The “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” anime has officially announced that Taku Yashiro will be joining the cast to voice the Scarred Man. This mysterious villain, who made a surprise appearance in episode 12, is now set to have a more prominent role as the series progresses.
Who is Taku Yashiro?
Taku Yashiro is a well-known voice actor with an impressive resume in the anime industry. Some of his notable roles include:
- Hirokazu Arai in “Chainsaw Man”
- Takeru Takaishi in “Digimon Adventure tri.”
- Vulcan Joseph in “Fire Force”
Yashiro’s ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters makes him a fitting choice for the enigmatic Scarred Man.
The Scarred Man: An Enigmatic Villain
The Scarred Man is a mysterious antagonist who appears in the “Vigilantes” anime. He was secretly operating behind the scenes of the “Trigger Incident,” initially believed to be orchestrated by Hachisuka. His true identity remains shrouded in mystery, amplified by the shadows that obscure his face.
Yashiro’s Thoughts on the Role
In a statement, Taku Yashiro expressed his excitement about joining the cast:
“First of all, I am really happy to have the opportunity to appear in ‘Vigilante’. This work features many characters, each with their own way of life and sense of justice. This is why there is drama as they clash and interact, and you can sympathize with each character no matter who they are. However, when it comes to the scarred man, it is still difficult to see that about him. It was a lot of fun to play the role while shaping in my mind who he is and what his goals are.”
His words suggest a complex character with hidden motivations, promising an engaging performance.
What is “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes”?
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is a spin-off and prequel to Kōhei Horikoshi’s popular manga series “My Hero Academia.” Written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrated by Betten Court, the manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Giga before moving to Shōnen Jump+. The series concluded in May 2022, with 15 collected volumes.
The anime adaptation, produced by Bones Film and directed by Kenichi Suzuki, premiered on April 7, 2025, and is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Story Setting
The series is set five years before the main “My Hero Academia” storyline, during a time when All Might is still actively saving people. It explores the concept of vigilantes – individuals who perform heroic acts without legal authorization.
Premise
The story follows Koichi Haimawari, a college student with a modest Quirk who aspires to be a hero. He does good deeds in his spare time, but his life takes a turn when he encounters the vigilante Knuckleduster and the aspiring idol Pop Step. Together, they become entangled in the dangerous world of illegal heroism, combatting villains and navigating the complexities of a society where only licensed heroes are recognized.
Main Characters
- Koichi Haimawari/The Crawler: A kind-hearted college student with the “Slide and Glide” Quirk. He is voiced by Jack Broadbent in the English dub.
- Knuckleduster/Iwao Oguro: A quirkless but skilled fighter who takes Koichi under his wing. He is voiced by Jason Marnocha in the English dub.
- Pop Step/Kazuho Haneyama: An energetic and aspiring idol with a leaping Quirk who joins Koichi and Knuckleduster. She is voiced by Macy Anne Johnson in the English dub.
Production Staff
The anime adaptation boasts a talented production team:
- Director: Kenichi Suzuki (known for his work on “Cells at Work” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”)
- Series Composition: Yōsuke Kuroda (“My Hero Academia”)
- Character Designs: Takahiko Yoshida (“Cells at Work!”)
- Music: Yūki Hayashi, Shōgo Yamashiro, and Yūki Furuhashi
Music
The opening theme song, “Kekka Orai” (けっかおーらい; All’s Well in the End), is performed by Kocchi no Kento. The ending theme song, “Speed” (スピード), is performed by yutori.
Where to Watch
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. New episodes are broadcast every Monday, offering subtitles in multiple languages.
Reception
“My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” has garnered positive attention for its unique perspective on the “My Hero Academia” universe. The series expands on the world-building of the main series, exploring the lives of those who operate outside the official hero system.
Additional Information
- The “My Hero Academia” manga series concluded recently, and the anime is set to conclude with Season 8 later this year.
- The “Vigilantes” manga was serialized from August 2016 to May 2022, spanning 15 volumes.
- The anime is produced by Bones Film, the same studio behind the main “My Hero Academia” anime.
- The series is set five years before the events of “My Hero Academia,” with All Might still active as a hero.
- Crunchyroll is simulcasting the series, releasing new episodes every Monday.
