My Hero Academia Vigilantes: Episode 3 Reveals Heroes’ Dark Side & Tackles Shonen’s Biggest Problem

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Even though the eighth and concluding season of “My Hero Academia” is yet to arrive, a related spin-off titled “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is currently airing its first season. While it remains to be seen if this series can live up to the legacy of the original “My Hero Academia,” the initial episodes have shown that “Vigilantes” possesses the promise to rank among the next outstanding shonen anime.

Episode 3 of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” called “Bee,” carries on Koichi Haimawari and his companions’ vigilante exploits on the streets, conclusively demonstrating that you don’t need a Hero License to bring about significant change in the world. As its storyline gains momentum and sheds light on fresh perspectives, this latest episode of “Vigilantes” is precisely what avid fans of the “My Hero Academia” series have been eagerly anticipating.

Episode 3 Continues Exploring the Forgotten Side of Hero Society

Vigilantes Is Quickly Proving That It’s More Mature Than Its Predecessor

In the same region where Izuku Midoriya and his comrades reside, three years after the events in “Vigilantes,” we find ourselves immersed in a different perspective on Hero Society. Unlike the original “My Hero Academia” where Midoriya is an ambitious high school student, the protagonist here has a more experienced and mature outlook on life.

In Episode 3, I find myself in Koichi Haimawari’s college classroom. Upon departing, he crosses paths with Knuckleduster and Pop Step, his latest associates. Instead of rushing to his house, they spend some time together first, enjoying a series of casual, humorous exchanges. Their evening is devoted to battling crime, but this initial moment offers a breather from the usual high-stakes scenarios that Mirio Toga’s classmates often encounter. This seemingly insignificant scene provides a more authentic portrayal of life for superpowered individuals. By slowing down, delving into Haimawari’s everyday routine, and allowing the Vigilantes to just be themselves, Episode 3 offers fans an authentic peek into the lives of these extraordinary characters.

Adulthood isn’t solely characterized by drinking, work, or occasional nudity during dressing. While these aspects are more prevalent in adulthood than adolescence, they are indeed key elements of maturity as depicted in My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. The casual beer-drinking and TV-watching scenes involving Knuckleduster resonate with adult viewers, serving as a stark contrast to the stable, secure, and protected environments like UA high school in My Hero Academia.

Moreover, it’s not just Knuckleduster who contributes to the mature direction of Vigilantes‘ narrative; even Pop-Step’s role in Episode 3 pushes the storytelling of the My Hero Academia franchise into a surprisingly adult realm.

Episode 3 Uses Pop-Step to Address One of Shonen Anime’s Biggest Problems

Since the premiere of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” there has been one persistent critique: the frequent fan service centered around the female lead, Pop-Step. Regrettably, her attire often puts her in an uncomfortable position, and while Pop-Step’s portrayal has never crossed the line into problematic territory like Mineta from “My Hero Academia,” she has been subjected to a few inappropriate scenes in the first two episodes of “Vigilantes.” Fortunately, Episode 3 stands out by handling Pop-Step’s objectification much more effectively than most shonen anime.

The compelling storyline between Pop-Step and her persistent admirer in Vigilantes stands out as a notable aspect, showcasing the constant vigilance required by public figures like Pop-Step to shield themselves from unwanted interest, especially from those who disregard their personal boundaries. Notably, Shonen anime, and particularly the initial season of My Hero Academia, seldom delve into this issue. However, the boldness of Episode 3 in addressing such behavior makes it all the more commendable when compared to similar titles. It remains to be seen if the series will continue to explore these themes; for now, Vigilantes should be applauded for its progressive commentary.

Vigilantes Is Gathering Steam as the Trigger Epidemic Grows

Compounding Storytelling Elevates the Series to New Heights

In the initial two episodes of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” in 2025, it has been one of the most entertaining anime series. While its stunning visuals and engaging characters are appealing, a good show requires more than just aesthetic appeal and charming personalities – it needs a substantial narrative that propels its story forward. Episode 3 of “Vigilantes” seems to be moving in the right direction, offering hope that the series has a clear objective. The Trigger epidemic has increased the tension in the series quite significantly within a short span, but up until Episode 3, it was mostly handled like any other street drug. However, with the introduction of Bee towards the end of Episode 3, things are about to take a drastic turn.

Time alone will unveil Bee’s ultimate objective, yet for the moment, it appears the antagonist is happily exploiting her ability to control bees to stir up chaos within Hero Society. Regardless of her intentions, Bee marks the first multi-episode adversary for Vigilantes, making it crucial that Koichi and his companions begin collaborating closely to uncover the secret behind Trigger’s distribution. Although the series still requires additional layers to build tension and a compelling sense of narrative development, the unfolding of Bee’s scheme serves as an encouraging sign in the right direction. Furthermore, Koichi Haimawari’s statement at the end of Episode 3 hints that Vigilantes’ plot is on the verge of taking a grim turn that will make matters significantly worse.

In the spin-off series “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” the events cannot contradict Izuku Midoriya’s journey to become the world’s greatest hero. However, since it takes place during the same time as All Might’s wounding in “My Hero Academia,” there is a chance that Koichi Haimawari and his allies could be involved in an event that significantly affects the franchise. While it’s premature to speculate about the connection, Episode 3 marks the first instance where the show seems to be exploring long-term, world-changing narratives.

As I take a moment to reflect, I must say that Episode 3 of “Vigilantes” stands out as one of the most powerful episodes in anime lately. It’s an impressive continuation and refinement of the beloved recipe that “My Hero Academia” crafted over a decade ago. The series’ more mature tone hints at a potential shift in the overall direction of the franchise, which is quite exciting, especially considering what sets “Vigilantes” apart from its predecessor. For now, fans can mimic Knuckleduster by settling down with their preferred beverage, finding a comfortable spot before the TV, and eagerly watching as “My Hero Academia’s” spin-off ventures into uncharted territory.

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2025-04-22 07:10