The story and preview stills for Episode 1 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which begins airing on April 7, have been released.
An interview with Shūichirō Umeda, who voices the protagonist Koichi Haimawari, is also included.

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Introduction

They couldn't become heroes... but they still want to save people!
A grounded coming-of-age story about Illegals—unlicensed heroes trying to make a difference!

Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia, serialized for over ten years in Weekly Shonen Jump, has become a global phenomenon.
Now, the official spinoff series My Hero Academia: Vigilantes – ILLEGALS is finally getting an anime adaptation!

Originally serialized on Shonen Jump+, with a story by Hideyuki Furuhashi and art by Betten Court, Vigilantes takes place a few years before the events of My Hero Academia.

In this world, around 80% of the global population possesses supernatural powers known as “Quirks.”
In such a chaotic superhuman society, a select few are licensed as professional heroes who protect civilians from accidents, disasters, and villains who exploit their powers.
But not everyone chosen to be a hero can ignore someone in need.
This is the story of the unlicensed heroes—Vigilantes—who act outside the law to protect the people in front of them.

Episode 1: “I Am Here”

In a world where about 80% of the population possesses some sort of supernatural power known as a “Quirk,” heroes sanctioned by the government use their powers to protect society.

Koichi Haimawari, an ordinary college student, can’t shake off his long-abandoned dream of becoming a hero. Under the alias “Nice Guy,” he enjoys secretly helping people, playing a vigilante role outside the system.

One day, Koichi finds himself in serious danger when a group of thugs targets him. Just as the situation reaches its peak—he’s not saved by a pro hero or the police, but by someone else entirely…

Official Comment by Shūichirō Umeda (Voice of Koichi Haimawari)

—What aspects of the Vigilantes world do you find most compelling?
"The title Vigilantes refers to people who aren’t licensed pro heroes, as highlighted in My Hero Academia, but still feel a deep desire to help others. While My Hero Academia focuses on the dazzling exploits of pro heroes, Vigilantes shines a light on those living ordinary lives who still act on their own sense of justice to protect their communities. I found this very relatable—like, 'If I lived in the world of MHA, this might be my story.' That realism is the show's greatest appeal."

—What was your impression of Koichi, your character?
"My first thought was, 'Wow, he’s the main character, but kind of a loser' (laughs). But that unremarkable side of him really resonated with me. Koichi and I share a lot in terms of personality, and I feel like I can’t view him as just another character. Watching him grow through his actions and relationships reminded me of my own past. Just like Koichi feels drawn to being a hero, I felt the same way about becoming a voice actor. I loved anime and admired voice acting, but also told myself, 'There’s no way someone like me could ever do that'—even before giving it a try. Meeting certain people helped me take that first step toward my dream, and it all came flooding back while playing Koichi."

—This series, like My Hero Academia, features many intense scenes and iconic lines. Which moment in Episode 1 felt especially powerful to you?
"Honestly, it’s hard to choose because the whole episode is packed with powerful moments, but I’d say the scene where All Might appears right at the start. Koichi has admired All Might since he was a kid, and when he says, 'All Might is even more amazing in person!' it really struck a chord with me. I had that exact reaction watching My Hero Academia back when I was aiming to become an actor. That line was a moment where Koichi and I completely synced. And of course, the episode starting with Deku’s narration was super exciting as an MHA fan. Also, the scene where Koichi meets Knuckleduster and takes his first step toward becoming a vigilante really gave me chills."

—Tell us what to look forward to in Episode 1 (Pre-Broadcast Promotion)
"Vigilantes is a spinoff of My Hero Academia, but even viewers unfamiliar with the original can fully enjoy it. While the premise of 80% of the population having Quirks may be fantastical, the focus here is on those who couldn’t become heroes or simply wish for peace—people often overlooked in the main series. It captures everyday lives with a striking realism that mirrors our own world. Keep an eye on that in the story!"

📎 Full interview available on the official website: http://vigilante-anime.com/

Cast

Koichi Haimawari / The Crawler: Shūichirō Umeda
Kazuho Haneyama / Pop☆Step: Ikumi Hasegawa
Iwao Oguro / Knuckleduster: Yasuhiro Mamiya
Shota Aizawa / Eraser Head: Junichi Suwabe
Tenya Ida / Ingenium: Kaito Ishikawa
Soga Kugisaki: Kōsuke Toriumi
Kuin Hachisuka: Saika Senbongi

Staff

Original Work: My Hero Academia: Vigilantes by Hideyuki Furuhashi, Betten Court, and Kōhei Horikoshi (Shueisha Jump Comics)
Director: Kenichi Suzuki
Series Composition & Script: Yōsuke Kuroda
Character Design: Takahiko Yoshida
Art Director: Yukihiro Watanabe
Color Design: Haruko Nobori
Director of Photography: Yingying Zhang
3DCG Director: Mizuki Sasaki
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Music: Yuki Hayashi, Shogo Yamashiro, Yūki Furuhashi
Sound Director: Masafumi Mima
Animation Production: BONES FILM
Opening Theme: "Kekka Orai" by Kocchi no Kento
Ending Theme: "Speed" by yutori

My Hero Academia Vigilantes Story

Koichi Haimawari is a mediocre college student who once dreamed of becoming a hero—but gave up on that path long ago.

His secret hobby? Dressing up like All Might and roaming the streets, pretending to be a hero while helping those in need.
Koichi’s ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Pop☆Step, a self-proclaimed idol who performs unauthorized guerrilla concerts, and Knuckleduster, a mysterious masked man calling himself a “cleaner of scum.”

Drawn into their world, Koichi finds himself involved in underground hero activities.
Are they criminals disturbing public order? Or vigilantes fighting for justice?
The story of the Illegals—unlicensed heroes—begins now!

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Opening Theme: "Kekka Orai" by Kocchi no Kento

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Trailer