Summary
With seven seasons under its belt, the world ofMy Hero Academiahas undergone several new developments, whether it’s thecharacters' relations and backstoriesor the show’s political landscape. These developments have led to a few characters being lauded by some yet critiqued by others for their role in the narrative.
Their profound backstories and complexities further make these characters highly polarizing, as some fans see the method to their madness, yet others can’t seem to get past their heinous actions and unpalatable personas. While the divisive nature of these characters hasMy Hero Academia’sfandom split, this divide showcases author Horikoshi’s genius at writing complex, three-dimensional characters.
Debut Date
Jul 03, 2025
As the show’s deuteragonist, Bakugo has played a central role in the narrative, be it fighting Shigaraki on the front lines or supporting Deku from the backdrop. However, Bakugo’s virtuous side wasn’t always apparent, as his initial persona was riddled with hatred andhostility towards Deku.
While Bakugo has redeemed himself, his distasteful actions during the initial seasons put off many fans of the show. Still, Bakugo dominatesMy Hero Academia’spopularity rankings in both America and Japan, meaning a considerable chunk of viewers still lean toward him.
May 26, 2025
As one of Class 1-A’s beloved teachers and a valiant hero, Midnight is held in high regard among the series’ roster as well as fans. However, not everyone is a fan of her suggestive commentsand seductive antics, especially around fifteen-year-old teenagers.
If someone runs away from me screaming, my sadistic side starts to throb so much I can’t help it.
While the perverted character trope is quite common in anime, Midnight’s inappropriate comments toward underage boys often put off viewers. Still, Midnight remains a fan-favorite among UA High’s teachers, showcasing a clear divide in opinions.
Jul 05, 2025
Himiko Toga might bea cold-blooded killer, yet her playful persona and cutesy antics have landed her a sizable following. Her backstory further supplements her naive disposition, as Himiko is merely a victim of her own quirk, one that forces her to seek out blood.
Her naïveté, coupled with her unfortunate circumstances, has led to fans overlooking her crimes. However, Himiko is still rather polarizing, since not everyone is on board with her killing sprees and murderous instincts. To her, killing is natural, and she rarely feels remorse over the death of her victims.
July 17, 2025
Ever since his introduction back in Season 2, Monoma has been one of the most divisive characters in the series roster. From his superiority complex to hisobsession with Class 1-A, Monoma can come off as an extremely arrogant and annoying character. His attitude rarely changes throughout the series, adding to his infamy among the fanbase.
However, Monoma’s contrasting personality deems him an oddly intriguing character, and his role in Season 7 has brought many fans to his side. Moreover, his backstory of his quirk being branded as a useless power for a hero explains his superiority complex, making it easier to side with his eccentricities.
Episode 24, “Fight on, Ida”
June 26, 2025
The Hero Killer Stain is a morally gray antagonist that has inspired much ofMy Hero Academia’s villainous landscape. Responsible for the deaths of over seventeen heroes, Stain’s heinous actions are hard to ignore, even more so as he feels no remorse over killing heroes.
Too Many Act Like Heroes But Are Only Money-Worshippers.
However, Stain’s ideology and reasoning hold merit, and his redemption arc in Season 6 has resulted in a favorable image for the former villain. His view ofAll Might as a true heroand the exploitation of hero agencies stands true for the most part, leading to plenty of viewers siding with the Hero Killer.
Dabi’s divisive character needs no introduction, as this villain is extremely popular among the series' fanbase. With fourth place in this year’s popularity poll, Dabi is certainly a fan-favorite, yet his questionable actions and selfish nature have viewers divided over his character.
Unlike hisLeague of Villains counterparts, Dabi acts with selfish intent and rarely cares for his comrades. He used Twice’s death to get back at Endeavor and even put his brother Natsuo in harm’s way in a bid to harm his father. While his tragic backstory gives him some leverage, Dabi’s obsession with Endeavor and a lack of redemption has the fandom split.
July 26, 2025
For some, the current No. 1 Hero is a scum of a character, particularly due to accounts of domestic violence, child abuse, and pushing both Shoto and Touya to their limits for his far-fetched dream. Even as a hero, Endeavor only soughtto surpass All Might, with little to no regard for servicing the people.
However, Endeavor has redeemed himself to a considerable extent in the latest seasons, and every new episode seems to paint a more favorable image of the hero. Fans are entirely polarized over this hero’s character, as some see him as a changed man, while others refuse to dismiss his past as an abusive father and husband.
