Is the anime, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes worth watching? Check out our quick review of the first episode!
Blog Version
Today, we’re diving into the brand-new anime spinoff of My Hero Academia — Vigilantes! This series just dropped, and as fans of the original, we had to check it out. Here’s our review of Episode 1 and why we think it’s worth your attention.
First Impressions – A Different Flavor of Heroism
Right off the bat, the first thing that stood out to us was the art style — and we loved it! While still clearly part of the My Hero Academia universe, Vigilantes opts for a slightly different aesthetic. The animation feels more like a blend between modern anime and the comic book style of the 90s — flatter, yet expressive. It’s not quite retro, but it has just enough of that old-school flavor to tug on the nostalgic heartstrings.
Throughout the episode, the team uses things like onomatopoeias (words like Bam! and Growl! popping up visually) in a way that feels fun and dynamic — almost like they’re part of the world itself rather than just a stylistic choice. At first, we honestly thought someone’s quirk might’ve been creating those effects, but nope — that’s just the style. It adds a quirky charm and really sets Vigilantes apart from its predecessor.
Animation That Embraces Animation
One thing about anime period is that it’s nice when animation looks like animation. Not every show needs hyperrealistic shading and complex textures. Vigilantes embraces a clean, bold style that reminds us we’re watching something animated — and that’s a good thing! There’s a charm in seeing a show lean into the medium and have fun with it.
A New Story, Familiar World
Story-wise, Vigilantes is off to a promising start. This is a prequel to the original My Hero Academia series, so while fans of the original will recognize the world, the story and characters bring fresh perspectives. The first episode lays out an intriguing premise: a world full of heroes… and the people who operate in the shadows without licenses or recognition. These are the vigilantes — the unsung protectors of society.
It’s a cool angle that gives us a more grounded view of the My Hero universe while keeping the humor and light hearted aspects in place. And it raises some big questions about justice, legality, and what being a hero means.
Final Thoughts
We went into My Hero Academia: Vigilantes with excitement but also some cautious expectations. Thankfully, Episode 1 delivered a unique aesthetic, an interesting new narrative angle, and just enough familiarity to make it feel like home. If you’re a fan of the original series and looking for something that captures My Hero’s heart while exploring new territory, this one’s worth a watch.
Have you seen the first episode yet? What did you think of the animation style? Are you down for a more street-level hero story? Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your thoughts in our discord channel and in the comment section of our YouTube video review.