How Koichi from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes measures up to the series' main cast in power

The spin-off My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers a fresh perspective on the world of heroes by focusing on unlicensed vigilantes, particularly Koichi Haimawari, known as The Crawler. Unlike the main series, which highlights professional heroes and U.A. students, Koichi’s journey showcases a grounded and relatable take on heroism.

Despite his seemingly modest quirk, Koichi’s growth and resourcefulness raise intriguing questions about how he compares to the powerful protagonists of the main series, such as Bakugo and Midoriya. This article explores Koichi’s abilities, quirk, and battles to assess his standing within the My Hero Academia universe.

Koichi’s quirk in My Hero Academia: Slide and glide

The dazzling skills of the main characters of My Hero Academia first make Koichi's quirk, Slide and Glide, seem insignificant. It enables him to slide across surfaces by producing a repelling force with his hands and feet. Koichi finds it difficult to employ this ability in battle early in the series, instead depending on his agility and quick thinking to avoid opponents.

However, as the narrative goes on, Koichi uses his oddity in a way that shows remarkable flexibility and inventiveness.

Honing his expertise enhances his attacking capabilities, allowing him to shoot projectile-like blasts from his hands. He eventually learns to control his quirk to accomplish great things, like hanging in midair and making quick, erratic motions that make him a dangerous foe.

Though on a smaller scale, Koichi's ingenuity and commitment to perfecting his quirk are similar to Izuku Midoriya's experience with One For All.

Comparing power levels: Koichi vs. main cast

Screenshot from the anime (Image via Bones Inc.)

Even though Koichi may not have the same sheer power as characters like All Might or Endeavor, his skills are nonetheless quite impressive. Koichi has an advantage in mobility because of Slide and Glide, which makes it easy for him to maneuver through challenging situations. This agility enables him to outmaneuver stronger opponents, much like how Deku leverages his enhanced speed and precision.

When it comes to raw destructive potential, Koichi falls short compared to the explosive power of Katsuki Bakugo or the overwhelming strength of Shoto Todoroki’s elemental attacks. However, his combat style emphasizes strategy and adaptability.

Koichi frequently takes advantage of his environment in conflicts with strong opponents, displaying a level of resourcefulness that exceeds that of even the most talented U.A. students. His development as a warrior captures the essence of the My Hero Academia universe, where willpower and ingenuity frequently prevail over physical prowess.

Koichi’s growth as a vigilante

The way Koichi changed from a polite civilian to a skilled vigilante is among his most remarkable character traits. In contrast to U.A. students, who receive intense instruction from professional heroes, Koichi learns by necessity and experience. His journey mirrors Deku’s in some ways but is marked by the unique challenges of operating outside the law.

Throughout My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Koichi faces opponents far beyond his initial skill level, including professional villains and Nomu-like creations. His resilience, and even victory, in these situations is a testament to his development.

Koichi's proficiency with Slide and Glide has advanced to the point where he can take on formidable foes by the series' conclusion, winning him the admiration of both heroes and villains.

Koichi’s pole compared to U.A.’s students

In the world of My Hero Academia, heroism is often tied to formal education and recognition by society. This notion is called into question by Koichi's vigilante role, which emphasizes the value of grassroots bravery. Koichi stands in for the unsung heroes who act out of a simple desire to serve others, while U.A. students like Bakugo and Midoriya are cultivated to become future Pro Heroes.

This distinction sets Koichi apart from the main cast in terms of motivation and approach. Characters like Todoroki and Ochaco are motivated by their own ambitions and desires, but Koichi's bravery stems from his community.

His readiness to put everything on the line for those close to him gives his character a relatable and unselfish quality that sets him apart in a world full of legendary figures.

How Koichi stands against villains

Koichi’s battles against villains provide some of the best insights into how his power stacks up against My Hero Academia’s main cast. Despite lacking formal combat training, Koichi consistently outsmarts and outmaneuvers opponents, often compensating for his limitations with quick thinking.

One notable example is his confrontation with Number Six, a powerful villain with ties to the Nomu. This battle showcases Koichi’s ability to adapt under pressure, using his quirk in innovative ways to gain the upper hand. Even while Koichi lacks the brute force of heroes like All Might, his performance against such a formidable foe shows that his creativity and perseverance make him a formidable opponent.

Legacy and influence on the My Hero Academia universe

In addition to broadening the My Hero Academia universe, Koichi's journey as The Crawler enhances its concepts. His narrative emphasizes the idea that bravery is characterized by the willingness to act in the face of danger rather than by status or authority. Characters like Deku work hard to protect these ideals, and this message strikes a deep chord across the saga.

Moreover, Koichi’s influence extends beyond his immediate circle. His actions motivate people in his community, demonstrating that everyone can have an impact, regardless of professional standing. This is consistent with the main idea of My Hero Academia, which is that anyone prepared to step up can be a hero in a variety of ways.

To conclude

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Koichi Haimawari's journey in My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers a distinct viewpoint on heroism inside the My Hero Academia universe. His inventiveness, tenacity, and development make him an engaging and inspirational character, even though his strength level may not match that of the main cast's elite heroes.

Fans learn more about the various forms of heroism via his story, from the spectacular exploits of Pro Heroes to the more subdued but no less powerful deeds of vigilantes. Koichi's legacy as The Crawler serves as a reminder that real heroism is found in having the guts to stand up for what is right, not in having authority.