My Hero Academia fans fail to understand Bakugo's character growth and it's saddening

My Hero Academia's Katsuki Bakugo is one of the series' more complex yet understandable characters. His fiery temper and aggressive personality are his defining traits. However, his character growth in the story stands as quite a compelling character arc.

Even so, it seems as if fans may have misread the depth of his development. Starting out, he was a bully and a rival to Izuku Midoriya. But his journey towards maturity reveals layers of vulnerability, self-reflection, and an evolving sense of teamwork. Despite this, many yet seem to dismiss the nuances of his evolution.

Thus, this works to diminish Bakugo's true growth, undercutting his complexity and the thematic relevance of his arc. His emotional development is especially highlighted with time, underscoring his overcoming his arrogance, adopting modesty, and the true meaning of being a Hero.

Disclaimer: The article reflects the writer's opinions.

My Hero Academia: Bakugo's character growth seems unintelligible to fans

Katsuki Bakugo in My Hero Academia (Image via Studio Bones)

Katsuki Bakugo started out as an egoistic bully in My Hero Academia. Born with a powerful Quirk, he believed himself to be a cut above the rest and behaved accordingly. The subject of his bullying was Quirkless protagonist Izuku Midoriya (Deku), who later received One For All (OFA) thanks to a fateful encounter with All Might. But this was where Bakugo's character began to undergo change.

It is worth mentioning that till season 3, Bakugo was an outright bully. Deku suddenly receiving powers and even beating him in the entrance exams was maddening to him. Hence, they became intense rivals who were cautious of each other. His overconfidence led to instances where he had to eat his words - Sports Festival, loss to All Might, etc.

However, it was in season 3 that he began to change. He gradually recognized Deku’s determination, growth, and his own weaknesses. As such, he introspected and sought to facet his vulnerabilities, especially after his capture by the League of Villains. That taught him that his anger and pride could topple him. Moreover, he felt guilty for All Might "retiring" and his inability to help out in any way.

Later in the story, in a conversation with All Might, Bakugo revealed why he continually used to bully Deku - he feared the boy's strength of character in the face of his own insecurities, which he took a while to acknowledge. But as stated by All Might, the blonde's efforts in helping Deku control OFA was his way of repenting.

Bakugo's development is subtle till such moments happen to put facts into perspective. Kohei Horikoshi likely never meant for Bakugo to be a one-note character and that is evident in how he grows. In more recent arcs like the Internship Arc and the War Arc, Bakugo displayed considerable emotional growth. He struggled with the feeling of inadequacy and the weight of comparison.

Moreover, his breakdown in the Dark Deku Arc marked another significant moment. His apology, acknowledgment of past errors, and display of genuine remorse to Deku were a major leap in his character development. Towards the end, Bakugo’s growth culminates in his understanding of Heroism. His focus shifted from aiming to be "the strongest" to being a true hero who cared for others and accepted others' help.

Fans showcase a mixed response

When referring to Bakugo's character development in the series, a bit of a mixed response can be seen among fans. While some acknowledge that Bakugo graduated from being a bully to an actual Hero, many others would disagree.

"I don't EVER want to hear anybody say that Bakugo has no character development." - a fan wrote.

Beginning with the positive, there are certainly those who noticed and acknowledged the change in Bakugo as the story progressed. Not only did he mature with time, but more importantly, he understood his weaknesses and what he needed to become. His learning to depend on others and change his outlook were some of the clear indications of his growth.

"I really need em to stop babying this dude. HE WAS JUST STRAIGHT UP JUST AN A**HOLE IN THE BEGINNING!? HE FELT NO REMORSE UNTIL LATER ON THAT'S THE POINT OF HIS DEVELOPMENT AND WHY HE APOLOGIZED!? if Bakugo wasn't handsome nobody would be downplaying any of his sh*t" - a netizen opined.

On the other hand, some remained focused on Bakugo being a bully. In the initial parts of the manga, he bullied Deku for being Quirkless. He then continued to do so even when Deku got OFA, growing insecure about the boy's strength of character. But then again, that was what his character was supposed to be and show - a noticeable change from pride to humility.

In conclusion

Deku and Bakugo in My Hero Academia (Image via Studio Bones)

In the series, Bakugo gradually embraces the trait of humility, using his pride to fuel positive leadership. In the end, though his loud, crude, and aggressive exterior remained, Bakugo was no longer a bully. He grew from being brash and arrogant to more empathetic and mature. Most importantly, his perspective on being a Hero changes completely, which is one of the biggest points in his character.

His arc is truly one of the series' most significant. Bakugo's journey showcases that growth does not necessarily originate from increasing physical strength and abilities. Rather, true growth is that which allows for self-reflection, connecting with others, and adapting to the needs of the group around. Horikoshi did spectacularly well to bring such aspects to the forefront when it came to Bakugo.

To sum it all up, Katsuki Bakugo’s character development in My Hero Academia was a powerful and nuanced journey. It wasn't very evident at first, which is likely why many couldn't fully understand. But the essence and charm lay in the fact that Bakugo evolved from egotism to humility and compassion.

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Edited by Tiasha