Why Did Bakugo Go Deaf?

In the climactic battle of the anime and manga series My Hero Academia, a memorable scene involves Bakugo Katsuki experiencing temporary deafness. This event adds to the tension and highlights the intense stakes of the battle, as well as Bakugo's determination to protect his friends and allies, despite the personal cost. However, this temporary deafness does not extend to a permanent condition. Let's explore this theory in detail and debunk some common misconceptions.

Temporary Deafness and Its Context

Bakugo's deafness during his battle with Shigaraki is a significant moment in the series, showcasing the immense stress and physical toll his Quirk, Explosion, can take on his body. While this loss of hearing was only temporary, the scene served to emphasize the severity and intensity of the battle, as well as Bakugo's unwavering resolve.

Stayed Deaf or Just Temporarily?

Might one wonder if Bakugo lost his hearing permanently? The answer is no. A recent example from Chapter 303 demonstrates that he did not go permanently deaf. In a scene where Best Jeanist's mouth is covered, making lip reading impossible, Bakugo still responds to the question "You’re all right!" with "Do I look all right to you!?" This indicates that his hearing was intact, and he was able to hear and understand the question posed to him.

No Evidence of Deafness in the Manga

The My Hero Academia series places a significant emphasis on character consistency and accuracy. If Bakugo were indeed deaf, given the extensive narrative span of the series, his physical defect would likely have been mentioned at some point. The absence of such a mention in the manga suggests that Bakugo's hearing was not permanently damaged.

Bakugo and Humor in the Anime

In the anime adaptation, Bakugo often engages in comedic moments, frequently being described as loud. This aspect is used for comic relief rather than indicating a real physical condition. For instance, Bakugo's constant shouting and willingness to use his explosions for anything and everything, including playing background music, are comedic elements used to elevate the humor in the series. These scenes are a testament to his larger-than-life personality rather than a reflection of a hearing issue.

Characterization and Social Commentary

Bakugo's characterization serves a deeper purpose within the series. He represents how society tends to judge heroes based on the strength and visibility of their quirks. The narrative often challenges this bias, showing how the strong quirks, like Bakugo's, come with significant physical and psychological costs. Examples include his battle against the Sludge Villains and the aftermath, where he is praised by other heroes despite their failure to save him. Similarly, his kidnapping and subsequent lack of psychological support highlight the issue of heroism and mental health.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence from the series and the consistent narrative representation, Bakugo did not go deaf during the battle or permanently as a result of it. His temporary deafness was a momentary effect of the intense battle, while his frequent loudness in the anime is a plot device for comic relief. Understanding these aspects helps in appreciating the depth and complexity of My Hero Academia and its exploration of heroism, society, and the costs of being a powerhouse hero.