Overview
- Not every Saiyan in the Dragon Ball universe possesses the strength of Goku or Vegeta, as many characters remain comparatively weak or less explored.
- Figures like King Vegeta, Bardock, and Goten exhibit potential but ultimately do not achieve heights characteristic of their lineage.
- Future Saiyan warriors like Bulla and Pan retain unrealized potential that could lead to tremendous power in forthcoming narratives.
The evolution of Dragon Ball since its inception in 1984 has been remarkable, transitioning from young Goku’s adventure to fetch his grandfather’s Dragon Ball, to epic battles against god-like beings. Goku, initially depicted as an exceptionally strong child, has undergone numerous transformations in design, character, and power to become a being rivaling the gods, eclipsing not just humans but a large part of his Saiyan relatives.
Despite Goku’s formidable heritage, not all Saiyan warriors are created equal. Various characters within the Saiyan race have struggled to achieve even the initial levels of Super Saiyan transformation, highlighting that the warrior race has always had its share of less capable members, especially noted during their portrayals in Dragon Ball GT.
Updated on December 28, 2024, by Ana Micaela Leite Scheidemantel: While Dragon Ball Daima has yet to introduce new Saiyans, many previous series have showcased characters unable to meet the expectations associated with the Saiyan race. These individuals have struggled to reveal their true potential due to various factors such as youth, untimely deaths, or insufficient narrative focus. This has stunted their growth as warriors, leaving fans to wonder what these Saiyans could truly achieve.
10. Goten
A Young Super Saiyan Yet to Shine
Goten‘s debut was promising as one of the franchise’s youngest Super Saiyans, echoing his father Goku’s design. Yet, his journey as a fighter has largely revolved around his more powerful friend Trunks, overshadowing Goten’s own abilities. Goten’s contributions were minimal outside his fusion form, Gotenks, particularly noted in Dragon Ball Super.
Despite this, his lineage provides a strong foundation, and fans remain optimistic about his potential for growth as a distinguished Saiyan warrior.
9. King Vegeta
A Regal Leader with Diminished Fighting Ability
King Vegeta, as the father of Vegeta, wields considerable political power but lacks the strength needed to challenge formidable foes like Frieza. Nearly outclassed by his own son early in the story, King Vegeta’s character has been more invested in maintaining his reign than demonstrating his prowess in battle, leaving fans to speculate about his true capabilities.
8. Bardock and His Team
A Low-Class Saiyan with Untapped Potential
Bardock stands out as a complex character among fans, portrayed variably in both canonical and non-canonical narratives. Identified as a low-class Saiyan, he harbored the potential to surpass his societal limitations, although this potential remains largely unrealized within the series.
Surrounded by a less capable team, Bardock’s companions never approached his limits. Despite not demonstrating his full strength throughout the series, Bardock’s character poses questions about the limits of even low-class warriors in the Saiyan hierarchy.
7. Paragus
Relies on His Son’s Power to Compensate for His Weakness
As the father of one of the strongest Saiyan warriors, Paragus surprisingly lacks significant strength. His primary capability lies in manipulating his son, Broly, to compensate for his physical shortcomings. This scheming nature often renders him defenseless without his son’s intervention.
By rarely showcasing his own combat skills, Paragus embodies a character more reliant on others than a true Saiyan warrior.
6. Need
An Overlooked and Underwhelming Brother
Despite being Vegeta’s sibling, Tarble has faded into obscurity, exiled due to perceived weakness. His portrayal evokes disappointment within the fanbase regarding his capabilities.
Inconsistent power levels create confusion about his strength, as he has been credited with defeating two of Frieza’s minions. Nevertheless, his legacy remains that of one of the weakest Saiyans, failing to inspire significant impact or recognition in the franchise.
5. Pan
A Young Saiyan with Untapped Future Potential
The character arc of Pan holds promise for a strong future in the Dragon Ball universe. As a granddaughter to Goku and a daughter of Gohan and Videl, she has considerable potential waiting to be tapped. Despite her youth, she has already shown considerable promise against formidable foes, momentarily bestowing her mother with Saiyan-like abilities.
Yet, due to her age, Pan’s fighting prowess has not fully emerged. Although she was positioned as a fighter in Dragon Ball GT, her record showcases more defeats than victories. However, with potential so shortly out of reach, fans hold out hope that she will eventually unlock her Saiyan capabilities.
4. Nappa
A Brutish Saiyan with Average Abilities
Nappa initially appears formidable with his intimidating presence, yet he is a weaker representation of Saiyans when evaluated alongside his peers. As one of the earliest Saiyans introduced in Dragon Ball Z, he physically overpowered many human Z-fighters; however, Goku’s arrival quickly highlighted his inferiority among the Saiyan elite.
His demise at Vegeta’s hands underscores his limitations, revealing that his aggressive demeanor does not correlate with true strength.
3. Raditz
An Introductory Level Saiyan
Upon his entrance in Dragon Ball Z, Raditz inflicted significant harm, even causing Goku’s first death. Nonetheless, revelations about the Saiyan race soon exposed Raditz’s shortcomings as a talented fighter. Initially alarmed by the powers of Goku and Piccolo, Raditz serves primarily to introduce the audience to the Saiyan lineage.
Considering the evolution of power seen in Goku, Vegeta, and others, Raditz’s capabilities have dwindled, framing him as merely an introductory character among far stronger warriors.
2. Construction
A Low-Class Saiyan Recognized as Goku’s Mother
While being Goku’s mother grants her some stature, Gine is characterized as gentle and frail, fitting the image of a low-class Saiyan without notable combat achievements. Her portrayal raises questions about whether her character holds unrealized potential or if she inherently lacks the traits of a warrior.
Within the canon, Gine has not garnered significant attention, yet her lineage potentially harbors power, contrasting markedly with the strengths manifested by her son Goku.
1. Bun (Good)
Underutilized Potential of a Half-Saiyan
Considering Bulla‘s lineage, it’s surprising to regard her as a true Saiyan since she exhibits traits resembling humanity more than her Saiyan heritage. As the daughter of Vegeta and Bulma, she possesses significant latent abilities, yet her character development has strayed away from showcasing her potential as a fighter.
Thus far, Bulla has shown minimal combat prowess, particularly when compared to her brothers, Goten and Trunks. Being young offers her the possibility of evolving into a formidable Saiyan warrior; however, she has yet to make a consequential impact within the franchise.
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