My Hero Academia: Vigilantes

Synopsis

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, directed by Shuichiro Umeda and released in 2025, is a gripping animated series set in the same universe as the acclaimed My Hero Academia franchise. The show explores the lives of unlicensed heroes who operate outside the official hero organizations to protect society from villains and crime. It follows a group of diverse vigilantes who, despite lacking formal hero certification, strive to uphold justice in their own unique ways. Filled with intense action sequences, compelling character development, and an exploration of moral ambiguity, the series delves into themes of heroism, responsibility, and the societal challenges faced by those on the fringes of the hero world.

Cast

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  Shuichiro Umeda

  Koichi Haimawari / The Crawler (voice)

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  Ikumi Hasegawa

  Kazuho Haneyama / Pop☆Step (voice)

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  Yasuhiro Mamiya

  Iwao Oguro / Knuckleduster (voice)

Reviews

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes has received a mixture of praise and critique from both fans and critics. On IMDb, the series holds a solid rating of 7.4/10, reflecting generally favorable reception. Fans appreciate the fresh perspective on the My Hero Academia universe, with IGN noting that "the show offers a darker, more grounded take on what it means to be a hero outside the spotlight." Many critics have lauded the character development, especially the nuanced portrayal of vigilantes struggling with their identity and societal acceptance. However, some reviewers on Metacritic have pointed out pacing issues, with the series occasionally slowing down during episodic arcs, which affects the overall momentum. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for the show yet, but individual reviews praise the animation quality and the relatable themes of justice and morality. The blend of action and drama has been highlighted as a strength, though some argue the show doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor, My Hero Academia. Overall, it is considered a worthy addition to the franchise, appealing to fans who enjoy complex storytelling within the superhero genre.