Why Do People Ship Bakudeku and Todeku: A Deep Dive into Character Dynamics and Romantic Tropes

Introduction:

Shipper communities in the realm of anime and manga have long found themselves engaged in fervent debates and discussions, often driven by fan works and personal interpretations. Among these shippers, two characters from the iconic series Boku no Hero Academia stand out: Bakudeku, the ship between Izuku Midoriya (Bakudeku) and Katsuki Bakugo (Todeku), and the reasons for their immense popularity.

Understanding Shipping

Ultimately, some fans need no more reason to ship a pair or more of characters than aesthetics. It's the simple visual appeal that sometimes reigns supreme. However, with Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo, the reasons run much deeper than mere looks. They have been intricately crafted to be shippable, and their relationship holds a unique blend of romantic tropes that make the pair compelling to fans.

Romantic Tropes in Action

One of the most common tropes in the realm of romance is "Forbidden Love." This trope often pits two characters against each other, making their relationship look insurmountable. Examples abound, from the tragic Romeo and Juliet and the Star Wars storyline of Anakin and Padmé to The Cinderella fairytale involving the Prince and Cinderella.

While it is common for shonen and superhero comics to use romantic tropes to build rivalries, Boku no Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi has taken this a step further. He has employed numerous romantic tropes that would typically be reserved for canon romantic couples, even within genres known to be rich in such content. Some of these tropes include:

Osananajimi (Hikikomori): This trope can apply equally to very close friends or romantic partners. Although it can be ambiguous, Horikoshi has leaned into these nuances.

Red Thread (Red Thread of Marriage): This is a trope explicitly used to denote the importance of destiny in a relationship, without the ambiguity of friendship or other relationships.

The Unique Dynamics Between Izuku and Katsuki

While Horikoshi hasn't used these tropes for the presumed love interests of Izuku and Katsuki, the pair still excels in their usage. This is especially true when examining their relationship. Critics often point out that even if Ochako is not Izuku's presumed love interest, the way she is built is compelling and deliberate. Similarly, other romantic pairings like Denki and Kyouka Mina, or Eijirou and Mina, or Gentle Criminal and La Brava, are crafted using similar tropes, indicating Horikoshi's expertise in constructing romantic relationships.

Development and Growth of the Character Pair

In Boku no Hero Academia, the development of relationships is a key element. As the protagonist and deuteragonist, Izuku and Katsuki have had the most development in the story. This is because they have the most history together, and their futures seem aligned better than any other pair of characters. Beyond this, their growth as individuals is unparalleled, contributing to their depth and complexity.

Personal Connection and Emotional Roots

Beyond the romantic tropes that build their relationship, the personal bonds between Izuku and Katsuki are deeply rooted in their lives. Izuku admires and adores Katsuki, often to the point where his love is both romantic and platonic. Katsuki, on the other hand, undergoes a powerful atonement arc, culminating in a moment that is often deemed one of the most moving in the series: he dies with Izuku's name on his lips, calling out for closure in their fractured relationship.

These elements, combined with the intricate use of romantic tropes and the emotional depth of their relationship, create a compelling narrative that resonates with fans, making the Bakudeku and Todeku ship a top contender in the world of Boku no Hero Academia.