“The Scene” Between All Might And Aizawa Was Animated Beautifully In The S5 Finale BUT The Meaning

“The Scene” between All Might and Aizawa was animated beautifully in the S5 finale BUT the meaning of Aizawa’s advice was changed considerably in the anime’s English translations. (I’m not sure if the Japanese originals are more faithful to each other.)

For example, I liked that Bones put the Stain bit upfront. It allowed the scene to fade out on the starry sky and “thanks” rather than shop talk. But when anime!Aizawa calls All Might a workaholic, he follows it up by calling All Might an addict…and that doesn’t feel right. Like All Might quit heroism cold turkey and should stop caring about helping or saving anymore, because that will lead him back into the self-destructive hero addict lifestyle. Manga!Aizawa is gentler, acknowledging how hard the overnight transition from #1 hero to civilian must be without further characterization.

Then the iconic “you can do something by living and being here” part is perfect and gorgeous, with Aizawa lit slightly by the light shining down on All Might. (They’re both sharing the spotlight!)

Bones also added a lovely close up of All Might’s face here: half in shadow, half in light with his eyes intently focused on Aizawa…..but then…...

Aizawa’s words in the anime tell All Might to “boldly sit back and put your feet up, just as you have been.” He’s encouraging All Might to accept retirement or, in the words of Ch.327, stop being an active player on the board. Anime!Aizawa tells All Might to stay alive by taking himself out of the game.

And that doesn’t fit well with All Might’s arc OR with Aizawa as a teacher.

I think manga!Aizawa’s message is far superior, telling All Might to stay alive but keep being who he’s always been. Why? Because that sense of duty to his country and his neverending impulse to save IS who All Might is. Manga!Aizawa says All Might can be the man who saves and lives a life of service without using a quirk or sacrificing himself. As Stain says in Ch.326: