Did Bakugo's return cause My Hero Academia final season to surpass One Piece?

When My Hero Academia Final Season Episode 2 dropped, the anime world collectively lost its mind. Fans watched, screamed, cried, and then immediately rushed to IMDb to see that this episode had earned a 9.8/10 rating, the highest in the series’ history.

The comeback of Katsuki Bakugo, in a moment that perfectly embodied the soul of the series, sent shockwaves through the fandom. But here is the real question: Did Bakugo’s return actually push My Hero Academia to surpass One Piece? The short answer: Not quite. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t come close.

Bakugo’s return was far more than a simple “power moment.” Thematically, it was the emotional spine of Episode 2. Midoriya’s desperation, All Might’s near collapse, and the silence that accompanied Bakugo’s reappearance all converged into one of the most impactful sequences of the entire series.

Unlike most battle-heavy shonen scenes that rely on loud soundtracks and over-the-top action, this episode’s brilliance came from what it didn’t do. No soaring score, no sudden exposition, just the quiet devastation of a broken world and the return of a boy who once saw himself as the cause of his idol’s downfall.

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Why are fans calling this “Peak Hero Academia”?

Episode 2 was more than a return; it was a rebirth. From Gentle Criminal’s exhausted stand to Momo fighting on near-empty reserves, everyone’s resilience mirrors All Might’s legacy. This episode reminded fans what the series is about: Carrying on the will of the symbol of peace.

Bakugo’s reappearance wasn’t flashy or bombastic; it was emotional. His silhouette emerging from the smoke-plumed battlefield, the All Might card clenched in his hand, spoke louder than any explosion could.

And when you realize that the opening scene foreshadowed this, the boy inspired by All Might, now returning as his savior, the storytelling hits on a spiritual level. No wonder fans flooded social media with cries of “Bakugo, you will always be famous.”

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Comparing the ratings war between My Hero Academia and One Piece

Now, let’s look at the numbers. Ratings of My Hero Academia Final Season episodes so far:

• Episode 1: 9.7/10
• Episode 2: 9.8/10

That is a massive surge. With only two episodes out, the final season has already hit a new peak for the franchise. However, One Piece, currently deep into the Egghead Arc, remains the long-reigning king.

Episodes 1131 to 1142 consistently rank between 9.1 and 9.8, with some matching or slightly surpassing My Hero Academia’s latest score. In short, while MHA may have achieved its personal best, One Piece hasn’t been dethroned yet.

One Piece’s Egghead episodes have been nothing short of historic, showcasing Oda’s world-building, Toei’s elevated animation, and climactic storytelling that has kept the series at the top for decades. So even though Bakugo’s comeback episode is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, One Piece still maintains its numerical lead overall.

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Why does the comparison still matter?

The fact that fans are even debating this question says everything about where My Hero Academia stands in 2025. Years ago, few would’ve expected it to rival the juggernaut that is One Piece in terms of ratings, discussion, and weekly anticipation. But this season proves that My Hero Academia has entered its own “Final Saga” greatness era.

Both anime are at creative highs, One Piece with its thrilling Egghead revelations, and MHA with its character-driven catharsis. The difference lies in tone: One Piece’s excitement comes from its scope, while My Hero Academia’s brilliance comes from intimacy, from watching heroes who are emotionally and physically drained still find the strength to stand back up.

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Final verdict

Did Bakugo’s return cause My Hero Academia Final Season to surpass One Piece? Not numerically but emotionally, maybe yes. One Piece may still reign supreme in ratings, but My Hero Academia just delivered an episode that will be remembered alongside anime’s greatest moments. And in the hearts of fans, that might matter even more than a 9.8.