Mainstream Anime is incomplete without the Dragon Ball series. Although the recent installment did not receive good feedback, this series has shaped our childhood.
These muscular superheroes with incredible strength battle evil and restore world peace. For years, the adventures of Goku and his friends have inspired young audiences to get involved with action-heavy shonen Manga.
This franchise has many installments with different story arcs, actions, and powers. The original Manga was called Dragon Ball, but Toei divided it into two parts.
Dragon Ball is a Manga series that takes place many years before the time of Super Saiyans, Battle Power, and Villains whose ashes must be blasted from existence for them to die.
With a list of unforgettable characters, Dragon Ball became the never-ending saga of an otaku’s memory.
| Title | Duration | No. Of Episodes |
| Dragon Ball | 1986-1989 | 153 episodes |
| Dragon Ball Z | 1989-1996 | 291 episodes |
| Dragon Ball GT | 1996-1997 | 64 episodes |
| Dragon Ball Kai | 2009-2011 | 167 episodes |
| Dragon Ball Kai: The final chapters | 2014-2015 | 69 episodes |
| Dragon Ball Super | 2015-2018 | 131 episodes |
| Super Dragon Ball Heroes | 2018-Ongoing | 43 episodes so far |
Top 10 best characters from the Dragon Ball series
Dragon Ball fans have been debating for years about which of their favorite characters is the best. Fans can’t seem to make up their minds, but I’ve narrowed down this list to show which characters stand out from the crowd.
What is anime?
The term anime is a Japanese colloquialism that is used to shorten the phrase “animation.”
In general, the term anime refers to any type of animation from any place in Japan. Anime, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as Japanese animation outside of Japan. The divide between anime and cartoons is more cultural than technological, with origins dating back more than a century.
The first confirmed example, Namakura Gatana, was released in 1917 and had a run time of only four minutes. It has seen highs and lows as a result of different barriers both within Japan and globally.
Is Dragon Ball a manga?
Toriyama’s original manga Dragon Ball was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1984 to 1995, with the 519 individual chapters collected into 42 tankbon volumes by its publisher Shueisha.
Dragon Ball was inspired by the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, as well as Hong Kong martial arts flicks. The series recounts the experiences of protagonist Son Goku as he trains in martial arts from childhood to adulthood.
He spends his youth distant from society until he encounters a teen girl named Bulma, who pushes him to join her mission to find the seven orbs known as the Dragon Balls, which when gathered summon a wish-granting dragon.
Piccolo
A clever and crafty warrior, he was the major opponent of the final epic in Dragon Ball’s history, the Piccolo Jr. Saga.
However, beginning with Dragon Ball Z’s first saga, the Raditz Saga, he lost all villainous traits and eventually became one of Earth’s greatest heroes when he trained Goku’s son Gohan during the Vegeta Saga.
Beerus
Beerus is a prickly character who later develops into an important mentor for both Goku and Vegeta as they face progressively deadly opponents from around the cosmos.
Everything about him is powerful He is a force to be reckoned with. But the best thing is his obsession with earthly food!
Lord Beerus first comes on Earth to cause havoc if he is unable to find fulfillment through a worthy fight with a Super Saiyan.
Beerus’ menace is unlike anything seen before in Dragon Ball, and he has even Vegeta fright in dread.
Beerus initially introduced as a badass villain, becomes more of a destructive force as the story progresses. As one of the most powerful beings in the franchise, he is a mentor in the latest episodes taking the characters to a new height.
Master Roshi
This old man made Goku into what he is today, the friendships we see today in the series are all because of him! Master Roshi is the most influential and respectable character in the franchise.
Although a supporting character, he is one of the most moral and perceptive members of the DBZ family, which adds to his popularity. Master Roshi is a fan favorite for his roles as both a humorous foil and a voice of reason.
Krillin
Krillin has been around for a long time, like Master Roshi. He’s not quite as strong as Goku, but he’ll always be on his side. Krillin is similar to Zenitsu.
He may appear fearful at first, but he will do all in his power to save the people he loves. That’s why he is still going strong—his life has altered dramatically and now leads to a more happy one.
But as the world’s strongest man, he still has the expertise to share with others.
Bulma
Bulma is the series’ most important female character, appearing in the first Dragon Ball chapter and episode and remaining prominent until the finale.
