Spoiler warning: this article contains a full summary of My Hero Academia chapter 285.
Chapter 285 of My Hero Academia, titled “Katsuki Bakugo: Rising”, is one of the most important chapters for Bakugo’s character in the whole series. It came in the middle of the Paranormal Liberation War, as the heroes desperately tried to stop a newly powered-up Tomura Shigaraki.
The Situation
Shigaraki, now carrying many of All For One’s Quirks, was targeting Izuku Midoriya to take One For All. Deku had pushed his body past its limits in a mid-air duel, knowing he risked permanent damage to his arms. Bakugo, Todoroki and Endeavor were all trying to keep up with the fight.
Bakugo’s Big Moment
As the battle continued, Bakugo recognised that Deku could not win a fight of attrition at that pace. He had flashbacks to his childhood, when he bullied Deku, and to the day Deku told him he was no longer “useless Deku”. When Shigaraki launched a lethal attack at Deku, Bakugo did not think. As he described it, his body simply moved on its own, and he threw himself in the way to protect Deku, taking a devastating blow.
The phrase is significant because it echoes what Deku once said when he rushed to save Bakugo as a child. The moment marked a turning point in Bakugo’s growth from rival to true hero.
Endeavor Goes All Out
Endeavor then charged in and grabbed Shigaraki, unleashing his strongest attack, Prominence Burn, at full power. The flames scorched Shigaraki badly. As Shigaraki’s consciousness faded, All For One’s will surfaced within him, telling Tomura to hand over his body. The charred Shigaraki fought back, injuring Endeavor, while Todoroki helped cool his father at the crucial moment.
Why the Chapter Matters
- It is the clearest sign of Bakugo’s redemption and changed feelings towards Deku.
- It reveals that All For One is still influencing Shigaraki from within.
- It shows Endeavor fighting at his absolute limit to protect the next generation.
Release Date and Where to Read
Chapter 285 was released in October 2020 in Weekly Shonen Jump. Read it legally on VIZ Media, the Shonen Jump app or Shueisha’s MANGA Plus.
