My Hero Academia ONA
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Episode 1: HLB HLB stands for "Hero League of Baseball"—it is a baseball league founded by pro-heroes who love baseball! It's game day! The last game of HLB championship is between Gang Orca and Shishido's two rival agencies. They form a team ("Orcas" and "Lionels") to compete. In the world of HLB, there is no rule—using their Quirks is of course accepted; however, just when the game is about to finish, they are interrupted by a villain. Who will be the winner of HLB?! Episode 2: Laugh! As if you are in hell Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki participate in an internship under the No.1 hero, Endeavor's agency. One of their tasks these days is to find a villain ("Smiley") who draws doodles in the city; however, since the urgency is so low, they let other pro-heroes solve this case. One day, Smiley draws a doodle on Endeavor's house! Being furious, Endeavor himself and the 1-A trio go out to get the villain' however, Smiley's Quirk turns out to be something ridiculous but powerful... It is to make anyone who looks into his eyes laugh hysterically! Can the team capture the villain and stop laughing?!
Audience Consensus
Audiences generally found these ONAs to be fun, lighthearted, and entertaining diversions from the main series. While not essential to the plot, they are appreciated for their humor, vibrant animation, and the opportunity to see characters in relaxed, silly situations. However, some viewers noted a lack of narrative depth and the episodes' disposable nature.
Strengths
- Provides a fun and entertaining break from the main series' tension
- Animation is bright, colorful, and energetic, with quirks popping off the screen
- Features creative and inventive use of superpowers in a sports context
- Offers wholesome and heartwarming interactions between characters, including supporting cast
- Humorous and lighthearted tone allows for silly and amusing character moments
Weaknesses
- Completely skippable and non-essential to the main plot
- Lacks significant narrative interest, character development, or conflict
- Can feel disposable and lacks depth for those not invested in baseball
- Pacing can sometimes feel overwhelming with too much happening on screen