Yes, My Hero Academia’s Epilogue Is Canon: Here’s Why

The My Hero Academia manga series has come to an end with the release of the new epilogue found in volume #42. This extensive and lovingly crafted final entry to the story of Deku and his friends did an excellent job addressing many of the concerns fans had over chapter #430. Through its 38 pages, fans were able to once again connect and enjoy their time with their time with their favorite characters.

Nonetheless, due to this epilogue being released as extra content after the final chapter, many fans wonder if its contents are considered canon. The answer to this question is yes, as this has been confirmed by Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of the franchise, in a special message. The author confirmed with this note that the epilogue, also referred to as chapter #431, is the final official entry.

Horikoshi Confirms Chapter #431 Is Canon

The Series Comes To An End After The Epilogue

The afterword written by Horikoshi as a thank-you note to fans in volume #42 of the My Hero Academia manga reveals many details about the process of ending this beloved story. Chapter #429 is confirmed to be the ending of Deku’s tale, which centered around his quest to become the greatest hero in history. The author continues by explaining that the last two entries in the series served as extra content, comparing it with secret unlockable content in video games. While not a part of the overarching plot of the series, they are nonetheless canon.

With the next chapter, 431, I will put down the camera and release the characters from their drama.

– Kohei Horikoshi.

Horikoshi ends this memorable message by letting readers know that chapter #431, also known as the epilogue of volume #42, marks the definitive end of the manga’s story. The author went on to comment that he has released the cast from their drama, implying that their adventures during the final entry will be the last fans will see of them, at least until further notice. With these simple but moving words, the story of My Hero Academia comes to an end, while also proving that the epilogue of volume #42 is considered canon by the creator.

Horikoshi’s final sentence was likely included to erase any confusion that the epilogue might have generated among the fandoms. Many fans, mostly those who were not completely satisfied with the ending, wondered if chapter #431 was indeed officially the ending of the series. Now, thanks to the creator’s confirmation, there is no denying that the series’ final entry is the true ending to Deku’s story. Midoriya obtaining his powerful and intricately designed armor, confessing to Ochako, and remaining a teacher at U.A. are all part of his ending.

Shipper Refused To Believe The Ending

Fans Of Certain Couples Were Not Happy With Deku’s Confession

It is no secret that the My Hero Academia fandom is known for “shipping” characters together, a fact that has caused many issues in the past. Whenever a couple was either confirmed or hinted at as the story progressed, readers who did not support that pairing would refuse to accept it. Such is the case of Deku confessing his feelings for Uraraka during chapter #431. During the final moments of the chapter, Izuku and Ochako meet on their way back home.

Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Midoriya confesses his feelings for his best friend, stating that he wants to stay with her forever. Although this moment was a source of joy for a large portion of the fandom, fans who believed Deku should have ended up with another character did not want to accept it as canon. Woefully, Horikoshi’s afterword clarifies that the events of the epilogue are official, making Izuku and Ochako’s relationship official after many years of waiting.

Deku and Ochako Were Destined To Be Together

The Series Made It Clear Their Relationship Was Endgame

While the revelation of Izuku and Ochako becoming a couple during the ending of chapter #431 might not have been approved by a portion of the fandom, the series had already hinted at this occurring. Throughout the series, both characters make their feelings for each other apparent to anyone but themselves. Even though Uraraka tried to hide her emotions, fearing that she would become a burden to her friends, she could no longer deny the truth during her fight against Toga. In chapter #394, this long-awaited romance was finally confirmed when Ochako admitted her love for Deku.

From that point onwards, it was just a matter of time before the series decided to make fans’ dreams a reality and make Izuku and Uraraka a canon couple. Moreover, it was by far one of the most popular ships among readers of the manga, making it a perfect candidate for official status. This might be disappointing for fans who wished to see Deku end up with another character, but the evidence of this occurring at some point in the manga was always there.

Deku and Ochako’s Confession Helped Fix The Ending

The Ambiguity Of Their Relationship Was A Concern For Fans

When chapter #430 of My Hero Academia was released, one of the main complaints fans had about it was the unclear status of Izuku and Ochako’s relationship. Many details pointed at them having become official, yet nothing was made explicitly clear. Such an ambiguous ending to their love story left fans unsatisfied, as they could neither celebrate their union nor mourn the ending of the ship. Chapter #431 addressing this event and giving readers a clear and concise answer was one of the best moves Horikoshi could have made.

Despite not all fans being pleased with this outcome, as proven by the need for clarification on the canon status of the chapter, it helped the epilogue have a sense of finality. Followers of the series have nothing more to ask of Deku’s story, as they have already seen him conquer the biggest of evils, fight some of the strongest villains in the series, and achieve his happy ending. His confession to Ochako was a perfect way to say goodbye to this beloved manga, as it was one of the few hanging threads left from the plot.

As Deku and Uraraka begin a new chapter in their lives, it is time for fans to say goodbye to the beloved cast of My Hero Academia. This ten-year-long journey has left a mark on millions of fans across the world, who will remember the adventure created by Horikoshi fondly. It is an amazing series that should be celebrated for years to come.