My Hero Academia: Season One

The debut season of this anime series introduces viewers to middle-school student Izuku Midoriya, who is living in a world where superheroes have special powers known as “quirks.” Naturally, Izuku longs to be a superhero, but he has no super abilities. One day, Izuku is saved from an assault by All Might, the world's greatest superhero, and when Izuku later proves his heroism by rushing in to save a schoolmate, All Might decides to pass his quirk on to Izuku. But All Might is also concerned that Izuku is not physically or emotionally ready for this new power. Thus, Izuku must undergo extensive training before being enrolled in a special high school for young superheroes. The concept of My Hero Academia is cute, and the series does boast a goofy charm, but ultimately the plots become predictable and the story trajectory seems stuck in endless variations of how misfit Izuku will be able to save the day. Presenting all 13 episodes from the 2016 first season in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, extras include “Inside the Episode” segments, and Anime Expo 2016 events (interviews, a panel discussion, and artist sketches). A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)