REVIEW: ‘My Hero Academia: Vigilantes’ Season 2 Episode 2 – “Crabtastic Rampage!”

Despite the fact that, of the three main characters in the spinoff series, only one (currently not present) has made much of an impact, My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 reminds us of their charms. Their meaning, Koichi (Shūichirō Umeda) and Pop (Ikumi Hasegawa), both of whom take a back seat as the story in “Crabtastic Rampage” unravels. It’s not so much their absence that is notable but that those who fill the space can’t quite muster up enough intrigue on their own.

My Hero Academia was often able to pivot away from the protagonist, Midoriya, due to an enormous ensemble of engaging characters, all of whom deserved and earned the spotlight. My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 highlights a series that has yet to earn that same ability. While Fat Gum (Kazuyuki Okitsu) is a fun cameo from the original series, especially as we see him earlier in his career, Monika, the undercover detective, is less engaging. And, similarly, Tsukauchi has never been quite as interesting as either series has thought. So having them be the centerpiece of the episode drags the momentum down a bit. 

What their story does, however, is introduce a formidable villain. Having orchestrated the drug shipments via the crab company, Kanidoge. The “Scarred Man” and his motive remain mysterious, and yet he leaves the scene in a wake of wreckage.

The Scarred Man poses a genuine, violent threat. 

With his speed, the Scarred Man demonstrates one of the more vicious quirks we’ve seen in the franchise. After being hit by a rubber bullet from Tsukauchi’s police force, he retaliates with his Quirk, where he’s able to move so fast (faster than a bullet?) and injure the officers with the same weapon used to hurt him. 

The sequence gives My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 an edge. One of the show’s stronger aspects, based on the manga by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court, is that it allows itself to move in the underbelly of this world of heroes and villains. There’s a touch more casual violence and real-world crime, giving weight to an adaptation that loves itself some glossy finishes and comic-strip-style paneling. 

It’s effective. And while Scarred Man might seem overpowered to the point of “how on earth will Koichi inevitably face off against him,” it makes for a strong introduction, especially as we watch as Koichi continues to develop his powers and leap into action. 

Koichi leaps into action to save Pop from a crab mech gone rogue. 

What we do get of Koichi and Pop is energetic and character-driven, even if it leans into silliness. Season 2 is embracing a buoyant energy that makes it infectiously watchable, even in moments when we wish we could return to other parts of the story. 

The sequence where Koichi chases after Pop, trapped in the crab mech she was forced to wear, which has been taken over by Scarred Man’s plan, allows for playful levity. The action sequence is slick and subtly stylish as Koichi races to get to her, aided in the end by the combination of Monika and Fat Gum’s powers. 

Directed by Daisuke Inoue and storyboarded by Motonobu Hori, it’s a dynamic sequence of movement that highlights the chase’s kineticism while angling it from Koichi’s ground-level perspective.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 ends on a quiet character note. 

It’s a reminder that not all action sequences need to resort to the same stylistic choices often seen in combat anime. Sometimes, it’s more about the world rushing by the characters, with the stalls and employees, along with the teamwork needed to win, helping flesh out the universe they’re operating in. And, on top of that, help give the images rushing by them a sense of vibrancy and color. 

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 even allows for a sweet, near-miss interaction when Pop goes to thank Koichi for saving her. However, upon realizing he’s already fallen asleep, she must keep it to herself for now. Her crush/respect for Koichi is evident to everyone, but Koichi and the developing friendship remain one of the sweeter elements of the series so far. 

Despite too long a pivot to other supporting characters, My Hero Academia Vigilantes Season 2 Episode 2 is a dynamic stage setter as the big bad is put into place. While the pacing drags a touch in the middle, the inventive action sequences and engaging new villain help lift it up. 

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

Previous Episode | Next Episode