Okay, folks, let's talk My Hero Academia. Specifically, Season 5. And even more specifically... the dub.
The Dub: A Love Story (Maybe?)
Look, I know what you're thinking. "Sub is superior!" "Dub is trash!" But hear me out. I have a confession.
I... I actually kinda like the dub. Gasp! I know, controversial.
I'm not saying the sub is bad! Absolutely not. The original Japanese voice acting is phenomenal.
My Dub Defense
But sometimes, after a long day, my brain just wants to chill. I don't want to read a whole anime. I want to watch it.
Is that so wrong? Is it a cardinal sin to enjoy the adventures of Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki without subtitles?
Plus, the English voice actors are actually pretty darn good! Justin Briner as Deku? Iconic. Clifford Chapin as Bakugo? Perfection.
And Season 5 had some… interesting moments. Moments I maybe wanted to absorb without having to focus on translating complex emotional nuances from Japanese text.
We're talking about the Joint Training arc here, people. Intense battles. Quirks galore! I needed to see it, hear it, feel it... without subtitles getting in the way of my pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
Okay, maybe the pacing in Season 5 wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Some say it dragged. Some wanted more Endeavor Agency arc action.
But the voice acting? Solid. Especially when you're dealing with characters screaming "SMASH!" every five seconds.
The Wait: Was it Worth it?
Let's be real, the wait for the Season 5 dub was agonizing. We watched everyone else rave about the subbed episodes.
We were stuck refreshing streaming services, praying for that glorious "English Dub" option to appear.
Then, finally, it arrived! The floodgates opened. Binge-watching ensued. All was right with the world (or at least, the anime-watching part of it).
So, was it worth the wait? For me? Absolutely. The dub delivered. It gave me exactly what I needed: explosions, superpowers, and relatable teen angst, all in a language I could understand without effort.
And maybe, just maybe, I'm not the only one who feels this way. Maybe there are other closet dub-lovers out there, afraid to voice their "unpopular" opinion.
Don't be ashamed! Embrace your dub-loving heart! Let the world know that you appreciate the hard work of the English voice actors!
A Final Thought (and a Challenge!)
So, next time you're about to dismiss the Season 5 dub, give it another shot. You might be surprised. You might even... enjoy it.
And if you still hate it? That's okay too! We can agree to disagree. As long as we can all agree that My Hero Academia is awesome, no matter how you watch it.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go rewatch the Joint Training arc in English. For science.
