Pride, rage, and eventual growth define Vegeta from Dragon Ball and Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia. Both started as arrogant antagonists who evolved into beloved rivals. Let’s analyze these iconic characters.
Starting Points
Vegeta’s Introduction
Vegeta arrived as a genocidal villain. He murdered his own ally, tried to destroy Earth, and showed zero remorse. His pride stemmed from being the Saiyan Prince—royalty in an extinct race.
Bakugo’s Introduction
Bakugo started as a childhood bully. He tormented Deku for being quirkless, told him to kill himself, and showed no empathy. His pride came from his powerful Quirk and prodigious talent.
Both are initially unlikeable. Vegeta is objectively worse (mass murder > bullying), but Bakugo’s cruelty feels more personal and relatable.
Motivation Analysis
Vegeta: Surpassing Kakarot
Vegeta’s entire character revolves around surpassing Goku. A low-class warrior becoming a Super Saiyan before the prince is unacceptable. This inferiority complex drives:
- Reckless training
- Deals with villains (Babidi)
- Constant self-destruction
It’s pathological obsession, only healthy when channeled into protection.
Bakugo: Being Number One
Bakugo must be the best. Unlike Vegeta, he doesn’t have a specific rival initially—he just can’t accept anyone surpassing him. Deku’s growth threatens his self-image.
His motivation is fear of inadequacy masked as confidence. He’s terrified of not being special.
Redemption Arcs
Vegeta’s Slow Burn
Vegeta’s redemption spans decades (real-time) and multiple arcs:
- Namek: First hints of caring (crying at death)
- Cell Saga: Protecting Trunks, rage at Cell
- Buu Saga: Sacrificing himself, admitting Goku is better
- Super: Family man, protective father
It takes literal death and resurrection to humble Vegeta.
Bakugo’s Accelerated Growth
Bakugo’s change happens faster (relatively):
- Sports Festival: Respecting Todoroki
- Kamino: Guilt over All Might’s injury
- License Exam: Acknowledging his failures
- Joint Training: Teamwork and apology
- War Arc: Apologizing to Deku, sacrificing himself
Bakugo’s redemption feels earned through specific moments rather than general softening.
Relationship With Protagonist
Vegeta and Goku
Their dynamic is reluctant rivalry. Vegeta resents needing Goku but respects his strength. They’re not friends—they’re training partners who save each other’s lives.
Bakugo and Deku
This relationship is more complex. They have childhood history, shared admiration for All Might, and complementary growth. Bakugo’s apology to Deku is one of MHA’s most impactful scenes.
Better dynamic: Bakugo/Deku (more emotional depth)
Fighting Style Representation
Vegeta’s Saiyan Pride
Vegeta fights with technical precision and overwhelming power. His pride shows in refusing help and insisting on one-on-one combat. Moves like Final Flash represent putting everything into single attacks.
Bakugo’s Explosive Combat
Bakugo’s Explosion Quirk matches his personality—volatile, powerful, and impossible to ignore. His combat evolution shows tactical growth while maintaining aggression.
Character Writing Quality
Vegeta’s Strength: Longevity. Thirty+ years of character development creates unmatched depth. His moments (Final Atonement, “Trunks, take care of your mother”) resonate because of decades of buildup.
Bakugo’s Strength: Intentional design. Horikoshi specifically wrote Bakugo to subvert rival tropes. His development is planned rather than evolved.
Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Starting Impact | Vegeta |
| Redemption Arc | Bakugo |
| Rival Dynamic | Bakugo |
| Combat | Vegeta |
| Iconic Moments | Vegeta |
| Character Depth | Tie |
Both are peak rival characters. Vegeta benefits from more story and iconic status. Bakugo is better written structurally. Which you prefer depends on whether you value legacy or design.
Related: Vegeta: The Prince’s Redemption Arc