The world of anime and manga fandoms is a passionate one, where fans express their love and admiration for their favorite characters through various means, including participating in popularity polls.
One such poll recently took place for the immensely popular series My Hero Academia , where fans from around the globe cast their votes to decide their favorite characters.
The result of this poll saw Katsuki Bakugo , one of the series’ deuteragonists, maintain his spot as the No. 1 character, sparking a mix of emotions within the fanbase.
While Bakugo’s immense popularity has been evident for much of the series, the results of the poll stirred up quite a bit of controversy among some sections of the fandom.
For fans of My Hero Academia, Katsuki Bakugo is a character who has made an indelible mark on the series.
Since the early days of the story, Bakugo has been a powerful and dynamic figure, often stealing the spotlight with his intense personality and explosive abilities.
His journey from an arrogant, selfish teenager to a more self-aware and compassionate hero has attracted many fans, leading to his consistent ranking as one of the most popular characters in the series.
Katsuki Bakugo Using Explosion (Crunchyroll)
Despite his popularity, however, Bakugo has always been a polarizing figure.
While he has a fiercely loyal fanbase, there is also a vocal segment of the fandom that has been critical of his character, often citing his aggressive and brash behavior, particularly in the earlier parts of the series, as reasons for their dislike.
This division within the fandom has led to heated debates over Bakugo’s character development, with some fans praising his growth and others arguing that the writing for his arc has been inconsistent.
Nonetheless, this recent popularity poll once again confirmed Bakugo’s status as a fan favorite, leaving his supporters jubilant and his detractors, as some would say, “about to get real silent.”
Bakugo Maintains No. 1 Rank in Global Popularity Poll
The latest My Hero Academia poll saw fans from all corners of the world vote for their favorite characters.
When the results were announced, Katsuki Bakugo emerged as the top choice, securing the No. 1 spot in the poll.
While this result might have come as no surprise to those familiar with the series, it did leave some fans scratching their heads, wondering how Bakugo managed to maintain his position at the top, especially with other beloved characters in the running.
Bakugo’s victory in this poll is particularly significant because he managed to surpass two other fan favorites: the series’ main protagonist, Izuku “Deku” Midoriya, who took second place, and Shoto Todoroki, who came in third.
Both Deku and Todoroki have large followings within the fandom, and their characters have been central to the story’s development.
Yet, despite their popularity and prominence, Bakugo’s fanbase proved to be even more formidable, ensuring his continued reign as the No. 1 character.
There are several reasons why Bakugo has remained so popular over the years. For one, his character design is striking and memorable.
With his spiky blonde hair, sharp eyes, and signature combat gear, Bakugo stands out visually from the rest of the cast.
Bakugo haters about to get realll silent after they see he’s still no.1 even after all the botted votes were removed lol 🤭 pic.twitter.com/P0VZmp8HXE — Ama (@YapperAtDawn) September 5, 2024
His explosive Quirk, which allows him to generate powerful blasts from the sweat on his palms, has also made him a fan favorite when it comes to action scenes.
Bakugo’s battle sequences are often some of the most intense and visually spectacular in the series, further solidifying his appeal.
But beyond his physical appearance and abilities, it’s Bakugo’s personality and character development that have truly endeared him to fans.
From the outset, Bakugo is portrayed as a highly confident, even arrogant, character who believes himself to be superior to others.
His harsh treatment of Deku, whom he views as weak and inferior, makes him difficult to root for initially.
However, as the story progresses, Bakugo’s character begins to evolve. He starts to realize the value of teamwork, humility, and caring for others.
His relationship with Deku, which begins as one of rivalry and disdain, gradually transforms into one of mutual respect and understanding.
Kohei Horikoshi, the creator of My Hero Academia , has done an impressive job of developing Bakugo’s character over the course of the series.
What began as a character driven by pride and anger has slowly but surely turned into a more nuanced portrayal of a young man learning to overcome his inner demons and become a true hero.
While Bakugo still retains his fiery personality, his growth as a character has resonated with fans, leading to his consistent popularity in polls like this one.
