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Crunchyroll Streams Final My Hero Academia Short, Concluding the Franchises Anime Run
Fans of the world‑building hero saga can finally say goodbye as Crunchyroll drops the last My Hero Academia short, "I am a hero too," completing the anime adaptation of Kōhei Horikoshi’s manga. The one‑episode ONA, now available in both Japanese and English audio, adapts the final five pages of the source material that appeared in the My Hero Academia Ultra Age fan book released after the series’ conclusion.
The brief feature follows Eri—who survived the climactic battles of the manga—as she reflects on her life and the world she helped shape. It is the final piece of official canon produced for the franchise, following the eighth and last season of the television series, which aired from October 4 to December 13, 2025. That season covered chapters 399–430 of the manga and concluded with an epilogue special that aired in early 2026.
Horikoshi’s manga ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from July 2014 until August 2024, ending with 42 tankōbon volumes. The anime, produced by Bones, followed the manga’s storyline through eight seasons and a series of films and OVAs. The final season was directed by Kenji Nagasaki and Naomi Nakayama, with Horikoshi providing original scenes not found in the manga.
The short’s release on Crunchyroll was announced after the spring epilogue special. According to the platform, the piece is a concise farewell that centers on Eri’s perspective, offering closure for fans who followed her arc from the first volume. The title, "I am a hero too," echoes the series’ central theme of ordinary individuals becoming heroes.
While the anime has wrapped, the broader franchise remains active. A live‑action film adaptation is in development by Legendary Entertainment and Toho, with a planned Netflix release. The project has attracted writers such as Jason Fuchs, known for Wonder Woman and IT: Welcome to Derry, and director Shunsuke Sato, who previously helmed Bleach.
The franchise’s popularity is reflected in its commercial success. By April 2024, the manga had over 100 million copies in circulation, placing it among the best‑selling manga series. The anime has been licensed in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, and has been streamed on platforms including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
Industry observers note that the final short does not preclude future projects. The franchise’s 10th anniversary of the anime’s debut in 2016 coincides with the release of the live‑action film, and the series’ fan base remains engaged through merchandise, stage plays, and video games. However, the short confirms that the original canon created by Horikoshi has reached its conclusion.
As of now, no new anime seasons or additional original content have been announced beyond the live‑action film. The short’s release on Crunchyroll provides a definitive endpoint for the anime narrative, while the franchise continues to explore other media formats.
With the short available, viewers can watch the complete arc—from the first episode in 2016 to the final reflection in 2026—without leaving the platform. The series’ legacy, spanning manga, anime, films, and live‑action adaptations, remains a significant case study in long‑running Japanese media franchises.
In summary, the release of "I am a hero too" on Crunchyroll marks the end of My Hero Academia’s anime journey. The short adapts the last pages of the manga, offers closure for Eri’s story, and confirms that the franchise’s original canon has concluded. The live‑action film remains in development, and the franchise’s broader media presence continues to thrive.
The brief feature follows Eri—who survived the climactic battles of the manga—as she reflects on her life and the world she helped shape. It is the final piece of official canon produced for the franchise, following the eighth and last season of the television series, which aired from October 4 to December 13, 2025. That season covered chapters 399–430 of the manga and concluded with an epilogue special that aired in early 2026.
Horikoshi’s manga ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from July 2014 until August 2024, ending with 42 tankōbon volumes. The anime, produced by Bones, followed the manga’s storyline through eight seasons and a series of films and OVAs. The final season was directed by Kenji Nagasaki and Naomi Nakayama, with Horikoshi providing original scenes not found in the manga.
The short’s release on Crunchyroll was announced after the spring epilogue special. According to the platform, the piece is a concise farewell that centers on Eri’s perspective, offering closure for fans who followed her arc from the first volume. The title, "I am a hero too," echoes the series’ central theme of ordinary individuals becoming heroes.
While the anime has wrapped, the broader franchise remains active. A live‑action film adaptation is in development by Legendary Entertainment and Toho, with a planned Netflix release. The project has attracted writers such as Jason Fuchs, known for Wonder Woman and IT: Welcome to Derry, and director Shunsuke Sato, who previously helmed Bleach.
The franchise’s popularity is reflected in its commercial success. By April 2024, the manga had over 100 million copies in circulation, placing it among the best‑selling manga series. The anime has been licensed in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, and has been streamed on platforms including Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
Industry observers note that the final short does not preclude future projects. The franchise’s 10th anniversary of the anime’s debut in 2016 coincides with the release of the live‑action film, and the series’ fan base remains engaged through merchandise, stage plays, and video games. However, the short confirms that the original canon created by Horikoshi has reached its conclusion.
As of now, no new anime seasons or additional original content have been announced beyond the live‑action film. The short’s release on Crunchyroll provides a definitive endpoint for the anime narrative, while the franchise continues to explore other media formats.
With the short available, viewers can watch the complete arc—from the first episode in 2016 to the final reflection in 2026—without leaving the platform. The series’ legacy, spanning manga, anime, films, and live‑action adaptations, remains a significant case study in long‑running Japanese media franchises.
In summary, the release of "I am a hero too" on Crunchyroll marks the end of My Hero Academia’s anime journey. The short adapts the last pages of the manga, offers closure for Eri’s story, and confirms that the franchise’s original canon has concluded. The live‑action film remains in development, and the franchise’s broader media presence continues to thrive.
