Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals” Episode 1 Review – A Fresh, Gritty Take on the Hero World

The My Hero Academia universe expands with Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals, a spin-off that dives into the darker, grittier side of a world obsessed with Quirks and heroes. The first episode, titled “Here I Am,” introduces us to Koichi Haimawari, a college student whose dreams of heroism have been crushed by the harsh reality of his underwhelming Quirk. But as fans quickly realized, this isn’t just another MHA clone—it’s a story with its own identity, one that’s already sparking heated discussions online.

A Different Kind of Hero

Koichi isn’t Deku. He’s not quirkless, nor does he have the unwavering determination to become the next Symbol of Peace. Instead, he’s just a guy with a mediocre sliding ability—one that barely gets him past bike speed. Yet, as the episode unfolds, we see him doing small acts of kindness, earning him the nickname “Nice Guy” from the locals. It’s a refreshing change from the usual shonen protagonist who’s destined for greatness. Koichi feels real, relatable, and, most importantly, human.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have praised this grounded approach. One user noted, “This feels more grounded than MHA. The crooks are petty, the stakes feel personal, and Koichi’s struggles aren’t about saving the world—just helping people in his own way.” Another added, “I already love Koichi more than Deku. He’s not trying to be the best; he’s just trying to do what’s right.”

The Vigilante Trio: Knuckleduster, Pop★Step, and Koichi

The episode wastes no time throwing Koichi into the deep end. After a run-in with some low-level villains (who, let’s be honest, are way creepier than your average MHA thugs), he’s saved by the mysterious Knuckleduster—a man who’s basically Batman if Batman had zero patience for rules. Knuckleduster’s brutal, no-nonsense approach to justice is a stark contrast to the polished heroics of All Might, and fans are here for it.

Then there’s Pop★Step, the idol-turned-vigilante who’s already stealing the spotlight. Her design and personality have sparked mixed reactions—some love her flashy, idol-inspired costume (“She looks hot in that dress!”), while others find it a bit over-the-top (“The girl’s character design is so ass”). Regardless, her dynamic with Koichi and Knuckleduster promises to be one of the show’s highlights.

A Darker, More Mature Tone

One thing that stands out immediately is the show’s tone. While MHA has its dark moments, Vigilantes leans into the grime of its setting. The villains aren’t world-ending threats—they’re street-level criminals, some of whom are downright disturbing (“The crooks wanna strip the girl, and the unlicensed dude is profiling and paranoid”). It’s a side of the hero society we rarely see in the main series, and fans are loving it.

The animation, handled by Bones (the studio behind MHA), also gets praise for its comic-book-inspired visuals. The thick lines, dynamic action sequences, and even the OP’s pop-art style give the show a unique flair. One fan gushed, “The art style is insanely well done. It feels like a classic superhero comic!”

Connections to the Main Series

For MHA fans, there are plenty of Easter eggs to enjoy. A cameo from a younger Inko Midoriya (Deku’s mom) had fans buzzing (“Deku’s mom cameo is nice too—she is sexy and tall when she was young!”), and Knuckleduster’s connection to All Might’s legacy adds an intriguing layer to the story.

Some viewers were surprised by how well the spin-off stands on its own. “Even without the connection to MHA, this show could’ve worked as a standalone series,” one Reddit user pointed out.

Final Verdict: A Promising Start

Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals Episode 1 delivers a fresh perspective on the hero world, one that’s darker, grittier, and more personal than its predecessor. Koichi’s journey as an underdog vigilante, Knuckleduster’s ruthless justice, and Pop★Step’s infectious energy make for a compelling trio.

While some fans found the pacing slow (“Felt like filler lmao”), most agree that the episode sets up an exciting story. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “This is already my favorite of the season. I have high expectations for this one.”

If you’re craving a hero story with less flash and more substance, Vigilantes might just be your next obsession.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A solid debut that proves even the smallest heroes can leave the biggest impact.

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Note: This review incorporates fan discussions from MyAnimeList and other platforms to reflect real audience reactions.