The Division in the Fandom
However, not everyone in the My Hero Academia fandom is thrilled with Bakugo’s popularity.
For as long as Bakugo has been a beloved character, there have been fans who simply don’t see the appeal.
Some argue that Bakugo’s earlier behavior, particularly his bullying of Deku, was unforgivable and that his later character development doesn’t fully make up for it.
Katsuki Bakugo And All Might (Crunchyroll)
Others feel that Horikoshi’s handling of Bakugo’s growth was rushed or inconsistent, with certain moments in the story not delivering the depth they had hoped for.
These criticisms have led to a section of the fandom actively rooting against Bakugo in popularity polls, often voicing their displeasure whenever he ranks highly.
This tension between Bakugo’s fans and his critics has been a recurring theme in the My Hero Academia fandom, and this latest poll only served to reignite those debates.
One of the more contentious aspects of Bakugo’s victory in this poll is the accusation of botting.
Several fans took to social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their belief that Bakugo’s win was not entirely legitimate.
According to these fans, some members of Bakugo’s fanbase allegedly used bots to cast multiple votes in his favor, thereby skewing the results.
Reactions Online
The claims of botting have sparked a heated debate within the fandom, with some fans vehemently defending Bakugo’s win and others calling for a more transparent voting process in future polls.
On social media, fans expressed their frustration with the situation:
“Bro would HATEEE winning from bots just vote truthfully yall,” one fan said, criticizing the alleged use of bots to secure Bakugo’s victory. “You do realize it was the bakugo fans who were botting. Right?” another user chimed in, accusing Bakugo’s supporters of unfairly manipulating the results. “You mean the popularity that drove his fans to buy bot votes and admit botting the polls,” someone else commented, further fueling the controversy.
The accusations of botting have cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of the series and its characters.
AFTER ALL THE DISCOURSE, B*TTING ACCUSATIONS, DOUBTS, BAKUGO KATSUKI MR WORLD WIDE WON pic.twitter.com/EZkuWnSyDb — Scar (@katsmuki) September 5, 2024
Many fans were hoping for the poll to be a fun and lighthearted way to honor My Hero Academia as the manga neared its ending, but the allegations of vote manipulation have soured the experience for some.
Despite the controversy, however, Bakugo’s fanbase remains fiercely loyal.
His supporters argue that his popularity is well-deserved and that the accusations of botting are simply the result of salty fans who are upset that their favorite characters didn’t win.
In their eyes, Bakugo’s victory in the poll is a testament to the impact he has had on the series and the fandom as a whole.
Bakugo’s Growth and Popularity
One of the most interesting aspects of Bakugo’s character is the way his personality and abilities mirror his Quirk.
His explosive powers are a direct reflection of his fiery temper and strong will, and this parallel has been a key part of his appeal.
Fans appreciate how Bakugo’s character has been so deeply intertwined with his Quirk, making his growth as a hero feel even more significant.
At the start of the series, Bakugo’s explosive temper often got the better of him. He was quick to anger, brash in his decisions, and overly confident in his abilities.
His arrogance led him to believe that he didn’t need anyone else’s help, and his disdain for Deku only fueled his sense of superiority.
However, as the series progressed, Bakugo began to realize that being a hero isn’t just about having powerful abilities.
Katsuki Bakugo (Crunchyroll)
It’s about using those abilities to protect others, even at the cost of one’s pride.
One of the key turning points for Bakugo’s character comes during the “Heroes Rising” arc, where he and Deku must work together to defeat a powerful villain.
Throughout this arc, Bakugo is forced to confront his own weaknesses and recognize that he can’t do everything on his own.
This moment of self-reflection is crucial in his character development, as it marks the beginning of his shift from a prideful loner to a more empathetic and self-aware hero.
Bakugo’s relationship with Deku has also played a significant role in his character arc. Initially, Bakugo viewed Deku as weak and beneath him, often bullying him out of frustration and insecurity.
However, as the series progresses, Bakugo comes to understand that Deku’s strength lies not in his Quirk, but in his determination and willingness to protect others.
