Summary

• Horikoshi wraps up My Hero Academia characters' stories, avoiding further universe expansion.
• The author uses Terminator 2 as an example to explain his decision on character backstories.
• Spin-offs like Vigilantes explore past characters, but Horikoshi shuts down sequels or prequels.

The My Hero Academia manga is finishing soon after a milestone of 10 years of serialization. Its author, Kohei Horikoshi, wrapped up the heroes and villains' character arcs, driving their stories to a satisfactory ending. However, while fans of the series are asking for more material that complements the story of My Hero Academia, as there are many characters whose backstories haven’t been completely explored yet, Horikoshi has stated that he doesn’t have an interest in expanding the series' universe for the time being.

In an interview with Viz Media, Horikoshi talked about the popularity and influence behind the series. When asked about having characters whose stories he wanted to develop more but didn’t have the chance, the author revealed that he created characters and backstories that he purposely left out of the main storyline as part of the narrative structure that he wanted for the series.

Horikoshi expressed content with what he included in the original story and officially shut down any chances of a prequel for My Hero Academia.

My Hero Academia’s Creator Is Satisfied With the Story

Horikoshi Refers To the Movie Terminator 2 as an Inspiration for Excluding Some of the Characters’ Backstories

The author Horikoshi uses the popular movie Terminator 2 as an example when asked if he would be willing to draw in the future the backstories he created that weren’t included in the main story, explaining that in the film, while the existence of a future timeline is known, it is not developed at any point. Rather than resorting to flashbacks to disclose the events of the future, James Cameron's film instead casually dropped different pieces of information that could be interpreted by the viewers.

Rather than drawing out all the well-thought-out backgrounds and episodes, I wanted to hint at those elements instead. For instance, in Terminator 2, John Connor becomes a leader in the future, and Schwarzenegger’s character is sent from that future world. But there aren’t many depictions of the future itself. Because the future isn’t depicted in detail, the viewers’ imaginations expand, and I thought that was really great. - Kohei Horikoshi

That is what Horikoshi intended for the series, itting he wanted to create something like Terminator 2 by having My Hero Academia’s universe extend beyond what the reader can see and instead be filled in with their imagination. Because of this, the author confidently affirms he doesn’t feel there’s anything missing in the story. The fact that Horikoshi is already happy and not interested in further expanding the series confirms fans shouldn't expect a prequel spin-off of My Hero Academia.

Fans Will Never See the Complete Stories of One for All Past s

There Are Many Characters in My Hero Academia Whose Stories Could Be Fleshed Out

Horikoshi specifically stated that he wrote detailed stories of the previous One For All holders. The revelation that he isn’t interested in publishing these backstories is sad news for fans who expected to see at some point the past of every OFA inheritor, especially Kudo and Bruce, who, as leaders of the resistance against AFO and the ones who saved Yoichi Shigaraki, could star an exciting plot, different from the themes addressed in My Hero Academia.

The worldbuilding in My Hero Academia is one of the most interesting aspects of the series, with many characters having fascinating conflicts that could make them the protagonists of their own series. One of these characters is the former member of the Hero Public Safety Commission who later turns into a villain, Kaina Tsutsumi, known as Lady Nagant.

In an extra page in My Hero Academia volume 32, Horikoshi revealed additional information about Lady Nagant's past, saying that it was an abridged version since he could probably fill an entire volume with her full backstory. The author went as far as saying that he would like to write a short story about Lady Nagant, which shows that he has now changed his mind from his past statements.

Once this series is over, I'd like to write a short story called "The Lovely Lady Nagant: The Brightest Caged Star." It'll probably never happen. Why not? Because I'm exhausted and need to sleep! - Kohei Horikoshi

Another character whose story wasn’t fully developed was Star and Stripe, America's number 1 Pro hero, whose short appearance in the series still consolidates her as one of the strongest and most charismatic heroes, leaving fans wanting to see more about her and how her overpowered quirk works in different battles.

Will There Ever Be a Sequel To My Hero Academia?

My Hero Academia May Lack a Sequel, But Has a Few Excellent Spin-Offs

Even if Horikoshi won't develop additional backstories from My Hero Academia, the spin-off series Vigilantes is an official prequel that shows the past of some main characters, like All for One and Eraser Head. Additionally, the series also counts with two more spin-off mangas, My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions and My Hero Academia: Smash!!. Also, although My Hero Academia recently announced a new spin-off, judging by the previous instances, it is safe to assume it will just be a one-chapter special based on the movie My Hero Academia: You're Next.

It's not a secret that Horikoshi has been struggling with his health in the past years due to the exhausting work of a weekly serialization; however, My Hero Academia could follow the examples of other series where the sequel is drawn by a different artist, such as Boruto and Dragon Ball Super.

Whether Horikoshi’s statement closes the door to a sequel of My Hero Academia in the future is something that remains to be seen, but certainly shuts down the possibility of a spin-off prequel about the lives of the previous OFA holders. What is certain is that Horikoshi should enjoy a well-deserved rest after the final chapter of My Hero Academia.

Source: Viz Media.