My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Episodes 1 and 2 Review

Creating a distinctive spin-off is no simple feat. While it may seem easy to take beloved elements from the original and twist certain aspects to make them unique, you still have to craft a show that’s engaging in its own right. Deep Space Nine and Angel are not cherished solely because they offer darker takes on The Next Generation and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; they stand out because audiences fell in love with their characters and storytelling. The darker tone only enhances their distinction from the originals.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a spin-off of My Hero Academia, focusing more on the gritty crime world than on the hopeful youth at U.A. High School. Visually, it resembles My Hero Academia, as both shows are animated by Studio Bones. However, Vigilantes spices up the familiar formula just enough to deliver a thrilling start with its first two episodes, laying the groundwork for a compelling spin-off.

We meet Koichi Haimawari (Shuichiro Umeda), a down-on-his-luck student who possesses a quirk (a term for superpower in My Hero Academia) that isn’t strong enough to qualify him as a professional hero. Nonetheless, he aspires to make a difference at night; wearing an All Might hoodie, he transforms into Mr. Nice Guy, a self-styled hero who helps clean up the streets. One night, when Koichi and internet idol Pop Step (Ikumi Hasegawa) are confronted by three street thugs, they cry out for a hero to save them. No one answers—except for the vigilante Knuckleduster (Yasuhiro Mamiya), who comes to their rescue. Eventually, the trio joins forces to take on a dangerous street drug called Trigger, which amplifies quirks and turns users into supervillains.

My Hero Academia explores the future of the world’s heroes—how the next generation will eventually become the new All Mights of their time. While that’s a simplified take on the main series (which currently spans seven seasons), this spin-off shifts its focus to vigilantes and the idea that we can’t always rely on mythical heroes to save the day. It’s a theme that’s both fascinating and engaging.

Notably, Studio Bones establishes a unique visual language for this spin-off. Right from the start, comic-style sound effects (onomatopoeia) appear during character introductions and fight scenes, while split screens mimic comic book panels. Though these may seem like small changes, they contribute significantly to a distinct visual experience that allows My Hero Academia: Vigilantes to stand apart.

This unique visual flair carries into the fight scenes, which feature fun and inventive choreography, all brought to life through fluid animation. It’s especially striking in the second episode’s duel between Knuckleduster and Shota Aizawa (Junichi Suwabe), where speed lines are used to great effect, creating a blistering pace and delivering punches that feel impactful. The overall animation is vibrant, with a bold color palette and stunning character designs that truly come alive in motion.

Though we’ve only scratched the surface of the narrative, the gripping setup involving the drug Trigger—paired with the formation of a vigilante team stepping into heroic roles—has already drawn me in. This is elevated by a strong central cast, whose personalities shine thanks to exceptional voice acting. Yasuhiro Mamiya is especially notable as Knuckleduster, delivering a performance that balances a deep, menacing tone during action scenes with a cheeky charisma when off duty.

The first two episodes of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offer a strong start to this spin-off. If the series maintains its momentum, it could be looking at a long and successful run with many seasons to come.

★★★★

Streaming on Crunchyroll / Shuichiro Umeda, Ikumi Hasegawa, Yasuhiro Mamiya, Junichi Suwabe, Masamichi Kitada / Dir: Kenichi Suzuki / Crunchyroll

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

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