Katsuki Bakugo is one of My Hero Academia’s most polarizing characters. His brash attitude and complicated history with Izuku Midoriya have drawn criticism from fans. However, his redemption arc and character growth throughout the series have earned him plenty of defenders as well. Still, the debate over whether he’s truly earned forgiveness never seems to go away. Love him or hate him, Katsuki Bakugo is at least understood and taken as a character worthy of discussion.

However, there is another character that receives unwarranted hate from fans with little to no discourse. Neito Monoma is often dismissed, labeled as irrelevant, or downright annoying. His character is often reduced to a punchline despite having more complexity than fans give him credit for. It’s time to set the record straight because Monoma deserves better.

Monoma’s Only Crime Is His Arrogant Attitude and Inflated Ego

Neito Monoma Is Driven To Be the Best Hero He Can Be, Even if It Means Using Underhanded Tricks

Monoma is officially introduced in the series during the U.A. Sports Festival in season 2, where he constantly mocks Class 1-A. On the surface, his taunting seems like little more than petty jealousy, but underneath, there is real tension. Class 1-B students work just as hard as 1-A, yet they are overshadowed, both in-universe and by the fandom. Monoma thus becomes the representative of that frustration. His delivery may be over-the-top, but that doesn’t mean his points are completely invalid.

The Class 1-A vs. 1-B t Training Battle gave Monoma a chance to back up his talk. His Quirk, Copy, may not be the flashiest, but he’s demonstrated its impressive potential, especially when combined with his adaptability and strategic intelligence. In his battle against Deku in Season 5, Episode 10, while he may have used a few dirty tactics, it was done in order to win the fight. Even after Deku lost control of Black Whip, Monoma was the first to jump back into action, proving his determination and resilience as an emerging hero.

Monoma Was Instrumental in the Final War Arc

Without Monoma, the Final War Would Have Been Catastrophic

In the Final War Arc, Monoma proved once and for all that he was more than just comedic relief or a character blinded by his ego, lacking real substance to it. He was tasked with copying Kurogiri’s Quirk and played a key role in executing the heroes’ battle strategy. Without him, they never would have been able to disperse the villains across Japan, and the battle could have been much more devastating. It was a high-stakes role with zero room for error, and Monoma delivered and proved his worth as a hero.

Monoma should be recognized more for his bravery and strength.

One of his most impressive feats is holding Shigaraki at bay alongside Aizawa in U.A.’s Coffin in the Sky. Using Erasure through Monoma’s Copy Quirk allowed the two of them to neutralize Shigaraki’s decay and regeneration for a critical portion of the battle. He had to maintain intense focus while under extreme pressure, knowing that even a second of failure would mean instant disaster. His presence during the Final War was essential and proved he’s far more than just his ego. Monoma fully deserves the title of hero and should be recognized more for his bravery and strength.

Monoma Is a Good Character and Deserves Recognition for It

Monoma Is Just as Compelling as the Students of Class 1-A

Monoma may not have the same charm as Midoriya or the same power as Bakugo or Todoroki, but that doesn’t make him any less compelling. He represents a different kind of hero, one that is willing to do anything to ensure that he and his team are the best they can be. Monoma may have flaws, but he is committed to becoming a hero and rises to any occasion presented before him.

The hate Monoma gets is often either shallow or scrutinizing words he said during a training session in order to bring his team to victory. He may be loud and overly dramatic, but those traits are part of a deeper personality that balances insecurities, intelligence, and genuine effort. Monoma is written to feel real, not perfect. Like many underrated characters before him, Monoma deserves recognition as a young up-and-coming hero in My Hero Academia.