The first episode of theMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes’anime adaptation is finally here after much anticipation, and it effectivelyintroduces an entirely new cast of characters to theMy Hero Academiauniverse.The prequel explores the often forgotten parts of Hero Society, and the thrilling rescues accomplished by those not officially recognized or registered as Pro Heroes.
Koichi Haimawari, the protagonist, found himself in a dangerous situation in the first episode, entitled “I’m Here,” and was cornered by a group of villainous individuals intent on beating up him and the freelance idol, Pop Step. Unfortunately, All Might was nowhere to be found, either busy on another mission or otherwise preoccupied, butwhen all hope seemed lost, an unexpected vigilante swooped in and displayed strength that could easily rival All Might’s.
Knuckleduster Is the Vigilante Hero Version of All Might
Those who have read theMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesmanga, which ran from August 2016 to May 2022, will already be familiar with Iwao Oguro, better known by his hero name: Knuckleduster, which is a fitting nickname considering the powerful punches he freely offers to anyone engaging in wrongful behavior.The hero is frequently compared to Batman, due to his vigilante style of doling out justiceand his mysterious, enigmatic demeanor. One of the most noteworthy parts ofKnuckleduster’scharacter is that, just like Deku, All Might, and so many others, he does not have a Quirk.
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Knuckleduster did have a Quirk, and even worked as the Pro Hero, High-Speed Hero: O’Clock, for a while. When All For One stole Oguro’s Quirk, he continued his journey Quirkless and instead focused on honing his fighting talents and using weapons like brass knuckles instead. He is an extremely determined individual, andrefused to allow not having a Quirk anymore to prevent him from stopping villainsin their tracks. In some ways, he seems to even begin to prefer his new vigilante role, which allows him to fight as freely as he wants to track down the villains distributing the dangerous Trigger Quirk-enhancing drug.
Knuckleduster’s First Introduction to Vigilantes Shows Why He is on All Might’s Level
His Unexpected Rescue of Koichi and Kazuho Embodies How a True Hero Should Act
Knuckleduster’s grand entrance toMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesin the first episode only further proved why he is a hero of All Might’s caliber, despite not being registered as an official Pro Hero anymore. Koichi Haimawari and Kazuho Haneyama, known as the idol, Pop Step, were cornered by a group of bullies, led by Soga Kugisaki. Just as the cruel group threatened to beat up Koichi and Kazuho, Koichi remarked to himself that it was unfortunate that a hero like All Might was unable to just “jump down from the sky.” Then,at the most opportune moment, Knuckleduster appeared.
Ironically, Oguro did “jump down” right from the rooftop and into the battle, just as Koichi had been wishing shortly beforehand. Knuckleduster made quick work of the villains, sending them all cowering and rescuing Koichi and Kazuho from any further danger. By making Oguro’s veryfirstMy Hero Academia: Vigilantesscenea heroic rescue,the parallel between him and All Might only becomes more clear.All Might’s firstVigilantesscene was an impressive villain takedown in front of a crowd of onlookers, including Koichi, and so was Knuckleduster’s, making the two heroes even more similar.
Even the Series Itself Seems to Hint the Two Heroes Are More Alike Than Fans Realize
A Fan Has Drawn Attention to an Obvious Visual Parallel Between All Might and Knuckleduster
The parallels between Knuckleduster and All Might only continue, with one uncanny comparison pointed out by@MightyGazelle on X. The image features a side-by-side look attwoMy Hero Academiascenes that feature All Might and Knuckleduster both heroically charging into battleon two separate occasions. Both heroes stand menacingly with hands on their hips or in their pockets, and when looking closely, it is impossible to overlook their similar posing and the determined expressions on their faces. Whether intentional or not, this parallel only further relates the two heroic figures in a very clever but easy-to-miss way.
Aside from these more obvious parallels, even after just one episode ofMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes,it is already clear thatKnuckleduster has many of All Might’s best attributes.Although he is much bolder and more blunt than the Symbol of Peace, Knuckleduster has an unshakable moral code, and his strong sense of right and wrong guides him as he battles against villains and works as a vigilante hero protecting the peace in his city. He is also exceptionally strong, even without a Quirk, yet another aspect he has in common with All Might.
Knuckleduster’s Strength, Bravery, and Sense of Justice Make Him Unstoppable
Because of His Heroic Attributes, Knuckleduster Deserves Just as Much Appreciation as All Might
DuringMy Hero Academia,All Might lost his Quirk eventually after passing it down to Deku, but he continued to fight despite losing his powers. Even with a rapidly fading Quirk, he was able to defeat All For One, the series' most menacing villain, in one of his best battles of all time. Just like All Might, Knuckleduster excels with no Quirk, destroying villains with merely his own fists. InMy Hero Academia,it is unfortunately nearly impossible to be a hero with no Quirk, butboth All Might and Knuckledustersurpassed these limits easily,by refusing to let anything stand in their way.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Is Here, And Its Animation Already Means Business
As one chapter ends, another begins. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes debuts its first episode with a banger style for its art direction
Knuckleduster’sbest battles have yet to be seeninMy Hero Academia: Vigilantes,since only one episode has been released thus far, but he has left a lasting impression after only his first appearance. Knuckleduster’s physical might is definitely remarkable, but what is even more awe-inspiring is his passion for fighting for justice. He has all the elements needed to succeed as a hero, and although he is not officially working as a Pro Hero anymore,viewers will quickly see that Knuckleduster could give even All Might a run for his money with his strength, charisma, and motivationto save as many people as possible.
