Bakugo’s Hidden Edge: 7 Things He Can Do That Deku Can’t

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Summary

  • Bakugo consistently won popularity polls, overshadowing Deku in fan popularity.
  • Bakugo’s innate quirk, Explosion, allowed him to fly and fight effectively without training.
  • Bakugo’s unfriendly personality and impressive life skills set him apart as a top Pro Hero.

In the series known as “My Hero Academia,” the relationship between two characters, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, is one of the most striking aspects. Initially, they were fierce rivals with a mutual dislike, but over time, they evolved into loyal friends and powerful heroes who complement each other beautifully.

It’s clear that the competition between these two characters is a key aspect of the show, sparking numerous fan comparisons. This rivalry has made it evident that, despite being the protagonist, Deku lacks certain abilities which Bakugo possesses. Here are eight instances where this difference is particularly noticeable.

7. Winning More Than One Popularity Poll

Deku Was Always Overshadowed By Bakugo In Terms Of Fan Popularity

In the world of shōnen manga, it’s typical to conduct audience response surveys, often called popularity polls. These help publishers and creators understand how readers feel about the main characters in a series. Typically, the lead character tends to win the majority (or even all) of these polls, such as Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece” or Naruto Uzumaki from “Naruto”.

In the grand tapestry of “My Hero Academia,” I find myself remarking on an intriguing anomaly: Izuku Midoriya stands as a singular exception, having triumphed in just one popularity poll, specifically the inaugural one held exclusively in Japan back in 2015. Since then, Katsuki Bakugo has reigned supreme in every subsequent poll, both domestically in Japan and across the Pacific in the United States. Moreover, his victorious streak extends to the Global Popularity Poll of 2024, a competition open to fans from all corners of the globe.

This unbroken string of wins underscores the profound adoration Bakugo enjoys among the fan base, despite the fact that his character and actions often stir controversy.

6. Effectively Using His Quirk Without Training Or Support Items

Bakugo Was Born With An Incredible Super Power

Deku initially lacked a superpower (quirk), but later obtained One for All from the top hero, All Might. His tale is both motivating and captivating. Over time, he managed to match his peers and even rivals like Bakugo, adding intensity to their rivalry. This was due to the fact that Bakugo possessed a potent quirk called Explosion, enabling him to generate explosions by igniting sweat similar to nitroglycerin.

From the beginning, he possessed an exceptional ability that didn’t require any auxiliary tools or intricate tutelage to wield effectively in combat. However, as he strived for greater strength and proficiency, he found himself needing both support items and rigorous training. Conversely, Deku’s physique couldn’t sustain the immense power of One For All, necessitating structured training and the use of certain support items to compete on par with his peers in combat.

5. Flying At High Speeds With His Base Quirk

Explosion Always Had Many Great Uses

In the anime “My Hero Academia”, not all the exceptional Pro Heroes are equipped with the ability to fly; even the iconic All Might couldn’t achieve this feat. However, flying is a valuable skill that can help heroes get to a particular spot quickly or chase after swift villains. Eventually, Deku managed to stay aloft for an extended period due to his acquisition of the Float quirk hidden within One For All.

Instead of needing another quirk for flying, Bakugo’s explosive ability was sufficient. By detonating small blasts from his hands, he can not only propel himself through the air but also increase speed dramatically and maneuver to dodge attacks or confuse adversaries. This versatile function of Explosion has been vital in his combat style since the beginning.

4. Cooking And Playing Music

Bakugo Has Many Other Impressive Life Skills

Despite frequently encountering each other due to their heroic careers, Midoriya and Bakugo are typical teenagers with diverse interests outside of their heroic endeavors. One clear distinction between them is evident in their hobbies. Deku, an ardent fan of All Might, often spends his time amassing merchandise related to him. Yet, his passion extends beyond All Might as he also takes keen interest in observing and studying other Pro Heroes.

Contrary to how he might come off due to his aggressive demeanor, Bakugo isn’t solely fixated on violence and combat. In fact, he’s displayed a variety of impressive abilities throughout the series beyond fighting. For instance, he showcased his culinary skills on several occasions and even participated in Class 1-A’s school band during the festival, demonstrating a remarkable skill with the drums. On the flip side, Deku’s knowledge about cooking or playing music has never been shown.

3. Intimidating His Opponents

Deku Is Way Too Kind To Seem As Aggressive As His Rival

In the realm of My Hero Academia, a myriad of heroes exist, each embodying distinct traits. Some, like All Might, are noble and instill a desire to emulate them in others, while characters such as Gang Orca exhibit an aggressive demeanor, both terrifying their adversaries and those they’re rescuing. Interestingly, Deku falls into the former category due to his polite disposition and gentle character, which give him a friendly and non-intimidating image, despite his immense power and talent.

However, Bakugo undeniably falls into the second category due to his aggressive, blunt, and turbulent demeanor, which often comes across as overwhelmingly intimidating. This quality can prove beneficial in subduing villains, but it has also drawn criticism from civilians and fellow heroes for its uninviting nature, even during rescue missions where he’s saving the innocent.

2. Defeating Ruthless Villains Who Deserve No Mercy

Bakugo Has To Do The Dirty Work That Deku Can’t Really Do

Among the unique traits that distinguish Izuku Midoriya from other Pro Heroes is his remarkable ability to empathize deeply, a trait reflected in his philosophy of striving to comprehend the motivations behind villainous actions to better serve and evolve Japan’s hero community. In contrast, Katsuki Bakugo, though he respects this approach to some extent, tends to favor a more direct approach: overpowering villains without delving into their reasons.

Interestingly, during the Final War Arc, the contrast between their personalities proved particularly beneficial: whereas Deku engaged with Tomura Shigaraki, attempting to understand his past and reasons, Bakugo focused on battling All For One – a villain devoid of any tragic background or sympathetic goals. Essentially a force of evil, talking to All For One would’ve been futile for Deku, making it more thematically appropriate that Bakugo defeated him in combat instead.

1. Reaching The Top 5 Of The Hero Billboard Charts

Bakugo Was Eventually Able To Become Japan’s #4 Pro Hero

From a young age, Deku and Bakugo have harbored the same ambition: to ascend the Japanese Hero Rankings and ultimately become the top Pro Hero, much like their role model All Might did once upon a time. Unsurprisingly, they both developed into strong and esteemed heroes; however, after losing his One for All ability during his last confrontation with Shigaraki, Deku was forced to step down from active hero duty.

Eight years post the Final War Arc, a 25-year-old Bakugo persisted in his role as a Pro Hero, even climbing to Rank 4 on the Hero Billboard Charts… however, his abrasive demeanor caused him to slide down a few spots, landing him at Rank 15. Conversely, Deku transitioned into teaching and thus ceased his career as a Pro Hero, meaning he never made it onto the charts. However, Bakugo and his companions pooled funds for a unique armored suit that enabled Bakugo to resume his active role as a Pro Hero. Perhaps, in time, Deku will match strides with his long-standing rival and both ascend the rankings together.

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2025-04-12 09:14