Katsuki Bakugo is the kind of character who demands your attention and refuses to let go—sometimes literally, with an explosion or two. In My Hero Academia, a world defined by quirks and heroics, Bakugo’s evolution from brash bully to layered rival is one of the most compelling arcs in modern anime. He’s not only a hothead with a flashy peculiarity; he’s a product of the pressures, imperfections, and capacity for development that fuel the series.
Bakugo’s origin story starts with a bang. He is the golden child, gifted with a powerful quirk and consistently complimented by instructors, peers, and even his mother. All that praise inflated his ego to skyscraper levels. It is no wonder he sneered at Izuku Midoriya, the quirkless next-door neighbor he viewed as the epitome of weakness. Even the nickname “Deku” was his attempt to belittle Midoriya, a reminder of all that he perceived Izuku did not have.
But My Hero Academia doesn’t let its characters stay stuck. Growth is at the heart of the story, and Bakugo’s journey shows how to write a rival who’s more than just an obstacle for the hero. At first, his arrogance and aggression feel over the top. He bullies Deku, dismisses his peers, and believes brute strength is the only thing that matters. It appears to be the typical formula for a shonen conflict—but Bakugo’s storyline develops into something more immediately.
Much of that stems from the society he was raised in. Bakugo is a creation of a world where power is celebrated, and for years, everyone informed him he was special due to his quirk alone. That left him alone in ways most were unaware of. When he was abducted by villains—twice—those around him took for granted that he must be able to survive it since he was “so strong.” People didn’t bother to go check on him as an individual, enforcing the notion that being vulnerable was something he could never permit himself to be.
The actual turning point is after his kidnapping by the League of Villains and the ensuing fight, where All Might, his childhood hero, loses his powers while rescuing him. The guilt strikes Bakugo. For the first time, he is confronted with the reality that brute force isn’t everything and that his actions have consequences—not just for himself, but for people around him.
After that, his development is steady and substantial. He ceases to look down on people, begins to appreciate teamwork, and even learns how to step forward as a leader. One of the most memorable aspects of Bakugo’s personality is respect for authenticity. He appreciates genuineness above everything else—he can’t bear phoniness or hollow flattery. And it’s this trait, paired with his zealous energy, that makes him likable to his peers and, ultimately, the viewer.
His feud with Deku is the sentimental heart of My Hero Academia. What begins as sheer animosity gradually turns into a complex, frequently volatile, but finally nurturing relationship. Deku’s refusal to give up and his unshakeable belief in Bakugo compel both of them to evolve. Their legendary schoolyard battle is a unleashing of years of anger, jealousy, and remorse, as Bakugo finally confesses the burden he’s been carrying for All Might’s sacrifice. It’s the first time that the two look at each other truly—not as enemies, but as equals.
Even when he grows up, Bakugo never ceases to be sharp-tongued, loud-mouthed, and brawling-weathered. But now he acts out of responsibility and empathy. He stands up for his fellow students, assumes leadership, and even owns up when he’s wrong. During some of the bleakest moments in the series, it’s Bakugo who challenges his fellow students to reach out to Deku and bring him back from his state of isolation, issuing a moving apology and, for the first time, using his given name.
What makes Bakugo so memorable as an opponent isn’t his strength or his explosive personality—it’s his potential for change. He is the embodiment of the messy, frequently agonizing act of maturing within a world that does not value vulnerability. His transformation from brash bully to hero is one of contemplation, responsibility, and learning to respect honesty. In a genre rife with competition, Bakugo is one of the most nuanced and endearing, making his relationship with Deku one of the most powerful rivalries in anime today.