imMasonxd 
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a spin-off series that delves into the darker, grittier side of the My Hero Academia universe. While the main series focuses on the journey of aspiring heroes like Izuku Midoriya, Vigilantes shifts the spotlight to Koichi Haimawari, a young man with dreams of heroism but a Quirk deemed too weak for the spotlight. Instead, Koichi takes to the streets as a vigilante, fighting crime in the shadows. One of the most pivotal arcs in Vigilantes is the Stendhal Arc, which not only introduces the infamous villain Stain (known here as Stendhal) but also explores the moral complexities of vigilantism and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
The Stendhal Arc: A Turning Point in Vigilantes
The Stendhal Arc spans Chapters 9 to 11 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes and serves as a crucial bridge between the series’ early chapters and the larger narrative. This arc introduces Akaguro Chizome, later known as Stain, the Hero Killer, and provides a deeper look into his ideology and transformation into one of the most iconic villains in the My Hero Academia universe. Additionally, the arc sets the stage for the introduction of Kuin Hachisuka, a key player in the Villain Factory, and explores themes of justice, conviction, and the cost of pursuing one’s ideals.
Stendhal’s Introduction: A Vigilante with a Dark Mission
The arc begins with Koichi and his friend Kazuho attempting to apprehend an Instant Villain they’ve encountered before. Koichi’s strong sense of justice drives him to act, even though he lacks the official status of a Pro Hero. During this encounter, Stendhal makes his first appearance, swiftly subduing the villain with a chilling efficiency that leaves Koichi in awe.
Stendhal’s philosophy is immediately apparent: he believes in punishing those who lack conviction or misuse their power. However, his methods are far more extreme than Koichi’s. While Koichi seeks to protect and inspire, Stendhal operates as a judge, jury, and executioner, cutting down those he deems unworthy. This stark contrast sets the stage for the arc’s central conflict: the difference between a vigilante who upholds justice and one who enforces their own twisted ideals.
Stendhal’s Ideology: Justice or Vengeance?
Stendhal’s ideology is rooted in a deep admiration for heroes, particularly All Might, whom he sees as the embodiment of true heroism. However, his experiences have left him disillusioned with the hero society, which he views as corrupt and hypocritical. This disillusionment fuels his belief that only those with unwavering conviction deserve to wield power.
In Chapter 9, Stendhal’s true nature is revealed when he kills an Instant Villain, declaring that the man’s lack of conviction made him a legitimate target. This act shocks Koichi, who begins to question the morality of Stendhal’s actions. The arc raises important questions about the nature of justice: Is it enough to act with good intentions, or does true justice require a higher standard of morality and conviction?
Stendhal’s Transformation into Stain
As the arc progresses, Stendhal’s ideology becomes more radical. His partnership with Kuin Hachisuka, a member of the Villain Factory, further fuels his descent into extremism. Kuin provides Stendhal with targets, including members of the Abegawa Tenchu Kai, a Yakuza group. However, Stendhal’s collaboration with Kuin is purely transactional; he sees her as a means to an end, a tool to eliminate those he deems unworthy.
The turning point in Stendhal’s transformation occurs during a confrontation with Kugisaki Soga, a former vigilante who had dreams of becoming a hero. Soga’s Quirk, which gives him a beast-like appearance, leads to discrimination and ultimately pushes him into villainy. Stendhal sees Soga’s transformation as proof of his lack of conviction and moves to kill him. However, Knuckleduster, another vigilante, intervenes, challenging Stendhal’s beliefs and forcing him to confront the flaws in his ideology.
Knuckleduster’s actions inspire a revelation in Stendhal. He realizes that the true villains are not just those who misuse their power but also the “false heroes” who hide behind masks and titles. This epiphany marks the beginning of Stendhal’s transformation into Stain, the Hero Killer, a figure who will go on to play a major role in the main My Hero Academia series.
The Aftermath: Stendhal Becomes Stain
After his confrontation with Knuckleduster, Stendhal undergoes a physical and ideological transformation. In a symbolic act, he cuts off his own nose, shedding what he sees as a “mask” and embracing his true self. This act of self-mutilation signifies his complete rejection of societal norms and his commitment to his new mission: purging the world of false heroes.
By the end of the arc, Stendhal has fully embraced his identity as Stain, the Hero Killer. His actions leave a lasting impact on the characters of Vigilantes, particularly Koichi, who is forced to grapple with the moral complexities of vigilantism. Meanwhile, Kuin Hachisuka survives her encounter with Stendhal and continues her work with the Villain Factory, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Themes and Significance of the Stendhal Arc
The Stendhal Arc is a masterclass in character development and thematic storytelling. It explores the fine line between justice and vengeance, highlighting the dangers of extremism and the importance of conviction. Stendhal’s transformation into Stain serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how even the noblest ideals can be twisted into something dark and destructive.
For fans of My Hero Academia, this arc provides crucial backstory for one of the series’ most iconic villains. It also enriches the world of Vigilantes, adding depth and complexity to its exploration of heroism and morality.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Chapter in the Vigilantes Saga
The Stendhal Arc is a standout moment in My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, offering a compelling look at the origins of Stain and the moral dilemmas faced by those who operate outside the law. Through its exploration of justice, conviction, and the cost of idealism, the arc leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.
As the story of Vigilantes continues, the legacy of Stendhal’s actions will undoubtedly shape the future of its characters and the world they inhabit. For fans of the My Hero Academia universe, this arc is a must-read, providing valuable insights into one of its most complex and fascinating figures.
My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.
