Knuckleduster vs. Tamao: The Fight That Shook My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
An emotionally charged showdown between Knuckleduster and his daughter takes center stage in a new anime clip, pushing the limits of power, pain, and paternal redemption.
In the latest scene from My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Studio Bones delivers a raw emotional punch with “Talk About Daddy Issues,” a dramatic confrontation between vigilante Iwao Oguro, aka Knuckleduster, and his estranged daughter Tamao. The clip, released on YouTube, captures not just a brutal fight, but years of pain and unresolved trauma packed into a single explosive encounter.
The anime, based on the manga by Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court, explores the grittier side of the My Hero Academia universe. Set in Naruhata City, the series follows unlicensed heroes navigating crime and corruption. This particular moment zeroes in on the strained family dynamic that has haunted Knuckleduster since the beginning of his arc.
Knuckleduster, once a celebrated Pro Hero known as O’Clock, turned to vigilantism after his wife fell into a coma and Tamao disappeared, both linked to the underground drug Trigger. His descent into alcoholism and obsession with justice shaped his relationship with Tamao, now grown and emboldened, yet emotionally scarred.
The video, titled Talk About Daddy Issues | My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, doesn’t hold back. Knuckleduster launches an electric attack, only to be met with an equally fierce retaliation from Tamao. The physical blows mirror the emotional weight of their reunion, emphasizing the consequences of abandonment and misguided love.
Voiced by Jason Marnocha in the English dub, Knuckleduster brings both fury and heartbreak to the scene. Macy Anne Johnson, who voices Pop☆Step, and Jack Broadbent as Koichi Haimawari round out the strong vocal cast. The soundtrack, composed by Yuki Hayashi and others, adds tension to an already volatile moment.
Season 1 of My Hero Academia: Vigilantes premiered in April 2025 and wrapped up in June with 13 episodes. A second season is slated for 2026. The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, making it easily accessible to fans eager to explore darker, character-driven narratives.
This scene’s impact also highlights the strength of the spinoff’s writing and animation. With a special one-shot manga arc published in April 2025 and renewed attention on the anime adaptation, Vigilantes is carving out a distinct identity within the broader My Hero Academia franchise.
