EP 13 - Before Deku, There Was... Walmart Spider-Man? | MHA Vigilantes Review

In this episode, we analyze Episodes 6 and 7 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a turning point in the story where the stakes rise and the themes deepen.

As Koichi and Pop☆Step continue to navigate the blurry lines between vigilantes and villains the real highlight is the intense showdown between Knuckleduster and Stendhal, a battle that’s more than just fists and quirks. It’s a philosophical clash that peels back the surface of hero society.

Stendhal, a name that will echo later in the My Hero universe, confronts Knuckleduster not just physically, but ideologically. During their brutal fight, Stendhal begins to awaken to the concept of “phony heroes” — individuals who wear the title of hero but lack conviction, courage, or a true moral compass. It’s a chilling foreshadowing of the character he will become, and it gives us a rare glimpse into how dangerous ideals are born.

These episodes mark a tonal shift for the series — moving from quirky and lighthearted to something far more grounded and ethically complex. If you’ve been on the fence about reading or watching Vigilantes, this is where it gets serious.