Uncover the Hidden Gems: My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Easter Eggs Revealed!

Summary

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes features fun Easter Eggs, like a brief cameo by Deku’s mother.
The Vigilantes manga references iconic Marvel and DC characters and even includes a fun Pokemon cameo.
Vigilantes includes nods to My Neighbor Totoro and famous musicians like Prince.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement for the captivating animated adaptation of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” a spin-off from the beloved “My Hero Academia” series that has been gripping readers since 2016! This fresh take on Kohei Horikoshi’s extraordinary universe, masterfully crafted by writer Hideyuki Furuhashi and illustrator Betten Court, offers a unique perspective that’s now enchanting anime viewers as well. It’s no wonder this spin-off is making waves in the world of superhero stories!

As a viewer, I’ve noticed that, just like the original manga, the creators of this spinoff have cleverly hidden numerous delightful Easter Eggs. Some of these may have eluded many fans, but they’re definitely noteworthy. They range from subtle nods to cherished comic book and video game characters, to brief yet captivating appearances. Here are some Easter Eggs in the anime My Hero Academia Vigilantes that are worth drawing attention to.

8. Deku’s Mother Makes A Cameo

Koichi Helped Inko Midoriya

Chapter 1 (Vigilantes Manga)
Episode 1 (Vigilantes Anime)

In the initial installment of “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes”, viewers were introduced to the main character, Koichi Haimawari, a youthful individual who moonlights as an unauthorized vigilante. He uses his spare time to assist people with minor chores. In a swift sequence, there’s a fleeting appearance of Inko Midoriya, mother of Izuku Midoriya, guiding Koichi.

The Easter Egg clearly serves as a delightful reminder for fans about the shared universe between Vigilantes and My Hero Academia. In the latest animated rendition, Inku is depicted as she appeared during Deku’s childhood flashbacks, being thinner and younger. However, in the Vigilantes comic series, she was portrayed as shorter and older. This discrepancy seems peculiar, given that this spin-off unfolds just a few years prior to the beginning of her son’s narrative. It would be more logical if she appeared as her current self in this prequel.

7. All The Marvel & DC References

Vigilantes Introduced Characters Based On Batman, The Flash, X-Men, Etc

Chapter 1 (Vigilantes Manga)
Episode 1 (Vigilantes Anime)

Similar to many superhero productions, the “My Hero Academia” series draws inspiration from the timeless works of Marvel and DC comics. Consequently, it abounds with intriguing Easter Eggs that pay homage to these legendary publishers. While Kohei Horikoshi subtly incorporated numerous references in the primary series, Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court took this a step further in “Vigilantes”.

In a nutshell, Knuckleduster is a nighttime vigilante devoid of quirks, resembling a satirical take on Batman, but he once held the title of a powerful Pro Hero, dressed in red and boasting a speed-enhancing quirk similar to The Flash. Furuhashi attested to this being the foundation for his character. Additionally, we have Ichimoku Samazu and Jube Namimaru, two middle schoolers whose designs and abilities mimic Cyclops and Wolverine from the X-Men series. Lastly, All Might isn’t just Superman-like, he shares that status with Captain Celebrity, who also embodies aspects of Superboy and Booster Gold.

6. Pikachu & Red’s Cameo

The Iconic Pokemon Duo Made A Brief Appearance

Chapter 5 (Vigilantes Manga)
Episode 3 (Vigilantes Anime)

In many instances of “My Hero Academia”, you’ll find mind-blowing Easter eggs from video games and comics hidden subtly as background characters. And this is exactly what happens with “Vigilantes”. At the beginning of the plot, when Kuin Hachisuka unleashes a swarm of bees transforming numerous individuals into Instant Villains, two civilians who bear a striking resemblance to Pikachu and Red from the Pokemon franchise can be spotted amidst the crowd, frantically trying to avoid the commotion.

In a subtle yet entertaining nod to fans, these background characters, with their distinctive designs and attire, serve as hidden references or “Easter Eggs” that are easily recognizable. Interestingly enough, you might have spotted them in Episode 3 of the Vigilantes anime too, but due to a difference in color schemes, it can be challenging to identify their intentional resemblance to Pikachu and Red.

