My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a popular spin-off manga written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. Initially published in Shonen Jump GIGA before moving to the Shonen Jump+ app, this manga offers a unique perspective on the world of My Hero Academia. With a slightly darker tone and ties to the main series, Vigilantes introduces readers to a new set of characters and expands the narrative universe.
Summary
The story revolves around Koichi Haimawari, an unlicensed hero who uses his Quirk to help others. After encountering thugs, Koichi is saved by the vigilante Knuckleduster and is inspired to become a vigilante himself. Alongside a street performer named Kazuho Haneyama, Koichi embarks on a journey to protect the innocent and confront the challenges of a world filled with superpowers.
Style and Tone
Compared to the original My Hero Academia manga, Vigilantes adopts a slightly darker tone. It delves into the consequences and struggles faced by vigilantes who operate outside the law. The manga serves as a prequel to the main series, with its events often connecting to the larger narrative, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the world of heroes and villains.
Chapters and Production
The manga is divided into chapters that further develop the storyline. Hideyuki Furuhashi, the writer, crafts the script and storyboards each chapter, while Betten Court, the illustrator, brings the artwork to life. Their collaboration ensures that each chapter aligns with the overall vision of the series. Additionally, every chapter is supervised and approved by Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia, who also provides creative input.
Series Impact
Vigilantes introduces several significant elements and sheds light on characters and events relevant to the main series. It reveals that the notorious Hero Killer, Stain, was once a vigilante named "Stendhal" and explains how he lost his nose. The manga also explores the activities of Pro Heroes before the main series and introduces the Hero System, which later becomes a source of major problems within Hero Society.
Furthermore, Vigilantes unveils the Quirk-enhancing drug called Trigger, which plays a pivotal role in subsequent story arcs. The manga also provides insights into Shota Aizawa's past, his motivations, and his relationship with Nemuri Kayama. Moreover, it delves into All For One's plans prior to the main series and unveils the origins of the Nomu, genetically modified beings created by him.
Trivia and Reception
Hideyuki Furuhashi draws inspiration from renowned comic works such as Alan Moore's Watchmen and Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns for the setting of Vigilantes. The character Koichi is influenced by Marvel's Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Betten Court finds inspiration in the aesthetics of superhero film adaptations.
The manga has been well-received, and praised for its unique storytelling approach and its ability to provide a fresh perspective within the My Hero Academia universe. The English release of Vigilantes by Viz Media has garnered attention and positive feedback from fans, further establishing its popularity.
Conclusion
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes offers fans of the My Hero Academia series an exciting spin-off experience with a slightly darker tone and ties to the main storyline. Through its unique characters, captivating storylines, and exploration of untold events, Vigilantes expands the narrative universe and provides a fresh and engaging perspective on the world of heroes and villains.
FAQs
A. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a spin-off manga written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. It offers a unique perspective on the world of My Hero Academia with a slightly darker tone.
A. The main character is Koichi Haimawari, an unlicensed hero who becomes a vigilante. Kazuho Haneyama, a street performer, joins him. Knuckleduster, a vigilante, plays a significant role in their journey.
A. Vigilantes serve as a prequel to the main series, with events and characters having ties to the larger narrative. It expands the world and provides additional insights into the hero society.
A. Vigilantes introduces significant elements such as the backstory of the Hero Killer, Stain, and the origins of the Nomu. It also explores the activities of Pro Heroes before the main series and introduces the Hero System, which becomes a source of major problems within Hero Society.
