Boku no Hero Academia: Final Season [Season 8 Episode 3]

My Hero Academia: Final Season – Episode 3: A Bittersweet Farewell to Our Heroic Journey

Let’s cut to the chase: after nine years of following Izuku Midoriya’s rise from quirkless underdog to symbol of hope, My Hero Academia’s final season has wrapped up, and fans are feeling all the feels. Episode 3 isn’t just another episode—it’s the end of an era, and the internet is buzzing with everything from tearful goodbyes to hot takes on that controversial time skip.

First, let’s get the basics straight. Produced by Bones and directed by Kenji Nagasaki and Naomi Nakayama, the eighth and final season of Boku no Hero Academia (as it’s known in Japan) aired from October 4 to December 13, 2025. It’s the culmination of a story that’s been with us since 2016, and Episode 3 pulls no punches in tying up loose ends—for better or worse.

If you’re here for the feels, you won’t be disappointed. Fans are raving about the emotional beats, like the scene where an old lady helps an abused kid, a quiet moment that hits harder than any explosion. “That scene symbolizes why we love this show,” one fan gushed. “It’s not just about flashy quirks—it’s about the small acts of heroism that change lives.” And let’s talk about the ending song: Bump of Chicken’s “I” has already become a fan favorite, with listeners calling it a “perfect send-off” that tugs at the heartstrings.

But it’s not all sunshine and victory poses. The time skip has divided the fandom like a villain’s quirk. Some are living for the adult versions of our favorite characters—Mirio’s grown-up hero look? Chef’s kiss. But others are salty about who didn’t get screen time. “Where’s Nejire?” one fan demanded. “They showed Mirio but left out my girl? Unforgivable.” And then there’s Deku’s future: teaching at UA instead of being a full-time hero. “If they were gonna let him be a hero again anyway, why tease us with the teacher gig?” another fan grumbled. “Bait and switch much?”

Let’s be real, though—this finale is all about nostalgia. Fans who’ve stuck around since Season 1 are getting emotional over how far the characters have come. “Seeing the kids grow up made me feel like a proud older brother,” one viewer shared. “I smiled through the whole episode… and may have cried a little at the end.” The series’ signature message—“Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!”—still hits hard, even if the ending isn’t perfect.

Critics have their say, too. Some call the finale “serviceable but not mind-blowing,” pointing out pacing issues and unresolved plotlines. “It’s an alright ending,” one reviewer admitted. “But compared to the highs of Season 2 or the lows of Season 5, it’s just… okay.” Others praise the animation quality, with Bones delivering smooth fight scenes and vibrant visuals that remind us why we fell in love with the show in the first place.

And let’s not forget the shipping drama. Uraraka and Deku shippers are mourning the lack of a romantic resolution. “They built up their chemistry for years, and we got nothing?” one fan lamented. “I waited the whole episode for a confession!” Meanwhile, Bakugou stans are celebrating his character growth—from arrogant bully to Deku’s ride-or-die. “His arc was chef’s kiss,” another fan tweeted. “Who would’ve thought the guy who called Deku ‘Deku’ would end up being his greatest ally?”

The final moments of Episode 3 leave us with a mix of closure and longing. Deku, now a teacher, stands alongside his friends, proving that heroism isn’t just about powers—it’s about passing the torch. “The ending reminds us that heroism is a team sport,” a fan noted. “Deku’s friends finally get to be the ones supporting him, and that’s beautiful.”

But let’s not sugarcoat it: the ending isn’t for everyone. Some fans are disappointed by the anti-climactic feel of Deku’s future—no world-saving missions, no epic battles, just a 9-to-5 teaching job. “It feels like the number one hero got a desk job,” one critic sighed. “Where’s the grand finale we deserved?”

Still, for most fans, the good outweighs the bad. My Hero Academia has been more than an anime—it’s been a companion. “This show was there for me through high school, college, and everything in between,” a long-time viewer shared. “Crying, cheering, laughing—this journey has been unforgettable.”

As the credits roll and Bump of Chicken’s “I” plays one last time, it’s clear that My Hero Academia’s legacy will live on. Whether you’re diving into the movies and OVAs or re-reading the manga, the world of quirks and heroes isn’t going anywhere.

So, what’s next? Fans are already hyped for the upcoming OVA, set to release in 2026, and speculating about spin-offs like Vigilante. But for now, let’s raise a glass to Deku, Bakugou, Uraraka, and the rest of Class 1-A. They may have hung up their hero costumes (for now), but their impact on anime—and on us—will never fade.

Go Beyond, Plus Ultra. Thanks for everything, My Hero Academia.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A serviceable but heartfelt ending to a modern classic. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours. And that’s enough.

— A fan who’s already replaying the ending song.

P.S. If you need us, we’ll be in the corner re-watching Season 2’s Sports Festival arc. No spoilers.