REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ Episode 2 – “Takeoff”

By establishing a core, found-family dynamic and highlighting its impressive animation quality, My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2 doubles down on proving the series is a must-watch. The only major downside is that it really deserved to be watched back-to-back with the premiere. Regardless, the spinoff prequel series continues to excel due to dynamic and expressive artistry that helps give it a distinct tone while still adhering to some particularities of the original show.

Those similarities are more evident in My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2 due to some recognizable faces, with one in particular standing out. Aizawa Shota/Eraserhead (Junichi Suwabe) is already a highlight in My Hero Academia, with memorable fight sequences and a necessary vantage point for the adolescent heroics around him. Vigilantes offers us a younger, rougher version of the character, and the direction clearly delights in playing with his skill set as he faces off against Knuckleduster (Yasuhiro Mamiya).

The fight sequence between Eraserhead and Knuckleduster is just the start of the episode, but it showcases all of what makes the series stand apart from its predecessor. The movement is urgent and fluid, aided by a density to the movement that gives each kick and punch weight. Eraserhead’s acrobatic skills versus Knuckleduster’s pure strength make for a quick yet intensive brawl. Considering the pro-hero has been sidelined from combat since Season 6, it’s nice to see him back in the throes of battle. And, as he leaves Knuckleduster once he realizes he’s a vigilante, not a villain, it promises even more of him to come.

Eraserhead is a highlight in My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2.

Of course, he appears mere minutes later as Koichi  (Shuichiro Umeda), Pop Step (Ikumi Hasegawa), and Knuckleduster face down a Colossal Monster. But even then, his parting words with Knuckleduster  make it clear that he’ll hopefully be a fixture in the series.

The entire first half of My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2 is superb. Both because of bringing in characters we hold affection for and because the action allows us to have a different vantage point in this world. We’re so accustomed to seeing the heroes and those training to be them take flight in order to save the day. Vigilantes rightly suggests another way to take on the monsters and mayhem that take to the streets going unnoticed by licensed heroes.

The fight against the monster – a salaryman injecting himself with the Trigger drug – is largely engrossing. Koichi was already a charismatic and relatable hero, but how he throws himself in the line of fire to save Pop makes him all the easier to root for. His line, though, that he “wants to fly too,” delivers the most significant emotional blow. It’s easy to relate to, and champion characters who know their limitations and yet strive to reach beyond them. Here’s a character whose Quirk seemingly binds him to the ground, finding a means to take flight and see the world from above.

The only downside of this sequence is that it again puts Pop in a damsel-in-distress position. It’s not quite as egregious as Episode 1, but it’s not great. Here’s hoping that, in the future, the series finds a way to utilize her better so that she isn’t just someone for Koichi to save.

The comic book influences are clear. 

Especially since the two have an excellent and playful rapport so far. Their reactions to Knuckle and their voice acting make them immediately charming. We care about them and their friendship, even though it’s only two episodes. It’s a show that manages to play with humor (onlookers getting Koichi’s new name, ‘The Crawler,’ wrong) while never undermining the sincerity at the core. It’s a series about characters taking whatever possibilities they have to do good in the world.

The series wears its influences on its sleeve. My Hero Academia showed a manga artist who revered the Spider-Man. In My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2, we see that those comic book inspirations run deep no matter the creator, with clear inspiration from X-Men in newly introduced characters. That, plus the effects that decorate the screen, gives the series its distinct feeling. That, plus the background artistry, lighting, and character design details, add extra layers and depth.

The skies and horizons, in particular, shine. It’s easy to grow accustomed to a specific MHA color palette, and Vigilantes makes an an effort to develop and expand it. The rich purples and pinks help transition us into the nighttime avenue of the series since this is when the Vigilantes get to work.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2 convinces us to want to stick around for the rest of the season. With invigorating artistry and a confident sense of place and tone, by the end of “Takeoff,” we’re completely charmed by the characters and their world.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Episode 2 is out now on Crunchyroll. 

Previous Episode | Next Episode