My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a spin-off manga series set in the same universe as the wildly popular My Hero Academia. Written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court, this series ran from 2016 to 2022 and provides a deeper, darker look at the society of heroes before the rise of Izuku Midoriya.
The Premise
Asalas – Set several years before the main series, Vigilantes follows ordinary citizens who take justice into their own hands. Unlike licensed pro-heroes, these individuals operate outside the law, using their Quirks (superpowers) to protect others from the shadows. At the heart of the story is Koichi Haimawari, a kind-hearted college student whose Quirk, “Slide and Glide,” allows him to skate across surfaces. Though not flashy, Koichi’s determination to help others leads him to become the vigilante known as The Crawler.
Alongside Koichi are other compelling characters like Knuckleduster, a gritty, Quirkless former hero who punches crime into submission, and Pop☆Step, a parkour-loving idol with a mysterious past. Together, they face threats both bizarre and brutal—including the early operations of the villainous organization Villain Factory, which creates dangerous Nomu-type creatures.
Themes and Tone
Unlike the main series, Vigilantes leans heavily into crime drama and noir themes. The tone is darker, the stakes more personal. It explores the moral gray areas of heroism, the failures of the official hero system, and the everyday people who risk their lives without glory or recognition.
Connections to the Main Series
Fans of My Hero Academia will find many familiar faces, including younger versions of Eraserhead, Midnight, and even All Might. The series provides rich backstory for several key characters and offers insights into how the hero society evolved.
Why You Should Read It
If you love the world of My Hero Academia but want a story that’s more grounded and mature, Vigilantes is a must-read. It’s a hidden gem that adds depth to the universe, with memorable characters and emotional storytelling that stands on its own.
