I’ve got to tell you, folks, when I sat down to watch My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4, I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that was about to hit me. This episode isn’t just another chapter in the series—it’s a game-changer that redefines everything we thought we knew about our favorite explosive hero and the ultimate villain.
The Episode That Changed Everything
Let me start by saying this: if you haven’t watched My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 yet, you’re in for one hell of a treat. Released on October 25, 2025, this episode delivers everything we’ve been waiting for and then some. I watched it three times already, and I’m still finding new details that blow my mind.
The episode picks up right where we left off, with Bakugo making his dramatic return after that devastating blow from Shigaraki. I’ll be honest—I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, barely breathing as the story unfolded.
All For One’s Shocking Origin Story
One of the most incredible aspects of this episode is how it finally reveals the twisted origins of All For One. I’ve always wondered what made AFO the monster he is today, and let me tell you, the answer is both fascinating and terrifying.
The episode takes us back to a time before Quirks even existed, showing us a mysterious pregnant woman wandering through a shady alleyway. This woman, we discover, is All For One’s mother, and she’s carrying twins. What really got me was how one baby was noticeably larger than the other—foreshadowing the power dynamic that would define their entire lives.
The Birth of a Monster
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing as the episode revealed that All For One was essentially evil from the womb. The poor woman died giving birth near a riverbank, but what no one could predict was that one of her babies would grow up to become the most feared figure in the My Hero Academia universe.
What really struck me was how AFO, even as a child, had this twisted instinct to take whatever he desired. He killed a group of “Normals” who tried to harm people with powers, using an ability he had stolen from his own mother. I mean, talk about starting evil young!
The Twin Brother Who Believed in Heroes
Here’s where things get really interesting. All For One had a twin brother named Yoichi who was weaker and more timid than him. I found it heartbreaking how AFO constantly bullied his brother but never let him go, viewing him as his “first possession.”
What really got to me was how Yoichi, despite everything, kept trying to make his brother use his powers for good and become a hero. It’s this tragic dynamic that sets the stage for everything that follows.
The Creation of One For All
I’ve always wondered how One For All came to be, and this episode finally gives us the answer. And let me tell you, it’s one of the most brilliant twists in the entire series.
In an ironic turn of events, All For One actually gave his brother Yoichi a Quirk as both an act of control and mockery. But here’s the kicker—this ability merged with the twins’ innate power to transfer Quirks, giving rise to the legendary One For All!
I literally gasped when I realized that the very power meant to help AFO control his brother ended up creating the one thing that could ultimately defeat him. Talk about poetic justice!
Bakugo’s Heroic Return
Now, let’s talk about what we’ve all been waiting for—Bakugo’s incredible return and his final stand against All For One. I’ve got to be honest, I was worried about how they’d handle his revival, but the way they executed it was absolutely perfect.
The Miracle Revival
The episode shows us how Edgeshot used his Ultimate Move, Thousand Sheet Pierce: Zenith, to go into Bakugo’s body and repair the damage. What really got me was how Edgeshot’s lifeforce was draining the more he stayed in that state, and at the point beyond his limits, a single bead of sweat that Bakugo had produced just before his death allowed Edgeshot to jumpstart his heart.
I was literally cheering when Bakugo finally opened his eyes again. The way he immediately rushes to save All Might from All For One—man, that’s the Bakugo we all know and love!
The Painful Reality
What really hit me hard was when Edgeshot told Bakugo that while he was able to mend his body, every breath he takes would be “hellish agony” until he could get proper treatment. I mean, can you imagine? Fighting through that kind of pain to save everyone?
All Might gives Bakugo a brace for his destroyed right arm, and the way Bakugo just smiles and rushes in to finish off All For One—that’s character development at its finest right there.
The Epic Battle: Bakugo vs. All For One
Okay, I need to take a deep breath here because the fight scene in this episode is absolutely insane. I’ve watched a lot of anime battles in my time, but this one? This one goes down in history as one of the best.
Bakugo’s New Powers
I was blown away (pun intended) by Bakugo’s new abilities in this episode. After facing death, he’s on the verge of grasping something essential, and it shows in his fighting style.
The most incredible new power is how Bakugo can now make beads of sweat shoot through his whole body. The pain from where they explode gives him a handle on the timing of his backup blasts. I was literally jumping out of my seat when he used his “Cluster at Explosive Speeds” to catch up to All For One!
The Psychological Battle
What really makes this fight so compelling is the psychological aspect. All For One is completely baffled why Bakugo vexes him more than even All Might. It’s not until he gets flashes of Kudo (one of the past One For All users) that he realizes the striking resemblance.
I loved how Bakugo, when AFO screams that Kudo is to blame for everything, simply retorts, “I’m Kacchan Bakugo.” That moment right there—that’s the essence of Bakugo’s character development throughout the series.
