Read My Hero Academia Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 18, 2026

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My Hero Academia (often abbreviated as MHA) has rapidly become one of the most influential and beloved series in the world of anime and manga. Written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, this remarkable work has captivated readers around the globe with its unique blend of superhero storytelling, rich character development, and moral complexity. At its core, My Hero Academia explores the lives of young aspiring heroes in a world where the vast majority of people possess superhuman abilities known as Quirks. The protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, starts off as a Quirkless boy with no hope of ever becoming a hero, but his journey is one of inspiration, determination, and the pursuit of greatness.

As the series grew in popularity, the My Hero Academia books expanded into a diverse collection that includes not only the main storyline but also various side stories, spin-offs, and special editions. For new readers, it can be a daunting task to navigate the vast world of My Hero Academia books, as the series has blossomed into a multi-faceted universe. This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at the reading order of the My Hero Academia books and help you understand the richness of the series in all its forms.

List Of My Hero Academia Books In Order

My Hero Academia: Volume 1 (2015)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 2 (2015)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 3 (2015)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 4 (2015)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 5 (2016)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 6 (2016)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 7 (2016)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 8 (2016)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 9 (2016)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 10 (2017)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 11 (2017)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 12 (2017)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 13 (2017)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 14 (2018)	Details
My Hero Academia: Volume 15 (2018)	Details

More On My Hero Academia Books In Chronological Order

1. My Hero Academia: Volume 1 (2015)

This is where it all begins! Volume 1 introduces us to Izuku Midoriya, the boy born without any powers in a world where they’re the norm. After witnessing his hero, All Might, save the day, Izuku dreams of becoming a hero himself, and his journey to make that happen starts here. It’s packed with emotion, intense action, and the spark of hope that drives the entire series forward.

2. My Hero Academia: Volume 2 (2015)

The story picks up as Midoriya is getting the hang of his new powers, and he’s now enrolled in U.A. High, where the real challenges begin. In this volume, we see Midoriya grow through his training and encounter some seriously tough competition. It’s a great continuation where the stakes get higher, and the characters start to show their true potential.

3. My Hero Academia: Volume 3 (2015)

This volume takes us deeper into Midoriya’s struggles at U.A. High as he faces his first big test. The Sports Festival is here, and it’s a showdown between the students to prove who has what it takes to be a top hero. There’s drama, rivalry, and so much character development. Plus, we get to see some of the quirks that make each character unique and interesting.

4. My Hero Academia: Volume 4 (2015)

Things heat up in Volume 4 as the heroes-in-training continue to face challenges that will test their limits. The class is thrown into intense scenarios, and Midoriya has to dig deep to push through the obstacles. This volume sets the stage for bigger events while further cementing the personalities of the main characters.

5. My Hero Academia: Volume 5 (2016)

Now that the students have had some real training under their belts, it’s time for a new kind of test. The U.A. students face off against real villains, and the stakes are higher than ever. This volume really starts to show how dangerous the world of heroes can be, and the tension ramps up as new villains emerge. Midoriya’s journey toward becoming a true hero is getting more complicated, but he’s not backing down.

6. My Hero Academia: Volume 6 (2016)

Volume 6 dives into the aftermath of the students’ battles with villains and explores how U.A. High’s heroes-in-training cope with their new roles. As the action picks up, we also get a peek at the villains’ side of things, and it’s clear there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. The deeper character development for Midoriya and his classmates continues, making you care even more about their growth and struggles.

7. My Hero Academia: Volume 7 (2016)

In this volume, we get an even closer look at the students’ lives outside of training, along with some extra action-packed moments. The stakes keep rising as Midoriya and the gang face off against some serious threats. What’s really fascinating here is how we start to see more of their internal struggles and motivations – it’s not just about powers anymore, it’s about the weight of responsibility.

8. My Hero Academia: Volume 8 (2016)

Volume 8 shifts gears a bit with the introduction of a bigger, looming conflict: the looming threat of the League of Villains. With new and old characters making an impact, the tension grows. Midoriya continues to develop his abilities, but it’s clear that not every student will walk away unscathed from this battle. This volume is one of the darker and more intense installments.

