The story and preview stills for Episode 2 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, which begins airing on April 14, have been released.
An interview with Junichi Suwabe and Yasuhiro Mamiya, who voices Eraser Head and Knuckleduster, 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 2: “Takeoff”

Koichi, Pop, and Knuckleduster begin gathering intel on the illegal drug "Trigger" by asking around the city. However, their investigation takes a turn when Knuckleduster’s rough tactics lead Eraser Head to mistake him for a villain.
While these two clash, Soga and his gang return to exact revenge—this time using "Trigger" to wreak havoc. On top of that, a massive villain emerges, plunging Naruhata into chaos!

Official Comments Junichi Suwabe as Eraser Head (Shota Aizawa)

—What was your initial impression after reading the script or source material? What aspects did you find unique or enjoyable compared to "My Hero Academia"?
“Vigilante” is a story built upon the world of “My Hero Academia.” While it’s enjoyable as a standalone, the presence of familiar characters and connections make it even more rewarding for fans. I also found the setting compelling—it takes place in a transitional period when society has yet to fully embrace the concept of Quirks.

—Eraser Head appears in this series before becoming a teacher. What differences did you notice from the main series, and what did you focus on in your performance?
Although it’s a prequel, his appearance hasn’t changed much, so I wasn’t asked to adjust my voice to sound younger. However, his passion as a hero is more outward here compared to “My Hero Academia.” I tried to portray the difference in experience between then and now.

—Which character is your personal favorite, and why?
Definitely “Shota Aizawa.” Because I play him! (laughs) He’s not widely recognized due to his aversion to media, but his efficient and logical approach to hero work has a low-key coolness that I really admire.

—Which moment in Episode 2 felt the most exciting to you?
Eraser Head’s action scenes! While he fights in “My Hero Academia” too, seeing him take an aggressive stance instead of a watchful one was quite refreshing—truly a hype moment.

—What should viewers look out for in Episode 2?
The dynamic between Aizawa and Knuckleduster is great—two strong personalities clashing not just physically, but verbally as well.

Yasuhiro Mamiya as Knuckleduster (Iwao Oguro)

—Eraser Head appeared at the end of Episode 1. What’s your impression of him as a character?
In “Vigilante,” Aizawa still has that same cool, intense inner fire as he does in “My Hero Academia,” but he’s less mature, more raw. He’s a bit of a sharp-edged, nihilistic hero due to his youth and lack of experience.

—Episode 2 introduces new villains and action scenes. What should viewers pay attention to?
Let’s see… you’ve got a Giant Villain, a Hardened Villain, the Yankee Trio making a comeback, and a Hero vs. Vigilante clash between Eraser Head and Knuckleduster—a true crossover with “My Hero Academia”!
Plus, we’ve got the rowdy Naruhata duo Namimaru and Samatsu, the iconic cop pair Tsukauchi and Sancham (meow♡), and Koichi gets a new nickname and upgraded gear!
All packed into 30 action-filled minutes—don’t miss it! (laughs)

📎 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