My Hero Academia: Vigilantes introduced a new set of villains in this latest episode, but attentive fans might immediately recognize them as parodies of Marvel's cinematic version of the Avengers. Unfortunately for them, though, they didn't fare quite as well as the Avengers might have in their shoes.

Vigilantes deals with a different corner of the My Hero Academia universe, a seedier side of the battle between heroes and villains. The last episode featured a group of villains being introduced as part of the Yakuza, who were being hunted by the vigilante known as Stendhal. Stendhal is far more violent than most of the vigilantes in the show, and quickly broke in and attacked the group, who, of course, activated their Quirks in response.

Vigilantes' Avengers Parodies Got Obliterated

The Villains Were Immediately Slaughtered, Despite Their Power

When the villains activated their Quirks, the reference quickly becomes apparent, as pointed out on reddit by /u/SomeonesBlue. One character summons armor pieces out of thin air, rapidly donning a protective suit of power armor akin to Iron Man's. Another guy transforms into a brutish blue form, mirroring the Hulk. A third wields an electrical Quirk, wields a hammer, wears a helmet, and has long hair, in a clear reference to Thor. A fourth guy appears fit, and wields a manhole cover, who fits in the slot of Captain America.

Two more break in when they hear the commotion, a man and woman--Hawkeye and Black Widow. There's even an additional character with a mask and a single unique arm, who appears to be a reference to the Winter Soldier. These characters seemed to be quite strong, and had a numbers advantage over Stendhal, but despite this, the vigilante managed to wipe out every last member of the Yakuza group, in a bloodbath scene that was described by characters as "a window into Hell."

These Avengers Parodies Aren't the First References, And Won't Be The Last

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a Major Fan of Marvel References

Despite being only 6 episodes in, the series has referenced some Marvel characters already. Two middle schooler characters have been introduced who bear a strong resemblance to Cyclops and Wolverine, for example, carrying Quirks similar to their mutant powers. There are also a boatload of future references to be seen; My Hero Academia: Vigilantes even has references that go far beyond comic books, such as an villain who is clearly inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine.

And, of course, the main series of My Hero Academia has had countless references to other media as well, such as the numerous Star Wars references in place names (Vigilantes' setting, Naruhata, is named after the planet Nal Hutta in Star Wars) and even characters, like Mustard or Timothy Agpar. Deku himself was strongly inspired by Spider-Man, something which only became clearer once he unlocked the Blackwhip ability. The series even had another character who referenced the Hulk in the form of Meta Liberation Army leader Re-Destro, except he fed on stress rather than anger.

These kinds of references are fun for fans, but they also show the fandom pedigree of the series' creators, Vigilantes writer Hideyuki Furuhashi and artist Betten Court, or original series creator Kohei Horikoshi. These creators are all very familiar with Western comics and superheroes, something that clearly informs the writing and direction of the various My Hero Academia properties. Keeping an eye out for these references is a big part of the fun of My Hero Academia, and fans can look forward to many more such references in the series' future.