As the world of heroes braces for its climactic chapter, Marvel Comics has swung into action with a stunning crossover tribute that fuses the high-octane energy of My Hero Academia with the web-slinging swagger of its own iconic universe. In a bold artistic nod to the anime's explosive protagonist, Katsuki Bakugo, Marvel has unveiled a fresh piece of artwork reimagining the hot-headed hero in the unmistakable style of Miles Morales, the beloved Spider-Man.
The illustration, crafted by acclaimed Marvel artist Olivier Coipel – known for his dynamic work on titles like House of X and The Amazing Spider-Man – captures Bakugo mid-leap in a gravity-defying pose that echoes Morales' signature web-swinging flair. Clad in his signature black-and-orange hero garb, complete with grenade-like gauntlets and a utility belt, Bakugo hurtles forward with palms outstretched, unleashing a cascade of crackling explosions that mimic the tensile pull of spider silk. His spiky blond hair whips back in the wind, eyes narrowed in fierce determination, while vibrant red high-top sneakers – a subtle homage to Morales' streetwise Brooklyn roots – dangle playfully from his suspended form. The background bursts with fiery oranges and purples, blending the inferno of Bakugo's quirk with the urban grit of a New York skyline at dusk, creating a visual explosion that bridges two powerhouse franchises.
This isn't the first time Marvel and My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi have crossed paths in the creative ether. Horikoshi has long cited Spider-Man as a profound influence on his storytelling, with protagonist Izuku Midoriya's journey of self-discovery and makeshift heroism drawing direct parallels to Peter Parker's everyman struggles. Previous collaborations have included limited-edition manga covers and promotional illustrations, but this latest tribute stands out for its timely alignment with My Hero Academia's swan song. As the series hurtles toward its conclusion after nearly a decade of serialized adventures in Weekly Shonen Jump and seven prior anime seasons, the artwork serves as a symbolic handoff – passing the torch from one generation of heroes to another.
Coipel's piece masterfully translates Bakugo's volatile personality into Morales' agile athleticism. Where Bakugo's Explosion quirk typically dominates with raw destructive force, here it's rechanneled into a fluid, acrobatic motion, suggesting a hero who could hold his own in the multiverse-spanning battles of the Marvel roster. The artist's watercolor-like shading adds a layer of intensity, with sweat beads and motion blur emphasizing the split-second peril of the swing. It's a testament to how seamlessly these worlds align: both narratives thrive on themes of legacy, resilience, and the burden of power thrust upon the young.
The timing couldn't be more poignant. My Hero Academia has evolved from a tale of aspiring students at U.A. High School into a global phenomenon, amassing over 100 million manga copies sold worldwide and spawning merchandise empires, spin-off novels, and even stage plays. Its anime adaptation, produced by Bones studio, has consistently topped charts with its blend of heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and Horikoshi's intricate world-building around Quirks – superhuman abilities that define society. Season 7's star-parade finale set the stage for all-out war against the forces of villainy, leaving fans – er, viewers – on the edge of their seats. This Marvel tribute arrives as a hype-builder, reminding audiences that even in its final arc, My Hero Academia packs the punch to rival any Avengers-level showdown.
As the dust settles on this artistic fusion, one can't help but ponder future possibilities. Could we see a full-fledged comic one-shot pitting Class 1-A against the Sinister Six? Or perhaps Horikoshi sketching a web-headed Deku? For now, though, the focus sharpens on the battles ahead in the anime's endgame.
Near the conclusion of this explosive reveal, the artwork's essence is summed up perfectly: Bakugo does his best "thwip" before the final season airs later today.
Fans eager to dive into the fray can catch the final season of My Hero Academia streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll, with simulcast episodes available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The first episode premieres today, October 4, 2025, at 2:30 a.m. PT / 5:30 a.m. ET, kicking off weekly releases every Saturday.
Watch the trailer for the final season of My Hero Academia here:
Source: Marvel Comics on X (@MarvelComicsHQ).