Although her physical strength is that of a normal human, Bulma possesses an almost superhuman level of intelligence and is capable of creating technology capable of feats beyond the scope of current science.
She often has great analytical abilities as well as the ability to discern design and engineering approaches. She gained a thorough understanding of alien technology and biology over time.
She was able to design Saiyan battle armor that mimicked the properties of Vegeta’s armor that he wore on Planet Namek.
Her knowledge of Saiyan biology helps her make training equipment for Vegeta and Trunks.
Cell
Cell has a unique personality that Gero’s computer created to combine the qualities of his genetic components that would make the best traits for a perfect weapon.
Because Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo’s DNA are present in his genetic makeup, he is aware of their flaws and can take advantage of them in combat.
With each transformation, however, Cell’s personality as a whole drastically alters.
Cell’s initial pursuit of his objectives is wholly singular-minded, and he is extremely circumspect, sneaky, cunning, knowledgeable, and calculated in achieving his primary goal of perfection.
Andriod 18
Android 18 is an android created by Dr. Gero, who wanted to create an android with the same ability as his previous creation, Android 17.
While Android 18’s interests initially don’t veer from this assumption, she seeks to awaken Android 16 against Dr. Gero’s orders, causing Android 17 to murder Dr. Gero to protect her.
Eventually, Android 18 becomes a member of the Z Fighters, Krillin’s wife, and Marron’s mother. Mainly loved for her laid-back personality and sarcastic remarks.
Android 18 is a very strong fighter in her own right, with the ability to emit powerful explosive waves and even create energy blasts that can destroy planets.
Frieza
Freiza is one of those characters whose reign of terror was short-lived but memorable. Frieza’s villainy came to an end after the appearance of Namek in Dragon ball Z.
But his bitter end gave him a newfound talent that he had never tried before, which is training. After the failure of his golden, Goku sought him to win the tournament of power. This bizarre trust relationship led to Frieza doing what was best for Universe 7.
From fighting against the Saiyan to fighting side by side with a Saiyan and killing Jiren. Frieza’s character development was epic until the end.
Gohan
Objectively Gohan is the best character in the DBZ Saga due to several reasons.
He thinks before every move in a fight, unlike his father. And he fights only when it is absolutely needed.
Just like a literal hero, he is a just man. He cannot see the innocent suffering and would do everything to beat the evil. He is:
- A responsible guy
- A loving spouse
- A responsible father
- An ideal brother
- A dependable friend
The prodigal son, not only took his father’s place by valiantly battling off Cell but also realized his mother’s hopes by becoming a scholar. What a character! He is the only Saiyan who has an actual job.
Vegeta
There is no stopping Vegeta from becoming the most powerful protagonist in DBZ. The ultimate bad boy and the Saiyan prince of Dragon Ball Z. Although He was introduced as an enemy, he has evolved ever since into one of the franchise’s most memorable characters.
Vegeta discovered strength in trusting people, which Frieza had taken away from him a long time ago. Having his family’s affection and a new purpose, he’s evolved from the arrogant Saiyan Prince he once was.
He’s the finest Dragon Ball character who’s made the most development. Vegeta will never be stronger than Goku, and he does not need to be.
Vegeta’s character growth throughout the series has been superb, making him more intriguing than the main character.
Goku: the Ultimate Shonen MC
This list is incomplete without Goku and we all know why—Goku is the main protagonist of the DBZ franchise and is the ultimate Saiyan loved by everyone.
His younger self, who was mischievous but had a good heart, fought to save the world, never gave up, and eventually made it to the point where he is now.
He perfectly embodies the 90% shonen protagonist. He is frequently referred to as the founder of Shonen MC. He is straightforward, lacks a complicated or complex backstory, has pleasant and humorous traits, and is innocent even as a grown man.
However, when it comes to fighting, it is completely the opposite. Little can stand in Goku’s way, from his team’s effort against Fused Zamasu to a legendary one-on-one match with Jiren.
Goku achieves absolute victory by frequently pushing his boundaries to defend the people he loves.
Feel the nostalgia? Here are some of the best fights from the DBZ saga:
Conclusion
- Almost all the best characters in the Dragon ball universe had a transition from good to evil like Piccolo, Vegeta, and Frieza.
- Among all the characters, Gohan has the most humble development and the most realistic character development.
- Goku remains the Iconic MC of shonen Anime, even after many shows Goku is equally famous among Anime and non-Anime fans alike.
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