Did Bones Alter a Iconic Deku vs. Shigaraki Scene in My Hero Academia Season 7? A Comparison of Manga and Anime

The recently aired episode 17 of My Hero Academia season 7 featured a standout moment between Deku and Shigaraki, setting the stage for their highly anticipated final confrontation. While this scene has been a focal point of discussion among fans, there are varying opinions on whether Studio Bones adequately captured the essence of this pivotal moment.

There is no doubt that Kohei Horikoshi’s artistic skills have evolved significantly over the years, with the final war arc representing the pinnacle of his artistry. Thus, adapting this storyline in My Hero Academia season 7 proved to be a considerable challenge for the studio.

The encounter between Deku and Shigaraki is crucial for laying the groundwork for their impending combat and deserved a more meticulous treatment from the animation team.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

Analyzing the Impact of the Deku-Shigaraki Scene in My Hero Academia Season 7

The comparison of the Deku-Shigaraki scene (Image via @Apprehensive_Low1406 on Reddit).

Episode 17 of My Hero Academia season 7 delves deeper into the final war arc, marking the beginning of the defining fight between Izuku “Deku”Midoriya and Tomura Shigaraki. This long-awaited clash is one of the most iconic scenes from the manga, yet many feel that Studio Bones did not fully realize its potential in the adaptation.

One key criticism from fans is the absence of the dramatic moment when the UA school building crumbles, a crucial element that heightens the emotional tension in the manga. Additionally, the striking representation of Shigaraki’s intense red eyes and the dramatic lightning casts an eerie, apocalyptic vibe—an essential atmosphere that the anime version unfortunately lacks.

While it’s important to acknowledge that Bones’ adaptation is not intrinsically flawed, it certainly leaves room for improvement. My Hero Academia has solidified its status as one of the most popular anime series in the last decade, and such a climactic battle deserved exceptional treatment.

Assessing My Hero Academia Season 7’s Overall Adaptation

Another comparison between the anime and the manga (Image via Bones and Shueisha).

It’s evident that Studio Bones faced significant challenges in adapting My Hero Academia season 7. Kohei Horikoshi has received acclaim for the exceptional quality of his artwork, particularly in the latter arcs, where his detailed aesthetics reached unprecedented heights—a feat that animation studios often struggle to replicate.

Furthermore, the discrepancies in scenes like the Deku versus Shigaraki showdown highlight how studios can occasionally make misguided creative choices. A prominent example of this is the controversial “blue sky”backdrop used throughout much of the final war arc, which many fans feel diminishes the conflict’s intensity.

Concluding Remarks

The scene between Deku and Shigaraki in My Hero Academia season 7 holds potential for improvement, and there are valid critiques regarding various significant moments in the anime adaptation overall. However, this does not detract from the scene’s own unique charm and emotional impact.

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