Why Is Fatgum A Fan Favorite In My Hero Academia?

Fatgum's strength in 'My Hero Academia' is this fascinating blend of raw power and tactical brilliance. His Quirk, 'Fat Absorption,' lets him store kinetic energy from attacks in his fat layers, then unleash it in devastating counterattacks. The fight against Rappa during the Shie Hassaikai arc is a perfect showcase—he tanks absurd amounts of damage before retaliating with that iconic 'Big Fist' move. But what really stands out is his emotional resilience. He’s not just physically durable; his mentorship of Tamaki highlights how he bolsters others’ confidence, which indirectly amplifies his own impact in battles. What’s underrated is his adaptability. Against faster opponents, he shifts from defense to offense seamlessly, using his bulk as both shield and weapon. The anime does a great job contrasting his goofy demeanor with these moments of sheer dominance. Plus, his unshakable moral compass adds another layer—strength isn’t just about punches for him. It’s about protecting people, and that mindset makes him terrifyingly effective when pushed to his limits.

Fat Gum's Quirk is one of those abilities that seems simple at first but has layers to it, kinda like how he looks! Officially called 'Fat Absorption,' it lets him store kinetic energy from attacks when they hit his fat layers. The more he gets hit, the more energy he stockpiles—like a living battery. But here's the kicker: he can release that stored energy in explosive bursts, either to enhance his own strikes or to defend allies. It's basically a tank-meets-damage-dealer setup, which is why he's such a powerhouse in close combat. What really makes it interesting is how it reflects his personality. Fat Gum's all about protecting others, and his Quirk embodies that. He uses his body as a shield, soaking up damage so his teammates don't have to. The way he fights alongside Tamaki in the Shie Hassaikai arc shows this perfectly—he eats punches (literally) to buy time, then unleashes everything in one decisive counter. Plus, the visual of him sliming down after releasing energy is just chef's kiss for character design.

Fatgum is one of those characters who just lights up the screen whenever he appears, and yes, he does pop up in the 'My Hero Academia' movies! Specifically, he has a role in 'My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising,' where his upbeat personality and unshakable optimism shine even brighter than his Quirk. Watching him team up with the younger heroes feels like a perfect blend of mentorship and camaraderie—it's impossible not to smile when he's on screen. What's great about his movie appearance is how it expands his dynamic with characters like Tamaki and Kirishima. The films often give side characters moments to shine that the series can't always fit in, and Fatgum’s scenes are no exception. His energy adds so much warmth to the action, making the movie feel like a fuller extension of the anime’s world.

Fatgum and Kirishima's first meeting is one of those moments that just sticks with you because of how perfectly it highlights their personalities. It happens during Kirishima's work-study at Fatgum's agency in Season 4. From the second they interact, you can tell Fatgum's this big, jovial guy who’s all about lifting others up—literally and figuratively. He’s got this infectious energy, and Kirishima, who’s already super earnest and determined, just vibes with it immediately. Their dynamic is golden because Fatgum sees Kirishima’s potential right away and pushes him to grow, while Kirishima respects the heck out of Fatgum’s strength and kindness. What I love is how their bond isn’t just about mentorship; it’s mutual admiration. Fatgum admires Kirishima’s unbreakable spirit (fitting, given his Quirk), and Kirishima learns to embrace his own strengths under Fatgum’s guidance. The way they team up later against Rappa is pure hype—it’s where their trust and growth really shine. It’s rare to see a hero-student relationship where both sides feel so equally impactful, and that’s why their scenes are some of my favorites in the series.

Fatgum's voice in 'My Hero Academia' is brought to life by the incredibly talented Kenta Miyake! I first noticed his work in other roles like Ao in 'Dorohedoro' or Tobe in 'Haikyuu!!', but his performance as Fatgum is next-level. The way he shifts from that cheerful, almost paternal tone to sheer intensity during fights gives me chills every time. It's like he becomes the character—you can hear the warmth in his voice when Fatgum mentors Tamaki, then the raw power when he goes full-throttle in combat. What’s wild is how Miyake’s range matches Fatgum’s duality perfectly. That booming laugh? The way he delivers lines like 'Eat this, villains!' with such gusto? Chef’s kiss. I’ve rewatched the Overhaul arc just for his scenes. Also, fun tidbit: Miyake often voices gruff but kind-hearted characters, which makes him a perfect fit for Fatgum’s 'big softie with a spine of steel' vibe. Now I’m itching to revisit Season 4 just for his performance.

Fatgum and Kirishima's dynamic in 'My Hero Academia' is one of those mentor-student relationships that just feels special, even if it isn't explicitly romantic in canon. Their bond is built on mutual respect—Fatgum sees Kirishima's potential and pushes him to grow, while Kirishima admires Fatgum's strength (both physical and moral). The way they interact during the Internship Arc, especially during the fight against Rappa, cements their connection as something deeper than just colleagues. The fandom latched onto their chemistry hard, and honestly, I don’t blame them. The way Fatgum calls Kirishima 'Red Riot' with this mix of pride and affection? Chef’s kiss. That said, canon-wise, Horikoshi hasn’t confirmed any romantic undertones. It’s all subtext, which is where fanworks thrive. Whether you ship them or just love their platonic vibes, their relationship is a highlight of the series for me. The way they inspire each other—Kirishima’s unbreakable spirit mirroring Fatgum’s resilience—makes them a duo worth rooting for, even if it’s not officially a love story.

Fatgum and Kirishima's dynamic is just so wholesome! It's not your typical flashy hero pairing, but their bond feels grounded and real. Fatgum's mentorship style is this perfect mix of tough love and unwavering support, which complements Kirishima's eagerness to prove himself. The way Fatgum believes in him even when Kirishima doubts himself? Heartwarming stuff. Their quirks even mirror each other—hardening and absorption—which fans love to interpret as fate. Plus, their joint fight against Rappa in 'My Hero Academia' was a turning point; that battle solidified their trust and made their chemistry undeniable. The fandom latched onto that energy and ran with it, turning every tiny interaction into something deeper. What really sets this ship apart is how it balances intensity with softness. Fatgum’s larger-than-life personality contrasts with Kirishima’s fiery determination, creating a dynamic that’s both fun and emotionally rich. Fanworks explore everything from post-battle comfort scenarios to playful banter about diet plans (those calorie jokes write themselves). It’s a ship that thrives on mutual respect, and that’s a vibe people can’t resist.

The dynamic between Fatgum and Kirishima in 'My Hero Academia' is just so heartwarming, it’s no surprise fans adore them as a pair. Fatgum’s mentorship style is this perfect blend of tough love and genuine care, and Kirishima’s earnestness makes him the ideal student. Their mutual respect and the way they push each other to grow—especially during the Shie Hassaikai arc—creates this energy that feels deeper than just hero and sidekick. There’s a vulnerability there, too; Fatgum’s guilt over not protecting Tamaki contrasts with Kirishima’s own insecurities, and their shared moments of reassurance hit like emotional gut punches. Fandom often latches onto relationships that highlight emotional support, and these two deliver that in spades. Plus, their visual contrast—big, soft Fatgum and sharp, fiery Kirishima—adds a fun aesthetic layer. Shipping thrives on 'what ifs,' and their bond leaves so much room for imagining quieter, sweeter scenarios beyond battlefield camaraderie. I’ve seen fanworks explore everything from post-mission comfort to Fatgum helping Kirishima through post-traumatic stress, and it all feels oddly plausible because the foundation is already there in canon.