This realization forces Bakugo to reevaluate his own motivations and ultimately leads to a more respectful and nuanced relationship between the two.
For many fans, this growth has been one of the most compelling aspects of Bakugo’s character.
His journey from an arrogant, self-centered teenager to a more compassionate and selfless hero has resonated with those who appreciate characters with complex arcs.
Bakugo’s development isn’t linear; it’s filled with setbacks and moments of introspection, making him feel more human and relatable.
Controversy in Popularity Polls
Despite the celebration of Bakugo’s growth, the controversy surrounding his popularity poll victory highlights the intense emotions that can arise within fandoms. Popularity polls in the anime and
manga community are often taken very seriously by fans, as they provide a platform for people to express their love for certain characters.
Bakugo (Bones)
However, when accusations of cheating or manipulation arise, it can lead to deep divisions within the fandom.
In the case of this My Hero Academia poll, the accusations of botting have left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.
While some believe that Bakugo’s win was the result of legitimate fan support, others feel that the alleged use of bots tainted the poll and unfairly skewed the results.
This tension has sparked a larger conversation within the fandom about the integrity of popularity polls and the lengths some fans will go to see their favorite characters come out on top.
Despite the controversy, Bakugo’s supporters remain steadfast in their belief that he deserves his No. 1 ranking.
They argue that his popularity is a testament to the impact his character has had on the series and that his journey from a flawed, arrogant teenager to a more self-aware hero has resonated with a wide range of fans.
As the My Hero Academia manga reaches its ending, it’s clear that Bakugo’s legacy will continue to be a subject of debate among fans.
His character has left an indelible mark on the series, and whether people love him or hate him, there’s no denying that he has been one of the most influential and dynamic characters in the story.
The My Hero Academia fandom is one of the most passionate in the anime and manga world, and this recent popularity poll has only further highlighted the intense emotions that surround certain characters.
Katsuki Bakugo’s victory in the poll has sparked celebration among his fans and frustration among his detractors, with accusations of botting only adding fuel to the fire.
While the controversy may continue to divide the fandom, there’s no denying that Bakugo has had a profound impact on the series and its fans.
Bakugo From My Hero Academia (Bones)
As the dust settles from this latest poll, one thing is certain: Bakugo’s legacy as a beloved (and polarizing) character is here to stay.
His journey from a prideful, explosive teenager to a more selfless and compassionate hero has resonated with fans worldwide, ensuring that his name will continue to be at the forefront of conversations about My Hero Academia for years to come.
Whether you love him or hate him, Katsuki Bakugo is a character who has left an undeniable mark on the world of anime and manga, and his No. 1 ranking in this worldwide poll is a testament to the impact he has had on the fandom.
One Piece is a world filled with adventure, treasures, and dreams of freedom.
But at the center of it all lies a mystery so great that it has captured the imagination of pirates, adventurers, and readers alike for over two decades: the legendary treasure known as the One Piece .
This fabled treasure is said to grant its finder the title of Pirate King, a designation that represents the pinnacle of power and freedom on the seas.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the One Piece is much more than just material wealth. It holds a deeper, more profound significance tied to the fate of the world.
For the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, becoming the Pirate King has always been his ultimate dream.
Monkey D.Luffy From One Piece Using Gear 5 (Twitter)
However, as his journey brings him closer to uncovering the mystery of the One Piece, it becomes evident that Luffy might be thrust into a role he never anticipated: that of a revolutionary leader.
The key to this lies in the revelation that Joy Boy, a figure from the distant past, was dubbed “the first pirate.”
This title suggests that Joy Boy was more than just a legendary figure; he was someone who sought to challenge the world’s oppressive order.
According to Vegapunk, one of the world’s greatest minds, Joy Boy left behind a means for future generations to rebel against the World Government, a shadowy organization that has maintained control over the world for centuries.
When Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King who found the One Piece, laughed upon discovering the treasure, it wasn’t just because of the joy of finding it.
He realized the monumental implications of what Joy Boy had left behind, and he understood that the world wasn’t ready for the challenge.
