My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
Mankind has developed superpowers known as "Quirks"; this is the power the vast majority possesses, those who do not, are being discriminated against and looked down on. Indeed, villains have the superpower, too and want to rebuild the world for it to look the way they see it. However, a prestigious school known as the The Hero Academy trains its students for them to become heroes and to help those who have less powerful Quirks, or those who do not have them at all, as well as to stand against the plans of the villains. The series focuses on a middle school student Izuku Midoriya, who has no superpowers. Will he be able to become a hero and somehow to contribute to the peace and stability in the world, where the weak is the minority that needs to be defended.
Despite its tight budget of $12.0M, My Hero Academia: Two Heroes became a commercial success, earning $27.5M worldwide—a 129% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Kenji Nagasaki's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 36 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Deku watches All Might save civilians on TV, establishing the world of heroes and Deku's admiration for the Symbol of Peace.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Deku and All Might arrive at I-Island and are reunited with David Shield and meet Melissa, opening the new world of hero science and innovation.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to The security system is hijacked and villains take control of I-Island, holding everyone hostage. Deku and friends choose to act despite orders to stand down., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat The group discovers the true scale of the villain plot: they're after a device that could destroy I-Island. Stakes raise as heroes realize All Might is trapped and powerless., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 71 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, All Might faces Wolfram but cannot win without his full power, which he no longer has. Deku watches his mentor struggle, symbolizing the "death" of the old Symbol of Peace., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 76 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Deku decides to fight alongside All Might using Melissa's Full Gauntlet support item, synthesizing the lesson that heroes aren't alone—they have allies and the next generation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping My Hero Academia: Two Heroes against these established plot points, we can identify how Kenji Nagasaki utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish My Hero Academia: Two Heroes within the animation genre.
Kenji Nagasaki's Structural Approach
Among the 3 Kenji Nagasaki films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.4, reflecting strong command of classical structure. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Kenji Nagasaki filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional animation films include The Bad Guys, The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower. For more Kenji Nagasaki analyses, see My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Deku watches All Might save civilians on TV, establishing the world of heroes and Deku's admiration for the Symbol of Peace.
Theme
All Might reflects on the next generation of heroes and passing the torch, establishing the theme of legacy and what it means to be a symbol.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to I-Island, the scientific hub where heroes and researchers collaborate. All Might and Deku receive invitation to the I-Expo, establishing All Might's connection to David Shield and Melissa.
Disruption
Deku and All Might arrive at I-Island and are reunited with David Shield and meet Melissa, opening the new world of hero science and innovation.
Resistance
Class 1-A explores I-Island and the I-Expo. Deku bonds with Melissa as she shows them around. The Expo showcases hero technology and support items while building relationships.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The security system is hijacked and villains take control of I-Island, holding everyone hostage. Deku and friends choose to act despite orders to stand down.
Mirror World
Melissa joins Deku's group, representing the support hero angle and mirroring the theme of how everyone contributes to heroism, not just those with combat quirks.
Premise
Class 1-A navigates I-Island's facilities, fighting security systems and villains. Action set pieces showcase each student's abilities while racing to reach the top floor.
Midpoint
The group discovers the true scale of the villain plot: they're after a device that could destroy I-Island. Stakes raise as heroes realize All Might is trapped and powerless.
Opposition
Villains become more aggressive and dangerous. The students face increasingly difficult enemies. David Shield's involvement in the plot is revealed, complicating the emotional stakes.
Collapse
All Might faces Wolfram but cannot win without his full power, which he no longer has. Deku watches his mentor struggle, symbolizing the "death" of the old Symbol of Peace.
Crisis
Deku processes that All Might cannot save everyone alone anymore. The dark realization that the Symbol of Peace is fading and a new generation must step up.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Deku decides to fight alongside All Might using Melissa's Full Gauntlet support item, synthesizing the lesson that heroes aren't alone—they have allies and the next generation.
Synthesis
Deku and All Might combine their power in an epic final battle against Wolfram. Melissa's support technology and teamwork from Class 1-A prove essential to victory.
Transformation
All Might and David Shield reconcile. Deku stands confidently with his classmates, transformed from an observer of All Might's heroism to an active participant in the next generation.