Category: Animation

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes – Episode 2 Review: A Quirkless Hero and Rising Stakes

If you’re a fan of My Hero Academia, you’ve probably already checked out its spin-off, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. And if you haven’t, Episode 2 is the perfect reason to dive in. This episode, titled Takeoff, cranks up the intensity, introduces deeper character dynamics, and throws in some jaw-dropping moments that have fans buzzing. Let’s break it down—no spoilers, just pure hype and analysis.

The Plot Thickens: Crime, Drugs, and Vigilantes

Produced by Toho and Bones, Vigilantes serves as a prequel to the main series, focusing on Koichi Haimawari, a timid college student with a seemingly useless Quirk. But in Episode 2, Koichi starts embracing his role as “The Crawler,” thanks to the mysterious vigilante Knuckleduster and the energetic Pop Step. The trio finds themselves tangled in a city-wide drug operation involving Trigger, a substance that enhances Quirks at a dangerous cost.

The episode wastes no time throwing our heroes into chaos. From high-speed chases to rooftop brawls, the action is relentless. But what stands out is how the show balances its darker themes with lighter moments—like Pop Step’s tsundere blushes or Knuckleduster’s no-nonsense attitude. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit are loving the mix, with one user calling it “a refreshing take on the hero genre, where the stakes feel personal, not world-ending.”

Knuckleduster: The Quirkless Badass

The biggest twist of the episode? Knuckleduster doesn’t have a Quirk. That’s right—he’s just a buff, middle-aged man with a vendetta and a lot of fists. When Eraser Head (Aizawa) confronts him and realizes his Quirk-erasing ability has no effect, the internet exploded. Comments like “Knuckleduster is the Batman of the MHA universe” and “Deku could’ve been a hero without a Quirk—this guy proves it” flooded forums.

His fight scenes are raw and brutal, relying on sheer strength and strategy. One fan noted, “It’s insane how he tanks hits from superpowered villains like it’s nothing. Dude must bench-press trucks for fun.” Meanwhile, Koichi’s growth shines when he risks his life to save Pop Step and a baby (yes, a baby gets thrown into the mix—don’t ask). His Quirk, once dismissed as weak, proves surprisingly versatile, earning him the nickname “The Crawler.”

Eraser Head’s Cameo and JoJo References

Aizawa’s appearance is a treat for main-series fans. His brief but impactful role raises questions about the legality of vigilante work, setting up future conflicts. One Reddit user pointed out, “Aizawa’s ‘off-duty’ excuse is totally him turning a blind eye. He knows these guys are doing good, even if it’s illegal.”

And then there are the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure references. Two middle-school thugs are blatant nods to Jotaro and Josuke, complete with iconic hairstyles and poses. The internet lost it, with comments like “ORA ORA ORA intensifies” and “Wolverine and Cyclops walked so these kids could run.” It’s a fun Easter egg that adds to the episode’s charm.

Animation and Tone: A Step Up?

Fans are divided on the animation. Some argue it’s “more vibrant and fluid than the main series,” while others feel it’s “standard Bones fare.” Either way, the fight choreography stands out, especially Knuckleduster’s brawl with a Trigger-enhanced villain. The show’s lighter tone also gets praise, with one reviewer calling it “a breath of fresh air compared to MHA’s recent heavy arcs.”

Final Verdict: Why You Should Watch

Episode 2 of Vigilantes delivers on all fronts—action, character growth, and world-building. It’s a must-watch for MHA fans and newcomers alike. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “This isn’t just a spin-off; it’s a love letter to street-level heroism.”

Rating: 8.5/10
“Knuckleduster carries the episode, but Koichi and Pop Step aren’t far behind. Can’t wait for the next one!”

What did you think of Episode 2? Drop your hot takes below—let’s argue about Quirkless heroes and JoJo references!

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! 🚀