My Hero Academia: Vigilantes returns with a fun and lighthearted season 2 premiere. It takes its time to reconnect with the characters while also hinting at where the season is headed.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is back for its second season, less than a year after season one ended. So what are Koichi Haimawari and his friends up to this time? The first episode premieres today on Crunchyroll.
A WORTHY SPINOFF
Undoubtedly, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has proven to be a worthy spinoff. Season 1 captured what made the world of My Hero Academia so special while successfully expanding on it and telling a new story. Koichi Haimawari (The Crawler) became an instant favourite character, the same way Izuku Midoriya did in the original series. Something is charming about Koichi. Indeed, he’s an Everyman who dreams about being a hero and tries to do good. Koichi is a compelling and relatable character. Throughout the episodes, he grew even more popular with the audience as his vigilante status grew. The trio he formed with Kazuho Haneyama (Pop☆Step) and Knuckleduster was something truly special, with a great team dynamic.
THE DYNAMIC DUO
The season 2 premiere shifts from that trio dynamic to a duo dynamic between Pop and Koichi. These two go so well together; they do complete each other in a way. Koichi’s clumsiness brings out the fun while Pop has to put up with him. There are quite a few funny scenes in this episode. It’s really comforting to see them back. My Hero Academia may have concluded last year, but this universe still lives on thanks to this spinoff. Season 1 of Vigilantes ended with a big event, so it’s actually nice to dive back with something more relaxing. The two vigilantes are at an event in Osaka. It’s a fun time for them while also introducing new characters.
THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER
Even though this episode takes time to have fun with the characters, it doesn’t lose sight of the overall story – the drug problem that transforms people into monsters. The investigation continues and hints at where the season is headed this year: the drug problem is expanding, and there’s more character development for the vigilantes. This is what makes this series great. It doesn’t neglect its characters. It always finds time for both the overall story and its characters. On a side note, there is a lovely Kamen Rider tribute. As someone who likes this franchise, I’m always happy to see it referenced.
VISUALS
Finally, Vigilantes has the same animation quality as season 1 and the original series. It’s visually beautiful, whether it’s the character designs or the scenery. It’s really the Japan we know, but with superhero ads on the billboards instead of the usual ads. Just like Tokyo, Osaka is faithfully represented in the series.
VERDICT
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes returns with a fun and lighthearted season 2 premiere. It takes its time to settle back into the characters while also hinting at where the season is headed.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes season 2 premieres today on Crunchyroll.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
