Understanding Uub: Characters and Importance in Dragon Ball

Summary

Uub, the reincarnation of Kid Buu and embodiment of pure evil, possesses the potential to become a formidable fighter.
Introduced in Dragon Ball Z, Uub is trained by Goku and is recognized for his pure heart, as hinted in recent Dragon Ball Super arcs.
The character potential of Uub remains largely unexplored in Dragon Ball Super, reflecting a narrative evolution akin to Piccolo’s journey.

At the conclusion of the Majin Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z, audiences were introduced to Uub, a young boy who embodies the soul of the demon, Kid Buu. After Goku vanquished Kid Buu utilizing the Super Spirit Bomb, he expressed a desire for the demon to be reborn as a better being. This wish was unexpectedly fulfilled, leading to Uub’s arrival as a pivotal character in the franchise.

Uub hails from a small tropical island and is the eldest sibling among five children. His introduction in the narrative raises questions about how his presence could enrich the evolving storyline of Dragon Ball Super.

The End of the Buu Saga

Goku’s Parting Words to Kid Buu

To summarize, Uub represents the rebirth of Kid Buu, the purest manifestation of Majin Buu’s malevolence. Unlike the other incarnations, Kid Buu is devoid of reason, existing solely as an embodiment of chaos and destruction without the capacity for negotiation. This original Buu was marked by a primal, savage nature, relentless in its quest for annihilation — even going so far as to obliterate himself before re-emerging in a different locale.

Kid Buu’s chaotic nature posed a formidable challenge, as he devastated the Earth in an epic battle that concluded on the Supreme Kai’s planet. Fortunately, with the help of Dende, those who fell victim to Kid Buu’s rampage were resurrected with the aid of the Eternal Dragon, Porunga. During this climactic struggle, Goku expressed a hope that Kid Buu would return in a more benevolent form one day. This simple act of goodwill was reportedly acknowledged by King Yemma, the overseer of the afterlife, facilitating Uub’s subsequent birth.

“Right before I defeated the evil final form of Buu, I asked him to come back someday so we could fight again. Apparently, King Yemma heard my request and decided to make it happen.”
– Goku in “Buu’s Reincarnation”

Kid Buu’s Reincarnation

Uub’s First Super Appearance in the Moro Arc

Uub’s character was initially unveiled in tandem with Pan, Gohan’s daughter, in the episode “Granddaughter Pan.”This episode is set a decade after Kid Buu’s defeat, where Goku reveals that Uub is the benevolent reincarnation of Kid Buu. Unlike his predecessor, Uub possesses a pure heart, allowing him to harness the power of the Flying Nimbus, just as Goku does.

Initially depicted as bashful, Uub’s character evolves significantly through his training with Goku, transforming him into a more competent warrior. As a disciple of Goku, Uub also becomes affiliated with the Turtle School of martial arts. His character was further expanded in the anime-exclusive series Dragon Ball GT, where he merges with Majin Buu to become “Majuub,”a representation of his enhanced abilities and a fusion of his heritage.

The name “Uub”cleverly reverses “Buu,”underscoring his role as a virtuous echo of the dark entity. Despite limited appearances in Dragon Ball Super, Uub’s mention during pivotal events, such as the Universe 6 and 7 tournament and the Universe Survival Saga, keeps him in the spotlight. His contributions during the Moro arc further tie his story back to the legacy of Kid Buu, amplifying the thematic depth of his character arc.

The Potential of Uub’s Character

Could He Become a Valuable Fighter Going Forward?

Uub Gives His Energy – Dragon Ball Super Moro Arc

Uub’s limited appearances in Dragon Ball Super are partially attributed to his young age, but his martial arts skills have been recognized by key figures like Dende and Goku. In Dragon Ball GT, although Uub is eager to engage in battle, he often faces overwhelming challenges, failing to showcase the full potential that his origins suggest. His trajectory could parallel that of Piccolo, who transformed from an adversary into an invaluable ally, leading to significant developments in the lore of the series.

Looking forward, it would be advantageous for the franchise to recognize and cultivate Uub’s character. He has the potential to emerge as a critical ally for Pan and other heroes in upcoming narratives. Given his ties to one of the most potent entities in the Dragon Ball universe, Uub’s evolution as a fighter—ideally alongside Gohan’s resurgence—could set the stage for thrilling confrontations and dramatic storylines. Only the future will reveal Uub’s true role in the series.

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