My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 20: Comparing Anime and Manga Elements

The highly anticipated My Hero Academia season 7 episode 20 premiered on October 5, 2024. Many fans believe this episode showcases some of the finest animation the series has ever produced, particularly in the closing scenes where Himiko Toga bared her soul to Uraraka, sharing her life narrative. While the stunning visuals undoubtedly stood out, the voice acting transcended every other element, leaving a lasting impression.

The latest episode continues seamlessly from its predecessor, opting for a conservative approach which was wise given the pivotal chapters it portrayed—crucial moments in the evolution of one of the franchise’s most intricately woven female antagonists. Notably, the episode omitted a previously adapted chapter, allowing viewers to skip it without missing key plot details this season.

Disclaimer: Spoilers are present throughout this article, and the views expressed here are solely those of the author.

Analyzing My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 20 and Its Source Material

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 20: Uraraka’s Quest to Reach Toga

Shoto after defeating Dabi (Image via Bones)

In episode 20, titled “A Girl’s Ego,” the narrative picks up from the previous installment, with Toga experiencing the absence of Dabi after her brother conquered him. This loss triggers a surge of chaos within her, sending her Sad Man’s Death Parade into a frenzy.

While chaos envelops those fleeing from Toga’s growing power, Uraraka dives headfirst into the turmoil, determined to save Himiko Toga. This segment mirrors the manga closely, to the extent that it’s clear the production team aimed to replicate the source material’s panels, with direction playing a crucial role in its success.

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 20: Exploring Himiko Toga’s Origins

Toga Himiko featured in the anime (Image via Bones)

As Uraraka closed in on Toga, the villain lashed out at her, leading to a poignant flashback that delves into Toga’s backstory. The series has often highlighted Toga’s fascination with blood as a dark obsession, yet it originally stemmed from familial pressure, shaping her into the villain she has become.

During this emotional upheaval, a barrier that had restrained her powers shattered, causing significant transformations within her Sad Man’s Death Parade. Jin’s duplicates morphed into heroic figures whose blood Toga had previously consumed, all while Uraraka persevered in her quest to connect with Toga, who resisted her fiercely.

One of the episode’s pivotal moments lay in the portrayal of Toga’s origins, opting for a nuanced representation that deviated from the darker tones seen with characters like Shigaraki. This choice added depth and seamlessly integrated into the overall theme of the episode.

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 20: ‘The Cutest Girl in the World’

Uraraka's quirk activation (Image via Bones) — Uraraka’s quirk activation (Image via Bones)

As Toga intensified her Sad Man’s Death Parade, Uraraka used the opportunity to bridge the gap between them. However, Toga’s frustration escalated, leading her to stab Uraraka, leaving her severely wounded yet resolute. In response, Toga unleashed her enhanced Sad Man’s Legion, significantly amplifying the attack.

This moment marked a visual turning point in episode 20, with a pink hue signaling Uraraka’s quirk awakening—the ability to levitate individuals without physical contact.

'The cutest girl in the world' (Image via Bones) — ‘The cutest girl in the world’ (Image via Bones)

The intensity of her powers momentarily halted Toga’s relentless assault, pushing the villain to her limits. Uraraka expressed her desire to touch the sorrow buried within Toga, a gesture that triggered Toga’s emotional breakdown and led to a heartfelt revelation. Following her confession to Uraraka, Jin’s quirk vanished, prompting Toga to inquire if she appeared cute, to which the hero affirmed that Toga was indeed ‘the cutest girl in the world.’

The performances by Ayane Sakura (Uraraka’s voice actor) and Misato Fukeun (Toga’s voice actor) were exceptional, capturing their characters’ emotions at varying pitches, thus establishing a profound connection that may stand as one of the most memorable highlights of My Hero Academia season 7.

Conclusion

Overall, My Hero Academia season 7 episode 20 delivers a poignant exploration of a character transformed by her surroundings, showcasing a powerful narrative rooted in innocence turned to villainy. This episode firmly cements its status as one of the franchise’s finest, resonating with the story of ‘the cutest girl in the world’ whose voice was finally heard.

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