This Hero Should Have Been a Villain All Along, And Why His True Destiny Is Heroism

Summary

Bakugo got off easy in My Hero Academia, thanks to Deku’s forgiving nature.
Bakugo’s potential as a compelling villain lies in his strong personality and desire for strength.
Fans missed out on a deeper look into villains’ lives in My Hero Academia, with Bakugo as an interesting prospect.

Despite being initially marketed as a distinctive portrayal of the superhero genre, My Hero Academia swiftly gained popularity among shonen enthusiasts due to its sophisticated approach to superheroes, rich character growth, and an engrossing plot that left readers eagerly anticipating each twist, as Izuku Midoriya – a boy seemingly devoid of superpowers – rises to become the successor of the World’s Greatest Superhero. Even though My Hero Academia has concluded and My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is now revealing events preceding Izuku’s story, fans may ponder if there are hidden layers within the original series yet to be discovered.

It’s possible that some fans may question if every member of Class 1-A had sufficient character growth by the end of the series, given they seemed to escape the terrors of All For One during the Final War without significant consequences. Surprisingly, there could have been a particular character who would have made an excellent antagonist to contrast Izuku’s heroism.

Bakugo Got Off Easy

Deku Was Too Forgiving To His Childhood Tormentor

To put it simply, it’s clear that Deku showed Bakugo leniency. If not for Deku’s inherent kindness towards most people, a quality that certainly caught All Might’s attention and led him to choose Deku as his successor as the Symbol of Peace, Bakugo might have faced harsh consequences like online backlash, juvenile detention, or potentially dangerous retaliation.

People argue that constant praise for Bakugo’s abilities made him so accustomed to success that he never took the time to delve into his own feelings, particularly his insecurities and his understanding of growth and success, or comprehend Deku’s efforts to grow beyond his Quirklessness. However, this doesn’t excuse Bakugo’s harsh words and actions towards Deku. Although Bakugo eventually acknowledges his mistakes and apologizes to Deku, he has not faced any real consequences for his actions.

How Would Bakugo Work As A Hypothetical Villain?

Seeing A Villain Grow From Scratch

In the fictional series “My Hero Academia,” the possibility of Bakugo turning into a villain, however unlikely, offers intriguing narrative opportunities. If Bakugo were to assume this role, it would provide an opportunity to demonstrate his transformation into a villain from the ground up. The story could escalate to depict All For One influencing Bakugo towards chaos, leading him to wreak havoc, torment others, or even engage in violent rampages. If Bakugo’s character is too robust to be corrupted, the narrative might put him in a situation where he appears compelled to fight against his own allies as an alternative.

The visual comparison between Shigaraki’s confinement and Bakugo’s untapped power could create a powerful juxtaposition, showcasing their shared destructive abilities. While both characters have equally destructive Quirks, Shigaraki might forge a secondary rivalry with Bakugo during his tenure in the League of Villains. This could imply that Bakugo is acknowledging his villainous potential and potentially even welcoming it before his internal moral compass eventually reasserts itself.

A Much-Needed Gaze Into The Psyche Of Villains

Fans Could Have Gotten A Deeper Look Into The Lives Of Villains

In “My Hero Academia,” it wouldn’t be a story influenced by comics if it didn’t include instances of villains executing their schemes or exposing their dealings with one another. The Paranormal Liberation War Arc serves this purpose, providing fans an intriguing glimpse into the relationships among the series’ roster of villains. However, Hawks’s predictable betrayal as a double agent doesn’t carry as much weight in terms of impact on the villains compared to, for example, if kidnapped Bakugo had been persuaded to join their side instead.

In a fictional situation, we might explore a case where Bakugo grapples with ethical dilemmas and his bonding experiences within the League of Villains. This alternate perspective on villainy could prove intriguing if Bakugo were to form genuine friendships with his new associates. If Bakugo ever chooses to rejoin society, might these friendships be strong enough to sway them away from a life of criminality?

