My Hero Academia: Vigilantes [Season 2 Episode 1]

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 1 – A Promising Start with Room to Grow

The long-awaited return of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is finally here, and Season 2 Episode 1 wastes no time diving back into the gritty, unlicensed world of Koichi Haimawari and his crew. For fans who’ve been craving more of the spin-off’s unique blend of street-level heroism and moral gray areas, this premiere delivers a solid setup—even if it stumbles a bit out of the gate.

First off, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: the new opening theme. If you’re a die-hard fan of Season 1’s iconic, danceable OP, you might be left scratching your head. As one viewer put it, “THE new OP is so bad, where’s the vibe, where’s the dance, what a let down.” It’s a far cry from the infectious energy of the first season’s intro, which had fans bopping along to every beat. But hey, maybe it’ll grow on us? Fingers crossed.

That said, the episode itself does a great job of reintroducing us to the vigilante crew. Koichi is still the same relatable, bento-obsessed hero we know and love—missing trains because he can’t resist a good meal is peak Koichi, and it’s the kind of human touch that makes this spin-off so endearing. The return of Fat Gum is another highlight; his larger-than-life personality and comedic timing (like handing out snacks mid-mission) add a much-needed lightness to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

The episode kicks off with a recap, which some fans found unnecessary (“I don’t think this really needed a recap since it hasn’t even been a year since the last cour”). But for those who might have forgotten the details, it’s a helpful refresher on the cliffhanger ending of Season 1. From there, we’re thrown into a new arc centered around an idol event, where Koichi and the team are tasked with keeping things safe. It’s a classic setup for chaos, and the episode does a good job of building tension as we wait for the inevitable villain attack.

One of the most exciting teases in this episode is Koichi’s “new” ability. Fans have been speculating about his Quirk evolution since the end of Season 1, and Episode 1 drops subtle hints that we’ll see it in action soon. As one commenter noted, “A nice set up for the current arc, can’t wait to see Koichi’s ‘new’ ability in action.” It’s a promising hook that leaves viewers eager for more.

The animation, while not groundbreaking, is consistent with the first season’s style. Studio Bones (the same team behind the main My Hero Academia series) delivers smooth fight scenes and vibrant character designs, though some fans felt the OP lacked the visual flair of its predecessor. Still, the action sequences are well-choreographed, and the attention to detail in the background—like the bustling city streets and neon-lit idol stage—adds depth to the world.

What really sets Vigilantes apart from the main series is its focus on the “little guys.” Koichi isn’t a Pro Hero with a flashy Quirk; he’s a regular guy trying to do the right thing, even if it means breaking the rules. This season, we’re promised more moral complexities, as the vigilantes grapple with the consequences of their actions. As one fan pointed out, “Vigilantes rejuvenated the series by making it weirder… the story focuses on unlicensed heroes who operate outside official systems.” It’s a refreshing take on heroism that explores the gray areas the main series often glosses over.

Of course, no episode is without its flaws. The recap took up a significant chunk of the runtime, leaving less room for new content. And while the idol event arc is a fun premise, it feels a bit formulaic at times. But these are minor gripes in an otherwise strong premiere.

Overall, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 1 is a solid start to the new season. It balances humor, action, and character development, while setting up exciting storylines for the future. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the main series or a newcomer to the spin-off, this episode has something for everyone.

As one enthusiastic viewer put it, “Vigilantes is back! I’m so glad Season 2 came out so fast. The main series ended just last season. And Season 1 was only 2 seasons ago. That feels really fast compared to some other shows that take forever to put out another season. I’m happy cause I loved Season 1.”

If you’re looking for a show that’s equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming, Vigilantes Season 2 is definitely worth checking out. Just don’t expect the OP to live up to the hype—you’ll have to look past that to enjoy the rest of the ride.

Final Verdict: 7.5/10. A promising start with great character moments and exciting teases, but held back by a lackluster OP and a slow-paced recap. Still, it’s a must-watch for My Hero Academia fans craving more heroics—legal or not.