Overview
- Bakugo repeatedly excelled in popularity contests, often eclipsing Deku in fan adoration.
- His quirk, Explosion, not only facilitates combat but also enables flight without prior training.
- Bakugo’s unique blend of audacity and exceptional practical skills positions him as a leading Pro Hero.
“My Hero Academia”showcases a plethora of intriguing character interactions, with the prominent rivalry between Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo emerging as a highlight. Their relationship evolves from fierce adversaries filled with resentment to steadfast allies, transforming into stronger heroes through collaboration.
The dynamic between these two protagonists is a core component of the narrative, prompting fans to draw comparisons between their abilities and characteristics. Despite being the story’s central figure, it’s apparent that Deku has limitations where Bakugo shines. Below, we delve into eight notable abilities that underscore Bakugo’s standout traits.
7
Proven Fan-Favorite
Bakugo Overshadows Deku in Popularity
Popularity polls are a staple in the shōnen manga realm, serving as a tool for creators to understand fan sentiments toward the cast. Typically, lead characters dominate these polls, as seen with figures like Monkey D. Luffy in “One Piece”or Naruto Uzumaki.
However, Izuku Midoriya stands out as a rare exception, having claimed victory in just one popularity poll—the inaugural one conducted in Japan back in 2015. In sharp contrast, Katsuki Bakugo has triumphed in every poll since, including international votes, even securing the title of winner in the 2024 Global Popularity Poll. This trend indicates Bakugo’s widespread acclaim, notwithstanding his often polarizing temperament.
6
Mastering His Quirk
Bakugo Excels with His Inherent Ability
While Deku’s journey is compelling, marked by overcoming the absence of a quirk to ultimately inherit One for All from All Might, Bakugo’s path is notably distinct. Born with the powerful Explosion quirk, Bakugo ignites nitroglycerin-like sweat to create powerful blasts, securing an early advantage in combat.
This innate ability allowed him to engage in fierce battles with minimal reliance on training or gadgetry, unlike Deku, whose mastery of One for All required meticulous training to mitigate the physical toll it exacted.
5
Aerial Maneuverability
Bakugo Utilizes Explosive Thrusts for Flight
Flight is a valuable capability for Pro Heroes, enhancing their agility in reaching targets or pursuing foes. Although Deku eventually gains a semblance of flight through the Float quirk, he initially lacked this essential skill.
Conversely, Bakugo’s quirk inherently allows him to soar through the air by utilizing his explosive powers, enabling rapid acceleration and evasive maneuvers, which he seamlessly integrates into his combat approach.
4
Diverse Interests Beyond Heroism
Bakugo Exhibits a Multifaceted Personality
Despite their hero duties, both Deku and Bakugo are still typical teenagers with varied interests. Deku is deeply immersed in Pro Hero culture and idolizing All Might, often obsessing over merchandise and research.
In contrast, Bakugo reveals his proficiency in a variety of skills that extend beyond heroics—demonstrating culinary talents and musical ability during the U.A. School Festival where he showcased his drumming in Class 1-A’s band. This versatility highlights the distinct paths each character embraces.
3
Awe-Inspiring Presence
Deku Lacks the Intimidation Factor
The “My Hero Academia”universe features a rich array of heroes, ranging from nurturing figures to those instilling fear. Deku, characterized by his kindness and respectful demeanor, is emblematic of the former group—his gentle nature rendering him approachable.
Conversely, Bakugo embodies the latter archetype, characterized by a fierce, combative demeanor complemented by his explosive quirk and commanding voice. This menacing aura can be advantageous in overwhelming foes, even as it draws criticism for its negative impact on his reputation among civilians.
2
Taking Down Merciless Villains
Bakugo Handles What Deku Shies Away From
Izuku Midoriya’s hallmark is his empathy, seeking to understand villains’ motivations to foster a better hero society. In contrast, Katsuki Bakugo showcases a more pragmatic approach, often seeing villains purely as adversaries to be vanquished without hesitation.
This divergence in ideology proved pivotal during the Final War Arc. While Deku engaged in dialogue with Tomura Shigaraki, attempting to analyze his circumstances, Bakugo tackled All For One, a ruthless villain devoid of redeeming qualities. Bakugo’s straightforward combat approach was ultimately more effective in this scenario.
1
Hero Billboard Success
Bakugo Achieves Rank 4 in Hero Billboard Charts
From a young age, both Deku and Bakugo aspired to ascend the Hero Billboard Charts to become the number one Pro Hero like their idol All Might. Their journeys have taken them to great heights, but their paths have diverged dramatically.
Following the conclusion of the Final War Arc, Bakugo, keeping his Pro Hero ambitions alive, achieved a commendable Rank 4 on the Billboard Charts, even as his personality occasionally impeded his progress, leading to a subsequent drop to Rank 15. Meanwhile, Deku transitioned to a teaching role, foregoing his time as a Pro Hero, thus missing the chance to feature on the charts. However, with the support of his allies, Bakugo regained his status, indicating the potential for future collaborations and rankings as both characters continue their journeys.