My Hero Academia: Vigilantesis off to a thrilling start, diving straight into the grittier underworld of theMy Hero Academiauniverse. But aside from introducing a more grounded, street-level take on heroism, the first episode already has fans buzzing for a surprising reason, which is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-itX-Menreference. Amid the action and character introductions, two very familiar figures, who look strikingly like Cyclops and Wolverine, make a subtle appearance as background dancers during Pop Step’s energetic performance.
This Easter egg is not just a fun cameo, it is a clever nod that deepens the show’s themes.Vigilantesexplores characters who operate outside the official hero system, much like theX-Menoften challenge mainstream hero narratives in Western comics.The inclusion of such iconic Marvel characters, even in the background, signals the creators' awareness of shared themes between the two franchises,and pays homage to one of the most beloved superhero teams in pop culture history.
A Subtle Tribute with Serious Meaning
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Starts Out Strong With a Great Tribute
The scene in question takes place during a lively performance by Pop Step, a main character inVigilantesknown for her flashy acrobatics and rebellious energy.Among her backup dancers are two unmistakable figures, with one sporting Cyclops’ signature visor, and the other rocking Wolverine’s iconic hat. It is quick and stylized, but anyone familiar with the X-Men will recognize the tribute instantly. Rather than being overt, the moment is just subtle enough to reward eagle-eyed fans while fitting naturally into the world of MHA.
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This creative nod goes beyond a simple Easter egg. By referencing Cyclops and Wolverine, two figures who often clash over differing ideas of justice and leadership, the show mirrorsVigilantes’main conflict.The story centers on heroes who do not fit into the mold, just like manyX-Mencharacters.It draws a parallel between Western and Eastern interpretations of outcast heroism, underscoring how universal the idea of “the rogue protector” really is.
Shared DNA Between Two Heroic Worlds
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and X-Men Are Both Amazing Superhero Stories
BothMy Hero Academiaand theX-Menfranchise explore what it means to be a hero in a world that does not always appreciate or understand those with power. Cyclops, the by-the-book leader, and Wolverine, the unpredictable rebel, represent two ends of the heroic spectrum, a dynamic that echoes inthe relationships betweenVigilantescharacterslike Koichi and Knuckleduster. The show’s creators clearly understand this, embedding those visual cues to subtly reinforce the themes of conflict, legacy, and moral ambiguity.
The placement of this Easter egg in the first episode also signals the show’s direction.My Hero Academia: Vigilantesis less about flashy heroismand more about those who work behind the scenes, without recognition or glory. Including such iconic but complex Western heroes early on suggests that this spin-off will continue to explore deeper ideas about heroism, identity, and what it means to stand up for others, even when people are not wearing the official badge of a “pro hero.”
