There are countless anime series that feature powerful fighters and battles that become explosive spectacles, but Dragon Ball still has the reputation for one of the most influential anime series in the shonen genre. Dragon Ball has been around for decades and it’s impressive how the series has been able to adapt over time, whether it’s through the aging of characters or more structural changes.
Dragon Ball remains a series where characters are always eager for their next battle and an opportunity that they’re the strongest. The anime has no shortage of accomplished martial artists, but it’s a little different when it comes to the fighters that have earned a reputation for themselves and become notable public figures.
10 The Great Saiyaman Turns Gohan Into A Trusted Crimefighter
One of the wilder pivots that the Dragon Ball series takes is that Gohan’s teenage years are punctuated by him patrolling the city dressed up as an exaggerated superhero stereotype, the Great Saiyaman. The Great Saiyaman embraces Dragon Ball Z’s lighter tendencies and he’s a bit of a joke, but he’s one of the few public figures that have been there to defend the public. Society might smirk at the Great Saiyaman’s poses, but they value the work that he does and what he represents. They even make a feature film that’s a celebration of the superhero.
9 Tien Impresses Fighters & Public Alike When He Wins The World Martial Arts Tournament
Dragon Ball has showcased a number of different tournaments throughout its run, but the competition that’s become the trademark of the anime is the World Martial Arts Tournament. This prestigious tournament begins in the original Dragon Ball and is present in every series in some capacity. These competitions used to be the major marker to determine who is the strongest and Tien happens to win the 22nd installment. Tien falls out of the spotlight when it comes to the heroes who protect the galaxy, but it’s fair to say that he’s still noteworthy on Earth and within martial arts circles.
8 Hercule Satan Has Become Earth’s Face For Safety
Hercule Satan is a braggadocious blowhard and a contentious addition to Dragon Ball Z that people either love or hate. Hercule Satan is technically strong when it comes to the general strength of an average human, but he likely wouldn’t even be able to take out a Saibaman.
Hercule maintains this duplicitous nature, but it doesn’t change the fact that the public view him as responsible for the defeat of some of Earth’s biggest threats, like Cell. The only reason that the public is willing to help Goku for his ultimate Spirit Bomb is that they trust Hercule’s advice.
7 Master Roshi Has Spent Decades Becoming A Renowned Martial Artist
Dragon Ball eventually reaches a point where powerful aliens and alternate universes are par for the course, but there’s a humble charm that accompanies Goku’s earliest adventures where humans are the strongest characters in the anime. Goku’s first significant mentor is Master Roshi, a legendary martial artist who’s become famous for his unconventional Turtle Hermit school of martial arts. Master Roshi is responsible for Dragon Ball’s signature Kamehameha attack, and his reputation as well as his accomplishments at various World Martial Arts Tournaments are only a minor indication of his talent and the legacy that he’s built.
6 The Ginyu Force Are Known Across The Galaxy As The Team To Clean Up Messes
Dragon Ball Z broadens its scope once the characters head off to Planet Namek and encounter a new set of Dragon Balls and many dangerous enemies. Frieza is at the head of all of this tyranny, but since he’s preoccupied with the Dragon Balls he summons the Ginyu Force to dispose of nuisances like Gohan, Vegeta, and Krillin. The Ginyu Force aren’t heroes, but their names hold meaning and they’ve done the work to instill fear and respect from the rest of space. They have unconventional methods, but the Ginyu Force has a reputation for always getting the job done.
5 Android 17 Grows From A Weapon Into A Champion Who’s Known Across The Multiverse
One of the more exciting turns to come out of Dragon Ball Super is that a gigantic battle royale tournament is forced upon the strongest fighters from across all of the galaxies.
This tournament debuts some of the most powerful opponents that Goku and company have ever faced, but in the end, it’s actually Universe 7’s own Android 17 who’s the last one standing. The Tournament of Power was a seismic event across all universes and there’s no way that the individual who wins that competition and wishes for their revivals doesn’t earn some respect.
4 Hit Is A Galactic Assassin Who Always Gets His Target
Before Dragon Ball Super mashes all of its universes together, it first eases into this concept with Universe 6’s introduction. Universe 6 is the home of some wonderful characters, including some new Saiyans and Namekians, but it’s also where the legendary assassin, Hit, resides. Hit might come across as cold, but it’s just dedication to his craft. Hit can make time skip to confuse his opponent, which is an integral tool that allows him to win most battles before the other person even realizes what’s happened. Hit’s track record doesn’t go unnoticed and he’s at the top of his trade.
3 Universe 11’s Pride Troopers Are The Defenders Of The Galaxy
Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power literally throws dozens of new characters at the audience. Some of these fighters quickly face elimination or recede into the background, but the Pride Troopers--especially Jiren and Toppo--are involved right up until the tournament’s final act. Jiren certainly earns the respect of Goku and Universe 7 because of his ridiculous strength, but all of the Pride Troopers have devoted their lives to keeping the peace and fighting evil. The Pride Troopers aren’t just some perfunctory group and they appropriately instill pride in the public.
2 Goku Earns Acclaim Whether He’s On Earth, Another Planet, Or The Afterlife
Goku is Dragon Ball’s protagonist and he’s frequently pushed into the spotlight, even when it’s not always helpful. The audience and Goku’s closest friends know that he’s saved the universe countless times over, but his presence is initially a mystery to the public. Goku doesn’t strive for attention like Hercule Satan. Despite Goku’s relative anonymity, he still wins the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, makes waves at the Other World Tournament, and leaves a considerable impression on the Zenos. It’s likely some still view Goku to be foolish, but he’s still proven himself to his peers when it counts.
1 Merus Is The Galactic Patrol’s Star & An Inspiration To His Kind
Dragon Ball Super’s anime has wrapped up, at least for now, but the manga continues and its post-Tournament of Power material has given a much deeper look into the Galactic Patrol. The new threat becomes an escaped prisoner and dark magic user named Moro, which sends the entire Galactic Patrol into a panic. Moro’s defeat is a complex group effort, but Merus’ involvement is fundamental. Even before this great act Merus was viewed as the face of the Galactic Patrol and a role model for new recruits or even established members, like Jaco.
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