My Hero Academiais a popular shonen anime that follows the rise of Izuku Midoriya to being a hero. However, there was a life way before Midoriya became a hero or even thought about becoming one, and that is whatMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesfocuses on. More specifically, it focuses on the lives of unlicensed heroes who fight injustice from the shadows.
Heroes cannot always be on time, and in cases where they fail to show up, these unlicensed individuals, also known as vigilantes, come in to protect their communities even though, according to the law, it is illegal. The presence of heroes, villains, and vigilantes adds more depth as each character has an impact on the story.
The following entries are based on the manga of theMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesseries. Proceed with caution.
7Soga Kugisaki
A Street Thug To A Loyal Supporter Of The Vigilante Group
Soga goes from being a street punk that most viewers did not like, to one they gradually started tolerating and liking. He and his friends beat up Koichi and terrorize Pop Stepin the first episode ofMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesbefore Knuckleduster shows up and stops them.
Soga and his friends later meet a man in the alleywho gives them the trigger drug, turning them into instant villains. Despite this, Soga manages to turn a new leaf, and he proves to Koichi, the vigilante group, and the viewers that he is actually a good person and that his previous actions were a result of beingdiscriminated against by society.
A Pro Hero Who Supports The Vigilantes
Erasure Head is not an unfamiliar characteras he takes a more prominent role in the main series as a teacher at UA High and a pro hero. In this spinoff, he plays a supporting character, where he appears as a hero andworks behind the scenes, keeping an eye on vigilanteslike Koichi and stepping in when things get dangerous.
He sees potential in Koichi and even helps him at key moments, showing that he respects true heroism, whether it’s legal or not. InVigilantes, Aizawa shows his values clearly, which are to protect others, stay calm, and do what is right, even if it is illegal or breaks the rules.
5All Might / Toshinori Yagi
His Presence Inspires Others To Be Heroes
All Might’s presence might be brief, but it is stillpowerful and meaningful as he represents the symbol of peace and hope, just like in the main series. His appearances happen during major threats or moments when the city needs saving,reminding everyone why he is the No. 1 Hero.
All Might’s influence can be felt through how the characters view heroism, especially Koichi, who looks up to him and follows his example by saving people even without fame or recognition. All Might’s role is less about action and more about being an inspiration.
4Pop Step / Kazuho Haneyama
The Power Of Friendship Brings Her Back To Being A Cheerful Idol
From the first episode ofMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes,it is quite obvious thatPop Step is an energetic girlwho hides her vulnerability behind her mask. She is also an attention-seeking street performer who uses her jumping quirk to promote herself, and she quickly becomes a core part of the vigilante trio alongside Koichi and Knuckleduster.
Underneath her flashy idol persona, Kazuho is a deeply loyal and caring friend, especially toward Koichi, whom she often teases but genuinely admires and trusts. Her journey takes a dark turn when she temporarily transforms into a villain, but Koichi helps her find her way back.
3Knuckleduster / Iwao Oguro
Showcases That One Does Not Need A Quirk To Be A Hero
Knuckleduster was once apro hero who lost his quirkbut never lost his desire to be a hero. He continues fighting crime as a vigilante, relying on his combat skills and experience. With no powers to fall back on, Knuckleduster brings a rawness to the story as he is relentless, street-smart, and not afraid to get his hands dirty.
What makes Kuncleduster stand out is not just his muscular physique but his determination to protect the innocent, ensure justice prevails, and cleanse the streets of Trigger, the quirk-enhancing drug. Knuckleduster also serves as a mentor to Koichi, pushing him to grow stronger and think independently, all while hiding the emotional wounds he carries.
2Number 6 / Rokuro Nomura
His Obsession With Being A Hero Is A Result Of Society’s Inconsideration
Number 6 is a dangerous and unstable villaincreated by the villainous organization All For One. He is obsessed with becoming a hero and being noticed, and this causes him to choose Koichi as his “rival” and slowly descend into madness, trying to outdo him as a hero.
What makes his character good is how complex he is, and despite his evil actions, Number 6 manages to induce pity out of viewers because of his tragic background.He was shaped by neglect, manipulation, and the belief that fame equals worth.His downfall shows what happens when someone is desperate for recognition but has no one to truly guide or care for them.
1Koichi Haimawari
Proves One Does Not Need Fame Or A Strong Quirk To Be A True Hero
Koichi is a college student who wants to be a hero, but his seemingly weak quirk, Slide and Glide, disqualifies him. This quirk allows him to glide across surfaces, sort of like a cockroach. However, he does not let this stop him as he uses his quirk to help people out with basic tasks, earning him the nickname/ hero name Nice Guy.
Koichi stands out not for his quirkbut for his resilience, compassion, and unwavering sense of justice. He operates outside the hero system, risking his safety to protect others, and gradually earns the respect of professional heroes like Eraser Head. Despite lacking formal recognition, Koichi is a genuine hero as he does not act for fame but for the good of others.
