Why Koichi Makes a Superior Protagonist Compared to Deku in "My Hero Academia: Vigilantes"

• Koichi's realistic backstory and modest quirk make his achievements deserved and relatable.
• Koichi's street-level heroism and connection to ordinary people set him apart from Deku.
• Koichi's humility, self-awareness, and growth without ego make him a more balanced and relatable character.

My Hero Academia is a franchise with an expansive cast and deep thematic complexity, but its spin-off show, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes , offers a welcome break in tone and perspective. Although Vigilantes never achieved the commercial success enjoyed by the core series, Koichi Haimawari soon became a fan-favorite protagonist. The stories of Deku and Koichi can be contrasted ; where Deku is driven by inherited power and high-stakes destiny, Koichi is driven by down-to-earth realism, personal development, and small victories.

The aspect that makes Koichi's development so interesting is the human feel to it. He is not pursuing prophecy or wearing the Symbol of Peace; he only wants to do some good. This bluntness fosters a profound character arc, marked by acceptance of maturity, self-understanding, and emotional stability. In a lot of ways, Vigilantes has a more subtle narrative, with an ever more sympathetic protagonist, being more down-to-earth and complete. These are just some reasons why Koichi may very well be a superior protagonist to Deku.

Doesn’t Rely On A Powerful Inherited Quirk

Built From The Ground Up Without A Crutch

Slide and Glide is in no way a glamorous Quirk. It's not made to fight, demolish, or crowd control. However, through his intense training and sheer inventiveness, Koichi manages to make a basic skill something incredibly efficient. His advancement does not rely at all on a legendary Quirk inherited from one generation to another.

This realistic backstory makes all Koichi's achievements well-earned. In contrast to Deku, who represented One For All, one could argue that Koichi's success is a result of ingenuity and perseverance. Fans can relate to characters that do not follow the rules, and the manner in which Koichi does it is authentic.

Has A Closer Bond With Ordinary People

His Heroism Starts In The Streets

Koichi does not get training in a fancy hero school or compete in spectacular competitions. Rather, his story starts with him helping neighbors, saving lost pets , and scrubbing out the graffiti. His connection to ordinary people is real and persistent, as it supports the notion that heroism begins with small kindnesses.

This relationship carries the whole series and helps viewers feel that what Koichi is trying to do is really significant. As for Deku, as he becomes stronger and more heroic, he distances himself from normal citizens, but Koichi never loses track of the people he protects. The human element makes his character a bit more on the edge of being emotionally touching and relatable.

Never Loses His Humility, Even As He Grows Stronger

Power Doesn’t Make Him Push Away His Allies

As Koichi grows stronger, his ego doesn't inflate. He is just as soft-spoken and respectful throughout. He does not flaunt, does not alienate others, does not consider himself superior to anyone, although it is difficult to disagree that his power becomes all the more impressive.

On the other hand, Deku loses his way in terms of humility every once in a while, particularly in My Hero Academia's darker arcs when he becomes alienated from his allies. Koichi consistently reminds the world that to grow , one must stay grounded—fans like characters that grow but do not change.

Narrative Isn’t Driven By Destiny Or Prophecy

No Chosen One Complex Weighing Him Down

The main difference between these two protagonists is also found in the structure of the stories about each one of them. Koichi does not fall into the care of a transformative symbol of the past. His path is not a destined excellence but a storyline of circumstance, choice, and failure.

This makes his arc more relatable and touching. Viewers do not see a chosen one growing in stature; they see an ordinary man evolve into an exceptional human. There is a human element of relatability that cannot be ignored, and is only sometimes present in destiny-based storytelling, such as what Deku goes through.

Understands His Limits

Knows When To Step Back, Not Just Forward

Koichi does not engage in fights that he is certain he can't win. He is careful, attentive, and strategic, always weighing the cost of his actions. Deku, meanwhile, has been selfish enough to commit suicide in self-sacrifice. Koichi knows that being reckless does not amount to courage.

Such self-control emphasizes a maturity that most heroes can only attain after decades. Sometimes, fans do appreciate this level of awareness. It makes Koichi a reflective hero, not a punching one, which stands out in a situation full of action and danger.

Vigilantes' Story Allows For Deeper Narrative Risks

Darker, Bolder, And More Experimental Storytelling

The fact that Vigilantes is not bound to a mainstream Shonen manga allows it to explore more mature material: social decay, underground crime, morality, and situational extremes. The position Koichi holds within that world gives it more space to breathe, which the main series does occasionally struggle with, given its pre-determined arcs.

This more adult tone enables unexpected twists and the evolution of personalities that become natural and authentic. The shaping of Koichi revolves around a city, its citizens, and the price of being a hero in a manner that cannot be equated with the world of Deku , who lives in a world of ranking boards and PR.

Doesn’t Idolize Blindly—He Sees Flaws in Heroes

Mature Perspective On A Flawed Society

Koichi is a fan of heroes and, just like Deku, idolizes All Might, but not to the point where he worships heroes. Moreover, he is not blinded by fandom. He observes flaws in the system and the weaknesses in the ruling hand. He is characterized by the decisions he makes, which portray the complexity of the world, and thus, he opts to work within the gray zones instead of pursuing glory.

This makes him a more sensible and down-to-earth lead. Whereas Deku is obsessively idolizing All Might at first, Koichi is less naive as a result of a broader life experience. Such self-awareness creates a character with a personality that is transformed into a personal philosophy, one that guides him to do the right thing, regardless of whose opinion it may affect.

A More Well-Rounded And Mature Character

Koichi Feels Like A Person, Not A Symbol

Koichi is not only mature in age, but is also emotionally balanced . He handles fear, excitement, loss, and self-doubt plausibly and healthily. His development as a hero does not seem to be hurried. It is gentle, calm, and all his own. Fans frequently refer to Koichi as someone they would hope to cheer for in real life. Koichi is never too exaggerated or as melodramatic as Deku can sometimes be.

Consequently, it makes Koichi's story less about greatness and more about personal victory, which resonates even more strongly. Although Deku is the protagonist of My Hero Academia , Koichi portrays the soul of its potential. Vigilantes cuts a more personal, character-based path and, in doing so, provides viewers with a more realistic—and dare we say, superior—protagonist.