Why Are Vigilantes Illegal in My Hero Academia? Secrets Revealed

In my perspective, “My Hero Academia” shines a light on the daily grind of government-approved superheroes, referred to as pro heroes, and their noble tasks. On the other hand, we have a different breed of crime fighters, the vigilantes, who operate independently of the law, earning their title in the process. Although pro heroes and vigilantes share a common goal – combating crime – some viewers might ponder why the authorities don’t view these vigilantes as valuable allies. Both groups put their lives on the line for justice, yet the vigilantes are often viewed with suspicion and even seen as questionable figures themselves.

An alternate title for this spinoff anime could be “My Hero Academia: Rogue Vigilantes“. Instead of teaming up with these vigilantes, pro heroes and law enforcement view them as unauthorized operatives operating outside the legal system. Despite appearing to be far from a criminal, he is still engaging in activities that are considered illegal. The story offers three distinct interpretations about the pro hero industry and society’s perspective on Quirks, shedding light on various aspects of this world.

Why Are Vigilantes Illegal in MHA?

What Makes a Vigilante Illegal?

In the universe of “My Hero Academia,” vigilante work is outlawed primarily because it disrupts the proper functioning of hero work. Initially, when Quirks were referred to as meta abilities, there were numerous vigilantes who enforced justice using their unique powers without any official authorization. However, as people grew accustomed to living with Quirks, society and its legal system adapted to accommodate these supernatural gifts. Over time, the role of vigilantes diminished in favor of professional heroes, and stringent regulations regarding Quirk usage were implemented. This shift was generally accepted by society despite some individuals, like Destro and others, having reservations about it.

This system, though flawed, often leads to the self-perpetuating myth of heroes, limiting the growth potential of those without such abilities, or Quirks. Despite its imperfections, it persisted throughout Japanese society, deeply ingrained in law, industry, and public consciousness by Koichi’s time when he sought to become a vigilante. Many people considered these restrictive laws necessary to maintain societal balance and stability, allowing only designated heroes to fully utilize their Quirks for the good of the public. Pro heroes are entrusted with using their Quirks and supporting equipment to apprehend criminals and save civilians from disasters, while regular citizens must suppress their own abilities. This is the accepted order, with only lawbreakers and vigilantes challenging these norms.

In my observation, societal perspectives on Quirks were already solidified well before Koichi embarked on his unorthodox law-enforcement journey. The police force and conventional heroes are hesitant to deviate from the norm due to vigilante work being categorized as illegal, simply because it deviates from the established system of crime fighting. In a culture where challenging societal expectations and self-rule isn’t commonplace, Koichi’s actions present a significant challenge.

However, individual heroes like Tensei Iida may choose to be more lenient in their approach towards vigilantes. Yet, figures such as Endeavor strongly oppose such deviations, with most authorities sharing the same sentiment. To them, the boundaries between legal heroism, Quirks, and vigilantism are absolute, so any actions that breach these laws make Koichi’s group nothing more than criminals in their eyes.

Are Vigilantes Bad in MHA?

Vigilanates Aren’t Held Accountable & Might Go Rogue

A significant feature of pro heroes, including those at schools like U.A. and Shiketsu, is their accountability. The police, Japanese legal system, fellow pro heroes, and more ensure these figures are held responsible for their actions. This oversight is essential as powerful Quirks and exceptional skills possessed by even the most honorable hero make them potential weapons. Society can only feel secure when it trusts that these heroes are part of a system where no one operates independently. This principle extends to the highest-ranking heroes like All Might, who possess the ability to cause massive destruction. Although All Might is known for his integrity, he undoubtedly faces scrutiny, along with all other heroes and sidekicks, to ensure adherence to law and order.

Accountability and transparency are the outcomes of keeping a watchful eye on professional heroes, thereby ensuring they adhere to acceptable conduct. Remember, professionals are human too, prone to errors. If a hero exhibits dangerous recklessness or experiences emotional distress, the entire profession can step in with various interventions to prevent a downfall. At its core, it’s a safety measure, and some might argue it’s a stringent system designed to keep questionable heroes in check. In contrast, vigilantes operate without any supervision at all.

Vigilantes such as Knuckleduster, Koichi, Pop Step, and others operate outside the reach of laws, police, or official heroes who typically act as a check on their actions. If Knuckleduster were to turn violent and begin murdering people, it would take authorities significantly longer to apprehend him compared to a professional hero being caught immediately. In contrast, a vigilante could potentially go unchecked if they push the boundaries too far while trying to save lives or transform into full-fledged villains, operating covertly with no supervision. A professional hero might struggle to reach that point even with the intention, as their oversight would trigger prompt action from other heroes based on any indicators of wrongdoing.

The Law Protects Would-Be Vigilantes From Themselves

Vigilantes Risk Their Lives Following the Example of Pro Heroes

In essence, the primary purpose of laws against vigilantism is to safeguard ordinary citizens from potentially corrupt “crime fighters” who may abuse their power due to a lack of regulation. Characters like Stendhal serve as examples of this, using their abilities to mete out harsh justice with brutal methods. While extreme instances such as these are rare among vigilantes, there’s another compelling reason why vigilantism is prohibited by law. The legal system aims not only to shield innocent civilians but also the vigilantes themselves from the perils of vigilantism. The pro hero community discourages vigilantism entirely and outlawing it is the most effective deterrent they can think of. Though these laws may not completely eradicate vigilantism, they exist for valid reasons and are unlikely to be repealed anytime soon.

Although Koichi and Knuckleduster may have strong convictions about taking up vigilante work and are motivated by noble intentions, this doesn’t necessarily make their choice a wise one. In the context of the anime’s narrative, due to their significant roles and plot protection, they can afford to engage in risky situations without facing severe consequences like being seriously injured or killed when confronting powerful adversaries. However, it’s essential to recognize that this doesn’t diminish the inherent dangers associated with vigilantism, as those risks persist despite their frequent escapes from harm.

In essence, vigilantism, where individuals or small groups take it upon themselves to combat crime, can be extremely perilous. These self-appointed enforcers often operate without law enforcement or superhero backup, making them vulnerable during confrontations. This lack of support can lead to dire consequences, such as injury or death, following a single unfortunate encounter. To shield citizens from the hazards associated with vigilantism, the law strictly prohibits it, erecting a strong barrier against this risky endeavor. Some may interpret this ban as a provocation to prove their worth as vigilantes, but many others will not. If vigilantism were legal, there would likely be a surge of people donning costumes and seeking out criminals to apprehend, resulting in numerous hospitalizations.

2025-05-17 22:23