You've probably seen the listings. Maybe you've been hovering over the "Add to Cart" button for weeks, wondering if dropping a chunk of change on the My Hero Academia Box Set 2 is actually a better move than just grabbing the individual volumes at your local Barnes & Noble. Honestly, it's a valid question. Collecting manga is getting expensive. With the series officially wrapped up in Shonen Jump, the rush to complete the physical collection is hitting a fever pitch.
Kohei Horikoshi’s superhero epic didn’t just change the landscape of modern shonen; it basically redefined how we look at the "underdog" trope. But let’s get into the weeds of this specific set.
This second box set picks up exactly where the first one left off, covering the massive middle chunk of the story. Specifically, we're talking about Volumes 21 through 40. Wait, actually, let's be precise: the second box set specifically bundles Volumes 21 to 40 of the series, picking up after the Joint Training Arc and slamming right into the emotional wreckage of the Paranormal Liberation War. It’s a lot. If the first box set was about the "honeymoon phase" of UA High, this one is about things getting very, very real.
Why the My Hero Academia Box Set 2 Hits Different
Most people buy these things for the savings, right? If you buy 20 volumes individually at the current MSRP of $11.99, you’re looking at nearly $240 plus tax. The My Hero Academia Box Set 2 usually retails for significantly less than that, often hovering around the $130 to $180 range depending on where you're hunting. It's a steal. Pure and simple.
But it’s not just about the money.
The box itself is a beast. The artwork features some of the most iconic "Dark Deku" and villain-centric illustrations Horikoshi has ever produced. If you’re a fan of the Shigaraki or Dabi arcs, the aesthetics of this box are basically tailored for you. It’s darker, grittier, and looks significantly more "adult" on a shelf than the bright primary colors of the first set.
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What’s actually inside the cardboard?
Beyond the volumes themselves, Viz Media usually throws in some physical bonuses. You get an exclusive double-sided poster and a small booklet. The booklet is usually what catches people off guard—it’s not just a "thanks for buying" note. It often contains bonus illustrations and "making-of" tidbits that weren't included in the standard tankobon releases.
Let's talk about the paper quality for a second. There’s been a lot of chatter in the manga community (check any Reddit thread on r/manga or r/BokuNoHeroAcademia) about the "Italian prints" versus the "US prints." If you get a box set that’s a bit thinner than expected, it might be the Italian print run. These use slightly thinner paper, which some people hate because of the "ghosting"—that annoying thing where you can see the art from the previous page bleeding through the white space. However, most collectors find that the box sets are generally more consistent in their print quality than the random volumes you find on a shelf in a bookstore.
The Arcs: From Class 1-B to the Near-End
The story beats in this collection are heavy. You start with the Joint Training Arc. Some fans think it drags. I get it. It’s a lot of "who has the better quirk" back-and-forth. But then? The Meta Liberation Army arc hits. Or, as the fans call it, My Villain Academia.
This is arguably the peak of the series for many.
Seeing Shigaraki’s backstory—that horrific, tragic origin—unfold in black and white hits way harder than the anime. Horikoshi’s line work becomes incredibly detailed here. The way he draws decay? It’s visceral. You can almost feel the dust on the pages.
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Then you slide right into the Paranormal Liberation War. This is where the "Academy" part of the title basically disappears. It’s a full-scale military conflict. Characters you’ve spent 20 volumes loving actually face consequences. Real ones.
The Value Proposition
- Cost Efficiency: Usually 30-40% cheaper than buying singles.
- Shelf Presence: The box keeps volumes from leaning and protects the spines from sunlight.
- Exclusive Art: The box itself is a piece of merch.
- Completeness: It bridges the gap perfectly to the final act of the series.
A Few Things People Get Wrong
One misconception is that the box sets are "limited edition." They aren't. Not really. Viz keeps these in print for a long time. However, the supply is erratic. You might see the My Hero Academia Box Set 2 go out of stock for six months, and suddenly the "resale" prices on eBay jump to $300. Don't fall for it. Just wait for a restock from RightStuf (now Crunchyroll Store) or Amazon.
Another thing: people think the box is just thin paper. It's actually a pretty sturdy corrugated cardboard with a velcro latch. It’s designed to be handled. You can actually pull volumes in and out without the whole thing collapsing.
Is it perfect? No. Some people find the volumes a bit tight inside. If you're someone who uses thick plastic manga protectors (like the BCW bags), you might struggle to fit all 20 volumes back into the box. It’s a snug fit.
How to Check if You're Getting a Good Deal
Before you pull the trigger, do a quick "price per volume" check.
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- Take the total price of the box set.
- Divide it by 20.
- If that number is over $10.00, you might want to wait for a sale.
During Black Friday or seasonal anime sales, these boxes often drop to around $110. That brings your price per volume down to $5.50. That is an insane value for a series that is literally a global phenomenon.
The Reality of the "End of an Era"
With the manga ending at Volume 42, this second box set represents the "meat" of the story. It’s the transition from a school drama to a high-stakes war epic. For many, this is the era where the series truly matured. Horikoshi’s art style evolves significantly between Volume 21 and Volume 40. You can see his lines getting sharper, his shadows deeper, and his panel layouts more experimental.
If you already own the first 20 volumes, this is the logical next step. If you’re a newcomer, maybe start with the first set, but keep an eye on this one. It's the centerpiece of any serious Shonen collection.
Actionable Steps for Collectors:
- Monitor Stock Cycles: If the price is currently above $180, set a price alert on CamelCamelCamel or Honey. These sets fluctuate wildly based on restock cycles.
- Inspect Upon Arrival: Check the corners of the box for shipping damage. Because these are heavy (nearly 10 pounds), shipping couriers often drop them, which can dent the "prestige" box.
- Verify the Contents: Ensure you have the bonus booklet and poster hidden behind the volumes. Sometimes they get tucked into the very back and are easy to miss.
- Consider the Space: Measure your shelf height. These boxes are taller than standard manga volumes and won't fit on some "Billy" bookshelf configurations without adjusting the shelves.
The My Hero Academia Box Set 2 isn't just a product; it's a way to preserve a specific moment in manga history. The war arc is a sprawling, chaotic masterpiece of illustration, and having it all in one cohesive, protected box is far better than having loose volumes scattered across a room.