Kōhei Horikoshi’s widely acclaimed manga series, “My Hero Academia,” has reached a significant milestone with the release of its 424th chapter in the 27th issue of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. This latest installment marks the beginning of what Horikoshi has referred to as the manga’s “epilogue.”
In his author comments accompanying the chapter, Horikoshi revealed his intention to extend the story beyond the typical conclusion phase. He noted that while traditionally a story might end shortly after the defeat of the main antagonist, he plans to continue the manga for “a short while” before reaching its ultimate conclusion. Horikoshi assured fans that the manga will “return to its title” as it progresses through this epilogue phase.
“My Hero Academia” made its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 2014, quickly garnering a devoted fanbase. The series is published in English by Viz Media both digitally and in print in North America, and it is also available digitally in English through Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service. In April, the manga achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 100 million copies in circulation worldwide.
The success of “My Hero Academia” extends beyond the manga realm, with the franchise inspiring six television anime seasons and numerous specials. The seventh season commenced with a four-episode special titled “My Hero Academia Memories,” which premiered on April 6. Subsequently, the main season seven anime, starting with episode 139 of the overall series, debuted on May 4, further captivating audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic characters.
Additionally, the manga’s popularity has spawned three anime films, with the highly anticipated fourth installment, “My Hero Academia the Movie: You’re Next,” set to premiere on August 2. Once again, Horikoshi is serving as the general supervisor and original character designer for the film, ensuring continuity and authenticity to the beloved series.
As “My Hero Academia” enters this new phase, fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding of its epilogue and the continuation of the remarkable journey that has captivated audiences worldwide.