero Academia is a superhero-shonen anime produced by studio BONES. With Shigaraki’s battle with Re-Destro continuing, the villain is awakened to his full memories and power. But even with Shigaraki’s power level increasing, Re-Destro isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet in My Hero Academia Episode 112.

With last week’s episode revealing Shigaraki’s earliest days, this week’s episode focuses its exploration of the young leader’s past on the youth’s first meeting with All For One and his first lessons from the villain. Unfortunately, while these moments are enlightening to an extent, they don’t provide any real surprises, as All For One’s lessons and gifts to young Shigaraki are what one would expect.

Despite the level of predictability in this exploration of Shigaraki’s early days with All For One, My Hero Academia Episode 112 makes the most of these moments. While the story is about Shigfaraki, for me, it is All For One who steals these scenes. With the legendary villain’s impact on the show’s narrative far exceeding his actual screen time, getting to see him in his prime of power is a rare treat. The villain’s dialogue leans into the character’s worst qualities, successfully delivering exactly what I would expect from the sadistic, manipulative monster we have had All For One presented as from individuals such as All Might.

With the reestablishment of Shigaraki’s memories, the young leader’s power has increased to levels that certainly cast the young man in a whole new threat level. Of course, he always seemed dangerous in a one-on-one battle where his touch could kill. But Shigaraki is brought to a surprising new power level before My Hero Academia Episode 112 rolls credits.

While the vast majority of this episode delivers great payoffs on the storylines that have been set in motion, there is one disappointment for me: the much-lauded arrival of Gigantomachia. While it is understandable why the titan’s arrival plays out the way it does, as an event that has been built up as a critical moment for the current storyline, it falls a bit flat.

But while Gigantomachia’s arrival lands with a less than impressive impact, Re-Destro delivers some great moments as the leader of the Metahuman Liberation Front gives his all to win his battle with Shigaraki. Some interesting character moments and some unexpected and cool tricks to win his fight combine to deliver on the character’s build-up as a major threat.

The visual presentation of My Hero Academia Episode 112 delivers the two sides of its narrative well. The way the visuals lean into All For One’s presence in the flashback sequences further cement him as the star of those moments. In addition, the show takes every opportunity to highlight the twisted smile that the villain seems to display constantly. Meanwhile, the escalating battle between Shigaraki and Re-Destro in the present is delivered with great, over-the-top visuals that give it enough energy to satisfy the action cravings of the show’s fans.

So when all is said and done, My Hero Academia Episode 112 delivers a strong entry to the series that balances both character building and action.

My Hero Academia Episode 112 is streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.