My Hero Academia Vigilantes [Season 1 Episode 1]

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes – A Fresh Take on Heroism (Episode 1 Review)

The world of My Hero Academia expands with its latest spin-off, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, and the first episode, titled “I’m Here,” wastes no time setting the stage for a darker, grittier side of heroism. Produced by Toho and Bones Film, this prequel dives into the underground world of vigilantes—those who operate outside the law to protect the innocent. And let’s just say, it’s already got fans buzzing.

A Different Kind of Hero

Unlike the main series, where heroes like Deku and All Might bask in the spotlight, Vigilantes follows Koichi Haimawari, a college student with a seemingly “useless” Quirk: the ability to slide at bike-like speeds. No flashy explosions, no super strength—just a guy trying to do good in a world that doesn’t always reward it.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have pointed out how refreshing this feels. One user noted, “Koichi is already more relatable than Deku. He’s not trying to be the next All Might—he’s just trying to help where he can.” And honestly? That’s a vibe. The episode introduces us to Koichi’s daily struggles, from dodging petty criminals to dealing with his own insecurities about his Quirk. It’s a far cry from the UA Academy’s polished hero training, and that’s what makes it so compelling.

The Tone: Darker, Edgier, and More Grounded

If My Hero Academia is the shiny, optimistic side of hero society, Vigilantes is its shadowy underbelly. The first episode wastes no time establishing this with a villain rampage that feels more brutal than anything in the main series. One fan described it as “like watching a Marvel street-level hero story, but with that classic MHA charm.”

The darker tone isn’t just for show—it’s baked into the premise. Vigilantes aren’t licensed heroes, and that means they operate in morally gray areas. Knuckleduster, one of the main trio, is already being compared to a “bad boy All Might” for his reckless, no-holds-barred approach to justice. Meanwhile, Pop Step, the third member of the group, brings a much-needed dose of energy (and, let’s be real, some killer fashion).

Animation and Style: A Comic Book Come to Life

Bones Film doesn’t disappoint with the animation. The first episode is packed with dynamic action sequences, and the comic-book-style visuals—complete with onomatopoeic sound effects—give it a unique flair. Fans have been raving about the thick line art and the way the OP leans into this aesthetic.

That said, not everyone’s sold. One critic called the animation “mechanically correct but not groundbreaking,” while others praised it for feeling “more mature and detailed than the main series.” Either way, it’s clear that Vigilantes is carving out its own identity.

The Verdict: A Promising Start

So, does Vigilantes live up to the hype? Based on the first episode, absolutely. It’s a fresh perspective on the MHA universe, with a protagonist who’s more underdog than chosen one, a darker tone, and a trio of characters who already feel like fan favorites.

As one Reddit user put it: “This could’ve worked as a standalone series, even without the MHA connection.” High praise for a spin-off, but Vigilantes earns it. If you’re looking for a hero story with less flash and more grit, this is your show.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A solid debut that leaves you hungry for more.

What did you think of the first episode? Let me know in the comments! 🚀