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Want to know when My Hero Academia came out? Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the series’ rise from Horikoshi’s manga debut.
The dream of My Hero Academia has redefined the superhero genre in manga and anime. It has evolved into an Eastern and Western superhero tradition for every audience around the globe. But one thing is—when did My Hero Academia come out or when did it first appear?
July 7, 2014, was the date that began the journey of My Hero Academia. It was the time when Kohei Horikoshi first introduced Izuku Midoriya’s world of quirks and heroes in Weekly Shonen Jump. With these modest origins, the series has become one of the most successful manga and anime franchises of the past decade.
Kohei Horikoshi’s Superhero Story
When did My Hero Academia truly begin? The story starts with Kohei Horikoshi. He was a manga artist with an extraordinary vision. Horikoshi had been charmed by superheroes from a young age. His childhood dreams of making a unique superhero narrative have transformed into the global phenomenon we know today.
Horikoshi’s journey wasn’t an overnight success. Before My Hero Academia, he had struggled with several manga concepts that didn’t quite capture readers’ imagination. His earlier works like Oumagadoki Zoo and Barrage showed glimpses of his creative potential. However, it was his idea of a world where superpowers, or “Quirks,” became commonplace that would ultimately define his career.
The push for My Hero Academia came from Horikoshi’s deep love of Western superhero comics and Japanese manga. He wanted to make a story that could bring these two storytelling worlds together. He featured a protagonist who wasn’t born special but could become a hero through determination and hard work.
When My Hero Academia first emerged in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2014, it meant more than just another manga series. It was Horikoshi’s superhero genre, which harmonized Japanese storytelling with the epic scale of American comic book records.
A Complete Guide to Series’ Timeline
| Season | Episodes | Manga Chapters Adapted | Original Air Date (Japanese) | Original Air Date (English) |
| 1 | 13 | Chapters 1 – 21 | April 3, 2016 – June 26, 2016 | May 5, 2018 – August 4, 2018 |
| 2 | 25 + Recap | Chapters 21- 70 | April 1, 2017 – September 30, 2017 | August 11, 2018 – February 24, 2019 |
| 3 | 25 | Chapters 70 – 124 | April 7, 2018 – September 29, 2018 | March 3, 2019 – August 18, 2019 |
| 4 | 25 | Chapters 125 – 193 | October 12, 2019 – April 4, 2020 | November 9, 2019 – June 28, 2020 |
| 5 | 25 | Chapters 190 – 257 | March 27, 2021 – September 25, 2021 | May 9, 2021 – November 7, 2021 |
| 6 | 25 | Chapters 258 – 328 | October 1, 2022 – March 25, 2023 | December 4, 2022 – April 23, 2023 |
| 7 | 21 + 4 Recap | Chapters 329 – 398 | May 4, 2024 – October 12, 2024 | May 18, 2024 – Present |
| 8 (Final) | TBA | Remaining Chapters | Q4 of 2025 (Announced) | Q4 of 2025 (Announced) |
The above table shows the series’ timeline of My Hero Academia from Season 1 to 8 along with its episodes, chapters adapted, and original air dates. Throughout its run, My Hero Academia has a total of 42 tankobon volumes and 430 chapters altogether.
Manga’s First Chapter to Final Page of My Hero Academia
The story of My Hero Academia introduces a quirkless boy named Izuku Midoriya in a world where superpowers are normal. When considering the manga’s first expedition, it was nothing short of extraordinary. But when the first chapter came in Weekly Shonen Jump, no one could have predicted the massive success that would follow.
The manga’s publication timeline is also impressive. Over ten years, Horikoshi drafted a narrative that spanned forty-two volumes. More to it, the final volume was released on December 4, 2024. Interestingly, the manga’s success was almost immediate. The first volume instantly reached seventh place on the weekly Oricon manga chart with over seventy thousand copies sold. That was a very rapid succession for the series. By March 2017, the series had over 10 million copies in circulation, a number that would exponentially grow to over 100 million by April 2024.
Moreover, Viz Media also started licensing its English-language release and publishing the first volume on August 4, 2015. This international release helped My Hero Academia become a truly global phenomenon, allowing fans worldwide to follow Izuku’s journey.
Anime’s Seasons and Broadcast History
The anime adaptation of My Hero Academia brought Horikoshi’s vision to life in a spectacular fashion. The first season of the series premiered on April 3, 2016, in Japan, produced by the well-known Studio Bones and directed by Kenji Nagasaki.
Each season marked a significant milestone in the series’ growth. Season 1 covered the initial chapters, introducing viewers to U.A. High School and its young heroes. Season 2 expanded the world, diving deeper into character backgrounds and hero training. By Season 3, the series had established itself as a global anime phenomenon. Also, the broadcast history is impressive. With seven seasons completed and an eighth and final season announced for Q4 2025, the anime has consistently aired new seasons.
Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix are the media houses through which My Hero Academia is accessible all over the world. Its multinational popularity grew with each season, luring millions of viewers and creating a reliable global fanbase.
Movies and Expanded Universe of My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia’s universe expanded far beyond manga and anime. When did the franchise begin its multimedia journey? The first movie, Two Heroes, arrived in 2018, marking the beginning of an explosive cinematic experience for fans.
Here is the list of My Hero Academia movies and expanded universe:
| Category | Title | Year |
| Movies | My Hero Academia: Two Heroes | 2018 |
| My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising | 2019 | |
| My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission | 2021 | |
| My Hero Academia: You’re Next | 2024 | |
| Manga Spin-offs | My Hero Academia: Smash!! | 2015-2017 |
| My Hero Academia: Vigilantes | 2016-2022 | |
| My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions | 2019-2025 | |
| OVA Series | Save! Rescue Training | 2016 |
| Training of the Dead | 2017 | |
| Hero League Baseball | 2022 | |
| UA Heroes Battle | 2023 | |
| Movies OVAs | All Might Rising | 2019 |
| Departure | 2022 |
These spin-offs and movies allowed fans to explore different perspectives and untold stories within the My Hero Academia universe. It thus demonstrates the franchise’s incredible storytelling depth.
The Final Chapter: What’s Next for My Hero Academia?
As the manga concluded its decade-long run, fans worldwide wondered about the future. The final volume, released in December 2024, included 38 pages of additional content, providing a satisfying conclusion to Izuku Midoriya’s journey.
The anime’s final season, announced to premiere in Q4 2025, promises to adapt the remaining manga chapters. Additionally, a live-action film by Legendary Entertainment is in development, suggesting the franchise’s continued global appeal.
The franchise has already generated estimated earnings of over ten billion in Japan between 2016 and 2020. With over a hundred million copies in circulation and numerous international accolades, My Hero Academia has secured its place in manga and anime history.
Conclusion
When did My Hero Academia come out? By going back to this question, the manga has truly transformed into a global cultural phenomenon since its release. Kohei Horikoshi’s drawings turned into a multimedia franchise traversing manga, anime, movies, and spin-offs. The series symbolizes more than just a story about heroes. It has inspired millions, bridged cultural storytelling traditions, and created a unique narrative about potential, determination, and heroism.
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