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<\/a>An episode like this one perfectly illustrates, I think, how Illegals<\/em> manages to pull off such a difficult balancing act. It\u2019s able to be both an accessory to the parent series and a free-standing entity in its own right, and be essential in both roles. It\u2019s only natural that someone like Stain would be part of Vigilante<\/em>, given its themes. But giving him a believable origin story is quite an achievement. One of the most legendary characters in the franchise (I would argue its most interesting villain) is a risky proposition to take on, but his story as depicted here settles into series canon with ease.<\/p>\n<\/a>There were certainly signs there in Stendhal that might make one see this coming. But that singular and arrogant sense of justice was turned in a very different direction. Stendhal is a true vigilante in every sense, not just standing in for absent heroes but taking the law into his own hands, doing things heroes won\u2019t or can\u2019t. He fancies himself judge, jury, and executioner (that\u2019s in-character) but it\u2019s villains he seeks to eliminate. Someone like Hachisuka is a useful tool in accomplishing his ends, but in way would he ever consider her an ally.<\/p>\n<\/a>Kuin\u2019s particular utility, in this case, is in proving illicitly obtained blood samples to Stendhal. They\u2019s essential to his quirk \u201cBloodcurdle\u201d, with which he can freeze anyone whose blood he\u2019s consumed. The limitations are not clear, but it certainly lasts long enough to give him an advantage in seemingly any fight. That includes the yakuza group Abegawa Tenchu, whose leadership he wipes out in a horrifying tsunami of blood. Hachisuka next want to set him against Dox & Murder guy \u2013 heretofore known as Kugizaki Souga \u2013 who tried to meet with Kouichi and Pop last week. But Souga has had enough of Trigger, and declares his intent to take Stendhal down unaided. Hachisuka at this point takes matters into her own hands, however.<\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s certainly dubious for Kouichi to insert himself between these two<\/a>, either of whom could end him easily. But Kouichi has heard Souga cry of anguish, and in truth, he has hero\u2019s blood flowing in his veins. There\u2019s a right thing to do, so he does it. Stendhal is not the type to listen to reason. If Kouichi helps an evildoer, he\u2019s therefore evil, no matter the reason. He wounds a retreating Crawler \u2013 for reasons that will soon become obvious. And has no compunctions about taking Kouichi out at the same time as Souga. Which is very likely what would have happened, had Knuckleduster not shown up when he did.<\/p>\n<\/a>It\u2019s illustrative to see Stendhal and Knuckle juxtaposed<\/a>, because it couldn\u2019t be clearer that there\u2019s a big difference between them. There\u2019s a rationality to what Knuckle is doing \u2013 he has a purpose, and at least some modicum of restraint. He\u2019s also impressive as hell, because he keeps taking on \u2013 and down \u2013 guys with quirks despite seemingly having none of his own. Stendhal sees him as a kindred spirit but that\u2019s clearly not the case. Stendhal carries a persona \u2013 he becomes a different person when he\u2019s behind his mask (which is something he\u2019s aware of). Knuckleduster is resolutely who he is, for better or worse.<\/p>\n<\/a>The aftermath of this confrontation \u2013 which sees Stendhal with a mangled broken nose \u2013 changes him profoundly. Knuckleduster\u2019s condemnation of him finds the mark, and the lesson Stendhal takes away is that he can no longer hide behind his mask and the identity he assumes behind it. In rather gory fashion he symbolically merges the two<\/a>, and redirects his righteous rage \u2013 at those who he now sees as the true problem in society. Not villains, but those pretending at being heroes \u2013 those not living up to the hero ideal (as he defines it). Thus the Hero Killer Stain \u2013 perhaps Horikoshi Kouhei\u2019s most fascinating creation \u2013 is born. Not by his own hand, but in a manner that feels perfectly consistent with his own vision of the character. This Stain is his Stain \u2013 he simply takes the character to an even deeper and darker place.<\/p>\n