by My Hero Academia fans have another heartfelt story to look forward to this summer. A brand-new special short anime titled I Am a Hero Too will begin streaming on August 3, 2026, across multiple video-on-demand platforms. Alongside the announcement, the production team has released new preview stills, offering fans their first look at Eri, now a high school student, as she continues pursuing the dream she first shared years ago.
Based on a special one-shot manga created by Kohei Horikoshi, the short story revisits one of the franchise’s most beloved characters and explores what life looks like in the peaceful era that follows the events of the main series. Rather than focusing on large-scale battles, I Am a Hero Too highlights personal growth, hope, and the lasting impact heroes can have on the lives of others.
A New Story Based on Kohei Horikoshi’s Original One-Shot
The special anime adapts “I Am a Hero Too,” an original one-shot manga illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi.
The story was originally included in My Hero Academia Ultra Age, the official fan book released in December 2024, giving readers a glimpse into the future of several beloved characters after the conclusion of the manga.
Now, that touching story is receiving its own animated adaptation, allowing fans to experience Eri’s journey with full animation, voice acting, and music.
For longtime followers of the franchise, the short serves as a meaningful epilogue that expands upon the ending of the original series.
Eri Returns Eight Years Later
One of the biggest highlights of the special is the return of Eri, whose life has changed dramatically since fans first met her.
During Season 4 of the anime, Eri was introduced as a frightened young girl imprisoned by Kai Chisaki, better known as Overhaul, the leader of the Shie Hassaikai.
She suffered years of abuse because of her powerful Quirk until Izuku Midoriya (Deku) and the heroes risked everything to rescue her.
That emotional rescue became one of the defining moments of My Hero Academia and symbolized what it truly means to be a hero.
Now, eight years after Deku and his classmates graduate from U.A. High School, Eri has grown into a confident high school student ready to pursue her own future.
Eri Continues to Chase Her Dream
Throughout the original series, Eri slowly learned to smile again after overcoming her traumatic past.
She also revealed her dream of becoming a singer, and in the anime’s final episode, viewers briefly saw her carrying a guitar case, hinting that she had begun working toward that goal.
The new short anime builds directly on that moment.
The story follows Eri as she visits U.A. High School once again and continues striving toward her musical dream.
Rather than portraying hero battles, the special focuses on emotional healing, personal ambition, and the importance of encouraging others to follow their passions.
New Preview Stills Offer a Glimpse of Eri’s Future
The newly released preview images showcase Eri’s transformation from a timid child into a cheerful and determined teenager.
Fans can see her wearing her high school uniform, carrying her guitar, and revisiting U.A. High School.
The visuals emphasize the peaceful future created through the sacrifices of the previous generation of heroes.
Many fans have praised the preview stills online, expressing excitement to see how far Eri has come since her emotional rescue during the Shie Hassaikai Arc.
A Heartwarming Side Story in the My Hero Academia Universe
Unlike the action-packed battles that defined much of the main series, I Am a Hero Too tells a smaller, more personal story.
It explores the idea that heroism is not limited to fighting villains.
Instead, the special reminds viewers that heroes inspire hope, help people rebuild their lives, and give others the courage to chase their dreams.
Eri’s story perfectly reflects that message, showing how Deku and the heroes changed her future simply by believing in her.
About My Hero Academia
Created by Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia is set in a world where nearly everyone possesses supernatural abilities known as Quirks.
The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk who never gives up on his dream of becoming a professional hero.
After inheriting the legendary Quirk One For All from All Might, Deku enrolls at U.A. High School, Japan’s top academy for aspiring heroes.
Alongside his classmates, he trains to protect society while confronting increasingly dangerous villains.
Over the years, the series has become one of the most influential modern shonen franchises, celebrated for its emotional storytelling, memorable characters, and spectacular action sequences.
The Legacy of the Series
The original My Hero Academia manga began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 2014.
After a decade-long run, the series concluded on August 5, 2024, bringing Deku’s journey to an emotional close.
The manga has surpassed 100 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
Its anime adaptation premiered in April 2016 and ran for eight television seasons, concluding in December 2025.
Even after the main story’s conclusion, the franchise continues to expand through movies, specials, exhibitions, and original side stories like I Am a Hero Too.
Why Eri’s Story Matters
Eri has remained one of the franchise’s most beloved supporting characters because her story represents the emotional heart of My Hero Academia.
Her rescue during the Shie Hassaikai Arc demonstrated that true heroism is about saving people not only physically but emotionally as well.
Watching Eri grow from a frightened child into a hopeful teenager serves as a powerful reminder that the heroes’ sacrifices created a brighter future for the next generation.
The special also offers longtime fans a chance to revisit familiar locations and characters while exploring life after the conclusion of the main storyline.
Streaming Information
Title: My Hero Academia: I Am a Hero Too
Streaming Begins:
August 3, 2026
12:00 a.m. (JST)
Available Streaming Platforms
The special short anime will be available on multiple streaming services, including:
- ABEMA Premium
- Amazon Prime Video
- DMM TV
- d Anime Store
- d Anime Store for Prime Video
- d Anime Store Nico Nico Branch
- Hulu
- J: COM STREAM
- Lemino
- milplus
- Netflix
- TELASA
- TELASA (Ponta Pass)
- U-NEXT
- Anime Times
- Anime Hodai
Why Fans Should Watch
I Am a Hero Too may be a short anime, but it carries significant emotional weight for longtime fans.
The special offers a rare opportunity to see what life looks like after the events of the main series, focusing on healing, hope, and personal growth instead of large-scale conflicts.
For viewers who have followed Eri’s journey since Season 4, this story provides a satisfying continuation of her character arc and celebrates one of My Hero Academia’s central themes—that even the smallest acts of kindness can change someone’s life forever.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming My Hero Academia special short anime I Am a Hero Too promises to deliver an emotional and inspiring continuation of Eri’s story. Adapting Kohei Horikoshi’s original one-shot manga, the special revisits one of the series’ most cherished characters eight years after the events of the main story, showing her confidently pursuing her dream of becoming a singer.
With beautifully released preview stills, a heartfelt premise, and a focus on hope rather than conflict, I Am a Hero Too offers fans a touching glimpse into the peaceful future that Deku and his classmates fought so hard to protect. Whether you’re a longtime follower of My Hero Academia or simply looking for a meaningful character-focused story, this special is set to be a must-watch when it begins streaming on August 3, 2026.