All For One’s Final Move
All For One, realizing he can’t drag this battle out much longer before he rewinds faster, decides to go all out with his Ultimate Move: “Omni Factor Unleash: All For One Goal.” By combining every Quirk he has stored up, he propels himself at full throttle toward his final goal.
I was on the edge of my seat as All Might and Edgeshot realized this move would revert AFO back to a baby, and he’s betting everything on this single burst. The tension was absolutely unbearable!
Bakugo’s Ultimate Victory
And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—Bakugo’s final victory over All For One. I’ve got to tell you, the way this was executed was absolutely perfect.
The Strategy
What I loved most about Bakugo’s victory was how it wasn’t just about raw power—it was about strategy and understanding his own abilities. Bakugo realizes that the rain hinders his power, so he fires off coated beads of sweat during his blasts without triggering them, hoping that something could set them off on delay.
The moment when an explosion suddenly happens inside All For One’s mouth, blowing his head up and throwing the villain off guard—I literally screamed! That’s the kind of brilliant tactical thinking that shows how far Bakugo has come.
The Final Blow
And then comes Bakugo’s “Ultimate Howitzer Impact”—a direct hit to All For One’s face followed by a full barrage of blasts. I was cheering so loud at this point, my neighbors probably thought I was crazy!
What really got me was Bakugo’s declaration: “The one Quirk I have right now is more than enough.” After all this time, after everything he’s been through, Bakugo finally understands that power isn’t about having the most abilities—it’s about how you use what you have.
Character Development at Its Finest
I’ve got to take a moment to appreciate the incredible character development we see in this episode, not just for Bakugo but for several characters.
Bakugo’s Complete Transformation
When I think back to how Bakugo started in the series—an arrogant, bullying kid who thought he was better than everyone else—and compare it to the hero we see in this episode, it’s absolutely mind-blowing.
The episode includes flashbacks to key moments in Bakugo’s life: when he and Izuku became proper rivals, when he told Endeavor he wanted to find out what he couldn’t do with his Quirk, and finally when he bullied Izuku. In that moment, he promises that he wouldn’t stand in his rival’s way anymore.
I was literally in tears at this point. That’s the kind of character development that makes My Hero Academia such an incredible series.
All For One’s True Nature
What I found fascinating about this episode is how it breaks typical shonen tropes by revealing that All For One is inherently evil with no tragic backstory to excuse his behavior. I’ve seen so many anime villains with sad pasts that supposedly justify their actions, but AFO? He’s just evil because he chooses to be.
The episode makes it clear that AFO’s evil doesn’t come from his endless list of Quirks but from his greed. When Kudo rescued Yoichi, all AFO could think about was his “possession” being stolen. That sent a chill down my spine, especially seeing him continue to think of Yoichi that way.
Animation and Visual Excellence
I’ve got to talk about the animation in this episode because it was absolutely top-tier. Studio Bones really outdid themselves here.
The Fight Choreography
The battle between Bakugo and All For One was beautifully animated, with fluid movements and vibrant colors that portrayed the intensity of the fight. I was particularly impressed with how they handled Bakugo’s new explosive abilities—the visual effects were stunning.
The Emotional Moments
What really stood out to me was how the animation team handled the emotional moments. The way they portrayed Bakugo’s determination, All For One’s rage, and the tragic backstory of the twins—it was all incredibly well done.
The scene where Bakugo thinks back on his relationship with Deku, promising not to stand in his rival’s way anymore—that was animated with such emotional weight that I couldn’t help but get choked up.
Why Bakugo Was the Perfect Choice to Defeat All For One?
I’ve seen some people wondering why Bakugo was the one to defeat All For One instead of Deku, and after watching this episode, I completely understand why.
The Perfect Antithesis
Bakugo is the perfect antithesis to All For One. Both characters started with similar arrogant mindsets, but while AFO remained trapped in his belief that power was his birthright, Bakugo grew and evolved.
When Bakugo declares that having one Quirk is more than enough and that it’s “our” story, not just All For One’s, it all clicked for me. Bakugo had the same arrogant mindset as AFO, but he grew out of it. He realized he couldn’t be alone and accepted that he had a team to rely on, including Deku.
Symbolic Victory
Bakugo defeating All For One is symbolic of him shedding his ego. It’s a satisfying end to an iconic antagonist and the perfect way to show how much Bakugo has developed throughout the series.
I couldn’t be prouder of the young hero, and I hope other fans feel the same way. When people doubt Bakugo’s development, I’m going to point them to this episode. It will tell you everything you need to know about his character.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season?
With All For One finally defeated in this episode, the preview shows us a glimpse of Deku and Shigaraki finally taking center stage in this battle. I’ve got to say, I’m both excited and nervous about what’s coming next.
