Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals [Season 1 Episode 2]

Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals – Episode 2 Review: “Takeoff”

A Hero Society’s Dark Underbelly

In a world where 80% of the population has superpowers, the spotlight naturally shines on the professional heroes—those officially sanctioned to fight crime. But what about the rest? Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals dives into this gray area, and Episode 2, titled “Takeoff,” solidifies its place as a compelling spinoff to the My Hero Academia universe.

This episode picks up with Koichi Haimawari, Pop Step, and the enigmatic Knuckleduster investigating the illegal drug Trigger, which enhances quirks at a dangerous cost. The narrative is tight, balancing action, humor, and character development—something fans have praised for feeling “more vibrant” than the main series.

The Vigilante Trio Shines

Koichi, our reluctant hero, continues to grow into his role. Fans loved his moment saving a baby mid-air, proving that even a “crappy” quirk like his (which lets him glide and stick to surfaces) can be heroic when used right. One Reddit user put it perfectly: “Koichi is all in now! I’d say he’s fully on board with this vigilante work.”

Pop Step, the idol-turned-vigilante, adds charm with her tsundere antics. Her dynamic with Koichi is adorable, especially when she blushes after he saves her—“she fell for him even harder,” as one fan noted. While she’s not a frontline fighter, her role as the group’s “online presence and investigator” is shaping up nicely.

Then there’s Knuckleduster, the fan-favorite badass. The big reveal? He’s quirkless. That’s right—no superpowers, just raw strength, brains, and a Batman-level dedication to justice. The internet erupted over this twist, with comments like “Knuckleduster proves Deku could have been a hero without a quirk” and “Dude is truly homeless Batman.” His fight with Eraser Head (Aizawa) was a highlight, showcasing his tactical brilliance and sheer audacity.

The Action & World-Building

The episode’s fight scenes are a mix of chaotic fun and strategic brawls. The Trigger-fueled villain’s rampage was intense, and Koichi’s creative use of his quirk—zooming up buildings and saving Pop Step mid-fall—earned praise for its fluid animation. Some fans even compared it to Spider-Man, joking that “this is probably the closest we’ll get to seeing Batman and Spider-Man team up on-screen.”

Eraser Head’s cameo was another standout. His brief clash with Knuckleduster raised questions about the ethics of vigilantism versus official hero work. One fan pointed out: “The argument between Mr. Knuckles and Eraser posed the problem of doing it by the book versus personal responsibility.” It’s a theme that’ll likely deepen as the series progresses.

The JoJo References & Easter Eggs

Vigilantes isn’t afraid to have fun, and Episode 2 packed in some hilarious nods. Two middle-school thugs were blatant JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure references—one styled like Jotaro, the other like Josuke. Fans lost it, flooding forums with “ORA ORA ORA” spam and jokes about “budget Cyclops and Wolverine.”

The humor doesn’t overshadow the stakes, though. The Trigger drug plot is heating up, and the vigilantes are now on the radar of both criminals and the law. As one MyAnimeList user theorized: “The ending foreshadows a future conflict with the police/other heroes who won’t be as agreeable as Aizawa.”

Final Verdict: A Strong Follow-Up

Episode 2 of Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals delivers on all fronts—action, character growth, and world-building. The animation, while not Demon Slayer-level, has a unique charm that fans appreciate. As one viewer put it: “The whole vibe of the episode was really free and relaxed because of the animation.”

If you’re a My Hero Academia fan looking for a grittier, street-level take on heroism, this spinoff is a must-watch. And if Knuckleduster’s quirkless badassery doesn’t convince you, Koichi’s underdog journey just might.

Rating: 8.5/10 – “A thrilling, character-driven episode that proves you don’t need a license to be a hero.”

What did you think of Episode 2? Drop your thoughts below—whether it’s about Knuckleduster’s sheer audacity, the JoJo references, or Pop Step’s adorable crush, the discussion is just getting started!