REVIEW: Chapter 52 (Hero Killer Stain Vs. the Students of Yuuei)

Now Midoriya is certain that the Hero Killer and the Villain Alliance are connected and he might be the only person who knows this. He knew that the reason Iida was not at the scene where the noumus was because he found Stain. This was the part before Midoriya punched Stain.

Present time: Midoriya's punch connected. Stain recognized Midoriya as one of the students in Tomura's photos.

Iida was still unable to move. He guessed that it might be because he was slashed by Stain that triggered his quirk.

Stain said Midoriya's line, " I came to save you" was a nice line especially coming from a friend. But he said he must kill the pro hero and Iida.

Stain said, " It is the weak that shall be culled." Midoriya shivered. Midoriya knew that he is someone who can kill at will.

From Stain's standpoint, I think when he said "the weak", he meant the heroes who worship money and fame. The pro heroes who are fake, according to him.

Midoriya thought that he should have taken a pro hero with him but he knew he needed to save Iida and the other pro, buy his time and drive the Hero Killer away.

Iida told him that he should run away and it doesn't have anything to do with him. Midoriya replied by saying that if Iida say something like that, the heroes wouldn't be able to do anything. He had so much to say but decided to leave it until later.

Then Midoriya told Iida what All Might told him. That "Butting one's nose in is one of the principal qualities of a hero."

By that, Stain smiled creepily. Atleast for me it was creepy.

Midoriya attacked at once. He must have been so fast because Stain acknowledged him by saying, "Not bad."

Because Stain was using a long range weapon, and his arm reach is longer, Midoriya closed in and attacked low.

Midoriya did another Gran Torino move and passed Stain.

Stain swung his sword, with what is now my current favorite panel, Midoriya leapt above him. Stain realized too late because Midoriya gave him a 5% Detroit Smash.

The attack hit Stain in the head.

However, afterwards Midoriya was unable to move. He realized that one does not become completely immobilized by getting cut. Stain generates his quirk by tasting his victim's blood.

Apparently, Stain allowed Midoriya to hit him. He knew what Midoriya's strategy was. He told Midoriya that his power doesn't cut it. However, Stain said there is worth in keeping Midoriya alive.

Stain might've noticed how Midoriya had some hero-quality. I thought he will decide to kill Midoriya when he mentioned All Might. But no, Stain actually smiled. I'd like to think because of what All Might said and imspired Midoriya. I can't think of anything behind the smile.

Stain proceeded to where Iida was lying. Since Midoriya can't move, he was unable to do anything. As Stain lifted his sword to stab Iida, a blast comprised of ice and fire came from behind. Stain was able to dodge the attack.

And Shouto Todoroki appeared. He was well-drawn as usual.

Anyway, Todoroki said that his work keeps getting blocked. Midoriya texted him without much information and said he's late. Maybe he was supposed to act as a support to Endeavor but since Midoriya asked for help, (there was a panel where Midoriya was holding his phone) maybe Midoriya said he found the Hero Killer and Iida was in danger that Todoroki decided he had to help.

The art. The ART is SUPERB. I decided to put some of my favorite panels at the end because they deserve to shine.

Midoriya attack Stain at high-speed, closing the gap

My current favorite panel. Midoriya's attack was similar to Bakugou

What I appreciate about this part is the reaction from the characters.

I admire how Horikoshi is able to illustrate movements with intensity.
Midoriya's Detroit Smash is obviously very powerful

This part is important, it will have a huge impact on the future storyline.

Todoroki's fire and ice attack

And so Shouto Todoroki steals my heart again

From what we've seen, obviously Todoroki's talk with his mom ended well. He is now using his fire side freely. He's also wearing a new hero costume. He used to wear that all-white costume, thank goodness he changed it. He deserves so much better!

Now, the former opponents will work as a tag team! Both are very battle-smart so I'm guessing next chapter will be an awesome one, I can't wait!