Courtesy of Newsweek

My Hero Academia, a popular anime that began just five years ago, has had a huge surge in popularity in the United States. The fourth season premiered on Saturday, Oct. 12, after a two-month break following the end of season three in August. 

Viewers were on the edge of their seats after the thrilling end to last season. Said ending involved the hero, All Might, revealing to the world that he is no longer able to defend them after an intense battle with his longtime enemy, All for One. All of the pressure, attention and responsibility from then on belongs to main character Izuku Midoriya, with the challenge for this season being Midoriya having to balance his internship, training with All Might and whatever unexpected plans the League of Villains have in store for him.

In a trope sometimes typical of anime series, the premiere touches base with Class 1A on a regular day and provides an update on the aftermath of last season. A reporter comes to visit Class 1A to profile them, but that is just a cover as he’s really there to confirm who All Might’s successor is. 

The episode was relaxed and simple, with fan favorites like Bakugo and Ida not changing at all since we last saw them and there still being romantic tension between Uraraka and Midoriya. On the other hand, there is growing unrest among citizens concerning All Might’s absence, and villains are looking to capitalize on that. 

If this premiere has made anything abundantly clear to the audiences, it’s this: Midoriya is officially the “Symbol of Peace.” So don’t expect another shocking twist where All Might saves the day: it’s up to everyone else now, including professional heroes like Endeavor. Audiences can expect fewer bailouts for this cast as a whole, and more intense situations that will have a bigger impact on the storyline. As light-hearted and uplifting as the season opener was, it did lay some groundwork for the season. It has established where the cast stands and where their world stands heading into this season. 

Additionally, Midoriya will be starting his next internship this season, potentially with upperclassmen. This plotline will introduce new characters and undoubtedly produce some new special moves and abilities in Class 1A. But does this also mean the beginning of another rivalry for Midoriya?

A character we briefly met last season seems to be taking on a more prominent role in season four, from what can be seen in the visual rollout and promotion for this season: Mirio Togata, an upperclassman with a quirk that gives him the ability to pass through solid objects and permeate any form of solid matter. Before Midoriya, he was expected to become All Might’s successor. Another interesting character to get excited about is the white-haired girl who is the sole focus of the end credits. This indicates that she will be important this season, being somehow involved with the League of Villains.

Audiences are looking forward to this season, because everything that’s happened in past seasons has been leading up to this. Midoriya is in the driver’s seat and there are obstacles in his way. Fans hope to see more fight scenes featuring students from the class we haven’t seen and learn more details about their opponents in the League of Villains. Based on the first episode, this season has the potential to be “PlusUltra!”

My Hero Academia is currently streaming on Hulu, Crunchyroll and Funimation.