My Hero Academia: Is Vigilantes Canon?

My Hero Academia's detailed universe and spinoffs have allowed the series to extend well beyond its original story. One of the most popular of these is My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a manga about heroes who function outside the official system. Many fans have wondered how this story fits into the main timeline. The answer is yes; Vigilantes is part of the My Hero Academia universe.

The series is written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court. However, it was overseen by My Hero Academia creator Kohei Horikoshi. Running from 2016 to 2022, it serves as a prequel to the core story.

The story is set years before Izuku Midoriya's journey to become a hero. This timeline features many characters who appear later in the main series, with some receiving backstory in Vigilantes.

The main character in Vigilantes is Koichi Haimawari, also known as The Crawler. Unlike the pro heroes in the main series, Koichi doesn't have a license. He, Knuckleduster, and Pop☆Step created the Naruhata Vigilantes and stopped crimes illegally since they all lack licenses.

As he slowly becomes more intertwined with dangerous missions, his story intersects with pivotal moments that shape the events of the future in the main series. While Koichi may not be a prominent character in the main anime or manga, he is not irrelevant to the wider story.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence that solidifies Vigilantes as canon is its use of official characters and storylines. At the same time, it features many characters, including Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, Eraser Head (Aizawa), and All Might.

In fact, "Vigilantes" delves deeper into Aizawa's past, revealing how his early days as a pro hero shaped who he is in the main series. It features Oboro Shirakumo, his friend from school, who played a significant role in the main series. This extra background adds depth to the relationships and decisions we see later in "My Hero Academia.

"Another case in point is the evil organization referred to as the "Villain Factory," which is featured in "Vigilantes" and is thought to be tied to future developments in the main plot. They use experimental drugs, suggesting technology similar to that of the League of Villains and the Paranormal Liberation Front.

The spinoff has a different tone but shares similar themes with the main story. It discusses being a hero, doing what's right, and helping others even without being a pro. This aligns with what Deku and All Might believe, which connects Vigilantes to the main story.

Should I watch My Hero Academia: Vigilantes?

Some fans argue that since Koichi hasn't been mentioned in the main anime or manga, Vigilantes can't be considered fully canon. However, the lack of references doesn't imply that it doesn't count. Moreover, the involvement of Horikoshi and the clear connections between the two series reinforce the idea that Vigilantes is official material.

From a storytelling perspective, Vigilantes provides fans with an added layer of enjoyment while maintaining the core plot of My Hero Academia. It acts as a side story that develops certain characters and provides longtime fans with more details. An anime adaptation of the show recently began airing every Monday on TOKYO MX.

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Conclusion

In the end, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes isn't just a funny side story; it is an important chapter in the larger narrative. Its events, characters, and interactions align appropriately, and it expands the universe in a way that feels respectful to the original work. So, yes, Vigilantes is canon, and yes, it's worth reading if you're looking for more of what the My Hero Academia universe has to offer.

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