Overview
- Gohan had strong potential to become the main protagonist of the *Dragon Ball* series following his transformation into Super Saiyan 2.
- The character was immensely popular with fans, often winning manga popularity polls.
- Despite Akira Toriyama’s initial intentions for Gohan to lead, he ultimately concluded that Goku was a better fit for the role.
During the *Cell Saga* of Dragon Ball, Gohan emerged not just as a formidable warrior but also as a character cherished by fans. This made the shift to his ordinary high school life in the *Buu Saga* particularly disappointing for many, even if his alter ego, Great Saiyaman, deserves more recognition.
The moment Gohan transformed into Super Saiyan 2 marked a pivotal point in the series; he displayed an unparalleled level of power at the time. Many fans speculated that he should have been the series’ lead character, especially after Goku’s seemingly sacrificial demise, which felt like a narrative handover to his son.
The Strongest Man in the World?
In the *Saiyan Saga*, *Dragon Ball* hinted that Gohan possessed greater strength than appearances suggested, even though he did not inherit his father’s aggressive spirit. Instead, he often portrayed the role of a scholarly character. Raditz was among the first to recognize Gohan’s latent potential when his scouter registered an immense power level. During the battle against Raditz, Gohan’s fury at his father’s peril ignited a surge of power, showcasing his capabilities.
Following Goku’s death, Piccolo stepped in to train Gohan, who was gradually unlocking his extraordinary strength. The series began to set up Gohan’s journey toward becoming a formidable warrior. His true potential became apparent during the *Cell Saga*, culminating in him achieving the Super Saiyan 2 transformation and overtaking his father in strength, leading many to believe he was destined to be the new lead character.
However, Goku soon reclaimed his title of the “strongest man in the world”after rigorous training with King Kai in the afterlife. Goku’s sense of rivalry evidently increased with Gohan’s new level of power, while Gohan chose to step back from training, opting to embrace his academic pursuits—a choice that aligned with his character’s essence.
Fans Loved Gohan Back Then
In light of Gohan’s trajectory during the *Buu Saga*, it’s natural for fans to question whether the signs pointing to his rise as the protagonist were misinterpreted. However, expectations weren’t unfounded: Gohan claimed the top spot in the very first *Dragon Ball* manga popularity poll in 1993, achieving over 50,000 votes, narrowly surpassing Goku, who received around 48,000 votes.
Even though Gohan slipped in rankings in subsequent polls, he consistently remained within the top 10, reflecting his enduring popularity among both domestic and international audiences, as corroborated by recent global fan polls.
Akira Toriyama’s Perspective
Gohan’s academic dedication is well acknowledged, yet he demonstrated significant growth as a fighter during the *Android Saga*. Many fans speculated whether Gohan could balance both rigorous training and studies. Theoretically, this was entirely feasible considering his prior character development. So, how did Gohan become sidelined?
Ultimately, Akira Toriyama recognized it wasn’t appropriate. In interviews, he expressed that he envisioned Gohan taking on a leading role, explaining the strong audience belief that he was destined to lead the series. Nevertheless, he determined Goku was more appropriate for the protagonist’s mantle.
*Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero* Revives Gohan
Watch the Trailer
Watch the Trailer
While Toriyama remains resolute about Goku’s primary role in the franchise, he has acknowledged that Gohan is actually one of the strongest characters in the series. The most recent film endeavors to showcase this reality while also respecting Gohan’s position during the *Buu Saga*.
In *Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero*, Gohan partners with Piccolo in pivotal roles, allowing fans to witness Gohan’s remarkable capabilities once more. By the film’s conclusion, he achieves an unprecedented level of power, reaffirming his status as the universe’s strongest warrior when his family’s safety is at stake. Gohan’s character development proves that he truly thrives as a protector who unleashes his strengths only when most needed—especially when it involves his loved ones.
Both *Dragon Ball* and *Dragon Ball Z* are available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with *Dragon Ball* also accessible on Hulu in the United States.
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