Young AFO’s Voice Unites My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan Fandoms

My Hero Academia season 7, episode 18, showcased the defeat of several heroes by All For One (AFO). While the episode was intense with action, one of the most highly anticipated highlights was the announcement of AFO’s new voice actor. Yuki Kaji, renowned for his role as Levi Ackerman in the immensely popular Attack on Titan series, made his debut as the voice of young AFO.

Although the switch in AFO’s voice actor came as a surprise, Kaji’s involvement brought together fans from both series, sparking vibrant discussions within the community regarding this significant voice actor change.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the My Hero Academia series.

My Hero Academia: Levi Ackerman Returns to Voice Young AFO

AFO’s transformation into a younger version was one of the most surprising developments during the War arc of My Hero Academia, and its adaptation was highly awaited in season 7. The announcement regarding the new voice actor for young AFO was made in episode 18, revealing Hiroshi Kamiya as the new voice. Kamiya is a seasoned voice actor well-known for iconic characters such as Araragi Koyomi from the Monogatari series, Levi from Attack on Titan, and Yato in Noragami.

Fan Reactions to Hiroshi Kamiya Debuting as Young All For One

Viewers’ excitement for All For One’s younger form was palpable, especially with the intrigue surrounding the necessary change in voice actors as AFO transformed with age. Fans expressed their astonishment on social media at Hiroshi Kamiya, known for voicing Levi Ackerman, being chosen as the younger AFO.

Many fans humorously drew connections between Levi’s rivalry with Reiner in Attack on Titan and AFO’s battle against Gigantomachia, highlighting the continuous thread of rivalry. Additionally, fans pointed out that both Levi and Eren are part of the My Hero Academia universe, as Yuki Kaji, the voice behind Eren, also lends his voice to Todoroki in the series.

“Levi still destroys Reiner in another universe lol,” one fan remarked.

“Now we got Eren and Levi in MHA,” wrote another fan.

Other fans emphasized that this voice actor transition would also affect all language dub versions of the series. Consequently, many expressed that John Swasey, the English voice actor for AFO, will be fondly remembered. Viewers also took the moment to commend the stellar production quality of My Hero Academia season 7, episode 18, noting how it effectively integrated the series’ films into the canon storyline.

Young AFO as shown in the anime (Image via Bones) — Young AFO as depicted in the anime (Image via Bones)

“I assume that means AFO’s dub VA will change too. I’ll miss it,” another fan expressed.

“YOOOO, that animation is SMOOTH! I DIDN’T EXPECT THEM TO POP OFF FOR MACHIA LIKE THAT! Thank you Bones! 😭🙏🔥🔥🔥,” one more fan commented.

“If anyone is still somehow insisting that the movies aren’t canon, just shove this episode in their face,” claimed a fan.

My Hero Academia season 7 episode 18, titled “It’s A Small World,”premiered on September 21, 2024, with episode 19 set to air on September 28, 2024. This season is planned to have 21 episodes, and a renewal for season 8 is expected to be announced soon.

Source