Episode 8 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes bursts onto the scene with the arrival of Captain Celebrity, America’s top-ranked hero, who quickly proves to be as problematic as he is powerful. This installment, titled “Major,” cleverly balances humor and social commentary, offering a sharp critique of celebrity culture within the hero world. The episode, which aired on May 26, 2025, introduces a stark contrast between genuine heroism and the manufactured image, leaving Koichi and viewers alike questioning what it truly means to be a hero.
A Heroic Debacle: Captain Celebrity’s Flashy Arrival
The episode kicks off with Koichi, ever the eager vigilante, chasing a petty thief. Just as he’s about to be run over by a truck, Captain Celebrity makes a dramatic entrance, saving him in a display of immense power. However, the initial awe quickly fades as Koichi and Pop realize that Captain Celebrity is more interested in boosting his brand than actually helping people.
- Over-the-Top Antics: Captain Celebrity’s behavior is a constant spectacle. He’s loud, boisterous, and seemingly more concerned with posing for the cameras than ensuring the safety of civilians.
- American Satire: The episode doesn’t shy away from satirizing American celebrity culture. Captain Celebrity’s theme song, his need for constant media attention, and his womanizing tendencies all contribute to a caricature of fame-obsessed personalities.
- Prioritizing Image: A key example of his skewed priorities is his reluctance to act during a giant monster attack until his camera crew is fully set up, highlighting how his concern for image overshadows his responsibility to protect.
Koichi’s Disillusionment: The Anti-All Might
Koichi, who idolizes All Might, is immediately put off by Captain Celebrity’s selfish and glory-hogging approach. The contrast between All Might’s selflessness and Captain Celebrity’s self-promotion is stark, forcing Koichi to confront the uncomfortable reality that not all heroes are created equal.
- Clash of Ideals: Captain Celebrity openly disrespects All Might, further fueling Koichi’s animosity. This disrespect underscores the thematic conflict between genuine heroism and manufactured celebrity.
- Forced Team-Ups: Despite his dislike, Koichi finds himself repeatedly saved by Captain Celebrity, creating a begrudging dynamic that adds to the episode’s comedic appeal.
- Questioning Heroism: Through Koichi’s perspective, the episode raises questions about the true meaning of heroism. Is it about saving lives, or is it about fame and recognition?
Makoto’s Role: Image Control and Complications
Makoto Tsukauchi, Detective Tsukauchi’s sister, returns in this episode as part of Captain Celebrity’s PR team. Her role is to manage his image and mitigate the damage caused by his scandalous behavior.
- Image Consultant: Makoto’s task is to rebrand Captain Celebrity and make him more palatable to the Japanese public. This involves damage control for his womanizing and creating a more “approachable” persona.
- Romantic Interest?: Captain Celebrity’s blatant flirting with Makoto adds another layer of complexity to the story. Koichi, who clearly has feelings for Makoto, is visibly annoyed by Captain Celebrity’s advances.
- Underlying Motives: Makoto’s presence raises questions about her true intentions. Is she genuinely trying to help Captain Celebrity, or does she have ulterior motives?
Humor and Commentary: A Balancing Act
Episode 8 masterfully balances humor with social commentary, making it an engaging and thought-provoking installment. The episode uses Captain Celebrity’s character to satirize celebrity culture while also exploring deeper themes about heroism and public perception.
- Comedic Relief: The episode is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to Captain Celebrity’s over-the-top personality and antics. His interactions with Koichi are particularly humorous, as the straight-laced vigilante struggles to deal with the flamboyant hero.
- Social Critique: Beneath the humor lies a sharp critique of the hero industry’s obsession with image and popularity. The episode suggests that some heroes are more concerned with maintaining their celebrity status than with actually helping people.
- Tonal Consistency: While the episode is lighter in tone compared to previous installments, it still manages to touch on serious themes about heroism and responsibility. This tonal balance is a hallmark of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
Unexpected Twist: Mom’s Coming!
In a post-credit scene, Koichi receives a call from his father, informing him that his mother is coming to visit. This sets up a comedic cliffhanger, as Koichi remembers that he lied to his mother about having a girlfriend.
- Comedic Cliffhanger: The arrival of Koichi’s mother promises more comedic moments in future episodes. The pressure to maintain the lie about having a girlfriend will likely lead to awkward and hilarious situations.
- Pop’s Potential Role: The episode subtly hints that Pop might step into the role of Koichi’s fake girlfriend. This would create even more comedic tension, given Pop’s age and her ambiguous feelings for Koichi.
Overall Impression: A Solid Episode with a Message
“Major” is a well-crafted episode that successfully introduces Captain Celebrity while also advancing the overall story. The episode’s humor, social commentary, and strong character interactions make it a standout installment in My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
- Engaging Narrative: The episode’s plot is well-paced and engaging, keeping viewers entertained from beginning to end.
- Character Development: The episode provides further insight into Koichi’s character, as he grapples with his disillusionment with celebrity heroism.
- Consistent Production Quality: Studio Bones continues to deliver high-quality animation and sound design, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Introduction of Key Themes: Episode 8 introduces key themes of celebrity versus genuine help and assistance to those who require it.
The Verdict: Watch It!
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Episode 8 is a must-watch for fans of the series. It’s a funny, insightful, and well-produced episode that offers a fresh perspective on the world of heroes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, “Major” is sure to entertain and provoke thought. It’ll leave you pondering the question: What does it truly mean to be a hero?
