Bakugo’s Redemption Arc in My Hero Academia: A Masterstroke by Horikoshi

Katsuki Bakugo, despite his chaotic nature, stands out as a beloved character in My Hero Academia. Initially introduced as a bully to the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, Bakugo’s journey shifted dramatically as he underwent a pivotal redemption at a crucial moment in the story. While some fans were skeptical, arguing that this transformation felt sudden, it ultimately became a vital aspect of his character development.

This character evolution marks a strategic decision by the author, allowing Bakugo to foster deeper connections with both Deku and his classmates. In the climactic moments of the series, Bakugo not only supported his friends during the final battle but also displayed genuine emotion when Deku faced devastating challenges, particularly when he lost his quirk.

Note: This article contains spoilers from the My Hero Academia manga and reflects the author’s personal insights.

Katsuki Bakugo’s Transformation in My Hero Academia: A Case Study in Redemption

Katsuki Bakugo in action from the anime (Image via Bones)

The turning point came during the Dark Deku arc when Izuku, bearing the weight of the Paranormal Liberation Front’s actions, chose to go rogue. He attempted to bear the burden alone until his Class 1-A friends, including Bakugo, intervened. This moment became a significant indicator of Bakugo’s growth.

Katsuki Bakugo showing depth in the anime (Image via Bones)

In a moment of impact, Bakugo reached out to Izuku, apologizing for his past transgressions and expressing a desire to work together to change the world. Yet, many fans were divided over this redemption arc, arguing that the extent of Bakugo’s earlier actions made his transformation hard to accept. Nevertheless, this shift marked the beginning of a new chapter for his character.

Following this event, Bakugo, alongside Izuku and their classmates at U.A. High, trained vigorously to prepare for the impending battles against villains. This period was marked by notable changes in Bakugo, including a newfound willingness to assist his peers in honing their quirks—such as when he collaborated with Mina to refine one of her final attacks with Todoroki.

Bakugo emotional scene for Izuku (Image via Shueisha)

Furthermore, Bakugo exhibited a greater openness toward his friends, signaling a desire for personal transformation. The final war showcased one of his most tragic moments, where he bravely faced TomurAFO but was left gravely wounded. However, his triumphant return and subsequent actions were bolstered by Midoriya’s support.

Ultimately, after the battle concluded and Deku lost his quirk, Bakugo was seen shedding authentic tears for his friend, showcasing his deep respect and aspirations to rival Deku. This pivotal redemption arc has significantly enriched both Bakugo’s character and the overarching narrative of My Hero Academia.

Conclusion

Forgiveness can be difficult for characters who predominantly exhibit bullying and aggressive behavior. Yet, signs of genuine change following an apology can indicate a potential redemption journey, even if it’s gradual. Bakugo’s evolution serves as a prime example of such transformation, contributing to his unassailable popularity among fans.

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