’My Hero Academia’ Season 7 Episode 18 review: “It’s A Small World”

Things finally get exceptionally worse for the heroes in My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18. With only three episodes left in the tremendous seventh season, “It’s a Small World” digs its heels in. There are no easy solutions to the war these characters have found themselves in. And while the adult heroes are trying their best to keep the students away from the worst type of carnage, they’re still bearing the brunt of great evil. And, once again, they must step up, emboldened by what they’ve learned, who they’ve lost, and the fighting spirit that makes them burgeoning heroes in the first place. 

As has been the case for much of Season 7,  Episode 18 highlights smaller supporting players. One of these is Mina, a character whose flashy quirk doesn’t always get the same recognition as her male peers. In “It’s A Small World,” she gets to wield it to its full potential, repaying Kirishima for saving her in Season 6. 

Gigantomachia has been a looming threat throughout the war, a presence that could immediately spell quick disaster for the heroes. But his presence here is quickly turned on its head. Yes, he escapes, but heroes are in place to utilize his mass and strength to their own benefit. Mina, Shinso, and Kirishima make for a superb group of young heroes. Their distinctive quirks are so vastly different that they make for a formidable trio. Mt. Lady is also an excellent presence, as we saw her in Season 6 launch herself at Gigantomachia in a desperate effort to keep him from getting to the city. 

But while Shinso tries to brainwash Gigantomachia, the Sludge Villian from Season 1 envelops him. Mina, pushing her quirk to the limit in a tremendous demonstration of strength, can defeat the Sludge Villain while damaging Machia — a villain who has long tormented her. Mina’s part of the story is pivotal as it anchors viewers to the losses that have transpired throughout this drawn-out battle. We can’t forget Midnight’s death, and Mina uses that loss as a means to fortify her strength and resolve despite her fear. 

The animation further bolsters this moment. Through observing Bakugo and Todoroki, she finds a new way to use her quirk. The animation visualizes this, zapping half of her body of the signature pink to demonstrate her utilization of her power flow.

But she is just one character given the requisite hero moment in an episode full of them. Shinso, too, continues to demonstrate just how far he’s come as he’s able to successfully brainwash Machia — though the latter’s anger also drives him towards All for One. Kirishima blocks one of the de-aging All For One’s blasts, protecting Shinso. Even Mineta gets a genuine moment of selflessness as he begs (in his own way) All For One to take his quirk instead of Tokoyami’s.

The latter hits the peak of bleakness in My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18. After regenerating again, All For One wastes the heroes surrounding him. In one of the most substantial wins of the villains, All For One steals Hawks’s quirk, leaving him decimated. It’s a bruising sequence, watching as the number two hero becomes so broken and powerless. This is especially true as his main objective is to create a safer society where heroes won’t be as necessary. 

It’s also why Mineta’s cries to protect Tokoyami ring so potently despite how aggressively repellent the character can be. He pleads with All For One not to separate Tokoyami from Dark Shadow — Dark Shadow, who just acted as the hero in their fight against the so-called “Demon Lord.” These characters, even the most frustrating and cringe-inducing, have depth to them. They’re fighting for a reason. 

Shōji Ikeno, who last directed the excellent “Together with Shoji”, directs and storyboards, and his stylistic flare is evident. He’s able to create scale even in the more intimate moments. We don’t lose the details even throughout the barrage of fighting. The character design of All For One as he weaponizes multiple quirks continues to play with monstrous figures and shape-shifting. The only downside of “It’s A Small World” is realizing how many of the big storylines still need closure. Or, at the very least, reappearances from. 

Bakugou is still bleeding out, and Uraraka is honing in on Toga. The Todoroki’s are facing a reckoning, while Aizawa and Present Mic have disappeared. And, of course, Midoriya remains in mid-fight with a Shigaraki who just experienced a significant power-up. Episode 18 does exceptional work with its’ supporting cast. It builds some deeply profound moments due to the work done to get them to these places. But it’s hard not to miss the main action.

My Hero Academia Season 7 Episode 18, “It’s a Small World” is out now on Crunchyroll with new episodes each Saturday.

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Images courtesy of Studio Bones/Crunchyroll.