Vigilantes Episode 1 Review: A Promising Heroic Prelude
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Episode 1 sets a compelling stage for Koichi’s origin story, blending mystery, grit, and untapped potential.
A Humble Hero’s Rise: ‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ Episode 1 Sets the Stage for an Underground Adventure
When the highly anticipated spin-off My Hero Academia: Vigilantes premiered on April 7, expectations were sky-high. Adapted from the manga created by Kohei Horikoshi, penned by Hideyuki Furuhashi, and illustrated by Betten Court, this anime delves into the gritty backstreets of hero society, shining a spotlight on those who operate outside official approval. Produced by the renowned Bones Studio, the first episode delivers an intriguing glimpse into a world where heroism takes on unconventional forms—and not every savior wears a cape sanctioned by the Hero Commission.
Set before the events of the original My Hero Academia series, Vigilantes introduces a more grounded, street-level perspective, one filled with moral gray areas and underdog protagonists. At its center is Koichi Haimawari, a mild-mannered 19-year-old who’s more likely to offer directions than throw punches—until life pushes him into the shadows of heroism.
Unofficial Heroes in a Quirk-Driven Society
The episode, titled “I’m Here,” starts by reacquainting viewers with the core conceit of the My Hero Academia universe: 80% of the population possesses a “Quirk,” or superpower. This world-building recap is essential for newcomers but concise enough to avoid dragging for veterans of the franchise.
Viewers are introduced to the three pivotal characters: Koichi Haimawari, the aspiring but unlicensed hero with a sliding Quirk; Pop Step, a mysterious street performer with agility and spunk; and Knuckleduster, a grizzled, no-nonsense vigilante who prefers fists over flash. Within the first few minutes, the stakes are set with whispers of a dangerous Quirk-enhancing drug circulating in the underbelly of society—a thread that promises more intensity in episodes to come.
While these characters are only partially developed in the premiere, the chemistry, particularly between Koichi and Knuckleduster, hints at future emotional depth and hard-earned mentorship.
A Quiet but Promising Protagonist
Unlike Izuku Midoriya’s teary-eyed, meteoric rise, Koichi’s journey is quieter—his introduction as The Nice Guy feels intentional. He doesn’t dream of All Might-level fame. Instead, Koichi is content helping people in small, meaningful ways: returning lost wallets, guiding tourists, and assisting the older people. It’s a relatable brand of altruism that grounds him in realism, and that’s the appeal.
What makes Koichi’s character stand out is not his raw power—his sliding Quirk is modest at best—but his clarity of purpose. He knows he’s not cut out for hero school. He knows he lacks the bravado or charisma of licensed pros. Yet he steps up when needed, even before he meets his future mentor, Knuckleduster. This realism sets a refreshing tone for a genre often steeped in spectacle.
The Arrival of Knuckleduster: Justice with Grit
Enter Knuckleduster—a stark contrast to the polished heroes on billboards. Voiced with gruff conviction by Yasuhiro Mamiya, he operates with the ruthlessness of a man who’s seen the dark side of justice. His method of confronting crime is brutal, unfiltered, and illegal. But his conviction is unquestionable.
Knuckleduster doesn’t offer pep talks. He throws Koichi into the deep end, testing the young man’s mettle with the real-world stakes of crime-fighting. Their interaction in this first episode subtly begins the classic master-apprentice dynamic, although laced with more aggression than encouragement.
It’s this push and pull—the lawful good versus chaotic good—that gives Vigilantes a distinct narrative voice from its predecessor.
Pop Step: Flashy, Yet Faint
While Pop Step is introduced with flair, her role in the first episode feels more cosmetic than critical. Dressed like a street idol and moving with gymnast-like fluidity, she certainly adds color to the cast, but we don’t get much insight into her motivations or deeper backstory—yet. Her potential is clear, and hopefully, future episodes will flesh her out beyond surface-level spark.
Direction, Pacing, and Production
Under the direction of Kenichi Suzuki, Episode 1 is deliberate in its pacing. Some may argue it moves a bit slowly, but that’s arguably a strategic choice. The episode isn’t in a rush to throw punches; instead, it lays narrative groundwork with purpose.
Visually, the animation is crisp, though not groundbreaking. It’s functional rather than flashy, serving the tone of the show rather than outshining it. There are no jaw-dropping animation sequences yet, but the clean design and nighttime aesthetic fit the underground theme.
Where the episode truly shines is in its soundscape. Shuichiro Umeda as Koichi lends an earnest vulnerability to the character, while Mamiya’s portrayal of Knuckleduster adds the necessary weight and menace.
What the First Episode Promises
Vigilantes doesn’t attempt to replicate the epic scale of My Hero Academia, and that’s its strength. It tells the story of overlooked heroes in alleyways, of ordinary people rising to challenges with no promise of fame or fortune. Episode 1 plants just enough narrative seeds—an ominous drug, character dynamics, hints of emotional depth—to make viewers want more.
According to an early fan poll by Anime News Network, over 68% of respondents rated the episode positively, praising its grounded storytelling and unique perspective. However, several viewers echoed the sentiment that future episodes need to dial up the action and emotional stakes to maintain momentum.
Final Verdict: A Solid Start with Gritty Potential
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” Episode 1 doesn’t come out swinging, but it doesn’t have to. It opts for a more introspective, measured introduction, focusing on character foundation and atmosphere over immediate thrill. For fans of the My Hero universe, it offers a fresh lens into a familiar world. For new viewers, it’s a low-stakes entry point into a morally complex story.
If the series continues to develop its themes of justice, identity, and mentorship while leaning into its streetwise tone, Vigilantes could evolve into a compelling, standalone story. One that doesn’t just live in the shadow of its predecessor but shines in its own right.
Where to Watch:
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Episode 1, is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
(Disclaimer: This article is a journalistic review based on publicly available information and first-hand viewing of the episode. All trademarks and character names are the property of their respective creators and rights holders.)
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