5. Monster Cat Is A Reference To My Neighbor Totoro

A Weird Instant Villain That Looks A Lot Like The Iconic Catbus

Chapter 17 (Vigilantes Manga)

In the world of My Hero Academia, it’s not common for animals to possess and use quirks. However, the series Vigilantes breaks this trend. It introduces an intriguing storyline focusing on a mysterious street cat known as Monster Cat. This small feline was given special abilities when Kuin Hachisuka injected Trigger into its system, resulting in the cat’s quirk to merge with a bus.

The concept of a bus shaped like a cat might initially seem strange, but it’s actually a nod to the character Catbus from the beloved animated film “My Neighbor Totoro” by Studio Ghibli. This movie is incredibly popular, particularly in Japan, and its influence can be seen in numerous mammal-vehicle hybrids that have been introduced in fiction, such as Appa from “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and the Morgana Car from “Persona 5”.

4. A Group Of Villains Called The Mazinger Brothers

An Obvious Reference To The Mazinger Series

Chapter 38 (Vigilantes Manga)

In “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” we’re introduced to a band of seemingly insignificant yet captivating villains who are usually dispatched swiftly by the Pro Heroes. Many of these characters are clever nods to other media. A notable instance is a minor group of villains known as the “Mazinger Brothers,” heads of the Mazinger High Karate Club.

The design and name of these characters are reminiscent of the iconic mecha series “Mazinger Z”, with their abilities mirroring the show’s main character’s signature move – the powerful Rocket Punch, now rebranded as Rocket Thrust.

3. Thomas The Tank Engine Is A Villain

One Of The Next-Level Villains Looks Like A Classic Children’s Character

Chapter 44 (Vigilantes Manga)

In this series, there are not only allusions to well-known Japanese video games and comics, but it also includes a peculiar yet amusing Easter Egg connected to a popular British animated program. A character named Tommy S. Gordon, who is a powerful villain, possesses the Tank Engine quirk, enabling him to transform into an intelligent engine with human-like traits.

Tommy S. Gordon’s name and his quirk’s name make it clear that he is reminiscent of the renowned Thomas the Tank Engine series. Interestingly, this isn’t the only allusion to a British children’s train-themed show in this spin-off. In the following chapter, another villain named Willy Wanda emerges, and it’s easy to see that he is modeled after Wilson, a character from Chuggington.

2. Prince Is A Famous Pro Hero

His Purple Highness Is One Of The Most Flamboyant Heroes In The Series

Chapter 61 (Vigilantes Manga)

The world of “My Hero Academia” is filled with iconic Pro Heroes, many of whom resemble classic comic book or manga characters. Interestingly, the series “Vigilantes” presents fans with an opulent hero who appears to be modeled after a real-life musician.

The well-known Pro Hero, whose real name is Tenma Nakaoji but is commonly known as “His Royal Purple” due to his signature purple attire, was a mentor to Midnight, Eraser Head, and Loud Cloud during their formative years. It’s no secret that this character shares many similarities with the musician Prince, renowned for his album and song titled “Purple Rain.” To add to the resemblance, they both share the same birthday – June 7th. This connection between His Royal Purple and Prince is quite apparent.

1. Kirby Is A Dangerous Villain Named Garvey

An Adorable Video Game Mascot Was Turned Into A Terrifying Villain

Chapter 63 (Vigilantes Manga)

In Shota Aizawa’s flashback, a colossal and potent villain named Garvey made an appearance. This villain had the ability to utilize his Stock quirk along with a massive vacuum-like maw that allowed him to devour incoming attacks, store their power on his back, and later return this stored energy as a devastating counterattack whenever it was convenient for him.

Garvey is similar to Kirby, a well-known character from the Kirby video game franchise. He’s a rotund creature with an enormous appetite, much like Kirby, and he can take in attacks just as Kirby can copy his enemies’ abilities. While Kirby’s name is spelled “Kābī” in Japanese, Garvey’s name is written as “Gāvī.

2025-04-28 15:13