The fictional works Sky High and My Hero Academia have a similar storytelling structure. In both, young people with superpowers are explored as they struggle to fit in, mature, and develop their skills so they may become the heroes they were meant to be. For audiences of all ages, these two fictional works are both engaging and approachable due to their shared themes and motifs. Sky High and My Hero Academia deliver captivating stories that ring true with people all across the world, from the challenges of juggling schoolwork with superhero training to the pressure of defending the planet from bad villains.
The Plot
Sky High tells the story of Will Stronghold, the son of two of the world’s greatest superheroes. Will is starting his freshman year at Sky High, a school for superheroes where he hopes to follow in his parent’s footsteps. However, Will soon realizes that he doesn’t have any superpowers, putting him in the school’s “sidekick” program. Throughout the movie, Will struggles to prove himself to his peers and his parents while dealing with a plot to take over the school.
The Comparison to My Hero Academia
Popular Japanese anime My Hero Academia tells the tale of Izuku Midoriya, a young man who was born without abilities in a society where most people possess them. Izuku goes to U.A. High School, a school for superheroes, and has a dream of becoming a hero. Izuku originally finds it difficult to fit in due to his lack of powers, much like Will Stronghold. Izuku ultimately develops a strong talent, though, and strives to be the best hero he can be.
The similar concept of a school for superheroes in Sky High and My Hero Academia has led to comparisons between the two shows. Both tales depict students attempting to survive in a society where heroes are venerated, both with and without special abilities. The themes of what it means to be a hero and the value of teamwork are also explored in both tales.
The tones of the two stories are another factor used in the comparison. Although My Hero Academia has a slightly more somber tone, both stories share a bright and humorous tone. This makes them both entertaining to watch and gives the superhero genre a fun element.
Did You Know This About Sky High?
- Long before Will was born, the movie’s original opening scene featured the Commander and Jetstream fighting Royal Pain and Stitches. Before Disney included the entire sequence on the DVD, footage from this altercation was used in a flashback and some missing trailer sections.
- There were originally going to be three sequels, but due to the disappointing box office performance, they were scrapped. A sequel was tentatively announced in 2017 after the film gained a cult following, but nothing more appears to have happened since then.
- In order to work with the actors who portrayed four of his favorite science fiction cult characters, Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), Kurt Russell (Snake Plissken), Bruce Campbell (Ash Williams), and Cloris Leachman (Frau Blucher *Horse Whinney*), Mike Mitchell decided to take up the directing of the movie.
The Protagonists
Will Stronghold, the lead character of Sky High, and Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of My Hero Academia, have a lot in common. Both characters begin their stories as weak people who are the offspring of well-known superheroes. They go to schools where they are taught how to hone their skills and turn into superheroes.
Will and Izuku both find it difficult to accept their limitations and try tirelessly and tenaciously to overcome them. A strong sense of justice and a drive to defend others around them are other traits they have in common. Overall, Will and Izuku are heroes who represent the ideas of what it means to be a superhero, being both accessible and inspirational.
The Legacy
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its initial release, Sky High has gained a dedicated fanbase over the years. Many fans appreciate the film’s unique take on the superhero genre and its light-hearted tone. Some even credit the movie with sparking their interest in superheroes and comic books.
Sky High has also had an impact on the superhero genre in Hollywood. The film’s success paved the way for other comedic superhero movies, such as Deadpool and Shazam! It also inspired a generation of young viewers to dream of becoming superheroes themselves.
Why Sky High and MHA Are Cut From The Same Cloth
It is simple to compare Sky High and My Hero Academia because of their many parallels. In both stories, individuals are born with superpowers, which are referred to as “quirks” in My Hero Academia and “powers” in Sky High. In both tales, young people study at specialized institutions to develop their powers and learn how to control them with the final aim of becoming heroes. Both pieces also address the issues of heroism, friendship, cooperation, and the obligations of having tremendous power. Both the characters in Sky High and My Hero Academia have characteristics in common with one another, such as the primary protagonist’s status as an underdog who aspires to prove themselves and the existence of a rival who at first opposes the protagonist but later turns out to be an ally.
The two works do share some parallels, but there are also some significant differences. In the dystopian society depicted in My Hero Academia, having no quirks is seen as a drawback because most people have them. In contrast, Sky High is situated in a world where only a small portion of people have superhuman abilities and there is no prejudice against those who do not. Sky High leans more toward a normal coming-of-age high school movie with superhero elements, whereas My Hero Academia concentrates more on the hero-villain dynamic and the societal consequences of quirks. Despite their distinctions, My Hero Academia and Sky High are both adored by fans of the superhero subgenre and both provide distinctive viewpoints on what it means to be a hero.
Also Read: Constantine: Keanu Reeves As A Demonologist
According to our Scopo-Meter, we check the following in this movie:
| Category | Out Of 5 |
| ACTION | 4 |
| SCRIPT | 3 |
| PLOT | 3 |
| DIRECTION | 4 |
| OVERALL | BOMB / GOOD / NICE/ FINE / HMM / PATHETIC |
FilmScopes thank the creators of the movie for bringing to life a fun and exciting world where superheroes attend high school and learn to harness their powers for good.
Your imaginative storytelling and unique approach to the superhero genre have captivated audiences of all ages and inspired countless fans to embrace their own inner hero.
