Fact Check: Are MHA OVAs canon?

Are MHA OVAs Canon?

The question of whether the My Hero Academia (MHA) Original Video Animations (OVAs) are considered canon has sparked considerable debate among fans of the franchise. While some sources assert that the OVAs are part of the official storyline, others claim they are non-canon and do not contribute to the overarching narrative established in the manga and anime series. This article will explore the available evidence and perspectives surrounding the canon status of MHA OVAs.

What We Know

1. Definition of Canon: In the context of anime and manga, "canon" refers to content that is officially recognized as part of the main storyline. Non-canon content typically includes side stories, filler episodes, or adaptations that do not influence the primary narrative.

2. OVAs in My Hero Academia: The MHA OVAs include several episodes, such as "Save! Rescue Training," "Training of the Dead," and "Hero League Baseball." These episodes often feature characters and themes from the main series but are typically released separately from the main storyline 37.

3. Source Claims:

   • According to CBR, the OVAs are generally considered non-canon, as they do not directly follow the events of the manga 16.
   • Conversely, Sportskeeda states that while the OVAs feature core characters, they are not part of the main storyline and thus are not canon 210.
   • My Hero Academia Wiki suggests that OVAs are often seen as supplementary content that enhances the viewing experience but does not alter the main plot 3.

4. Fan Perspectives: Discussions on platforms like MyAnimeList reveal a variety of opinions among fans, with some arguing that the OVAs should be considered canon due to their connection to beloved characters and themes 9.

Analysis

The debate over the canon status of MHA OVAs hinges on the definitions and interpretations of what constitutes "canon."

• Credibility of Sources:

  • CBR and Sportskeeda are both well-known entertainment news platforms that cover anime and manga extensively. However, they may have biases toward mainstream interpretations of canon that align with popular opinion rather than nuanced discussions 12.
  • The My Hero Academia Wiki is a community-driven resource, which can lead to varying degrees of accuracy depending on the contributors. While it provides a comprehensive overview, it may reflect the opinions of its contributors rather than definitive canon status 3.

• Methodology and Evidence: The lack of an official statement from the creators of My Hero Academia, particularly Kohei Horikoshi, complicates the determination of canon status. The OVAs are often produced by different studios and may not be directly overseen by the original creator, leading to questions about their narrative significance.

• Conflicting Information: The sources present conflicting views on the canon status of OVAs, with some asserting their non-canon status and others suggesting they have relevance to the overall narrative. This inconsistency highlights the subjective nature of canon in anime and manga, where fan interpretations can diverge significantly.

Conclusion

Verdict: Unverified

The status of My Hero Academia's OVAs as canon remains unverified due to conflicting claims from various sources. While platforms like CBR and Sportskeeda assert that the OVAs are non-canon, the My Hero Academia Wiki suggests they serve as supplementary content. The absence of an official declaration from the series' creator adds to the uncertainty surrounding their narrative significance.

It is important to recognize that the concept of canon can be subjective, influenced by personal interpretations and community discussions. The lack of consensus among credible sources indicates that the question of whether the OVAs are canon cannot be definitively answered at this time.

Readers should be aware of these limitations and critically evaluate the information available, considering the varying perspectives within the fan community and the broader context of anime and manga canon discussions.

Sources

1. Are The Three My Hero Academia Movies Canon? - CBR. Link
2. Are the My Hero Academia movies canon? - Sportskeeda. Link
3. OVAs | My Hero Academia Wiki | Fandom. Link
4. My Hero Academia Just Confirmed that the Movies Are Canon for ... - Screen Rant. Link
5. My Hero Academia movies, OVAs watch order - One Esports. Link
6. Are The My Hero Academia Movies Canon? - CBR. Link
7. My Hero Academia: Complete list of every OVA episode - Sportskeeda. Link
8. How to Watch My Hero Academia in Order - IGN. Link
9. Is it canon? - Forums - MyAnimeList. Link
10. Are the OVA episodes canon? - TimesMojo. Link