The highly anticipated anime adaptation of Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS is set to premiere on April 7, captivating fans of the popular franchise. With its roots embedded deeply within the My Hero Academia universe, this spin-off series focuses on the thrilling lives of non-licensed heroes who battle against the odds.
Recently, the main cast members—Shuichiro Umeda (who takes on the role of Koichi), Ikumi Hasegawa (portraying Pop), and Yasuhiro Mamiya (playing Knuckle)—expressed their excitement during interviews about this significant undertaking.
Umeda, reflecting on his initial feelings when he received the call confirming his role, shared, "When I was informed I got the role, I was so surprised I thought it was just a dream." He delved deep to connect with his character, feeling many shared traits, which he found both comforting and challenging as he strove to bring Koichi to life.
Meanwhile, Mamiya recounted his own surprise at being cast after previously voicing the villain Gigantomachia. "I was playing the Gigantomachia character before, so I was questioning whether it was okay to audition for another role," he remarked. His dedication to portraying Knuckle shines through as he described how he aimed to maintain balance with Umeda and Hasegawa's performances.
Hasegawa, who captures the spirit of Pop, spoke candidly of her audition experience, stating, "When I found out I got the role of Pop, I was shocked; I thought it was impossible." She reflected on the guidance she received during the auditional process which significantly shaped her portrayal of the character.
This adaptation not only expands the My Hero Academia saga—which has gained worldwide acclaim with over 100 million copies sold—but also amplifies the narrative by exploring the stories of vigilant heroes who operate outside the law, helping people and battling against heartless criminals.
Originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump, My Hero Academia quickly rose to prominence among the battle manga genre. Set in a world where roughly 80% of the population possesses superpowers known as 'quirks,' it follows Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist, as he strives to become the greatest hero. The heartfelt storylines and dynamic character development are part of what has drawn fans to the franchise.
With the anime adaptation of Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS on the horizon, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how these non-licensed heroes navigate their world—merging thrilling action with deep emotional undertones. The anticipation is palpable, and this series is expected to not only satisfy existing audiences but also draw new fans eager to explore the broader universe of My Hero Academia.
The characters and their journeys promise to breathe fresh life and perspectives within this beloved franchise, offering stories of resilience, courage, and the gray areas of morality—as different heroes band together for justice, albeit through unconventional means. Mark your calendars for April 7, as the world of heroes continues to evolve with Vigilante: My Hero Academia ILLEGALS.