My Hero Academia's Latest Movie: A Secret Tribute to Fullmetal Alchemist!
My Hero Academia: You're Next – More Than Meets the Eye!
My Hero Academia: You're Next is an epic movie; bringing back those awesome characters from the My Hero Academia universe, adding those great action sequences that fans totally love and completely blowing up everything previously presented! But get this: it might actually be a huge love letter to another classic anime; it might actually surprise you who it really is a love letter to! It's a clever tribute to Fullmetal Alchemist. This might not come across so overtly in the initial showing but those fans online (like @ladolcevolke on X) pointed out the insane amount of similarities; a fact that might greatly surprise some fans.
The film centers around Dark Might, this seriously nasty villain leading a European crime syndicate with his seven henchmen, an evil twin to the beloved All Might. The story involves Deku teaming up with a key ally (Giulio) who is a totally badass butler with prosthetic arms and legs which are completely modified for maximum weapon impact; acting as the supporting protagonist for most of this film. And many things start looking rather familiar from here. The coincidences? Far too coincidental. They aren’t.
Fullmetal Alchemist Easter Eggs in My Hero Academia: You're Next
The sheer volume of Fullmetal Alchemist references is insane. Those parallels are almost undeniable. Giulio's prosthetics (just like Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist) are located on that same side; Dark Might's Quirk is called “Alchemy,” similar to Father; a crucial villain in Fullmetal Alchemist. And everything from there follows exactly those similar traits! It is too much!
His seven henchmen resemble those seven homunculi serving Father. The movie's theme song? "Homunculus" by Vaundy! That first villain fight even showcases “gluttony” as a thematic element, further linking directly toward those homunculi from Fullmetal Alchemist! This entire film seems to have been constructed with those Easter eggs in mind. Everything feels intentional!
Dark Might's plan mirrors Father's world domination ambition and experimentation upon those deemed unnecessary in this evil scheme; showcasing many elements which made Fullmetal Alchemist one of those cult-classic anime for those who have either watched it already, or simply have seen elements of it somewhere.
They use a Quirk (Anna Scervino's Overmodification Quirk) akin to Fullmetal Alchemist's Philosopher's Stone. It enhances powers—at a cost to others (in this case, mainly Anna). These similar abilities; methods; actions and aims demonstrate a deep and conscious borrowing which completely reshapes that original storyline within the My Hero Academia narrative; creating a totally unique storyline for those familiar, creating a familiar atmosphere for those involved!
My Hero Academia's History of Shout-Outs
My Hero Academia isn’t a stranger to borrowing inspiration. Kohei Horikoshi (the creator) totally loves Star Wars— locations like Kamino Ward and Gunga Mountain Villa totally reference Star Wars! He borrowed so much for many elements. He lifted Admiral Ackbar (from Star Wars) creating Timothy Agpar! It’s even greater when noticing that his villains also draw inspiration from many things, showing a variety of those external borrowings and inspiration taken for many unique visual aspects.
Why All Those Fullmetal Alchemist References?
It might actually be an incredible 25th anniversary tribute for Bones Studio (the makers of both anime)! This celebrates their history, showing they really do want to honor Fullmetal Alchemist—a wildly famous series! They were likely very conscious in placing references so everywhere; it is something even passing viewers might pick up. It was so deliberate; a choice to ensure they are picked up as these in-jokes were included, made totally visible within the larger context of You're Next.
Many viewers might not notice everything initially but some very distinct thematic undercurrents made its inclusion so perfectly seamless within its intended universe!
Conclusion: A Hilarious Nod and Amazing Storytelling!
My Hero Academia: You're Next isn't simply another My Hero Academia movie; it's this unbelievably clever, delightful combination of that original storyline. It also demonstrates creative intelligence that completely showcases why the original anime remains wildly beloved; even demonstrating how the borrowing from another production within its own universe did not detract or somehow negatively affect it. Those Fullmetal Alchemist references? Not some sloppy oversight, rather conscious decisions; creating those humorous connections that makes all of You’re Next even more brilliant and fun.
