Episode 8 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, titled “Major,” introduces the bombastic American Pro Hero, Captain Celebrity, to the Naruhata scene. This episode, which aired on May 26, 2025, delivers a mix of humor and character development as Koichi and the others grapple with the newcomer’s larger-than-life personality and questionable hero ethics.
A Heroic (and Obnoxious) Entrance
The episode kicks off with Koichi, in his Crawler persona, chasing a petty thief on a motorcycle. Pop☆Step tries to dissuade him, but Koichi is determined to help. Just as Koichi is about to be struck by a truck, Captain Celebrity makes a dramatic entrance, saving him and apprehending the criminal.
Captain Celebrity is everything Koichi isn’t: flashy, confident (to the point of arrogance), and obsessed with publicity. He immediately rubs Koichi the wrong way by badmouthing All Might and signing the Crawler’s costume without permission. It’s revealed that Captain Celebrity, despite his top-hero status in America, has relocated to Japan due to a series of scandals and lawsuits, earning him the nickname “Captain Catastrophe Celebrity.”
Godzilla in Naruhata
The city is soon attacked by a villain with a gigantification Quirk, resembling Godzilla. Koichi rushes to the scene to help evacuate people, learning that someone is still inside a nearby house. Captain Celebrity arrives but refuses to act until his camera crew is ready, prioritizing media coverage over immediate assistance.
Frustrated, Koichi heads into the danger zone himself and discovers the “person” left behind is actually a dog. As he tries to rescue the dog, the giant villain threatens to crush them both, but Captain Celebrity intervenes, saving them at the last moment. Despite his initial animosity, Koichi begins to warm up to the American hero, but this feeling is short-lived as Captain Celebrity once again insults Koichi’s All Might hoodie.
Makoto’s Master Plan
Meanwhile, Makoto sees Captain Celebrity’s arrival as an opportunity to rebrand the hero and improve his public image. Capitalizing on his playboy image, she orchestrates a plan to catch him in the act, hoping to force him to change his ways.
Koichi and Pop follow Makoto and Captain Celebrity on their “date,” but Captain Celebrity quickly notices them. Makoto then confronts him about a reported robbery, but he is unwilling to leave their date. She later manipulates Captain Celebrity into stopping a robbery by suggesting his reputation would be damaged if he didn’t act. The episode showcases Captain Celebrity’s focus on image over genuine heroism. Makoto leverages the situation to help the Pro Hero mend his image.
A Mother’s Visit
The episode concludes with a comedic cliffhanger: Koichi receives a call from his father, informing him that his strict mother is coming to visit. Koichi panics, remembering he lied about having a girlfriend. Pop☆Step flees in embarrassment, leaving Koichi in a bind as his mother arrives, setting the stage for a potentially hilarious situation in the next episode.
Themes and Analysis
- The Nature of Heroism: Episode 8 explores the contrast between genuine heroism and the manufactured image of a hero. Koichi’s selfless acts are juxtaposed with Captain Celebrity’s publicity-driven approach, raising questions about what it truly means to be a hero.
- Satire of Celebrity Culture: Captain Celebrity is a clear satire of celebrity culture, highlighting the superficiality and self-centeredness that can come with fame. The episode critiques the idea of heroes as brands, prioritizing image over substance.
- Character Development: While the main plot takes a backseat, Episode 8 offers some character development for Koichi, as he grapples with his feelings about Captain Celebrity and begins to understand the complexities of the hero world. Makoto’s resourcefulness and Pop’s reactions also add depth to the narrative.
Reception
Critics have noted that while this episode is entertaining, it focuses more on humor and character introduction than advancing the main plot. Some have pointed out that the episode leans too heavily on comedic elements. However, the introduction of Captain Celebrity is generally seen as a highlight, with praise for his over-the-top personality and the satirical commentary he brings to the series.
In Conclusion
“Major” is a fun and engaging episode of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes that introduces a memorable new character and explores interesting themes about heroism and celebrity culture. While it may not be the most plot-heavy episode, it offers plenty of laughs and sets the stage for future developments.