Why Bakugo? He’s The Only One Strong Enough To Go To The Abyss And Back

Bakugo Always Had The Stronger Personality

Among the students of Class 1-A, it’s undeniable that both Izuku and Bakugo are exceptional in terms of character and determination. In fact, other members of the class look up to them as role models, with Izuku inspiring them through his relentless pursuit of improvement, and Bakugo motivating them by consistently striving for excellence above and beyond the ordinary.

What makes Bakugo unique among Class 1-A isn’t his heroic qualities, but rather an intense determination to demonstrate his power. Some people contend that Bakugo’s ambition to be the strongest might lead him to corruption if he encounters someone who can overpower his idea of “strongest.” This raises a question: If someone like All For One could easily defeat Bakugo, why bother being virtuous like All Might?

What makes him an intriguing villain candidate is his determination to become stronger, which gives him the fortitude to persist in wickedness as he strives to be the strongest, and the strength to return to goodness when he recognizes that raw power alone is insufficient for becoming the person he aspires to be. Normally, such a character might quickly succumb to darkness, but All For One’s case is exceptional.

Bakugo And Deku Will Get An Actual Shot At Duking It Out

Give The Leading Characters A Deserved Match-Up

In the popular series “My Hero Academia”, the main characters’ much-talked-about rivalry culminates in just two significant battles: a costumed duel during the Battle Trial Arc and their replay in the Provisional Hero License Exam Arc. However, these confrontations were not fully realized to their potential as Kacchan was later admitted into the circle of those aware of Deku’s connection with One For All, effectively ending any possibility of another intense showdown between them.

If Deke finds himself in a situation where he needs to rescue Kacchan from the depths of darkness, they might engage in an intense battle that showcases their full potential. It would be intriguing to observe how Deku, utilizing his advanced Quirk, could confront a transformed Bakugo who has honed his skills in using his arsenal of offensive abilities.

With A Conviction Strong Enough To Get Things Done

The Worthy Opponent To Face All For One

The underlying factor that keeps Bakugo from becoming a villain is deeply connected to his unwavering beliefs. Don’t mistake Bakugo’s straightforwardness, his bold confrontation of challenges with an air of self-assuredness in his skills, for a sign of vulnerability. Instead, it’s this very determination in action that makes him the ideal counterpart to Deku’s compassionate and forgiving disposition. It’s fortunate for the world of My Hero Academia that Bakugo’s relentless conviction prevented one of its most significant dangers from materializing.

Indeed, there’s no denying Bakugo’s relentless determination during the Final War. He defied death itself in his mission, bearing pain and remaining immobile except when blasting, as he overpowered the degenerating form of All For One. It was Bakugo who struck the fatal blow, reducing All For One’s pathetic, malicious infantile form to dust – a feat only one with conviction like his could achieve. If Deku had been the one to confront All For One’s all-consuming darkness instead of Bakugo, it would have surely swallowed him whole.

In The End A Different Brand Of Hero

His Conflicted Personality Is Often Misunderstood

Viewing Bakugo as if he’s secretly a villain just underscores how intricate his character is. Typically, antagonists or deuteragonists who behave aggressively are prone to turning into villains, or they have a soft spot that contrasts the protagonist’s calm kindness. However, Bakugo breaks this pattern by not transforming into a villain despite being a bully. His brash arrogance hides incredible talent and an unyielding moral compass, making him an unusual take on the “proud” deuteragonist.

Regarding Bakugo, his flaws and penchant for power don’t steer him towards villainy; instead, his convictions drive this choice. He believes that only a hero can possess the inherent strength needed to vanquish any wickedness. Furthermore, Bakugo is drawn to confronting powerful evils. It’s not difficult to misjudge Bakugo’s character because it was intentionally crafted to be enigmatic, even leaving Bakugo himself in the dark about his true nature until near the conclusion of the series.

2025-06-03 18:14