Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has grown into one of the most prolific anime series of its generation, and it’s gone on to influence countless other shonen series. Fast-paced action and precision martial arts have always been present in the series, yet Dragon Ball begins in a somewhat grounded place in comparison to the exaggerated heights that it eventually reaches.
One of the most central changes in Dragon Ball is the introduction of powerful alien species, as well as the revelation that Goku himself is one of these individuals. As a result, the prevalence and importance of humans dwindle throughout Dragon Ball. That being said, they never fully disappear, and there are many humans who are vital characters because of how they support other characters.
10 Hercule Satan Is An Acquired Taste, But He Grows On The Z Warriors
Hercule Satan initially feels like a very disruptive force when he enters Dragon Ball. He’s a flashy public figure who the public goes on to trust and see as Earth's savior. Hercule’s imposter syndrome is frustrating at first, but he slowly proves his utility, and if nothing else, he’s a reliable individual to have around. Hercule’s relationship with the public becomes crucial during Goku’s efforts to collect energy for his Spirit Bomb against Kid Buu. He’s a strong personality, but one who’s worth it.
9 Yajirobe’s Grounded Attitude Keep Him Consistently Entertaining
There are hundreds of episodes across the various Dragon Ball series, and as a result, there are some characters who begin as crucial figures but go on to fade into obscurity. The original Dragon Ball introduces Yajirobe as a fixture of Korin’s Tower and a competent martial artist and swordfighter, as attested by Goku’s struggles to keep up with him. Yajirobe’s usefulness becomes limited in Dragon Ball Z, but his realistic approach to the cataclysmic events is comforting. He doesn’t save the day, but he’s still a calming presence.
8 Yamcha Turns Into Dragon Ball’s Long-Running, Yet Lovable, Punchline
Yamcha is one of the first characters to team up with a young Goku during his original Dragon Ball adventures. Yamcha proves himself to be a decent martial artist and a clumsy love interest for Bulma.
Yamcha’s human nature grows into more of an anchor for the character as Dragon Ball deals with progressively powerful enemies. The lack of impact that Yamcha makes later in the franchise is a drag, but the niche that he gets slotted into where he’s repeatedly the butt of jokes does make him likable, albeit in a slightly pathetic way.
7 Uub Is The Reincarnation Of Pure Evil & Goku’s Hope For The Future
One of the more unexpected turns toward the end of Dragon Ball Z is that Goku wishes for the evil in Kid Buu to get reborn as a figure of purity. This results in Uub, a human that Dragon Ball frames to be incredibly important. Dragon Ball Z concludes with Goku going off to train Uub, and Dragon Ball GT subsequently explores this angle. Uub’s screen time is limited, but it’s hard not to like this special figure of circumstance. Uub is entirely without ego and is a welcome change of pace to those that flaunt their strength.
6 Chiaotzu Represents The Faithfulness That’s Present In So Many Humans
Out of all of the humans in Dragon Ball, Chiaotzu certainly has the most unconventional appearances, and it’d be easy to confuse him for some type of supernatural entity. Chiaotzu’s design, like many of the characters in the original Dragon Ball, finds inspiration from Chinese folklore, yet Chiaotzu is still supposed to be human. Chiaotzu’s limited strength becomes a liability early on in Dragon Ball Z, but his unwavering support for Tien and his dedication to his mission still make him a human loved by many.
5 Videl Is A Powerful Female Fighter & A Reliable Parental Figure
The Buu Saga doesn’t just introduce Hercule Satan, but also his teenage daughter, Videl. Videl and Gohan cross paths and become one of Dragon Ball’s more adorable couples. Videl has commendable strength on her own, but it’s really sweet to see Gohan help her manifest her ki energy and master more advanced abilities like flight.
Videl’s strength is admirable, but she also becomes a good parent and someone who doesn’t just disappear into the role after Pan is born. She’s a character who stands out and makes an impact in whichever sphere she occupies.
4 Master Roshi Has Spent Decades Of His Humanity Training The Next Wave Of Heroes
Master Roshi’s ancient age and revered status as a martial arts legend make it seem like he’s something supernatural or that he’s made some volatile pact. In reality, Roshi is just a testament to the enduring nature of the human spirit. This is a human who’s dedicated his entire life to martial arts and helping others master the skills that he helped popularize. Roshi’s unconventional training methods are appealing in their own way, but the idyllic island life that he’s built for himself is also highly admirable. He’s managed to completely lose all pretenses and just exist.
3 Tien Is A Strong Example Of The Resilience Of The Human Spirit
One of the greater tragedies in Dragon Ball Z is that Tien never fully becomes a major player after his death during the Saiyan Saga. Tien is serious competition for Goku when they first meet each other and face off in the World Martial Arts Tournament. Tien feels like he transcends humanity due to his third eye, duplication techniques, and his general zen attitude. Tien gets the opportunity to reclaim his relevance during the Tournament of Power, which confirms that humans can still make a big difference and don’t need heightened transformations to be important.
2 Goku’s Success In Dragon Ball Wouldn’t Be Possible Without Bulma’s Brilliance & Loyalty
Bulma may never step into the battlefield to lend a hand against the new enemy at hand, but she’s still played an indispensable role throughout the course of Dragon Ball. Bulma is Goku’s first ally on his adventure and helps shape his understanding of the world around him. Bulma’s intelligence results in the Dragon Radar and other important pieces of technology, plus she manages to “tame” Vegeta and start a family with the Saiyan prince. Bulma may sometimes stay on the sidelines, but she never disappears from Dragon Ball, and she always has something important to contribute.
1 Krillin Is Goku’s Best Friend & The Beating Heart Of Dragon Ball
Goku has a reputation for taking his former enemies and turning them into his most trusted friends. Goku and Krillin are more friendly rivals when they first encounter each other during their youth, but they go on to forge an amazing bond. Krillin and Goku grow up together and begin families at the same time. Their lives take different directions, but Krillin’s journey is meant to highlight how there’s nothing wrong with a more reserved and domestic existence. Krillin learns how to balance a family, his training, and his humanity and makes it all look easy.
0 Comments