"A Separate Direction From Deku" - My Hero Academia's Original Plan for Bakugo Was Much Different (2024)

Katsuki Bakugo is one of the most complicated characters in My Hero Academia. While he can be explosive and aggressive, he possesses many good qualities as well and grows tremendously as a character throughout the series. However, the creator of My Hero Academia, Kohei Horikoshi, did not initially intend on redeeming Bakugo in this way.

In a 2019 interview with CinemaToday Japan, which was translated by Tumblr user, Hanishamas, from Japanese to English, Horikoshi revealed his intentions for Bakugo's character arc. At the beginning of the series, he certainly acts like a prideful bully in order to mask his self-doubt.

However, the creator reveals that he intended on keeping Bakugo rude throughout the series, never allowing him eventual redemption from his mistreatment of others, particularly Deku. Horikoshi changed his mind, explaining that the reasoning for the blazing character's eventual popularity lies in the positive growth he went through and the fact that he takes responsibility for his wrongdoings.

Horikoshi Intended To Keep Bakugo A Bully, But Changed His Mind

Created by Kohei Horikoshi, anime adaptation produced by Studio Bones

At the beginning of My Hero Academia, Bakugo's behavior is shockingly abhorrent, in a way Horikoshi describes as "unforgivable". He ridiculed and bullied anyone he felt was beneath him, especially classmate Izuku Midoriya. He even coined the nickname "Deku", which translates to "useless" in Japanese, showcasing his true hatred for his rival. Thankfully, Horikoshi decided to develop Bakugo further beyond the stereotype of a typical ill-mannered and disrespectful high school bully. Later in My Hero Academia, he even apologizes for his past actions and begins to show more kindness to Izuku and the rest of his classmates, showing maturity.

Since Bakugo's transformation into a more considerate character, he has become a beloved fan-favorite. Horikoshi believes had he kept the character's mean and nasty nature intact and never given him any positive traits, Bakugo would not enjoy the popularity he currently possesses today among My Hero Academia fans. In the past, the young hero felt threatened and intimidated by other powerful heroes like Shoto Todoroki and lashed out due to his insecurity and fear. As the series progresses, he recognizes these faults within himself and strives to do better, making him a more sympathetic and likable person.

Fans Love Bakugo Due To His Regret, Apologies, and Evolution As A Character

Horikoshi's portrayal of an unforgivable bully made him sympathetic and lovable

It is incredibly surprising that Bakugo was initially designed to be somewhat of a villain. This fact becomes even more shocking when considering his heartfelt apology to Deku, his tearful acknowledgment of his own pride, and his extensive self-improvement throughout the series. Seeing the young hero in a villainous role certainly would have been interesting, but it is for the best that Horikoshi chose to give the character positive attributes as well. Although he has certainly not lost his fiery attitude entirely, Bakugo has grown to become one of the most powerful, complex, and beloved characters in My Hero Academia.

Source: CinemaToday Japan (translated by Tumblr user Hanashimas)

My Hero Academia is available to read on Manga Plus.

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My Hero Academia (2016)

In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk has always held him back, but a chance encounter with All Might after discovering a classmate in danger sets Deku on the path to becoming a true hero. My Hero Academia centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake rescue missions, combat training, and other hero-tempering tasks. With young Deku inheriting the "One-For-All" quirk, he will learn what it means to be a true hero while facing off with dastardly supervillains.