My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 1 Review – A Street-Level Spin-Off That Punches Above Its Weight

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 1, which aired from April to June 2025, is a bold and refreshing addition to the beloved My Hero Academia universe. As a spin-off and prequel to Kohei Horikoshi’s main series, this 13-episode adaptation of the manga by Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court carves out its own identity while staying true to the heart of the franchise. Directed by Kenichi Suzuki and produced by Bones Studio B, Vigilantes swaps the high-stakes heroics of U.A. High for a gritty, street-level perspective, exploring the unsung world of unlicensed heroes. With a unique aesthetic, compelling characters, and a nuanced take on heroism, Season 1 delivers a vibrant mix of action, heart, and social commentary that both complements and elevates the My Hero Academia legacy. Here’s why Vigilantes Season 1 is a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.

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A New Lens on Hero Society

Set five years before the events of My Hero Academia, Vigilantes introduces Koichi Haimawari, a college student with a modest Quirk that allows him to glide across surfaces using three points of contact. Unlike the main series’ Deku, who dreams of becoming a top-tier Pro Hero, Koichi is a reluctant everyman whose aspirations for heroism have been dulled by the realities of a society where only licensed heroes are celebrated. After a chance encounter with the enigmatic vigilante Knuckleduster and street performer Pop☆Step, Koichi is thrust into the shadowy world of vigilantism, where unlicensed heroes tackle crimes overlooked by the Pro Hero system.

The show’s premise is its greatest strength: it dives into the underbelly of the My Hero Academia world, exposing the cracks in a hero-obsessed society. While Pro Heroes chase fame and glory, vigilantes like Koichi, Knuckleduster, and Pop☆Step clean up the streets, dealing with small-time criminals and the dangerous drug Trigger, which amplifies Quirks at the cost of sanity. This street-level focus offers a refreshing contrast to the main series’ epic battles, grounding the narrative in relatable stakes—like stopping a convenience store robbery or saving a bystander from a Trigger-enhanced thug. The series doesn’t just pay lip service to the concept of vigilantism; it interrogates what it means to be a hero when the system sidelines those without power or prestige.

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A Distinct Visual and Tonal Identity

One of Vigilantes’ standout features is its bold visual style, which sets it apart from the main My Hero Academia series. Bones Studio B leans heavily into the franchise’s comic book inspirations, adopting a neon-drenched, pop-art aesthetic with thick black outlines and on-screen onomatopoeia like “BAM!” and “WHACK!” that pop during action sequences. This stylistic choice, credited to character designer Takahiko Yoshida and art director Yukihiro Watanabe, evokes classic Western superhero comics while maintaining the vibrant energy of anime. The fight scenes, particularly the climactic battle between Knuckleduster and the villain Queen Bee in the season’s final episodes, are kinetic and cinematic, with fluid choreography and a gritty intensity that feels raw and personal.

Tonally, Vigilantes strikes a delicate balance between the upbeat optimism of My Hero Academia and a darker, more introspective edge. The series tackles mature themes like drug addiction, systemic inequality, and the moral ambiguity of vigilantism, yet it retains the franchise’s signature humor and heart. Moments of levity—like Koichi’s awkward attempts to balance college life with his vigilante duties or Pop☆Step’s sassy banter—keep the tone from becoming too heavy, while Knuckleduster’s grizzled intensity adds a layer of gravitas. This blend creates a dynamic viewing experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

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A Trio That Shines

The heart of Vigilantes lies in its central trio: Koichi (The Crawler), Pop☆Step, and Knuckleduster. Each character brings a distinct perspective to the story, forming a shonen trio that feels authentic without mimicking the main series’ archetypes.

• Koichi Haimawari (voiced by Shūichirō Umeda/Jack Broadbent): Koichi is a relatable protagonist whose lack of ambition sets him apart from Deku. His modest Quirk and unassuming personality make his small acts of heroism—helping lost civilians, picking up trash, or disarming petty criminals—feel profoundly meaningful. While some reviews criticize Koichi’s limited growth in Season 1, his journey from timid bystander to budding vigilante lays a promising foundation for future development.
• Pop☆Step (voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa/Macy Anne Johnson): As a street performer with a leaping Quirk, Pop☆Step brings energy and charm to the trio. However, the show’s handling of her character has sparked debate. Some episodes reduce her to a fanservice trope, with public comments fixating on her revealing outfit—a point of contention given her young age (around 14). While her wit and loyalty shine in moments like the “Event Announcement!” episode, the series could do more to flesh out her role beyond eye candy.
• Knuckleduster (voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya/Jason Marnocha): The breakout star of the season, Knuckleduster is a Quirkless vigilante whose brutal fighting style and complex motivations steal the show. His personal vendetta against the villain Kuin, tied to a tragic backstory involving his comatose wife, adds emotional depth and drives the season’s darker narrative threads. Jason Marnocha’s English dub performance captures Knuckleduster’s gruff charisma perfectly, making him a fan favorite.

