Dragon Ball enthusiasts have often expressed dissatisfaction regarding the character development of Gohan, desiring a persona that mirrors the battle-loving nature of his father, Goku. Yet, Gohan’s narrative arc is distinct from Goku’s, as evidenced from his very first appearances in the series.
It’s noteworthy that Akira Toriyama initially envisioned Gohan as the successor to Goku as the primary protagonist of Dragon Ball. Following Goku’s demise during the battle with Raditz, Gohan certainly emerged as the focal character at the outset of the Z saga. However, Toriyama faced challenges in establishing Gohan as the leading hero, ultimately retaining Goku in the central role. This transition becomes increasingly evident in Dragon Ball Super, particularly in the film “Super Hero, ”where Gohan evolves into a scholarly figure, dedicating himself to academic pursuits rather than martial combat.
Gohan Always Aspired to Be a Scholar
Gohan’s Ambition Was Clear from the Beginning
Many fans attribute Gohan’s shift away from martial arts to the influence of his mother, Chi-Chi, who consistently encouraged him to prioritize education and attend school. In their view, Chi-Chi’s aspirations for her son led to a neglect of his fighting potential, compelling him into a conventional career path unlike Goku’s. However, this perspective overlooks critical aspects of Gohan’s character that were evident from the outset.
For instance, in chapter 3 of Dragon Ball Z (or chapter 197 in the Japanese edition), Gohan is prominently featured, declaring, “My name is Son Gohan. When I grow up, I want to be a great scholar.” This statement serves as the fans’ initial acquaintance with Gohan and explicitly outlines his aspirations. While this occurs before Gohan engages in any fighting, it’s clear that martial arts do not fundamentally alter his interests or personality. Unlike Goku, Gohan fights out of necessity, not desire.
Gohan’s behavior further underlines this. Whenever threats diminish, Gohan tends to deprioritize his training, as observed during the interval between the Cell and Buu sagas. The arrival of his daughter, Pan, similarly shifts his focus toward parenting. More recently, in “Super Hero, ”viewers witness Gohan dedicating himself to his job and academic pursuits rather than training, much to Piccolo’s dismay. Gohan stands ready to be a hero when called upon, but it’s clear that this is not his personal desire.
Gohan Can, and Should, Embrace Both Paths
Gohan Doesn’t Have to Choose Between Academia and Combat
Given Gohan’s well-articulated ambition to become a scholar, one could assume that he must choose that path exclusively. However, this needn’t be the case.With effort, Gohan could continue to develop his martial arts skills alongside his academic pursuits, possibly training with Piccolo or Goku while pursuing scholarly endeavors. Gohan derives enjoyment from martial arts and possesses a Saiyan pride in strength, making it unlikely he would want to abandon it entirely. The events of “Super Hero”indeed illustrate the necessity of maintaining his combat skills.
With Goku and Vegeta frequently training beyond Earth, they leave the world vulnerable to threats like Cell Max. The weight of responsibility for protecting both his family and the Earth increasingly falls to Gohan. As Piccolo correctly emphasizes, Gohan must prepare for future dangers; another threat is inevitable. Therefore, he must strive for equilibrium between his academic and martial responsibilities, especially for the sake of Pan.
It is commendable that Gohan has persevered to fulfill his dream of becoming a scholar amid numerous challenges. Fans of the series should take pride in this achievement, highlighting that there is more to life beyond mere combat, even in the universe of Dragon Ball. Nonetheless, the reality demands that Gohan stays vigilant, ready to defend his loved ones and the Earth. Striking a harmonious balance between these dual facets is undoubtedly a complex task. Yet, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, a balance that Gohan must uphold.
Ultimately, Gohan’s aspiration for a scholarly life occurs independently of Chi-Chi’s influence. Having realized his goal is commendable, yet Dragon Ball will continually present him with opportunities to fight, ensuring that he cannot completely detach from that world. Gohan must harmoniously integrate his academic career with consistent training, remaining prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
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