9. My Hero Academia: Volume 9 (2016)

Here we are, right in the middle of some of the toughest trials the students will ever face. The U.A. Sports Festival is over, and the story heads into a more dangerous territory, where the students’ resolve is tested in unpredictable ways. The heroes and villains collide more directly, and we start seeing the full scale of the dangerous world that Midoriya and his friends are now part of.

10. My Hero Academia: Volume 10 (2017)

Volume 10 has some serious high stakes. The U.A. students are about to go on their first real field trip, but of course, things don’t go according to plan. This volume introduces even more villains, and we get some truly shocking moments. Midoriya’s growth is inspiring, and we see his leadership qualities begin to shine through. It’s one of those volumes where the action and emotions go hand-in-hand.

11. My Hero Academia: Volume 11 (2017)

Volume 11 is the ultimate test of Midoriya and his friends’ abilities. The students are thrust into dangerous situations, and it’s clear that they’re no longer just learning how to be heroes-they’re living it. The League of Villains is getting more powerful, and the stakes are higher than ever. This volume serves as a turning point for the story, where things become much more personal for the characters.

12. My Hero Academia: Volume 12 (2017)

This volume brings some new revelations about the villain side of things, and it’s full of action-packed moments as the heroes face down some real challenges. The plot also delves into more emotional territory, showcasing how the students of U.A. are affected by the world around them. Volume 12 doesn’t just bring action-it also shows the true cost of being a hero.

13. My Hero Academia: Volume 13 (2017)

The action continues to escalate in Volume 13, as the students of U.A. High face some of their biggest hurdles yet. Midoriya is growing stronger, but so are the villains. This volume is a turning point, where alliances are tested, and some heavy emotional moments hit hard. The struggle between heroes and villains really comes to the forefront, and the battles are intense!

14. My Hero Academia: Volume 14 (2018)

Volume 14 ups the ante with a major clash between heroes and villains. The stakes are rising higher, and Midoriya’s path as a hero is getting increasingly complicated. With danger closing in, Midoriya and his friends must make some tough choices. There’s a lot of action, but also deep character growth here as everyone tries to figure out what being a true hero really means.

15. My Hero Academia: Volume 15 (2018)

In Volume 15, the story dives deep into the conflict between the heroes and villains, with new alliances forming and dangerous battles taking place. It’s all about pushing the characters to their limits and watching them grow through adversity. Midoriya’s journey is starting to feel like a full-fledged hero’s story, and the sacrifices required to save others become more apparent.

Background On My Hero Academia Books

At its core, the My Hero Academia books are primarily based on the manga series, which began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in July 2014. The manga was met with immediate success, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre by blending traditional shōnen elements with modern superhero tropes, creating a world where individuals are born with powers and must navigate the challenges of living in a society where these abilities are the norm.

The main storyline, which follows the protagonist Midoriya as he trains to become a hero despite being Quirkless, has resonated with fans worldwide due to its relatable themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-discovery. As the series developed, it expanded into multiple formats, creating a rich catalog of materials.

Beyond the manga, My Hero Academia also includes:

• Light Novels: Written by Anri Yoshi and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, these novels explore side stories and additional character arcs that expand on the world and its heroes.
• Spin-off Manga: These include alternative perspectives on the main characters or entirely new storylines set in the My Hero Academia universe. Notable spin-offs include My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions.
• Anime Adaptations: While not technically part of the book series, the anime adaptations have propelled the series to global prominence, leading to even more media tie-ins such as movie adaptations and official art books.
• Movie Tie-ins and Manga Anthologies: These often feature side stories, additional character development, and even explorations of alternate universes within the MHA universe.

Reading Order Explained

Navigating the reading order of My Hero Academia can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. To help you get started, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the order in which you should approach the series. This will guide you from the beginning of the main storyline, through the spin-offs, and even into the light novels.

