Why is the self-praising, explosive character that is Katsuki Bakugou from the manga/anime My Hero Academia so popular? If you are familiar with my blog posts, you are familiar with this question. So far, I have shown why people like him through a cultural sense and through his diversion of expectations, but what other reason may have led people to become so fond of this character? The YouTube channel Psychologist watches reveals that Bakugou may produce a prodigal son effect in the viewers. Found in Luke chapter fifteen of the Bible, the Prodigal Son is a parable centered around a wealthy father and his two sons. The parable begins with one of his son’s asking for his inheritance early to live a life constantly searching for new highs. When this life leaves him feeling empty and with nothing, he decides to return home and ask his father if he can stay as a servant since he knows he is undeserving of anything more. Once his father sees his son approaching, contrary to the son's expectations, the father immediately runs to wrap his arms around the boy. The father decides to throw the biggest feast at the return of his lost son, but the second son, who has lived righteously by his father’s side this whole time, wonders why his brother deserves such an honorable welcome. The father comforts him by confirming that he too is his beloved son and that whatever belongs to him the son has as well. The father also tells him, however, the son who was lost has finally returned home and this is deserving of celebration. The parable itself is a representation of God’s unconditional love and that, no matter how far we stray, He will always welcome us back with open arms. The prodigal son effect, on the other hand, means that an unexpected act of sincerity has a greater effect then one that’s expected. Psychologist watches explains, “When the former bully and constantly aggressive kid [Bakugou] shows signs of gratitude and warm heartedness, it evokes a stronger effect than if all along empathetic Midoriya [the main character] cares about someone.” Bakugou often displays a disagreeable character; therefore, whenever Kohei Horikoshi, the author of My Hero Academia, depicts him acting kindly towards a person, it is much more powerful than an act of kindness from the already overwhelmingly considerate Izuku Midoriya. Thus, this writing causes many to favor Bakugou over the main protagonist.
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