Katsuki Bakugo, also called Kacchan, is the anti-hero in my My Hero Academia. Unlike Deku, Bakugo starts off as an arrogant bully who is unafraid to speak his mind, even if that means alienating those around him. Despite his vast array of seemingly unfavorable characteristics, Bakugo is actually quite popular among fans.
In an interview with Anime News Network, Horikoshi was asked the popularity of any of his characters surprised him. "Bakugo has been a bit of a surprise," he admitted. "I assumed everyone would hate him, but it's been the opposite. In the character questionnaires we do, Bakugo comes in #1 most popular. Bakugo has always been the bully, and he ends up going to school with Deku. So I had them in a big fight pretty early on, but through that fight you were able to see Bakugo's humanity, that he was just a short-tempered kid."
For many, Bakugo's flaws can be excused because of his relatability and growth. Throughout the series, he experiences defeat and even matures as a person. However, for Horikoshi, Bakugo isn't someone he would want any contact with in real life. In an interview at Jump Festa 2016, when asked if he would hang out with Bakugo, Horikoshi asserted, "No way! I wouldn't want to be anywhere near him."
