Why a ruthless villainous archetype became a beloved hero

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Katsuki Bakugo was almost a different person. Originally conceived as a genius with a pleasant personality, creator Kōhei Horikoshi scrapped the idea for being too boring. Instead, he crafted a ruthless, ambitious character whose explosive temperament and complex redemption arc would eventually dominate popularity polls worldwide.

In the early drafts of My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo was intended to be a kind-hearted genius. However, Kōhei Horikoshi opted for a more abrasive personality to drive the narrative. This decision transformed Bakugo into a character defined by his 'Explosion' Quirk—a power fueled by a nitroglycerin-like substance secreted from his palms. While his early years were marked by bullying his childhood friend, Izuku Midoriya, the series focuses heavily on his evolution from an arrogant student into a capable leader and hero.

Bakugo's development is a central pillar of the series' critical acclaim. His journey involves moving from a state of intense jealousy and an inferiority complex to a place of maturity where he can offer a sincere apology to Midoriya. This emotional arc is mirrored by the physical toll of his abilities; the overuse of his Quirk causes pulsating pain and aching in his arms and shoulders. This vulnerability adds a layer of realism to his combat-heavy role.

The character's impact extends far beyond the manga pages. Despite his aggressive and often crude personality, Bakugo has consistently topped popularity polls in Japan. In a 2024 'World Best Hero' global poll, he was identified as the franchise's most popular character overall. His voice actors, Nobuhiko Okamoto in Japanese and Clifford Chapin in English, have both received significant praise, with Chapin noting the physical exhaustion caused by the character's frequent screaming during recording sessions.

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