This is where Luffy comes in. As the successor to both Roger’s dream and Joy Boy’s legacy, Luffy may find himself taking on the role of a revolutionary leader, something he never sought but may be destined to fulfill.
Joy Boy’s Legacy: More Than a Pirate
Joy Boy is one of the most mysterious figures in the One Piece universe, and his legacy has long been shrouded in mystery.
What little we know about him comes from characters like Vegapunk and the discoveries made by the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
Monkey D.Luffy From One Piece Using Gear 5 (Twitter)
According to Vegapunk, Joy Boy was the first pirate. But this title isn’t just about being the first to sail the seas or the first to hoard treasure.
Joy Boy was a revolutionary figure, someone who sought to challenge the established world order.
Joy Boy’s treasure, the One Piece, is much more than just wealth or fame. It represents his will, his ideals, and his dream of a world free from oppression.
The World Government, which has ruled for centuries, has done everything in its power to suppress the truth about Joy Boy and the treasure.
This is because the One Piece isn’t just a treasure it’s a tool to spark rebellion, a means to overthrow the World Government and reshape the world.
When Gol D. Roger, the man who eventually became Pirate King, reached Laugh Tale and discovered the One Piece, his reaction was one of laughter.
But this wasn’t the laughter of someone who had just become the wealthiest man in the world. Roger laughed because he understood the true nature of Joy Boy’s legacy.
He realized that becoming Pirate King wasn’t just about being the freest man on the seas or achieving ultimate fame. It was about inheriting the responsibility of challenging the world’s oppressive regime.
Joy Boy’s legacy was one of resistance, and the One Piece was his way of passing the torch to future generations.
However, despite understanding this truth, Roger and his crew chose not to act on it. As pirates, they realized that they didn’t have the means to rally enough support to take on the World Government.
Even with the title of Pirate King, Roger knew that overthrowing such an ancient and powerful regime was beyond their capabilities.
The world wasn’t ready for the truth, and Roger’s era couldn’t bring about the change that Joy Boy had hoped for.
Roger’s Plan to Start the Great Pirate Era
Realizing that the world wasn’t ready for the challenge Joy Boy had left behind, Roger made a decision that would forever change the course of history.
Rather than directly confronting the World Government or trying to spark a revolution himself, Roger set in motion the Great Pirate Era.
Monkey D.Luffy From One Piece (Twitter)
This era was born out of Roger’s hope that future generations of pirates would be inspired by his journey and seek out the One Piece for themselves.
Roger’s parting words, spoken just before his execution, ignited the Great Pirate Era. “My treasure? If you want it, you can have it! I left everything I gathered together in one place.
Now you just have to find it!” With these words, Roger effectively invited the world to set sail in search of the One Piece. However, there was a deeper meaning to his words.
Roger knew that the treasure wasn’t just material wealth it was the key to understanding the world’s true history and the means to overthrow the World Government.
Roger’s laughter at Laugh Tale can be seen as an expression of irony. He had found Joy Boy’s treasure, the means to challenge the world, but he couldn’t act on it.
The world wasn’t ready for the truth, and Roger knew that in his time, there wasn’t enough support to bring about the revolution Joy Boy had envisioned.
But by initiating the Great Pirate Era, Roger hoped that future generations of pirates might be better equipped to take up Joy Boy’s mantle and bring about the change that his era couldn’t.
And this is where Luffy comes into play. Luffy was born into the Great Pirate Era that Roger started, and from a young age, he set his sights on becoming Pirate King.
However, Luffy’s journey has always been about more than just finding treasure or achieving fame.
His dream is to be the freest man on the seas, but as his adventure progresses, it becomes clear that true freedom can only be achieved by confronting the systems of oppression that dominate the world.
Luffy’s Journey: A Path to Revolution
From the very beginning of One Piece, Luffy’s journey has been one of adventure and personal growth.
He’s sailed from island to island, gathering a crew of powerful and loyal friends while taking on enemies far stronger than himself.
But despite his carefree attitude and singular goal of becoming Pirate King, Luffy has consistently found himself in situations where he challenges the status quo and fights against injustice.
