The enduring legacy of Dragon Ball has been significantly shaped by its tournament structure. Initially, the series captured audiences with its adventurous exploration of a fantastical world. However, the narrative pivoted dramatically with the introduction of the World Martial Arts Tournament, which intensified the focus on action-packed confrontations. Ironically, during its early serialization in Shōnen Jump, Dragon Ball struggled to gain traction, prompting creator Akira Toriyama to devise the tournament as a means of cultivating a more dedicated fanbase.
Over the years, Dragon Ball has achieved remarkable success, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon. From Goku’s childhood tournaments to climactic events like the Cell Games and the Tournament of Power, competitions have been a staple of the series. Yet, Goku, the series’ iconic protagonist, has only emerged victorious once. Contrary to typical storytelling conventions where heroes prevail effortlessly, Toriyama crafted Goku’s journey to victory to highlight resilience, ensuring that the Saiyan’s struggles became a pivotal aspect of his character development.
Toriyama Made Goku Work for His First Tournament Victory
Goku Lost Twice Before Winning a World Tournament
It is a hallmark of shōnen battle manga for the main character to achieve victory at the climax of the narrative arc. However, Goku’s path was anything but conventional. He faced defeat twice in the World Martial Arts Tournament before ultimately securing a victory against Piccolo on his third attempt. In a 1995 interview, Toriyama shared his internal conflict over this plot decision, stating, “Everyone around me was saying, ‘I’m sure Goku will win in the end’… Even though I had wanted him to win, since I’m perverse, when they said that to me, I went, ‘like I’d let him win!’”
Goku’s Determination Led to the Reputation That Has Defined Him
Experience in Failure and Success Cemented Goku’s Reputation
The contrast between naturally gifted characters and those who achieve strength through dedication is a recurring theme in shōnen narratives. Goku, despite his Saiyan lineage, epitomizes the protagonist who relentlessly fought to reach the pinnacle of power. His ascent would not have resonated as effectively had he effortlessly become the strongest. Instead, much of early Dragon Ball revolves around training sessions alongside Krillin under the guidance of Master Roshi, ensuring Goku’s journey is rooted in hard work.
This extensive training laid the groundwork for Goku’s eventual triumph in the World Tournament, making his victory feel all the more rewarding. Notably, many of Dragon Ball‘s defining moments emerged spontaneously, showcasing Toriyama’s ability to defy expectations creatively. While the serialized nature of Dragon Ball may not be replicated, Toriyama’s skill as a storyteller continues to be celebrated and studied.
Source: Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2
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