The final results of the first-ever global popularity poll for the popular manga *My Hero Academia* (created by Kohei Horikoshi), titled "My Hero Academia World Character Popularity Poll: WORLD BEST HERO," have been announced. The "PLUS ULTRA Stage" vote, which featured the top three characters from the initial poll, revealed Katsuki Bakugo as the winner, with Izuku Midoriya taking second place and Shoto Todoroki placing third. As a result, Bakugo has been awarded the honorary title "THE MHA," and it has been decided that a statue of him will be created, set to be displayed in Japan in 2025.

In the "WORLD BEST HERO" poll, which amassed approximately 6.12 million votes, Katsuki Bakugo emerged in first place with 1,647,611 votes. Izuku Midoriya placed second, Shoto Todoroki took third, followed by Shota Aizawa in fourth, Eijiro Kirishima in fifth, Endeavor in sixth, Hawks in seventh, Dabi in eighth, Tomura Shigaraki in ninth, and Neito Monoma in tenth place.

In 11th place was Ochaco Uraraka, followed by All Might in 12th, Himiko Toga in 13th, Denki Kaminari in 14th, Hitoshi Shinso in 15th, Tamaki Amajiki in 16th, Rody Soul in 17th, Tenya Iida in 18th, Fumikage Tokoyami in 19th, and Kyoka Jiro in 20th. Rankings from 21st onward are available on the official X account.

The voting campaign consisted of two phases. In the "Main Stage," held over a two-month period from August 5 to September 30, fans voted to determine the top ten characters. The character who took first place was awarded the honorary title of "WORLD BEST HERO."

Additionally, the top three characters were entered into the "PLUS ULTRA Stage," where another round of voting was held to determine the ultimate champion. This vote took place over a 24-hour period from December 2 at 8:00 p.m. to December 3 at 7:59 p.m., with the results announced during a live premiere broadcast at 9:30 p.m. on December 3. The winner of this stage will be awarded the honorary title of "THE MHA" and be immortalized with a statue.

'"My Hero Academia" ran from July 7, 2014, to August 5, 2024. Set in a world where superpowers known as "Quirks" are commonplace, it tells the story of protagonist Izuku Midoriya (Deku), who aims to become a "Hero" that protects society and fights against villains who misuse their Quirks. Alongside his classmates, he trains at the prestigious U.A. High School to achieve his dream.

The manga, which has exceeded 100 million copies in circulation worldwide, has been adapted into an anime series that first aired in 2016 and has continued through its seventh season, with the eighth season currently in production. In addition to anime adaptations, the series has also inspired games, a stage play in 2019, and four theatrical films.

Source : ORICON NEWS