Luffy (Twitter)
In Alabasta, Luffy helped overthrow the tyrannical rule of Crocodile, who had seized control of the country and manipulated its people for his own gain.
In Dressrosa, Luffy once again found himself in a position to challenge a corrupt government, this time led by Doflamingo, a puppet of the World Government.
Time and again, Luffy has fought against tyrants and corrupt leaders, often without fully realizing the larger implications of his actions.
What’s remarkable about Luffy’s journey is that he doesn’t seek to be a revolutionary. He’s not someone who actively pursues political change or leads movements against oppressive systems.
Luffy’s motivation has always been simple he wants to protect his friends, seek adventure, and achieve his dream of becoming Pirate King. However, despite this, his actions naturally inspire change wherever he goes.
As Luffy draws closer to finding the One Piece , he finds himself in a much different position than Roger did.
Unlike Roger, who felt that the world wasn’t ready for the truth, Luffy has gathered a vast network of allies and supporters.
Throughout his journey, Luffy has forged alliances with several countries, many of which are already aligned with the Revolutionary Army, an organization dedicated to toppling the World Government.
This puts Luffy in a unique position. If the truth of the One Piece is indeed tied to overthrowing the World Government, Luffy may have the support he needs to succeed where Roger could not.
The Revolutionary Army and Luffy’s Role
The Revolutionary Army, led by Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon, has long been fighting to bring down the World Government.
They are a shadowy organization that operates in secret, working to undermine the government’s control and free the world from its oppressive rule.
While Luffy has never shown much interest in the Revolutionary Army or its goals, his discovery of the One Piece could change everything.
If the One Piece truly holds the key to overthrowing the World Government, then Luffy may find himself at the center of the Revolutionary Army’s plans.
Whether he chooses to actively join forces with them or not, his role in the final confrontation with the World Government is all but inevitable.
The Revolutionary Army (Toei Animation)
The Revolutionary Army would likely welcome such an alliance, adding their numbers to Luffy’s cause or acting as a powerful third party in the conflict.
What makes Luffy different from Roger is that he won’t be facing this challenge alone. In addition to the support of the Revolutionary Army, Luffy has also built a formidable network of pirate allies.
After the events of Dressrosa, Luffy’s allies in the Straw Hat Grand Fleet pledged their loyalty to him.
Luffy, in his typical carefree fashion, told them that they were free to do as they wished, but if they ever needed his help, they could call on him.
This creates a vast pirate force that could rally to Luffy’s side when the time comes for the final battle against the World Government.
The Straw Hat Grand Fleet isn’t just a collection of pirates; it’s made up of powerful crews from across the seas, each with its own unique strengths and capabilities.
When the final battle against the World Government begins, this fleet will likely play a crucial role in the conflict. Luffy’s ability to inspire loyalty and camaraderie is one of his greatest strengths, and it’s what sets him apart as a leader.
The Final Confrontation: Luffy vs. Imu
At the heart of the World Government’s power is a shadowy figure known as Imu, the secret ruler of the world.
Little is known about Imu , but it’s clear that they hold ultimate authority over the World Government and the world itself.
If Luffy is to truly fulfill Joy Boy’s legacy and bring about the change that Roger couldn’t, he will have to confront Imu and the World Government head-on.
Joy Boy And Imu (Image via Toei Animation)
The One Piece, as Joy Boy’s treasure, isn’t just a symbol of freedom or wealth. It’s the key to challenging the world’s oppressive order and reshaping the world.
Luffy’s journey has always been about freedom – freedom for himself, for his crew, and for the people he meets along the way.
But as he grows closer to finding the One Piece, it becomes clear that his dream of freedom can’t be achieved without confronting the systems of oppression that bind the world.
Roger may have laughed because he saw the irony in Joy Boy’s challenge—it was within their grasp, yet impossible to fulfill in his time.
But Luffy is different. He has the allies, the strength, and the will to take up Joy Boy’s mantle and fulfill the legacy that has been waiting for centuries.
The One Piece isn’t just a treasure; it’s the key to reshaping the world, and Luffy is the one destined to unlock its true potential.
