My Hero Academia: Controversial Decision to Kill Bakugo Sparks Outrage Among Fans – Why It Was a Mistake

Introduction: The Shocking Decision in My Hero Academia’s Story

In the world of My Hero Academia, fans are no strangers to intense, emotional moments, but one recent decision by the series’ creator has left many in shock and dismay. Kōhei Horikoshi, the manga’s creator, revealed that he originally considered killing off one of the fan-favorite characters, Katsuki Bakugo. This bold move has sparked outrage among fans, with many questioning why such a decision was even considered.

Bakugo’s journey from a brash, arrogant character to a heroic figure has captivated audiences for years. He has become an essential part of the series’ dynamic, and the prospect of losing him raised concerns about the direction of the story and the future of the franchise. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why Horikoshi even considered killing Bakugo, the impact this decision could have had on the series, and the backlash it generated from fans.

1. The Impact of Bakugo’s Potential Death on Fans

A Shocking Moment in the Manga

The idea of killing off Bakugo was first shared by Horikoshi in an interview, where he admitted that he initially considered ending Bakugo’s life as part of a significant turning point in the story. This revelation has left many fans stunned, particularly those who view Bakugo as an integral character in the development of the series’ protagonists.

Why Bakugo’s Death Would Have Changed the Series

Bakugo’s character arc is one of growth, with him evolving from a selfish, aggressive hero-in-training to someone who values the lives and well-being of others. His relationship with Izuku Midoriya, his long-time rival, has been a central part of the narrative, and any shift in their dynamic would have been profoundly impactful. Killing off Bakugo would have drastically altered the development of the characters, particularly Midoriya, who has relied on Bakugo’s rivalry to push himself forward.

Caption: Horikoshi’s consideration of killing Bakugo highlights how significant his character is to My Hero Academia’s narrative and how his potential death would have deeply affected the story.

2. The Creator’s Decision: Why Did Horikoshi Consider Killing Bakugo?

Storytelling Choices and Dramatic Impact

Horikoshi’s decision to contemplate Bakugo’s death came from his desire to make the series more unpredictable and impactful. In many ways, My Hero Academia has embraced the brutal realities of the hero world, where no one is truly safe, and heroes face the constant threat of death. Killing Bakugo would have been a bold move, signaling that even the strongest characters are vulnerable.

Exploring the Dark Side of Heroism

One possible reason for considering Bakugo’s death was to explore the deeper emotional complexities of heroism. Bakugo, despite his tough exterior, has always been a character who struggled with his own flaws, particularly his inflated ego and tendency to act impulsively. A death scene for Bakugo could have served to illustrate the high stakes of being a hero, as well as the personal sacrifices that come with the job.

Caption: Horikoshi’s initial plan to kill off Bakugo would have taken the story in a much darker direction, showing the harsh realities of the world of heroes.

3. The Fans’ Backlash: A Decision That Would Have Alienated Viewers

Fan Reactions to Bakugo’s Possible Death

The My Hero Academia fanbase is one of the most dedicated and passionate in the anime world. Bakugo’s potential death stirred emotions and created a backlash that was hard to ignore. For many fans, Bakugo represents a crucial part of what makes the series so compelling, and the thought of losing him was met with strong resistance.

Why Fans Were So Upset by the Idea

Bakugo’s death would have left a huge void in the series. He has been an essential part of the protagonist group, and his absence would have greatly impacted the dynamic between the students at U.A. High School. Fans were particularly upset because Bakugo’s death could have altered the heroic journey of other characters, particularly Midoriya and Shoto Todoroki, who have formed meaningful bonds with him over the course of the series.

Caption: Fans were heartbroken by the possibility of losing Bakugo, as his character plays a pivotal role in the development of Midoriya and other key figures.

4. The Unfinished Story Arc: What Could Have Been Lost?

Potential Development of Bakugo’s Character

One of the biggest issues with killing off Bakugo is the fact that his character arc was still far from complete. Throughout My Hero Academia, Bakugo has been on a path of redemption, learning to become less arrogant and more self-aware. His relationships with Midoriya and his classmates had only just begun to deepen, and his potential to grow as a hero was immense. Killing him would have halted this growth prematurely, denying fans a complete understanding of his journey.

Loss of a Central Character

Bakugo is central to the dynamics of the Class 1-A students. His interactions with others, especially Midoriya, play a vital role in moving the story forward. Without him, the development of other characters would have been impacted, leaving a noticeable gap in the story. While it’s true that My Hero Academia is filled with complex characters, the loss of Bakugo could have made the story feel incomplete and lacking in emotional depth.

Caption: Bakugo’s death could have derailed the progression of My Hero Academia’s key characters, especially his evolving relationship with Midoriya.

5. A Heroic Decision: Why Horikoshi Chose Not to Kill Bakugo

The Decision to Keep Bakugo Alive

Ultimately, Horikoshi decided not to go through with the idea of killing off Bakugo, and for good reason. After receiving strong feedback from fans, he likely recognized that the emotional impact of his death would have far outweighed the potential narrative benefits. By keeping Bakugo alive, Horikoshi preserved the integrity of his character’s arc and maintained the dynamic between the show’s key characters.

Retaining Bakugo’s Legacy

In the end, Bakugo’s resilience and growth as a character make his story one of redemption and strength. Keeping him alive allowed fans to continue to watch his development and see how he would become a true hero, not just through his strength, but through his evolving emotional maturity.

Caption: Bakugo’s survival ensures his character development continues, allowing for deeper emotional growth and stronger ties with other characters in My Hero Academia.

6. Conclusion: The Importance of Bakugo’s Character in My Hero Academia

Killing off a beloved character like Bakugo would have been a controversial and emotionally charged decision. While it’s understandable why Horikoshi might have considered it in an effort to inject more drama and stakes into the series, it would have been a significant blow to the My Hero Academia fandom. The decision to keep Bakugo alive allows for a more meaningful exploration of his character and his role in the larger narrative of the series.

For fans of My Hero Academia, Bakugo’s survival means more moments of growth, more conflicts to resolve, and more dynamic interactions with his classmates. His journey from an arrogant, self-centered teenager to a selfless and determined hero is something fans are eager to see fully realized. Ultimately, his presence in the series strengthens its emotional depth and ensures that My Hero Academia remains one of the most engaging anime of its generation.

If you want to celebrate your love for My Hero Academia, why not do it in style? Check out our exclusive My Hero Academia-inspired hoodies and tees at Gonoly! Represent your favorite characters while enjoying the comfort and style of our custom merchandise.