My Hero Academia, Vol. 31: Izuku Midoriya and Toshinori Yagi

Volume 31 of My Hero Academia was created by mangaka Kohei Horikoshi as part of the series' intense final acts. Published in Japan in 2021 and subsequently by VIZ Media for English-language audiences, this volume focuses on the thematic weight of the mentorship between the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, and his predecessor, Toshinori Yagi, also known as All Might. The narrative shift here marks a period of significant isolation for the main character as the story moves toward its climax, reflecting Horikoshi’s exploration of the burden carried by those who inherit supreme power.

The cover design is quintessentially Horikoshi, featuring a striking, reflective composition that emphasizes the connection between Midoriya and Yagi. Stylistically, the artwork utilizes sharp linework and bold contrast to convey the emotional exhaustion and shifting dynamics of the cast as the overarching conflict with All For One escalates. The volume was well-received by fans and critics alike for its somber tone and for deepening the psychological stakes of the series, marking a transition point where the lighthearted nature of the academy setting is largely abandoned for a grittier, high-stakes battle for society's future.