Among the various installments of the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball GT is commonly criticized as the least favored. This perception is largely justified since GT lacks a manga counterpart authored by series creator Akira Toriyama. When studios take the initiative to launch their own adaptations, the outcomes can often be hit-or-miss, with GT epitomizing this phenomenon. The initial plot felt bewildered and struggled to capture the lighthearted essence of the original Dragon Ball series, leading to significant narrative shortcomings.
However, over the years, Dragon Ball GT has carved out its own niche as a more intense and somber chapter in the Dragon Ball saga, packed with fierce confrontations, unexpected fatalities, and formidable antagonists. Even though the series has its flaws, it does possess redeeming qualities that are increasingly recognized by the audience. Nearly three decades after its debut in Japan, nostalgic fans now appreciate certain strengths of GT that might have been overlooked during its original run.
7 The Darkest Dragon Ball Series Yet
GT Was Much Grittier Than the Rest of the Franchise
Both Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z are celebrated for their distinctive themes. The initial series, Dragon Ball, was filled with adventure as a youthful Goku journeyed to discover his place by recruiting friends and battling formidable foes while gathering the iconic Dragon Balls. In contrast, Dragon Ball Z shifted towards a more action-oriented narrative, earning massive acclaim and maintaining its status as one of the greatest anime series ever created.
In its quest to recapture the playful spirit of Dragon Ball, GT’s plot attempted to regress Goku to childhood, accompanied by Trunks and Pan on his journeys. However, this approach didn’t resonate as intended, and the storyline spiraled into a considerably darker exploration than any other installment. This tonal shift not only set GT apart but also embedded it with an identity that differentiated it from its predecessors.
The stakes were drastically higher in GT: cunning and ruthless villains emerged, unexpected deaths occurred, and the world felt drearier during the rise of the Shadow Dragons—elements that enhanced its dramatic and darker narrative.
6 Goku Explores Hell
Goku Takes a Deep Dive Into the Home of Many Villains
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The afterlife plays a significant role in the Dragon Ball universe. Goku’s dual existence—spending considerable time in the afterlife while also training with King Kai—illustrates the series’ exploration of life and death. While regarded as virtuous, characters like Goku and the majority of heroes cannot access Hell. Conversely, notorious villains embody the perfect candidates for such eternal punishment.
For the first time, Dragon Ball GT shows Goku journeying through Hell. While fans were familiar with its existence, GT provided a visual representation that had never been seen before. By reopening the portal between realms, Goku encounters classic villains like Frieza and Cell, amplifying the show’s fearsome atmosphere and confirming GT as the darkest chapter in Dragon Ball lore.
5 Fresh Take on the Dragon Balls
The Dragon Balls Aren’t Entirely Good
Throughout their history, the Dragon Balls have been predominantly regarded as instruments of benevolence. They enable the Z Fighters to reverse death on several occasions, with their powers seen as overwhelmingly good.
However, GT disrupts this notion entirely by introducing the concept of negative energy emanating from the Dragon Balls themselves. In essence, these orbs are not designed for frequent use; they were intended for infrequent wishes to allow the magical elements to dissipate unpleasant energy over time.
The overuse of the Dragon Balls manifests in the emergence of the Shadow Dragons, crafting some of the most formidable and memorable villains in the franchise. This refreshing, darker perspective on the Dragon Balls enriches GT, distinguishing it from its predecessors and emphasizing its unique identity.
4 The New Villains Are Mostly Cool
Super 17, Baby, and the Shadow Dragons
Known for a plethora of iconic villains, the Dragon Ball franchise showcases some of the most memorable antagonists in anime history. From the first series with Mercenary Tao to the devious Frieza of Dragon Ball Z, the franchise does not disappoint, and GT is no exception. In fact, the villains of GT are among its most compelling aspects.
Featuring only four primary arcs, GT houses a trio of sagas that boasts incredibly well-crafted villains. The characters of Baby, Super 17, and the Shadow Dragons stand out distinctly. Notably, although many of these villains evoke memories of their counterparts in Dragon Ball Z, GT skillfully innovates on these designs, creating unique personas that enrich the series. Each antagonist is accompanied by their own gameplay style and narrative depth, contributing to the overall thrill of the series.
3 It’s Only 64 Episodes
The Quickest Watch in the Dragon Ball Franchise
Known for its lengthy series runs, the Dragon Ball franchise offers extensive content, with the original series comprising 153 episodes and Dragon Ball Z a staggering 291 episodes. Dragon Ball GT, however, diverges from this trend with only 64 episodes, making it the most concise series in the franchise.
This brevity promotes a harmonious storytelling approach, allowing viewers to savor the narrative quickly and seamlessly transition to new series without time constraints. GT comprises four compact sagas, each containing around 16 episodes, briskly introducing intriguing villains, power-ups for the Z Fighters, and engaging conflicts, all wrapped up efficiently.
2 Old Villains Come Back
The Return of Many Fan Favorites
The return of iconic villains in Dragon Ball GT highlights the nostalgic connection fans have with previous antagonists. Frieza, Cell, Nappa, and Android 17 are celebrated for their malevolent presence and complexity, always providing a formidable challenge for our heroes. Frieza notably transitioned from a fearsome villain in Dragon Ball Z to a crucial ally in Dragon Ball Super, proving the enduring appeal of character arcs.
The decision to reincorporate these beloved villains into GT is applauded. For instance, witnessing Nappa succumb again to Vegeta draws nostalgia and satisfaction. Additionally, the dynamic of Frieza and Cell uniting against Goku in Hell ranks as one of GT’s highlight moments, offering fans a delightful twist that echoes throughout the series.
1 Super Saiyan 4
The Coolest Form in Dragon Ball GT
Recognized for transformative power, Dragon Ball delivers numerous iconic forms. Goku’s inaugural transformation into Super Saiyan during his battle with Frieza remains an unforgettable benchmark in anime history. In GT, Super Saiyan 4 represents the pinnacle of Goku’s evolution; it perfectly merges the primal strength of the Great Ape with humanoid traits, resulting in striking features like furry arms and elongated hair.
Both Goku and Vegeta achieving this spectacular form, alongside their fusion into Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta, sets a supreme standard for formidable characters in the franchise. With its distinct red hair, classic vest, and a combination of signature abilities from both heroes, Super Saiyan 4 truly stands out as the defining aspect of Dragon Ball GT.
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