Okay, let's talk My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. When exactly is it set? That's the question keeping me up at night (not really, but let's pretend).
The "Official" Answer (and Why I Disagree)
Most people say Vigilantes is a prequel to the main My Hero Academia story. Set a few years before Midoriya starts at UA High.
Seems simple, right? Well, buckle up, because I have thoughts. Unpopular thoughts, maybe, but thoughts nonetheless.
Exhibit A: All Might's Vibe
Think about All Might in Vigilantes. He's already a seasoned pro. Beating villains left and right.
But he feels... different. Less burdened, maybe? Like he hasn't quite gotten to the point of desperately searching for a successor.
Could this be him *after* giving One for All to Deku? Hear me out!
Exhibit B: The Narration Style
The narration often hints at future events. As if the narrator knows what's coming for Koichi and the rest.
It feels like looking back on a fondly remembered (but slightly chaotic) past. The tone screams "I already know how this ends!"
That's definitely a post-UA perspective, right?
Exhibit C: The Power Levels (or Lack Thereof)
Let's be honest. Vigilantes is a bit... toned down, in terms of sheer destructive power.
The villains are dangerous, sure. But they aren't quite at the level of a Nomu or someone from the League of Villains. Is this because the story wants to avoid the power-scaling issues of having Koichi battle a full-blown, serious threat?
Could this be because it's happening during the main series, in a separate, less publicized area?
My Wild, Probably Wrong, But Fun Theory
Okay, here it is. I think Vigilantes runs concurrently with the early parts of My Hero Academia.
Maybe even extending a bit beyond the first season. That's right, I said it!
The main series focuses on UA. Vigilantes shows us what's happening in the background. What is going on with ordinary citizens who are not in UA, who are not training to be a pro?
Why This Works (for Me, At Least)
It explains All Might's energy. He is less burdened as he already passed One For All. The power level differences are more believable.
The narration is looking back on events that are happening *now*, just from a different angle.
It also adds another layer to the My Hero Academia world. While Deku is struggling to control One for All, Koichi is accidentally becoming a local hero.
Okay, Okay, Maybe I'm Wrong
Look, I know the creators probably intended it to be a prequel. The timeline might not perfectly line up with my theory. I am no sensei like Aizawa to plan everything out.
But where is the fun of going with what's "correct?" Besides, I just like the idea of these two stories unfolding at the same time.
It makes the My Hero Academia universe feel bigger. Richer. A bit more... real.
So, yeah, maybe Vigilantes is a prequel. But in my heart, it's a parallel story. A groovy side quest to the main adventure. Don't @ me!
