The world of My Hero Academia expands this season with My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a spin-off and prequel that dives into the lives of those who operate outside the officially sanctioned hero system. The anime adaptation, which premiered on April 7, 2025, promises a different perspective on the familiar universe, focusing on street-level heroism and the complexities of justice.
A New Kind of Hero Story
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is based on the manga series written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. Set five years before the events of the main series, it introduces us to Koichi Haimawari, a college student with a less-than-impressive Quirk who nonetheless aspires to help others.
The Premise
In a world where 80% of the population possesses superpowers known as Quirks, the path to becoming a licensed hero is narrow. Vigilantes explores the lives of those who, for various reasons, don’t fit into that mold but still feel compelled to protect society. The story kicks off with Koichi’s chance encounter with the vigilante Knuckleduster, leading him down a path he never imagined.
Main Characters
The series focuses on a core trio:
- Koichi Haimawari/The Crawler: A kind-hearted but somewhat timid college student whose Quirk, “Slide and Glide,” allows him to move quickly across surfaces on all fours – about as fast as a bicycle. He longs to be a hero but doubts his abilities.
- Kazuho Haneyama/Pop Step: A cheerful and energetic street performer with the “Leap” Quirk, which grants her impressive jumping abilities. She dreams of becoming a successful idol.
- Knuckleduster: A mysterious and Quirkless vigilante with exceptional fighting skills. He takes Koichi under his wing and becomes his mentor.
Episode 1: “I’m Here” – A Detailed Look
The premiere episode, titled “I’m Here,” effectively sets the stage for the series, introducing the main characters and establishing the world of Vigilantes.
Plot Breakdown
The episode begins with Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist of the main series, narrating the history of Quirks and the rise of the hero industry. This quickly pivots to the world of vigilantes and those who operate without a license.
We are introduced to Koichi as he witnesses a fight involving All Might, the symbol of peace. This scene mirrors Deku’s introduction in the main series, highlighting Koichi’s admiration for heroes and his own desire to make a difference. However, Koichi is more insecure about his Quirk and his ability to become a true hero.
Koichi is shown doing good deeds around his neighborhood, earning him the nickname “Nice Guy.” He encounters Pop Step, a street performer, and they are both attacked by a group of thugs led by Soga Kugazaki. When Koichi tries to intervene, he is easily overpowered.
Just when things look dire, Knuckleduster appears and swiftly defeats the thugs. He recognizes Koichi’s potential and declares himself as Koichi’s “master,” inviting him to become a vigilante. The episode ends with a teaser of a confrontation between Knuckleduster and Shota Aizawa (Eraser Head), a pro hero and teacher at U.A. High School.
Key Moments and Themes
- Parallels to My Hero Academia: The episode draws several parallels between Koichi and Izuku Midoriya, emphasizing their shared desire to help others and their admiration for All Might. However, it also highlights the differences in their circumstances and approaches to heroism.
- The Gray Area of Vigilantism: The episode explores the complex moral and legal issues surrounding vigilantism. While vigilantes may have good intentions, they operate outside the law and can be seen as a threat to the established hero system.
- The Lure of Trigger: The introduction of “Trigger,” a Quirk-enhancing drug, hints at a larger conflict and the dangers that vigilantes face.
What Makes Vigilantes Different?
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers a unique perspective on the My Hero Academia universe, differentiating itself from the main series in several ways.
Street-Level Heroism
Unlike the main series, which focuses on the students of U.A. High School and their training to become pro heroes, Vigilantes delves into the gritty underbelly of society. It showcases the struggles of ordinary people with less-than-impressive Quirks who try to make a difference in their communities. The problems they face are smaller, more personal, and often ignored by the official hero system.
A Grittier Tone
Vigilantes adopts a darker and more mature tone than My Hero Academia. It explores the themes of crime, poverty, and social inequality. The characters are more flawed and their actions have real consequences.
Focus on Character Development
The series places a strong emphasis on character development, exploring the motivations and struggles of its main characters in depth. In the first episode alone, we learn a great deal about Koichi’s personal life, his insecurities, and his dreams.
Visual Style
Vigilantes employs a distinct visual style that pays tribute to classic superhero comics. The character outlines are thick, the shading is striking, and the colors pop. The anime incorporates comic book panels as scene transitions and uses onomatopoeia to emphasize sound effects.
Connections to the Main Series
While Vigilantes is a standalone story, it is also deeply connected to the main My Hero Academia series.
Timeline
The series takes place five years before the events of My Hero Academia, providing backstory for certain characters and events.
Character Cameos
The first episode features appearances by All Might and Eraser Head, familiar faces from the main series. These cameos help to establish the connection between the two stories and provide context for the world of Vigilantes.
World-Building
Vigilantes expands on the world-building of My Hero Academia, providing a more detailed look at the society and culture in which heroes and villains operate. It explores the legal and ethical complexities of Quirk usage and the challenges faced by those who don’t fit into the established hero system.
Reception
The premiere of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has been met with positive reviews. Critics have praised the series for its unique perspective, its engaging characters, and its distinctive visual style.
- IGN called it “a worthy spin-off” and praised its “dazzling art direction.”
- Anime Fire noted that it “does a good job setting up who the main characters are, the types of problems they face, and setting up how Vigilantes is connected to the main series.”
- Newsweek said that it “shows off the seedy underbelly of the My Hero Academia universe” and that it “allows for smaller, more intimate stories that focus on the human side of the hero.”
Where to Watch
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Final Verdict
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a promising spin-off that offers a fresh and exciting take on the My Hero Academia universe. With its engaging characters, its gritty tone, and its distinctive visual style, it is a must-watch for fans of the main series and newcomers alike. The series expands the world in interesting ways and is a dazzling anime.
