One Piece Legend Pays Stunning Homage to My Hero Academia with Emotional New Artwork!

After a decade of gripping storytelling, Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has concluded with Chapter 430. This monumental end has not gone unnoticed, especially by fellow Shonen Jump creator Eiichiro Oda, the genius behind One Piece. In a touching tribute to Horikoshi, Oda’s latest One Piece chapter, Chapter 1122, features cover art that nods to Horikoshi’s past work, showcasing the depth of their professional camaraderie.

The cover art of One Piece Chapter 1122 portrays Smoker the White Hunter in intricate detail. While this might seem like just another illustration at first glance, it carries a significant homage. Oda’s cover art is a deliberate remake of fan art originally created by Horikoshi himself. This fan art appeared in One Piece Volume 77, highlighting Horikoshi’s admiration for Oda’s work even before he embarked on his own manga career.

The story behind this artistic tribute dates back to when Horikoshi was still an aspiring artist. In 2015, Oda featured Horikoshi’s Smoker fan art in the SBS (Shitsumon o Boshū Suru? or “Shitsumon o Boshū Suru?”) section of One Piece Volume 77. This section, known for showcasing fan interactions, served as a platform for Oda to express his support for Horikoshi’s burgeoning career. Horikoshi had submitted the fan art when he was still a student, a gesture that Oda cherished and later recognized as Horikoshi’s career blossomed.

Oda’s gesture is particularly poignant as it reflects the deep respect and affection between these two influential manga artists. In addition to this tribute, Oda has previously honored other Shonen Jump series, such as Naruto, Kochi-Kame, and Toriko, through his artwork. This practice of paying homage is part of a broader tradition in the manga community, celebrating the accomplishments of peers and the legacy of beloved series.

The conclusion of My Hero Academia has been met with a heartfelt send-off from Shonen Jump creators, including Oda. Their collective tribute highlights the significance of Horikoshi’s work and the impact he has had on the manga industry. With My Hero Academia now complete and available on Viz Media and Manga Plus, fans can reflect on the journey of Izuku Midoriya and his companions. Meanwhile, One Piece continues its epic adventure, soon transitioning from the “Egghead” arc to the highly anticipated Elbaf saga.