REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia’ Episode 167 — “Izuku Midoriya Rising”

Now that the rest of the heroes have joined the fight, it is time to finish the battle against All For One once and for all. The stage has been set for My Hero Academia Episode 167, “Izuku Midoriya Rising,” to finally bring everything to a close.

My Hero Academia has often asked the question “What does it mean to be a hero?” and My Hero Academia Episode 167 aims to answer that from the start. As Midoriya’s (Daiki Yamashita) allies pour in, we hear them talking about why they decided to join the fight. They are all tired and beat down, but they know it is their duty to give everything to help win the day.

This mentality has been Midoriya’s from the start, but it is great to hear his friends come to the same conclusion. It drives home the point that being a hero is about doing what is right, regardless of the personal cost.

It would have been easy for any of them to stay on the sidelines, since none of them is at full strength. Mioru Mineta’s line “If we can’t go the distance today, then why’d we ever dream of becoming heroes?!” emphasizes that point, as does his “we are here” to wrap up the intro speeches from Midoriya’s allies.

Class 1-A shows their support for Midoriya during his fight with All for One. 

It is such an impactful opening sequence, seeing Midoriya’s friends support him physically and emotionally. Yes, they are here to help in the literal fight, but the “we are here” line is specifically meant to encourage Midoriya and the rest of the heroes in the same way All Might’s “I am here” has done for millions. It is a touching moment before the chaos resumes, and it makes the personal stakes of the battle matter so much more. 

But don’t be fooled, this isn’t going to be an easy fight. All For One is not going to sit idly by and let these heroes have their moment without earning it. He evolves into a more powerful form, one shaped by tragedy and sorrow that has fueled his evil from the very start. His physical appearance at the end is transformed to match the darkness of his soul, making him a truly terrifying villain.

All For One’s belief is that sorrow and darkness are what make someone more powerful. It is all he has ever known, since he has been led by his evil desires from the very beginning. But the heroes don’t buy it, and they are not afraid to say it to his face. It is a powerful moment to see these heroes stand strong on their convictions even in the face of such terrifying evil.

My Hero Academia Episode 167 delivers impactful action sequences and visuals.

Once the battle begins, My Hero Academia Episode 167 presents a showcase of what all of these different heroes can do. Lesser heroes get a moment to shine, using their powers against All For One to try to make a dent. Many of these characters have only had their abilities shown in smaller, less important moments, so it is fitting that they get a chance to be in the spotlight here at the end.

Of course, My Hero Academia Episode 167 also brings the big hitters like Todoroki and his father, Endeavor. Their story has been one of the more emotionally powerful ones in the series, so seeing them fight side by side here is a fitting way for their relationship to evolve. They are on the same side, have always been, despite Endeavor’s failures as a father, and here we get to see that.

Visually, Studio Bones knocks it out of the park with this final battle. All For One is terrifying because of how they portray his brute strength, and the different attacks used by and against him are flashy and exciting. The gray background gives way to colorful flashes as the attacks go flying, and it adds to the intensity of the series’ most important fight.

Midoriya’s heroic journey earns its extraordinary payoff. 

With all that is on the line, the most important part of My Hero Academia Episode 167 is how it allows Midoriya to step into his role as All Might’s successor more confidently than he ever has before. This entire series is built around Midoriya, a kid with no quirks, finding unprecedented levels of strength to become a hero in the truest sense of the word. Here, surrounded by his closest friends and allies, he manages to do it in a way that pays off everything the series has been building towards.

The final moments of My Hero Academia Episode 167 are emotionally resonant because of how well they encapsulate Midoriya’s entire journey. The payoff is incredible, and seeing these moments play out on screen is absolutely perfect. Midoriya is the prime example of what being a hero and having power is truly all about. My Hero Academia Episode 167 puts an exclamation point on everything he has stood for in the best way possible.

My Hero Academia Episode 167 is the perfect conclusion to the most epic battle, with intense action and emotionally powerful moments. There are still some loose ends to be tied up, but this is a prime example of how to pay off themes that have been building from the very start.

My Hero Academia Episode 167 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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