Dragon Ball stands as a hallmark in anime history, known for its rich tapestry of intricate characters who capture the hearts of fans. While central figures like Goku and Vegeta receive significant character development and prominence, the franchise has, commendably, ensured that nearly every character gets their moment to shine.
Among these characters, Future Trunks emerges as a poignant example of the franchise’s shortcomings. Despite enduring unimaginable challenges to safeguard his timeline and loved ones, Trunks’ entire existence is tragically erased, rendering his struggles seemingly futile.
The Erasure of Future Trunks’ Timeline
Sacrifices Rendered Meaningless
For many enthusiasts of the series, Future Trunks ranks among the top characters within the Dragon Ball universe. His steadfast determination, memorable personality, and instantly recognizable design contributed to his thriving popularity, especially during the Cell Saga. Although his tenure as a primary protagonist was short-lived, his remarkable influence on the storyline remains unforgettable. Consequently, it was disheartening to witness Trunks return in Dragon Ball Super, only to have his past endeavors invalidated in a matter of moments.
Following the destruction of Zamasu’s physical form, his immortal essence persisted, ultimately merging with the universe to create the most formidable fusion seen in the series. In a matter of seconds, Zamasu’s influence infected Trunks’ timeline, prompting Goku to urgently summon a future version of Zeno. In a split second, the Omni-King utilized his immense powers to erase this alternate reality completely, making it as if it had never existed at all. Consequently, Trunks and Mai emerged as the only survivors, cast into another dimension. Although this was a necessary action to prevent Zamasu from launching his attack across other timelines, Trunks still faced the heart-wrenching loss of all he cherished.
All his training with Gohan, the battles fought against android foes, and the peace he had painstakingly restored after defeating Cell dissipated into nothingness. This narrative twist dealt a profound emotional blow to his character; Trunks had always fought to ensure the safety of his Earth and the remnants of humanity. With the erasure of his timeline, every struggle, loss, and moment of joy in his journey became meaningless. The very fact that he survived while bearing the weight of those memories deepens the tragedy; he must live with the knowledge that he could not protect his beloved ones.
Zamasu’s Unanticipated Victorious Rise
Zeno’s Actions Eliminated All Mortal Life from Trunks’ World
I knew all mortals are evil; you are no exception.
– Strategies
Zamasu’s overarching ambition was to eradicate all mortal beings in the universe, harboring the belief that non-deities were a mockery to his divine existence. The Z Warriors engaged in a relentless battle to thwart his Zero Mortals Plan, a daunting feat considering his formidable villain status. Yet, despite their tireless efforts, Zeno’s intervention at the climax of the saga inadvertently culminated in Zamasu’s triumph.
Trunks’ Suffering Fueled the Narrative
His Timeline Was Sacrificed for the Tournament of Power
In episode #77, Goku meets with Zeno and his future counterpart to discuss the Tournament of Power shortly after Trunks’ timeline is obliterated. During this exchange, the original Zeno expresses hints of forgetfulness regarding the tournament’s idea, prompting his future self to question the event’s fun potential. While this seemingly innocuous scene carries no immediate weight, it raises critical questions about the decision to destroy Trunks’ world.
Given that the original Zeno displayed no definite interest in approving the tournament’s initiation, it appears his future self was crafted purely to persuade him to engage with Goku. The Tournament of Power arc is widely celebrated as one of the franchise’s finest, hosting unforgettable moments cherished by fans. Yet, the fact that Trunks’ poignant narrative and motivations were sacrificed in the quest for this arc casts a shadow over its legacy.
Future Trunks’ portrayal in Dragon Ball Super reflects a significant misstep, a reality that fans will undoubtedly remember. Yet, the depth of his impact on the franchise continues to resonate with audiences. Despite this unfortunate turn in his storyline, Dragon Ball retains its status as one of the most enduring and iconic animes in history, with countless spectacular sagas and epic battles still to be enjoyed.
Leave a Reply