I actually am trying to remember is you answered this already. But do you have any characters that are essentially “Bakugou but done better”?
I have but it’s been so far back that I can’t even find it 😭. Seriously, why does Tumblr’s search system when searching for stuff in your own blog suck so much?
So Katsuki’s archetype is basically smug prick who learns to be a better person. These characters have similar arcs to Katsuki, but are obviously done way better:
- Superboy/Kon-el/Conner Kent (DC Comics): Easily the best example of this trope, and I’m not saying that cause he’s my favorite character of all time. Going from a smug kid who thought he deserved to be called Superman to someone who carved his own legacy and became a hero who inspired many. His story’s a very powerful one that I love. If you haven’t followed Superboy’s journey in the comics, seriously consider doing so. I can’t express how much I adore this character.
- Teddy Jin (Weak Hero): Another fantastic example. His change doesn’t feel forced, he faces consequences for his actions, and even learns that there’s more to life than what he initially thought. If you haven’t read Weak Hero, I’d really recommend doing so. It starts slow, but once it picks up its pace, it’s a great read, especially if you were a former/current bully victim.
- Ryu (The Boxer): Easily one of the best characters who follows the same archetype as Katsuki. As a character, nearly the exact same as Katsuki, where he’s gifted and as such, bullies those who are weaker. He gets a much needed reality check right off the bat, he faces consequences for his actions, is humbled, and even delivers a heartfelt apology to his former victim by only using the two words “I’m sorry”. For him though, it works because you can see that he’s actually sorry and the apology had some fantastic buildup to it. If you haven’t read The Boxer, please do. It’s a fantastically written WEBTOON with a lot of heart and you really grow attached and invested in the characters that show up in the story.
- Tony Stark/Iron Man (MCU): Goes from doing whatever he wants to realizing that his actions have consequences, so he does his best to be a better person.
- Dr. Strange (MCU): Learns what it’s like to suffer, ends up being more grateful for the things in his life, and learns that you can’t control everything.
I also wanna give a mention to Wolf Keum from Weak Hero. Though I wouldn’t say he’s from the same archetype as Katsuki, they do share similar traits. Both are unapologetic assholes who love fighting. However, where Wolf succeeds and Katsuki fails is that the narrative agrees that Wolf is an unapologetic asshole whereas MHA constantly forces the idea that there’s some good in Katsuki. Except for a fight against the MC, Wolf’s fights are against other assholes, and as such, it’s really fun to watch him be the adrenaline crazy fuck that he is without the narrative trying to tell us that he’s good. He’s one of those characters where he’s clearly bad, but who gives a fuck? In MHA, the narrative wants us to think there’s some good in Katsuki and that he’s going to redeem himself, but when he does shit like bully Izuku or brutally beat his classmates, it doesn’t come off as charming or endearing. It’s just outright vile.
