My Hero Academia: Vigilantes introduced a pivotal character from the very start: the Quirkless vigilante known as Knuckleduster. His entrance not only made a strong impression but also underscored the reasons he stands out as one of the most beloved figures within the franchise.
Knuckleduster, a dedicated vigilante who lacks any superpowers, relies on his fists and brass knuckles to contend with superhuman adversaries. His dramatic debut in *Vigilantes* showcased him coming to the aid of Koichi and Pop Step, who found themselves under attack from a gang of thugs. Despite Koichi’s efforts to shield Pop, he was unable to do so until Knuckleduster made his striking entrance from a pile of rubbish, declaring with conviction, “I’m Here.”
Knuckleduster: Vigilantes’ Response to All Might
Knuckleduster’s Mentorship Role
Knuckleduster quickly identifies Koichi’s potential as a hero by recognizing his instinct to defend Pop. After neutralizing the thugs, he intriguingly inspects them and then follows Koichi back home. There, he extends an offer to mentor Koichi in the ways of vigilante justice, although Koichi is initially hesitant due to Knuckleduster’s erratic behavior, which includes jumping off rooftops and reacting with excessive violence.
In many ways, Knuckleduster embodies the mentorship role once held by All Might. Both characters exhibit similar heroic postures while standing atop buildings, and Knuckleduster’s catchphrase “I’m Here”echoes All Might’s iconic introduction “I Am Here,”albeit in a more informal tone. This connection reinforces the image of Knuckleduster as a guiding, if less conventional, mentor for Koichi akin to how All Might influences Deku in the main My Hero Academia series.
Knuckleduster as My Hero Academia’s Batman
Why His Lack of Powers Is Unique
In the largely superpowered universe of My Hero Academia, a Quirkless character like Knuckleduster is a rarity. His choice to become a vigilante suggests a significant backstory waiting to be uncovered as the narrative unfolds. This uniqueness, combined with his exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills, sets him apart from most characters in the series. Moreover, his secretive and often morally ambiguous nature draws parallels to Batman, aligning him with a hero who operates in the shadows.
Although Knuckleduster lacks the financial resources enjoyed by Bruce Wayne, he does employ creative gadgets throughout the manga, many of which have yet to be showcased in the anime. His commitment to fighting crime lands him on a spectrum between heroism and vigilantism; he does not shy away from using firearms, unlike Batman. Nevertheless, he strives to incapacitate rather than kill, often resorting to guns only against adversaries with regenerative capabilities.
More to Come from Knuckleduster
Knuckleduster’s Key Role in Early Vigilantes
As *Vigilantes* progresses, Knuckleduster’s influence will only grow. He not only aims to teach Koichi and, to a lesser extent, Pop Step about vigilante life but also has significant missions, such as combating the superpower-enhancing drug Trigger in Japan. Fans of the main *My Hero Academia* series will recognize Trigger as the substance linked to the villains in the Shie Hassaikai arc, used here to transform users into so-called “Instant Villains”who lose their cognitive function.
While fundamentally a hero, Knuckleduster operates in morally gray areas. His willingness to take justice into his own hands indicates a complex character who may not be purely trustworthy. This ambiguity is a rarity among *My Hero Academia* characters, making him a compelling figure whose intentions warrant further exploration as his story unfolds.