1. Main Manga Series

   • Start with the manga – The primary entry point into My Hero Academia is the main manga series. Begin with Volume 1 and continue in order. The story begins with Izuku Midoriya’s struggle to achieve his dream of becoming a pro hero, despite being born without a Quirk.
   • The first 30-40 chapters: These early chapters establish the world, introduce main characters like All Might, Bakugo, and Uraraka, and set up the foundational themes of the series.
   • Important arcs to follow: Key story arcs like the Entrance Exam, the U.A. Sports Festival, the internships, and the internships leading into the Provisional License Exam are integral to understanding the plot’s progression.

2. Spin-off Manga

   • My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (Optional) – Set in the same universe but following characters who are not heroes in the traditional sense, this spin-off series follows vigilante heroes who operate outside the law. While it doesn’t feature the main cast, it offers a fascinating perspective on the hero society.
   • My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions (Optional) – A manga anthology that gathers various characters from the series in short stories. This collection is particularly fun if you’re a fan of side characters like Mei Hatsume and Hanta Sero.

3. Light Novels

   • The My Hero Academia light novels are side stories that flesh out certain characters’ pasts or provide additional context to the world. While these are not essential for the plot, they are enjoyable for anyone wanting to dive deeper into the MHA universe. For example, My Hero Academia: School Briefs explores U.A. High’s daily life.
   • Reading Order: These light novels can be read in any order as they are mostly self-contained. However, if you’re following the main series closely, reading them after you’ve gone through the manga and anime can provide a richer understanding of the side stories.

4. Anime Adaptations And Movies

   • The anime adaptation of My Hero Academia follows the manga closely but adds a layer of visual storytelling that enhances the experience. Watching the anime is a great way to complement your reading.
   • Movies: The movies, such as My Hero Academia: Two Heroes and My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, are set within the timeline of the anime but often provide standalone stories. They are fun to watch but are not required viewing to follow the main plot.

What I Like About The Series?

There are numerous reasons why My Hero Academia has resonated so deeply with fans around the world. For me, the most compelling aspects of the series are:

1. The Well-Developed Characters: One of the standout features of My Hero Academia is its rich roster of characters. From the determined, empathetic Midoriya to the self-assured and hot-headed Bakugo, every character has a unique personality, growth arc, and inner struggles. Their relationships with each other, especially the rivalry between Midoriya and Bakugo, add layers of emotional complexity to the story.
2. The World-Building: MHA takes place in a world where Quirks have become the norm. Horikoshi does an exceptional job of building a society that is shaped by these abilities, with heroes and villains facing off in battles that have real-world consequences. The intricacy of the system that governs Quirks, hero agencies, and the dynamics between different factions is a testament to the author’s attention to detail.
3. Themes of Heroism and Moral Ambiguity: Unlike many traditional superhero stories, My Hero Academia delves into the complexities of heroism. Characters like All Might represent the idealized form of a hero, but others like Endeavor or even the villains blur the lines of good and evil. This moral complexity adds depth to the story and challenges the typical notion of what it means to be a hero.
4. Action and Humor: The series balances intense action with lighthearted humor, offering an engaging mix of exciting battles and moments of levity. This combination makes the series accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of audiences.

Should You Read My Hero Academia Books In Order?

While My Hero Academia can be enjoyed in different formats, the best experience comes from following the main manga series first. The primary plotline is built from the ground up, and understanding the progression of the story helps you appreciate the character development and the world-building that unfold over time.

However, the spin-offs and side stories are not essential to the main narrative. These are best explored once you are familiar with the world and the primary cast. The Vigilantes and Team-Up Missions spin-offs are excellent, but they function as supplementary material and offer additional character perspectives or world-building insights that are not strictly necessary for understanding the main series.

In conclusion, while it is not mandatory to read everything in order, following the main manga series first is the most rewarding experience. The extra materials-light novels, spin-offs, and movies-serve as enjoyable additions that can deepen your engagement with the MHA universe.