Review: There’s considerable risks when it comes to being a vigilante, and Koichi experiences this first-hand.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is once again ramping up the pace with its latest episode, Episode 4: Top Runner. With the celebrity heroes making an appearance in the last few scenes of Episode 3, it’s clear that no matter what our trio does, there’s nothing quite like a shiny Hero license.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
Vigilantes has always been about highlighting the civilian perspective in the normalised hero dynamics established by the original MHA anime, and Episode 4 is its clearest representation yet. With Koichi and Pop Step settling even more into their newfound roles as vigilante heroes alongside Knuckleduster, this episode takes the time to show us viewers the intricacies of how hero work and vigilanteism are two sides of the same coin.
Koichi undergoes his Rocky training montage, to little effect
Episode 4 starts off with Knuckleduster stopping a trio of lecherous villains alongside Koichi and Pop Step. After the events of Episode 3, Knuckleduster has been on high alert for anyone with a Bee Quirk, but has had no leads so far, leading him to be frustrated and moody. Koichi and Pop notice his change in attitude, but he doesn’t let them in on his speculations.
The following day, it’s evident that Knuckleduster’s fighting style isn’t something that Koichi can attune to, as their sparring session is more of a Koichi beatdown than a lesson on physicality. Knuckleduster’s no-nonsense technique is far too superior for Koichi to pick up given the state of his Quirk, which frustrates Koichi and deeply concerns Pop, who thinks that Knuckleduster is going a bit too far.
But it’s clear that Koichi needs some serious improvement. Later on, when a Trigger junkie causes havoc in the city, he barely pulls his weight as Knuckleduster bodies the villain with his combat skills. This moment inspires Koichi to train even harder, but considering how his style just doesn’t mix with Knuckleduster’s brute tactics, he’s in for a tough time.
Why does it have to be a Rocky training montage? Why not Spider-Man agility lessons?
Episode 4 brings back a character from My Hero Academia in the pro hero Ingenium, AKA Tensei Iida, Tenya Iida’s older brother. And although it’s quite a treat to fans of the franchise, Tensei doesn’t take away any of the importance of Vigilantes just because of his shiny hero license.
Instead, Tensei acts more of a stepping stone for Koichi to realise the potential of his Quirk. The two meet each other as Koichi goes off to do training by himself, with Tensei giving Koichi some tips on how to utilise his Slide and Glide. It’s great to see Koichi finally meet someone who can understand the intricacies and capabilities of his Quirk.
Tensei also gives some words of wisdom to Koichi about the importance of speed: victims aren’t just asking to be saved, they’re asking to be saved quickly. Acting quickly is important when you’re set to be a hero in Tensei’s eyes, because not only do you get to help someone immediately, you give them constant hope that, no matter what, someone will always come rushing in to save them.
This thinking is a stark contrast to Knuckleduster’s philosophies: Knuckleduster fights because he wants the thrill of the fight. This episode cements the idea that being a hero isn’t just about strength, it’s about how you show up for others. Koichi may not have Knuckleduster’s brawn or Tensei’s license, but in realizing the speed and precision his Quirk offers, he’s starting to carve out his own path: one that doesn’t require approval, only purpose.
Tensei does something that no other character besides Pop has done, he acknowledges Koichi entirely. Sure, Knuckleduster roped Koichi in because he saw his hero spirit, but it’s different when someone sees and appreciates you entirely. As they part ways, Tensei hands Koichi his business card, stating that if ever he does get a hero license, his agency is ready to welcome him with open arms.
This form of approval undoes everything that Koichi thought of his abilities, and somewhat changes his outlook on his Quirk. There’s hope for his hero dreams to go the legal route. But the thing is, Tensei came in a little too late. Koichi does do his vigilante work as a stepping stone towards becoming the hero he always wanted to be, but it doesn't matter how noble his intentions are. There is still the question of legality.
A hero for the masses
Vigilantes explores this gray moral area: what makes a vigilante and a hero so different from each other, but also points out that these are just two opposite facets on the same coin. The line between right and wrong is drawn not by actions, but by recognition, and sometimes, all it takes to feel like a hero is for someone to finally say you are one.
Once Tensei finds out in another encounter that Koichi is in fact the vigilante The Crawler, he tells him that he can no longer offer a position in his agency, but doesn’t tell Koichi off either. Instead, Tensei tells Koichi that he is right where he belongs, and doesn’t want to get in his way.
Koichi’s disappointment is palpable, but I feel like he’s yet to understand Tensei’s intentions. Although Koichi does dream of becoming a hero, there’s no certainty he will ever get the same fulfilment he feels as a vigilante if he ever does go pro. There’s still so much for Koichi to learn, and considering how his work as a vigilante brings him closer to the community he wants to protect, I’m betting that Tensei sees beyond the grayness of vigilantism; a hero who knows his people is better than a pro who only helps to be cool.
If you're looking to catch missed details, dive deeper into the story, or simply read our thoughts on each episode, we've put together a My Hero Academia: Vigilantes review collection just for you!
