My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 10: The Fire, The Ice, and The Vow That Changed Everything

If you’ve been glued to My Hero Academia’s final season like I have, then Episode 10 (“The Girl Who Loves Smiles”) hits you right in the feels—equal parts fiery, heartfelt, and just a little chaotic (in the best way possible). Produced by Bones (the studio that turns every fight scene into a work of art) and directed by Kenji Nagasaki and Naomi Nakayama, this episode doesn’t just push the plot forward—it digs into the characters we’ve grown up with, giving us moments that feel raw, real, and totally relatable.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: Bakugo. Oh, Bakugo. This episode gives him a moment we’ve all been waiting for. After his loss, that shocked, wide-eyed expression (you know the one—fans on MyAnimeList couldn’t stop meme-ing it) quickly melts into a fiery vow to be number one. It’s not just anger—it’s vulnerability. As one fan put it, “Bakugo’s declaration to Deku that he’d become number one was really awesome—portrays how convicted his character is.” And let’s talk about the soundtrack during that scene: chef’s kiss. The OST here is so good, I caught myself replaying the clip just to listen again (shoutout to everyone online raving about how it gave them chills).

Then there’s Todoroki. Can we take a second to gush about how OP his Half-Cold Half-Hot quirk is? Freezing an entire building? That’s next-level stuff. Fans were hyped to finally get more screen time of him in action—one comment even said, “Todoroki was OP! It figures Bakugo wouldn’t believe Midoriya, but at least Midoriya told him.” His calm yet intense energy balances out Bakugo’s chaos perfectly, and it’s clear he’s going to be a key player in the final showdown.

But it’s not all serious—this episode has its funny moments too. Mineta staring at Momo’s ass? Classic Mineta move, and fans couldn’t help but laugh (even if it’s a little cringey). We also get quick snippets of other students showing off their quirks: Tokoyami’s shadow quirk looks cool as hell, and Momo’s strategic mind shines through as always. These small moments remind us why Class 1-A is so beloved—they’re not just heroes in training; they’re kids with flaws, jokes, and big dreams.

And let’s not skip the post-credits scene. Shigaraki’s appearance? Chills. Fans were losing it over his creepy voice (some said it’s “perfectly evil”) and the hint of what’s to come. It’s the kind of tease that makes you lean in and go, “Oh, this is gonna get messy.”

Now, about pacing—some fans thought it was a bit slow, with only one chapter adapted. But honestly? The extra moments (like Todoroki’s extended fight scene) add depth the manga might have missed. As one commenter noted, “I liked what they added to the fights—it made Todoroki seem a lot more badass.” Those little touches make the anime feel alive.

Overall, Episode 10 is a solid addition to the final season. It balances emotional character beats with hype action, and leaves us craving more. Whether you’re here for Bakugo’s growth, Todoroki’s power, or just the thrill of seeing Class 1-A in action, this episode delivers. And with the final season speeding toward its conclusion, every moment feels like a piece of the puzzle falling into place.

If you haven’t watched it yet—stop scrolling and go. And if you have? Let’s be real—you’re probably replaying that Bakugo-Deku conversation just like the rest of us. Hero Academia’s final season isn’t holding back, and this episode proves the best is yet to come.

P.S. Shoutout to all the animators who had to draw Shigaraki’s hands—you’re the real heroes here. ✋🔥❄️