My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Kicks Off with Gritty New Direction

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — April 7, 2025 — The much-anticipated anime adaptation of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” premiered on Crunchyroll, marking a shift in focus from the flagship series. With its first episode, titled “I’m Here,” the new series introduces audiences to a different facet of heroism and a fresh protagonist.

The spin-off is set five years before the events of the main series and follows 18-year-old Koichi Haimawari, who lives in a world where 80% of the population possesses superhuman abilities known as Quirks. However, unlike the celebrated heroes of society, Koichi’s Quirk, “Slide and Glide,” allows him to move quickly across flat surfaces in a slow, bicycle-like manner, ultimately sidelining his aspirations of becoming a licensed hero.

Being an unofficial vigilante presents its own set of challenges, as the series effectively highlights. Koichi’s journey kicks off when he unintentionally crosses paths with a vigilante called Knuckleduster, portrayed by Yasuhiro Mamiya and Jason Marnocha. Their encounter leads to Koichi teaming up with pop idol Pop☆Step (Ikumi Hasegawa/Jason Marnocha) to combat crime—an ironic and indirect take on the traditional hero narrative.

“This is not a show about big villains with grand schemes fighting the A-listers,” said Travis Hymas, a freelance writer and self-appointed Pokémon historian. “Its concerns are smaller, like the frustration of a convenience-store worker being robbed by a small-time vandal with Wolverine claws.”

The visual style of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is a welcomed evolution, incorporating aesthetic elements inspired by classic superhero comics. Directed by Kenichi Suzuki, the series features bold outlines and vibrant colors while employing onomatopoeia graphics to elevate the viewing experience. The character designs—crafted by Takahiko Yoshida—along with the art direction from Yukihiro Watanabe, create an engaging atmosphere that differentiates this spin-off from its predecessor.

However, the slow pacing of episode one is notable. The introduction of Koichi sets the stage for his character but leaves room for improvement in terms of engagement and urgency as the plots are laid out. Koichi’s indifference contrasts sharply with the dynamic introductions of supporting characters like Knuckleduster and Pop☆Step, who have more defined missions and personalities.

“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” promises a new angle on the hero narrative by portraying a relatable everyman struggling with his ambitions and the societal structures that govern heroism. The storyline hints at larger conflicts through the introduction of a Quirk-enhancing drug known as Trigger, teasing deeper explorations into the ramifications of vigilantism versus sanctioned hero work.

Despite the slower start, fans of the My Hero Academia franchise have much to look forward to with Vigilantes. The atmospheric visuals, combined with the exploration of its characters outside typical heroic tropes, creates a unique installment that promises to capture the interest of both new audiences and existing fans.