My Hero Academia Vigilantes made its debut over the weekend, captivating anime enthusiasts globally with its introduction of Koichi Haimawari, also known as the Crawler. Although the show centers around Koichi, it still manages to feature a brief appearance by Deku, the beloved protagonist of the main series.
Set several years prior to the events of My Hero Academia, this prequel finds Deku as a young child, with his mother, Inko Midoriya, making a brief cameo. Notably, Deku himself does not appear in Vigilantes aside from a non-canon chapter where Aizawa explains the concept of vigilantes to Class 1-A. Similarly, Koichi’s presence in the main series is limited to a fleeting cameo following the concluding battle.
Innovative Narrative: Integrating Deku in My Hero Academia Vigilantes
Deku’s Role as the Narrator
In the inaugural episode, viewers are treated to a segment of narration explaining the distinction between vigilantes and professional heroes. This narration closely mirrors the non-canonical first chapter, and notably, it is voiced by the actor behind Izuku Midoriya. While an English dubbed version has not yet aired, it’s reasonable to predict that the English adaptation will maintain this clever narrative strategy, further tethering Deku to the spinoff series. Who better to narrate this context than the series’ most knowledgeable character?
This narrative choice serves to strengthen the connection between My Hero Academia and Vigilantes, a strategic move by the animation studio Bones. It evokes the image of Deku presenting a paper in class, detailing the mechanics of vigilantes and their differences from licensed heroes—a crucial lesson likely discussed at UA, reminiscent of the spinoff’s initial non-canonical chapter.
Examining the Connections Between My Hero Academia Vigilantes and Its Parent Series
Familiar Characters from My Hero Academia Appear in Vigilantes
Although Deku himself does not appear in Vigilantes, many familiar faces from the main series do make significant appearances. Aizawa takes on a substantial role, bridging the two narratives effectively. Other notable pro heroes, such as All Might, Endeavor, Best Jeanist, and Ingenium—who is Iida’s elder brother—also feature prominently. Additionally, various villains, including the infamous Stain, will show up in the spinoff, providing exciting crossover moments for fans.
As the series unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Deku’s voice will continue as the narrator throughout all episodes of My Hero Academia Vigilantes or if it was merely a creative choice for the premiere. Regardless, having Deku’s voice bring continuity between the two series provides a significant connective tissue that enhances the viewing experience for fans of the franchise.