The trio’s dynamic—Koichi’s earnestness, Pop☆Step’s flair, and Knuckleduster’s intensity—creates a compelling balance, with each character complementing the others’ strengths and weaknesses. Supporting characters like Makoto, who explores the sociology of vigilantism, and cameos from familiar faces like Aizawa and All Might, enrich the world without overshadowing the new cast.

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Strengths: Action, World-Building, and Thematic Depth

Vigilantes Season 1 excels in several areas:

1. Action Sequences: The animation shines in fast-paced, street-level brawls, with the Knuckleduster vs. Queen Bee fight in episodes 12 and 13 standing out for its brutal choreography and emotional weight. The show’s use of vibrant colors and comic book-style effects enhances the physicality of each punch and kick.
2. World-Building: By focusing on the margins of hero society, Vigilantes expands the My Hero Academia universe in meaningful ways. The introduction of Trigger as a street drug highlights systemic failures, as police and Pro Heroes often ignore small-scale crimes. Episodes like “Truth” (1×07) delve into the history of vigilantism, revealing how laws were shaped to prioritize licensed heroes over grassroots efforts, adding depth to the franchise’s lore.
3. Thematic Resonance: The show’s exploration of what it means to be a hero without a license is both timely and thought-provoking. It challenges the black-and-white dichotomy of heroes and villains, showing how vigilantes operate in a gray area, facing scrutiny from both criminals and the law. Knuckleduster’s mantra—“Powerful Quirks and Pro Hero Licenses have nothing to do with true justice”—encapsulates this ethos.

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Weaknesses: Pacing and Missed Opportunities

Despite its strengths, Vigilantes Season 1 isn’t flawless. Some critics note pacing issues, particularly in the early episodes, where Koichi’s introduction feels sluggish compared to the action-heavy main series. The Trigger drug plotline, initially a central threat, loses focus mid-season, becoming a background element until the finale. This dilutes its impact and leaves some narrative threads unresolved.

Additionally, the show doesn’t fully capitalize on its vigilante premise. While it raises questions about the legality and morality of unlicensed heroism, these themes are often sidelined for action or comedy. For example, the trio’s clashes with Pro Heroes are limited to a single episode, missing a chance to explore the tension between vigilantes and the establishment more deeply. Pop☆Step’s underdevelopment and occasional objectification also detract from the trio’s dynamic, alienating some viewers.

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Reception and Fan Sentiment

Vigilantes Season 1 has garnered a generally positive response, with an IMDb rating of 7.3/10 and a “Very good” median score on Anime News Network (7.632 weighted mean from 43 ratings). Fans on X praise its polished animation, unique aesthetic, and Knuckleduster’s compelling presence, with some calling it a superior story to the main series due to its tighter focus and grounded stakes. @MightyGazelle1 called the adaptation “perfect,” while @albekdo gave it an 8.5/10 for its fresh perspective and consistent animation quality. However, some Reddit users express disappointment, citing a slow start and Pop☆Step’s reductive portrayal as drawbacks. @bamisoffline, a manga reader, lauded the adaptation’s fidelity and polish, reflecting excitement for future seasons.

Critics are similarly divided. IGN and CBR praise the show’s dazzling visuals and street-level heroism, with IGN calling it “a worthy spin-off” that expands the My Hero Academia world. However, TheReviewGeek delivers a harsher verdict, labeling it “the worst possible spin-off” for failing to explore its premise deeply and sidelining Koichi and Pop☆Step in favor of Knuckleduster. Despite these critiques, the announcement of a second season in 2026 has fans optimistic about the series addressing these shortcomings.

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Why It’s Worth Watching

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 1 is a triumph of style and substance, offering a fresh take on a familiar world. Its comic book-inspired visuals, engaging trio, and exploration of heroism’s gray areas make it a standout spin-off that honors its roots while forging its own path. While pacing issues and underdeveloped plotlines hold it back from perfection, the season’s strengths—particularly its action, world-building, and Knuckleduster’s magnetic presence—make it a compelling watch for My Hero Academia fans and newcomers alike.

For those craving more Quirk-fueled action after the main series’ conclusion, Vigilantes delivers a grounded yet exhilarating ride. Stream it on Crunchyroll (episodes 1-3 free with ads, premium for later episodes) or Netflix, and prepare for a story that proves heroes aren’t born—they’re made, one street fight at a time. With Season 2 confirmed for 2026, there’s never been a better time to join Koichi, Pop☆Step, and Knuckleduster in their quest for justice.

Final Score: 8/10 – A vibrant, heartfelt spin-off that sets itself apart with style and substance, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.