The Final Showdown
It looks like we’re heading toward the ultimate showdown between Deku and Shigaraki, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out. With All For One out of the picture (for now, at least), the focus shifts to the final battle between the current wielders of One For All and All For One’s legacy.
Loose Ends to Tie Up
There are still so many questions to answer: What will happen to Bakugo after this battle? How will the other heroes recover? What’s the ultimate fate of the villain alliance? I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to find out!
My Personal Thoughts and Reactions
I’ve got to be honest with you all—this episode left me emotionally wrecked in the best possible way. As someone who’s been following My Hero Academia since the beginning, seeing Bakugo’s character arc reach this point was incredibly satisfying.
The Emotional Impact
When Bakugo made his promise not to stand in Deku’s way anymore, I literally started crying. That’s how much this character has grown, and how much this series has meant to me over the years.
The Animation Praise
I’ve already mentioned the animation, but I’ve got to say it again—Studio Bones deserves all the awards for this episode. The way they brought this story to life was absolutely incredible.
The Storytelling
The storytelling in this episode was top-notch. Balancing the origin story of All For One with the present-day battle, while also developing Bakugo’s character further—that’s not easy to do, but they pulled it off perfectly.
Release Information and Where to Watch
For those of you who haven’t watched it yet, My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 was released on October 25, 2025, at 5:30 pm JST (1:30 AM PT, 4:30 AM ET). You can watch it on Crunchyroll, which is the official streaming platform for the series.
| Timezone | Release Date | Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time | October 25, 2025 | 4:30 AM |
| Pacific Time | October 25, 2025 | 1:30 AM |
| Japan Standard Time | October 25, 2025 | 5:30 PM |
FAQ
When was My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 released?
My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 was released on October 25, 2025, at 5:30 pm JST (1:30 AM PT, 4:30 AM ET).
Where can I watch My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4?
You can watch My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 on Crunchyroll, which is the official streaming platform for the series.
What happens in My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4?
This episode reveals All For One’s origin story, shows the creation of One For All, and features Bakugo’s final battle against All For One, where he defeats the villain using his new powers.
How does Bakugo defeat All For One?
Bakugo defeats All For One using his new abilities, including his “Ultimate Howitzer Impact.” He strategically uses coated beads of sweat that explode inside All For One’s mouth, throwing the villain off guard before delivering the final blow.
What new powers does Bakugo develop in this episode?
Bakugo develops the ability to make beads of sweat shoot through his whole body, giving him better control over his explosions. He can also use “Cluster at Explosive Speeds” to move at incredible speeds.
Is All For One really defeated?
Yes, in this episode, Bakugo successfully defeats All For One. However, given that this is a shonen series, there’s always the possibility that he could return in some form.
How many episodes are in My Hero Academia Season 8?
My Hero Academia Season 8 will have 11 episodes total, with each episode running approximately 23 minutes.
What’s the significance of Bakugo defeating All For One instead of Deku?
Bakugo defeating All For One is symbolic of him shedding his ego and completing his character development. He’s the perfect antithesis to All For One, having started with a similar arrogant mindset but growing beyond it.
Will there be more episodes after this one?
Yes, with 11 episodes total in Season 8, there are still several episodes left after this one, which will likely focus on the final battle between Deku and Shigaraki.
Is this the final season of My Hero Academia?
Yes, Season 8 is the final season of My Hero Academia, bringing the story to its epic conclusion.
Save This for Later!
If you enjoyed this breakdown of My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4, make sure to bookmark this page for future reference. With the final season still ongoing, you’ll want to come back as we continue to cover all the epic moments leading up to the series conclusion.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you thought about Bakugo’s final stand against All For One and what you’re most excited to see in the upcoming episodes.
Final Verdict
I’ve watched a lot of anime episodes in my time, but My Hero Academia Season 8 Episode 4 is definitely one that will stick with me for a long time. It’s a perfect blend of action, emotion, character development, and storytelling that showcases everything that makes this series so special.
Why It Works?
This episode works because it understands what makes My Hero Academia great: the characters. Whether it’s Bakugo’s incredible development, All For One’s terrifying origin, or the tragic story of the twins, everything is centered on character.
The Impact
The impact of this episode goes beyond just being a great installment in the series—it’s a turning point that changes everything we thought we knew about these characters and their world.
What’s Next?
With All For One defeated and Bakugo’s character arc reaching its peak, I’m both excited and nervous about what’s coming next in My Hero Academia. The preview suggests we’re heading toward the final confrontation between Deku and Shigaraki, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out.
Predictions
If I had to make a prediction, I’d say we’re in for some emotional moments as Deku faces off against Shigaraki. With Bakugo’s development complete, it’s time for Deku to have his moment in the spotlight.
Hopes for the Series
I hope the rest of the season maintains this level of quality and emotional weight. My Hero Academia has been an incredible journey, and I want it to end on a high note that does justice to all these amazing characters.