Crunchyroll has secured the exclusive, global rights to stream My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, a prequel series to the popular anime franchise, starting April 7th. The new episodes will be available on the platform at the same time they air in Japan, giving fans worldwide access to the highly anticipated spinoff.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is set five years before the events of the main series and follows the story of Koichi Haimawari, a college student who has given up on his dream of becoming a professional superhero. Despite not having a pro hero license, Koichi uses his quirk to help people in need, often operating outside of the law. The series promises to offer a fresh perspective on the My Hero Academia universe, exploring themes of heroism and vigilante justice.

The announcement was made by Crunchyroll's chief content officer, Asa Suehira, who expressed excitement about continuing the company's partnership with Toho, the studio behind the series. Suehira highlighted the show's unique take on the My Hero Academia world, promising fans an "exciting new perspective" on the franchise they love.

The series, directed by Kenichi Suzuki (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders), has been highly anticipated by fans of the franchise. The new trailer showcases the kinetic action and stunning animation brought to life by studio Bones, giving fans a glimpse into the world of Vigilantes. With its gritty tone and focus on vigilante justice, the series is expected to resonate with fans of the main series and attract new viewers alike.

The exclusive streaming rights deal marks a significant move for Crunchyroll, solidifying its position as a leading platform for anime and Asian media content. As the anime industry continues to grow, Crunchyroll's aggressive expansion into new markets and content offerings is likely to have a significant impact on the streaming landscape.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is set to premiere on Crunchyroll on April 7th, with new episodes streaming weekly. Fans of the franchise and anime enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the series' debut, which promises to offer a fresh and exciting take on the beloved My Hero Academia universe.