My Hero Academia is approaching its conclusion with the upcoming eighth season, while fans can also enjoy the new spin-off, Vigilante: My Hero Academia Illegals, which premiered on April 7. This series follows Koichi, a student inspired by All Might, as he grapples with using his powers for good in unconventional ways. Although set before the main series, it quickly engages viewers. The spin-off is available on Crunchyroll, with new episodes released weekly.
My Hero Academia: The Epic Conclusion and a New Spin-off
After nearly a decade of captivating audiences, the beloved series adaptation of My Hero Academia is set to conclude with its highly anticipated eighth season this fall. As we eagerly await this final chapter, Bones Studios has gifted fans with a new experience: Vigilante: My Hero Academia Illegals, a thrilling spin-off that premiered on April 7 on Crunchyroll.
Exploring the World of Vigilante: My Hero Academia Illegals
The story centers around Koichi, a young student who idolizes All Might, the most formidable hero in the series. Armed with his unique sliding quirk, Koichi strives to assist those in need—whether it’s picking up litter or helping elderly women cross the street. However, his well-meaning actions take a turn when he begins to use his powers illegally in public without the necessary permission.
Vigilante: My Hero Academia Illegals, which ran from 2016 to 2022 and consists of 15 volumes, is penned by Furuhashi Hideyuki. This manga serves as a charming companion to the iconic My Hero Academia series, featuring an array of superheroes, outrageous escapades, and inventive quirks that seamlessly integrate into the universe crafted by Kohei Horikoshi. Fans of the original series were delighted by this addition, which quickly gained traction upon its release.
While the final season of My Hero Academia is slated for late 2025, the announcement of the animated adaptation for Vigilante took many by surprise during Jump Festa, a prominent event celebrating animation and manga. This reveal was met with enthusiasm from fans and sparked interest among newcomers, thanks to an impressive technical team known for their work on renowned franchises such as Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fire Force, and Attack on Titan.
Wondering if you need to watch My Hero Academia before diving into Vigilante? The answer is no; however, it’s advantageous to have at least seen the first season. Although Vigilante acts as a prequel set a few years prior to the events of My Hero Academia, it quickly immerses viewers in its narrative without extensive exposition. The first episode lays the foundation for the universe in a matter of seconds and then plunges straight into the action. Additionally, several familiar heroes from the original series make appearances, and their roles may feel disjointed for those unfamiliar with them.
In summary, My Hero Academia is a must-watch for anyone, whether you’re a fan of action comedies or not. Its vibrant characters and emotionally rich story arcs will keep you captivated right up until the grand finale, expected to air in October.
As a reminder, Vigilante: My Hero Academia Illegals is currently available on Crunchyroll with French subtitles, releasing one episode per week since April 7. A French dubbed version is also anticipated to arrive soon.