The Dragon Ball franchise is undeniably an icon within the anime landscape. Its influence spans decades, setting benchmarks for storytelling, character development, and world-building while introducing one of the most recognized protagonists in pop culture. This series not only established numerous trends that others emulate but also pushed boundaries, frequently bending or breaking conventional anime rules, thus carving its own unique path in the medium.
Many anime adhere to a set of unspoken rules, primarily designed to maintain clarity, coherence, and continuity. However, Dragon Ball stands apart, taking creative liberties that often redefine these norms. Suggesting that the franchise should conform to standard practices is akin to advising a legend like Michael Jordan to adjust his playing style. Excellence grants freedom, and Dragon Ball exemplifies this ethos.
10 The Existence of Tarble
Goku and Vegeta Were Meant to Be the Last Pure-Blooded Saiyans
The extinction of the Saiyan race serves as a pivotal theme throughout Dragon Ball Z. Goku learns of his alien lineage during his confrontation with Raditz and discovers that he, along with Vegeta and Nappa, are among the last survivors after Frieza’s merciless attack on Planet Vegeta. While these two Saiyans confront their heritage, it’s perplexing that Vegeta laments his race’s extinction while having a full-blooded brother, Tarble, who exists in the lore yet is rarely acknowledged.
9 Goku Chose To Stay Dead
He Preferred Not Returning to Earth
The Dragon Ball series is notable for its willingness to sacrifice main characters, with Goku serving as a prime example. During the Cell Saga, Goku heroically gives his life to protect Earth, believing his friends will resurrect him using the Dragon Balls. However, in a surprising twist, he willingly chooses to remain deceased, reasoning that his tremendous power attracts formidable foes, making it safer for everyone else if he stays away. This decision highlights a significant moment for Goku, showcasing his character’s growth and selflessness.
8 Frieza Can Survive (Nearly) Anything
Among the Most Resilient Villains in Anime
One of the most frustratingly familiar tropes in anime is the resurrection of characters after emotional deaths. Nevertheless, Frieza’s demise on Namek was initially definitive, marked by dramatic confrontations and explosive conclusions. Yet, in true Dragon Ball fashion, Frieza somehow returns even after being obliterated. This defiance of expectation demonstrates the show’s ability to thrill and frustrate in equal measure, paving the way for his subsequent appearance in futuristic forms.
7 The Spirit Bomb Rarely Works
Goku’s Final Attack Lacks Consistency
Typically, the main character’s ultimate attack signifies a dramatic climax, guaranteeing decisive victory. However, Goku’s Spirit Bomb hardly lives up to this expectation, most notably failing against prominent foes like Vegeta and Frieza. This inconsistency raises eyebrows and elevates the tension during critical battles, contrasting sharply with the success rates of other series’ iconic techniques.
6 Krillin Has Died and Been Revived Three Times
Disregarding the Dragon Balls’ Original Limitations
Throughout Dragon Ball, plot rules can seem ephemeral. At first, the Dragon Balls had a strict policy of reviving a character only once, a rule that quickly fell by the wayside. Krillin’s multiple resurrections reflect this narrative convenience, as he succumbs to powerful enemies yet returns to the living repeatedly. Such instances diminish the weight of death in the series, allowing for a continuously evolving adventure.
5 Vegeta Tells Zarbon To Power Up
Allowing His Rivals to Gain Power
Vegeta’s pride can lead to peculiar instances of arrogance, allowing him to momentarily empower his adversaries. His initial showdown with Zarbon illustrates this behavior: despite suffering a humiliating defeat, Vegeta allows Zarbon to transform, believing he can secure a more satisfying victory against an opponent he has previously underestimated. This defiance of traditional shōnen norms showcases Vegeta’s complex character and adds a twist to the customary formula.
4 Goku Makes Goten and Trunks Fight Buu
Goku Takes a Step Back
In a surprising departure from the heroic archetype, there are moments when Goku willingly steps aside, recognizing the strength of others. During the Buu Saga, he acknowledges that his son Gotenks possesses the ability to handle the threat of Buu. This willing relinquishment of the spotlight emphasizes the show’s depth, showcasing character development and shifting dynamics among the fighters.
3 Vegeta Executes the Ginyu Force
Introducing Brutality to the Series
Vegeta’s character arc diverges from the compassionate nature exhibited by other Z Fighters. Following his near-defeat at the hands of the Ginyu Force, he exacts ruthless vengeance, reflecting a darker side of the narrative. While Goku often extends a courtesy of forgiveness, Vegeta’s merciless act of executing the Ginyu members reinforces the emotional stakes present within the series and lays the foundation for his complex persona.
2 Vegeta Allows Cell to Absorb the Androids
A Pattern of Granting Advantages
Despite his earlier success with Zarbon, Vegeta’s decision to let Cell absorb the Androids reflects his ongoing struggle with pride. Ignoring warnings from Trunks, Vegeta’s hubris leads to dire consequences, showcasing his tendency to break the mold of heroic behavior. In traditional narratives, villains are notorious for granting their adversaries advantages, but Vegeta’s misguided tactics add layers of dramatic tension to the series’ storyline.
1 Goku Gives Cell a Senzu Bean
Goku’s Debatable Choice
In a stunning moment during the Cell Games, Goku giving Cell a Senzu Bean stands as one of the most controversial actions in the series. Critics often cite this action when discussing Goku’s parenting and battle strategies. By allowing Cell to fully recover, Goku prioritized a hopeful enlightenment for his son, Gohan, pushing him to tap into latent abilities. While this unprecedented action can be rationalized, it defies traditional heroism, showcasing Dragon Ball‘s willingness to challenge tropes in innovative ways.
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