Author and illustrator Kohei Horikoshi's original manga series, My Hero Academia, has sparked much debate and controversy, with the spin-off, Vigilantes, being a particularly hot topic. The digitally published manga series, written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court, received a mixed reception during its roughly six-year run.
Although Vigilantes has since garnered more positive reviews, some fans still consider it an unsuccessful attempt at a spin-off. These fans believe that the My Hero Academia franchise had greater potential for spin-offs than what was ultimately delivered to them.
Fan’s My Hero Academia spin-off idea focusing on Kudo and Bruce could be just what series needs after end
Moreover, there has been ongoing speculation among fans about possible alternative concepts for a future My Hero Academia spin-off. Notably, a suggestion put forth by @cpasDryNa on X (formerly Twitter) has gained traction, accompanied by a fan-created key visual, and holds promise to outshine the controversial Vigilantes series.
The spin-off idea’s potential, explained
In the X post above, @cpasDryNa’s My Hero Academia spin-off idea revolves around Kudo and Bruce, also known as the second and third users of One For All. The spin-off series would be set during a time when All For One’s power went essentially unchecked, which adds to the intrigue. The primary focus and appeal of the spin-off would be on exploring the origins of Kudo and Bruce, as they are both deeply committed to fighting All For One due to personal experiences with the self-proclaimed Demon Lord.
This would also address a major concern fans had with Vigilantes, namely the perceived lack of connection between the adventures and All For One and the mainline story. While this criticism is subjective, there is a general agreement among fans that integrating Vigilantes more with the mainline series would have improved the My Hero Academia spin-off.
The mainline series’ plot heavily involves Kudo, Bruce, and All For One. However, in this hypothetical spin-off, this concern would be eliminated. Instead, fans could expect the spin-off to contribute to enhancing the mainline narrative rather than simply relating to the overarching plot.
One potential downside of this My Hero Academia spin-off series is that the fates of the main characters would already be known. With Kudo and Bruce both dying by the spin-off’s end, some fans argue that this hypothetical series would lack the engagement Vigilantes offers.
However, in modern-day manga, there are numerous examples of stories and story arcs that have been well-received and acclaimed, even when the outcomes are already known. The past arc of Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen is a perfect example of this, remaining engaging and satisfying to fans despite the fates of the central characters being already known.
Stay updated with all the latest news on My Hero Academia anime, manga, film, and live-action, as well as general anime, manga, film, and live-action updates as 2023 unfolds.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of My Hero Academia, I am intrigued by the fan-proposed spin-off concept centered around Kudo and Bruce, the second and third users of One For All. The idea of exploring their origins and unwavering commitment to fighting All For One during a time when his power was unchecked holds immense potential. This concept addresses one of the main criticisms of the Vigilantes spin-off, which was its perceived lack of connection to the mainline story. By focusing on Kudo and Bruce, the spin-off could directly contribute to enhancing the mainline narrative, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the characters and their impact on the overall plot.
While some may argue that knowing the fates of Kudo and Bruce could diminish the engagement factor, I believe that modern-day manga has demonstrated that well-crafted stories can still captivate audiences even when the outcomes are known. The recent arc of Gojo in Jujutsu Kaisen serves as a prime example, where fans remained invested and satisfied despite knowing the character's eventual fate. With skilled storytelling and compelling character development, the Kudo and Bruce spin-off could offer a unique and captivating experience that rivals, if not surpasses, the Vigilantes series.