How I would rewrite Bakugo’s death
(Spoiler Warning)
All right let’s beat this dead horse to the ground. I know that at the end of the day, it’s Horikoshi’s story and it’s his decision on how he wants his story to written, but I don’t think it’s really that hard to visually show how a character’s progression without story telling the audience.
After he gets injured by Shigaraki after his cluster fails, Bakugo comes up with a strategy to stall him enough for Deku to show up. Instead of this plan involving only himself, it includes everyone. The plan involves everyone launching their own full power at Shigaraki while Bakugo acts as a distraction with his quirk awakening. Best Jeanist would be in charge of holding him down enough so that the heroes can attack Shigaraki simultaneously.
Bakugo while distracting Shigaraki, he’s able to detonate his sweat he fires. While doing that, he is also doing what he can to protect the others. This moment can at least show that Bakugo has learned and is now willing to put others before him and work with them. After being attacked simultaneously, Shigaraki gets free from his restraints from and attempts to kill a hero that’s close to him. (It can be anyone in this situation) Bakugo then comes in a uses an explosion to propel Shigaraki in the air. He uses his new profound speed to fire explosions at Shigaraki. The Support students launch mini platforms from the UA fortress for Bakugo to jump on to for attack him. During this, Bakugo reflects on everything that he has done. He is not thinking about trying to surpass or wanting to keep up Izuku. The all might card scene can stay in this version of the story. He would also think about his parents one last time.
(Minor nitpick about his relationship with his parents.)
Currently in the final arc, we are given some small moments with Bakugo’s parents supposedly watching him and being proud of him I guess. This feels unearned because they have a very little presence with their son. Most of the scenes with them are just obnoxious yelling that does nothing for their character. Also it goes against Bakugo’s supposed development and makes it seem like he didn’t learn anything. Having Bakugo having a heartfelt moment with them before he goes off into the fight would have made their presence feel emotional. Bakugo owning up to his petty and aggressive behavior towards them and apologizing would’ve made his death a lot more painful for his parents. So despite shoving them in the recent chapters, it doesn’t make their moments impactful enough for me to care.
Bakugo’s final moments are him wondering if what he has done was enough to earn forgiveness from Izuku. His final attempt to attack Shigaraki is creating a huge explosion. After that, Shigaraki is critically injured but not enough for him to be injured. He is also regaining some control of his body. AFO can show some respect for Bakugo for being somewhat close to All Might’s strength. Shigaraki And then Deku finally comes in and fight Shigaraki. This moment would get a huge reaction outside of everyone at the UA fortress. All Might, Bakugo’s parents, some of Class 1A would hear about this.
This is when the story can go to two different scenarios.
Scenario 1:
Bakugo is severely injured where he is close to being dead and is taken away to seek medical attention. After that, he can be healed and recovered so go back into the fight.
Scenario 2:
Bakugo stays dead and becomes a permanent consequence/ stain for the pro heroes. No stupid resurrection this time. After learning about his death Deku freaks out a bit but calms down after hearing Bakugo’s plan. The Pro heroes would say the Bakugo’s sacrifice and contribution paid off which Shigaraki being critically injured(while slowly regenerating). Deku remains stern and slightly saddened about his friend’s death. Deku promises to not let Bakugo’s death go in vain.
Bonus:
If for some stupid reason if you desperately want your wonder boy to come back after just dying, for the love of god don’t make it convoluted and stupid.
- have a pro hero who is going to save him be someone the audience we care about
- Make sure that person stays dead after bringing back Bakugo
- Have whatever injury that killed Bakugo not be something that is impossible for someone to heal like it’s nothing
- Do nothing at let Bakugo’s stupid sweat restart his heart
- Have Kaminari come in a jumpstart Bakugo’s heart with his quirk.(Just coming up with a moment for Kaminari in this arc.)