My Hero Academia TV prequel series, Vigilantes, is proving that good prequels do more than just show origin stories—they tell standalone narratives that enrich the original material. Unlike many Hollywood prequels that primarily serve to reveal backstory, this anime focuses on new characters and underexplored facets of the My Hero Academia universe, offering viewers a fresh perspective. Released recently and animated by BONES, the Vigilantes series explores the lives of unlicensed heroes in a society dominated by superpowered individuals known as Quirk users.
Exploring the Untold Lives of Unlicensed Heroes
In a world where the majority of people possess superhuman abilities called Quirks, the My Hero Academia prequel delves into the stories of “Vigilantes”—do-gooders who operate without licenses or formal training. Before government regulation of heroes became the norm, many of these individuals performed crime-fighting and rescue missions on their own. Unlike the main series, which centers on U.A. High School’s Class 1-A students and their formal hero education, Vigilantes investigates the less glamorous, grittier side of heroism that most people overlook.
Introducing Koichi and His Fight at Street Level
The story follows Koichi, a college student juggling a day job at a convenience store with his nighttime role as The Crawler, a street-level hero. Unlike Izuku Midoriya, the Quirkless protagonist of the main series, Koichi possesses an active Quirk yet lacks formal training or mentorship. His quiet efforts to protect his neighborhood escalate when he attempts to save Kazuho, a street performer known as Popstep, and crosses paths with the tougher anti-crime fighter Knuckleduster.
Guidance from Unorthodox Mentors and New Hero Perspectives
Koichi’s hero education is informal and pragmatic, relying heavily on practical advice from characters like Knuckleduster, who warns him,
“when jumping from a rooftop, aim for the trash.”
—Knuckleduster. While the series does feature cameo appearances by familiar teachers such as Eraserhead, Midnight, Ingenium, and Present Mic, it also introduces new heroes who expand the narrative depth. One such character is Captain Celebrity, a fame-obsessed hero from the United States who sharply contrasts Japan’s celebrated hero All Might. He represents the extreme end of hero worship, focused more on publicity and personal gain than genuine heroics.
Distinct Animation Styles Highlight Character Differences
Vigilantes is animated by BONES, the studio responsible for the original series, but it creatively uses varying animation styles to emphasize character differences. Scenes centered on Popstep feature bright colors and exaggerated chibi expressions, injecting energy and levity. Knuckleduster’s moments are rendered with harsh lines and a gritty aesthetic reminiscent of Frank Miller’s Batman Returns, emphasizing his tough demeanor. Koichi’s scenes maintain a classic Shonen animation style, balancing the show’s varying tones by visually reflecting each character’s personality and role within the story.
A Standalone Experience Enhancing the Greater Mythos
The prequel abstains from focusing on the intense conflicts of the primary series, such as the battles involving All for One and the League of Villains. This choice allows Vigilantes to tell a street-level crime narrative accessible to viewers regardless of their familiarity with the main show’s extensive 170+ episode arc. It is designed so that even fans who haven’t followed Class 1-A’s journey can enjoy a self-contained story that adds depth to the My Hero Academia world.
Why Vigilantes Works as an Essential New Chapter
Much like Andor expands the Star Wars universe by filling crucial backstory, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes contributes meaningful worldbuilding and character studies that other shows cannot. With the original My Hero Academia series approaching its final season as the war against Shigaraki and All for One escalates, this prequel offers fans the opportunity to explore aspects of the Quirk-driven society they have long wondered about. Those interested in deepening their understanding of the universe will find Vigilantes an essential addition.
The first season of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and all seven seasons of My Hero Academia are currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
