The first episode of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers a refreshing and grounded perspective of the hero world we’ve come to know through the main My Hero Academia series. Instead of showcasing elite students or high-profile Pro Heroes, it introduces us to people who fall through the cracks of the official system—individuals with minor quirks and no formal hero training, yet who still choose to make a difference.
At the center is Koichi Haimawari, an average, soft-spoken college student with a quirk that’s far from impressive. His ability, Slide and Glide, lets him move across surfaces like a skateboard. It’s simple, non-combative, and easy to overlook in a society that glorifies flashy powers. But Koichi’s real strength lies in his character. He’s the kind of person who stops to help others—not for fame or reward, but simply because it feels right. He picks up litter, assists lost children, and checks in on strangers, even though using his quirk technically breaks the law. He’s a true example of someone with a hero’s heart, even if the world doesn’t recognize it.
Koichi’s life takes a sharp turn when he meets Knuckleduster, a gritty, quirkless vigilante who takes crime-fighting into his own hands with his fists and experience. Knuckleduster isn’t polished—he’s blunt, aggressive, and unconcerned with rules—but he believes in justice. His harsh methods contrast sharply with Koichi’s gentleness, yet it becomes clear that both men want the same thing: to protect the people around them. Knuckleduster sees potential in Koichi—not because of his Quirk, but because of his unwavering moral compass.
Joining them is PopStep, a parkour-performing teen with a auirk that allows her to leap great distances. At first glance, she seems self-absorbed, more interested in gaining followers than helping people. But as the episode unfolds, it becomes evident that her confidence masks deeper motivations. Like Koichi, she exists on the fringes of the hero system, trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t make space for misfits.
Episode 1 is not heavy on action, but that’s intentional. It focuses on worldbuilding and character development, showing us a side of hero society that’s rarely explored. What happens to those who want to do good but aren’t strong enough, rich enough, or lucky enough to attend elite hero schools? Vigilantes answers that question with empathy and realism.
Ultimately, this premiere sets up a compelling story about three unlikely allies who, despite being overlooked by society, are determined to help others in their own way. It’s not about being the strongest—it’s about standing up when it counts.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is available on CrunchyRoll.
