Overview of the Masenko Beam Cannon
- The Masenko Beam Cannon is a powerful fusion attack performed by Gohan and Piccolo, combining the techniques of the Masenko and Special Beam Cannon.
- Within the Dragon Ball gaming franchise, Gohan and Piccolo showcase various combo attacks, ensuring dynamic and engaging gameplay.
- The Masenko Beam Cannon was prominently featured in the Dragon Ball Super manga, where it was successfully utilized against the android Seven-Three.
Note: The following text contains spoilers for the Dragon Ball Super manga series. Fans can watch Dragon Ball on Crunchyroll.
In the realm of Dragon Ball, Gohan has spent a considerable amount of time under the mentorship of Piccolo, often more so than with his own father, Goku. This teacher-student dynamic highlights a unique bond that is pivotal within the series. Given the nature of shōnen anime, where action and battles reign supreme, it’s natural for characters with such deep connections to collaborate in combat. Among their most formidable combined techniques is the Masenko Beam Cannon.
Fans familiar with the Dragon Ball series may instantly recognize that the name “Masenko Beam Cannon”reflects a blend of the individual techniques Masenko and Special Beam Cannon. This naming convention is typical of many fusion attacks throughout the franchise. Both moves originate from Piccolo: the Masenko is an energy wave technique initiated with both hands placed on the forehead, allowing the user to unleash a ki beam upon thrusting their palms forward. Conversely, the Special Beam Cannon is a sophisticated move crafted by Piccolo specifically to combat Goku, which involves channeling ki through two fingers placed on the forehead, resulting in two beams—one straight and one spiraling. Alone, these techniques are menacing, but together, they present an entirely new level of devastation to their adversaries.
Delving into the Masenko Beam Cannon
Strategy to Overcome a Common Foe
As previously mentioned, the Masenko Beam Cannon showcases the synergy of Gohan’s Masenko and Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon. In this powerful combo, Gohan channels the Masenko while Piccolo readies the Special Beam Cannon. However, Piccolo’s version only fires a single beam instead of two; this beam elegantly encircles Gohan’s Masenko. Consequently, the visual effect resembles a traditional Special Beam Cannon, but incorporates Gohan’s distinctive ki blast as the main projectile.
In the established canon, the Masenko Beam Cannon made its debut in the Dragon Ball Super manga, specifically in chapter 56, titled “Warriors of Earth Assemble.”It was executed against the formidable android Seven-Three, known for his adept ability to replicate the moves of his foes. The android possesses an infinite ki reservoir, allowing him to engage opponents until their energy wanes. To combat this unique challenge, Gohan and Piccolo devised an array of combo moves that Seven-Three was unable to counter, as he could only mimic one fighter at a time. Among these was their signature move, the Masenko Beam Cannon.
“Of course! Combo Moves!! Seven-Three can only use one set of powers at a time, so there’s no way he can dodge attacks from a duo!”- Jaco, prior to the unleashing of the Masenko Beam Cannon.
Variations of the Masenko Beam Cannon
The Masenko Beam Cannon is also featured across various Dragon Ball video games, each offering its own twist on this powerful attack.
- Supersonic Warriors 2: In this game, the move appears as a Gohan and Piccolo team attack, but is labeled simply as Special Beam Cannon. Interestingly, Teen Super Saiyan 2 Gohan performs it, and the beam takes on a green color, rather than the traditional yellow with purple spiral.
- Dragon Ball Fusions: This version diverges from the original concept and presents the attack as a singular move executed by one character, merging elements of both the Masenko and Special Beam Cannon.
- Dragon Ball Legends: Here, the Masenko Beam Cannon can be performed by any user of the Masenko Special Move Arts, provided they pair with someone who uses Special Beam Cannon Special Move Arts, showcasing versatility beyond the original duo.
Exploring Other Team Attacks by Gohan and Piccolo
Focus on Video Game Combos
To maintain engagement and excitement in action anime video games, developers are continuously innovating new attack combinations. Dragon Ball games are well-known for their myriad of combo moves featuring Gohan and Piccolo.
- Demon Cannon (Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans): This combo begins with Piccolo performing a series of melee attacks culminating in throwing the opponent against a wall, followed by Gohan unleashing a Masenko to finish off the enemy.
- Meteor Impact (Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans): This combination involves Gohan, Goku, and Piccolo. Gohan initiates a Burst Rush, Goku follows with a Meteor Combination, culminating in Piccolo delivering a decisive Special Beam Cannon.
- Another Hope (Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle): In this attack, a trio featuring Future Gohan, Piccolo, and Goku collaborate, where Future Gohan fires a One-Handed Kamehameha, amplified by his feelings for his father and Piccolo.
- Evil Shot (Supersonic Warriors 2): Kid Gohan and Piccolo take turns striking, ending with Piccolo’s Special Beam Cannon.
- Master and Disciple Special Beam Cannon (Xenoverse 2 and Dokkan Battle): In this high-impact move, Beast Gohan and Orange Piccolo unleash simultaneous Special Beam Cannons, creating a massive blue beam visible even from a distance. They employed this technique against Cell Max within the game, although it was not featured in the recent Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film.
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