From Villain to Vexed: Horikoshi Reveals He Hated This Version of Bakugo

Katsuki Bakugo is, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing and fascinating characters in My Hero Academia. His journey from a cruel and arrogant bully to a nuanced rival and ally has been one of the series’ most compelling arcs. Fans have watched him grow from a rage-filled antagonist into a complex character who, despite his abrasive personality, is driven by a deep-seated desire to be the number one hero. However, in a surprising and candid revelation, creator Kohei Horikoshi has admitted that there was a version of Bakugo that he found particularly difficult to write and, in his own words, “hated.” This confession sheds new light on the creative process behind the character and explains why Bakugo’s early behavior was so extreme. This is a crucial piece of My Hero Academia news for anyone following the development of the series and its most popular characters.

The Version of Bakugo Horikoshi Hated

In a translated interview, Horikoshi revealed that he had originally written Bakugo as a one-dimensional, irredeemable bully. He admitted that in the early chapters of the manga, he “went a little overboard” with Bakugo’s intense cruelty towards Izuku Midoriya. This early version of Bakugo, who mercilessly tormented Deku and even told him to “take a swan dive off the roof,” was a character defined solely by his hatred and rage. Horikoshi felt that this version of Bakugo had “frozen,” becoming too unlikable and lacking any depth. The creator found it difficult to write for a character who was so defined by his anger, and he realized that to make Bakugo a compelling rival, he needed to be more than just a bully. This early, flat version of the character is the one that Horikoshi admits he came to dislike.

This is a significant revelation because it shows that Horikoshi was also aware of the audience’s negative reaction to Bakugo’s early actions. He felt that to make Bakugo a more sympathetic character, he needed to “bring him down to the same level” as everyone else and “put a dent in him.” This is why Bakugo was kidnapped by the League of Villains—it was a way to humble him and force him to confront his own weaknesses. The kidnapping was a pivotal moment in his character arc, and it was a direct result of Horikoshi’s dissatisfaction with the way the character was being written. The events of that arc and the emotional fallout that followed were the start of Bakugo’s slow and steady journey towards redemption and maturity.

• The Problem with Early Bakugo: Horikoshi felt that the character was becoming too one-dimensional, defined only by his rage and hatred for Deku. This version was not only difficult to write for, but it also made him unsympathetic to the audience.
• The Turning Point: The kidnapping by the League of Villains was the direct result of Horikoshi’s decision to “put a dent” in Bakugo. This event forced the character to confront his own insecurities and led to a more complex and human portrayal.
• The Path to Redemption: Bakugo’s character development has been a long and difficult one, with moments of self-doubt, vulnerability, and a surprising display of empathy. He has learned to see his rivals as allies and has even gone so far as to apologize to Deku, a moment that fans had been waiting for since the beginning of the series.

The Evolution of a Character

The fact that Horikoshi openly admitted to struggling with Bakugo’s character at the beginning of the series is a testament to his commitment to good storytelling. He recognized that a one-note villain would not be enough to sustain a long-running manga, and he made the conscious decision to evolve the character into something more. Bakugo’s popularity, which consistently places him at the top of the character polls, is a clear sign that Horikoshi’s efforts have paid off. Fans have connected with his journey, seeing him as a complex and flawed character who, despite his shortcomings, is striving to become a better person and a true hero. His arrogance is not just for show; it is a mask for his deep-seated insecurities, and his desire to be the best is a reflection of his internal struggle to be worthy of his quirk and his idol, All Might.

In the final arc of the manga, Bakugo’s character arc has come full circle. He has not only apologized to Deku but has also risked his life to protect him, a move that would have been unthinkable in the early chapters of the series. His growth is a powerful example of character development done right. It’s a reminder that even the most unlikable characters can have a meaningful journey. While the early version of Bakugo may have been a nightmare to write, the result is a character who is now one of the most compelling and beloved figures in the entire series. It’s a powerful lesson in writing and a testament to the idea that a good character is one who is not static, but is always in a state of evolution, even if it’s one that the creator initially hated.