The finale of “My Hero Academia” has set off a wave of responses and reflections across the anime and manga community.
Among the many reactions, one that stands out came from Eiichiro Oda, the legendary creator of “One Piece”.
Oda’s tribute took the form of an illustration featuring Smoker, a character from his own series, inspired by fan art created by Kohei Horikoshi 22 years ago.
This gesture was not only a touching acknowledgment of Horikoshi’s work but also highlighted a humorous aspect of Oda’s career and the broader manga world.
The Significance of Oda’s Tribute
Oda’s decision to draw Smoker in homage to Horikoshi’s early fan art was a heartfelt gesture, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual respect between two of the manga industry’s most influential creators.
This tribute, however, also underscores an amusing twist: while Horikoshi has completed his series with the final of “My Hero Academia”, Oda’s “One Piece” remains ongoing, adding a layer of humor to the situation.
As “My Hero Academia” came to an end, fans were treated to a scenes of Oda’s affection for his fellow mangaka.
Horikoshi, who had once submitted fan art of Smoker as a budding artist, has since grown into a successful mangaka with his own series reaching its ending.
This contrast between Horikoshi’s completed work and Oda’s enduring epic has become a source of light-hearted amusement within the anime community.
It highlights a running joke about how some series reach their end while others, like “One Piece”, continue to attract the audiences with their sprawling narratives.
The Ongoing Journey of One Piece
“One Piece”‘, with its 1,122 chapters (and counting), stands as a testament to Oda’s dedication and creativity.
The manga’s longevity is a rare phenomenon in the industry, where many series come and go.
The contrast between Horikoshi’s end of “My Hero Academia” and Oda’s ongoing saga is a notable example of how different series have their own trajectories.
While Horikoshi’s series reached its ending, “One Piece” continues to evolve, showcasing the remarkable staying power of Oda’s work.
This enduring nature of *One Piece* has become a part of the broader conversation within the manga community.
The juxtaposition of Horikoshi’s career milestone with Oda’s still-unfolding epic serves as a humorous reminder of how some series manage to persist and thrive long after others have wrapped up.
Oda’s tribute, therefore, is not only a nod to Horikoshi’s achievements but also a reflection of the unique position that “One Piece” occupies in the manga world.
The Ending of My Hero Academia: A Divisive Ending
The ending of “My Hero Academia” has been met with a range of reactions from fans.
The final chapter, which features an eight-year time skip, portrays Izuku “Deku” Midoriya in a new light.
Now a teacher at UA High School, Deku has lost his powers and taken on a more conventional role, only to receive a special suit from All Might.
This transition was a significant shift from the high-stakes heroics that defined much of the series. Many fans found this ending to be somewhat underwhelming.
The idea that Deku had been forgotten by his friends and was leading a relatively ordinary life seemed at odds with the buildup of the series.
Furthermore, the introduction of the special suit late in the story, particularly one that All Might acquired in less than a year, felt forced to some readers.
This aspect of the ending appeared abrupt and did not resonate well with all fans. The transition from intense action to a quieter, more reflective ending was jarring for some.
The final chapter’s portrayal of Deku’s new life, combined with the time skip, left many readers feeling unsettled.
This reaction is not uncommon for series endings, where the final chapters can often provoke strong emotions and various opinions.
Reactions to the Final Chapter: Mixed Feelings
The response to the ending of “My Hero Academia” has been varied. Some fans appreciated the opportunity to see characters in new roles and explore different facets of their lives.
However, others felt that the ending did not fully capture the essence of what made the series special.
The shift in tone and the introduction of new elements late in the story left some readers feeling disconnected from the narrative.
It is not unusual for the final chapters of beloved series to provoke mixed reactions.
Fans often have strong attachments to characters and storylines, and changes in these elements can lead to differing opinions.
The ending of “My Hero Academia” is a prime example of how an end can divide a fanbase, with some embracing the new direction and others feeling that it fell short of expectations.
Oda’s Tribute: A Heartfelt Gesture and a Humorous Twist
Amid the various reactions to the ending of “My Hero Academia”, Eiichiro Oda’s tribute stands out as a memorable and meaningful gesture.
By drawing Smoker in honor of Horikoshi’s fan art, Oda not only celebrated a fellow creator’s achievements but also highlighted the ongoing journey of “One Piece”.
The contrast between Horikoshi’s completed series and Oda’s continuing saga adds a humorous dimension to the tribute.
The longevity of “One Piece” is a testament to Oda’s dedication and creativity.
As other series come and go, “One Piece” continues to attract readers with its expansive world and intricate storytelling.
Eiichiro Oda's tribute to the fan art of Smoker drawn by My Hero Academia's creator Kohei Horikoshi 22 years ago! pic.twitter.com/oD0unVmHJz
— One Piece Daily (@opdaiIy) August 4, 2024
Oda’s tribute to Horikoshi serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of his work and the unique position that “One Piece” holds within the manga industry.
The Broader Context: Manga Industry Dynamics
The manga industry is characterized by its ever-changing world, with new series emerging and existing ones concluding.
The contrast between Horikoshi’s completed *My Hero Academia* and Oda’s ongoing *One Piece* reflects the dynamic nature of the industry.
While some series reach their end, others continue to evolve and thrive, contributing to the Elaborate motifs of manga storytelling.
Oda’s tribute to Horikoshi is a reflection of the camaraderie and mutual respect within the manga community.
It highlights how creators support and celebrate each other’s achievements, even as their own series continue to unfold.
This sense of community is an important aspect of the manga industry, where collaboration and mutual admiration play a significant role.
A Humorous and Heartfelt Moment
The ending of “My Hero Academia” and Eiichiro Oda’s tribute bring together both humor and emotional resonance.
The contrast between Horikoshi’s concluded series and Oda’s ongoing epic highlights the unique position of “One Piece” within the manga world.
While the ending of “My Hero Academia” has sparked a range of reactions, Oda’s gesture serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of his work and the vibrant world of manga.
As fans continue to reflect on the ending of “My Hero Academia”, Oda’s tribute stands out as a notable and touching moment.
It not only celebrates Horikoshi’s achievements but also emphasizes the ongoing journey of “One Piece”.
This combination of humor and heartfelt recognition captures the essence of the manga industry and the bonds that connect its creators and fans.
In the ever-evolving worldof manga, moments like these provide a sense of continuity and connection.
While series may end, the impact of their creators and their work endures, contributing to the rich and various world of manga storytelling.
