My Hero Academia, the hit anime and manga series created by Kōhei Horikoshi, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its gripping story and captivating characters. Among these beloved characters is Ochaco Uraraka, often celebrated as one of the best girls in the franchise. However, die-hard fans may be surprised to learn that Uraraka’s initial design was set to be vastly different from the cheerful heroine we’ve come to adore.

In Horikoshi’s early drafts, Uraraka was conceptualized with a drastically different aesthetic and possibly even a divergent personality. Concept art from Horikoshi’s sketchbook, which surfaced in various fan forums and eventually published material, reveals an Uraraka that could have steered the character in another direction. This original design featured a much more mature appearance, sporting a longer, sleek hairstyle and a less vibrant costume. While her iconic zero-gravity quirk remained a part of her character DNA, the nuances of her personality traits—such as her infectious positivity and determination—might have been influenced by this altered external image.

The transformation from this initial vision to the Uraraka fans know today was not instantaneous. It evolved through a process of refining and reimagining by Horikoshi who aimed to create a character that resonated with audiences on an emotional and aspirational level. The shift towards a more youthful and bubbly design aligned more closely with her role as Izuku Midoriya’s close friend and confidante, contributing to the dynamic group dynamic within Class 1-A.

This concept of “best girl” is subjective within fandoms; however, Uraraka’s arc—from her humble beginnings to her aspirations of heroism—paired with her relentless spirit, has arguably positioned her as a frontrunner for this title among My Hero Academia enthusiasts. Her connection with viewers is strengthened by how relatable she is—with ambitions not just to be a hero but also to support her family financially—making her struggles and victories resonate on a personal level with audiences.

In conclusion, Ochaco Uraraka’s original design presents a fascinating “what if” scenario for My Hero Academia followers. While it’s intriguing to speculate how this original version would have interacted within the world of heroes and villains, there’s no denying that Horikoshi’s final rendition of Uraraka is one that has left an indelible mark on the series’ legacy as Best Girl for many fans around the globe.