The world of Dragon Ball is celebrated for its vast array of iconic characters, thrilling battles, and timeless storytelling, which have significantly shaped the shonen genre over the years. Among these characters, the time-traveling warrior, Trunks, stands out as a fan favorite and a symbol of strength and resilience within the franchise. However, when Dragon Ball Super debuted a decade ago, fans were puzzled by significant changes to Trunks’ character design, particularly his hair color, which sparked debates among the loyal fanbase.
Trunks made a memorable entrance in his first appearance in Dragon Ball Z, showcasing his prowess as a Super Saiyan when he effortlessly dispatched the formidable Mecha Frieza. This introduction solidified his reputation as a compelling character and introduced fans to a strikingly cool design that has since become iconic.
Over time, as the series progressed and introduced “Kid” Trunks, Future Trunks returned in Dragon Ball Super with a significantly different appearance, most notably his hair color — shifting from purple to blue. This discrepancy has left many fans questioning the rationale behind changing such a beloved characteristic of Trunks’ identity.
The Shift from Purple to Blue: A Controversial Change
Fans Confounded by Trunks’ Changed Hair Color
Upon his first manga appearance, Future Trunks sported purple hair, a color carried over into the anime adaptation. Interestingly, his mother, Bulma, was introduced with blue hair in her anime debut, contrasting with her original manga design, which also featured the same purple hue as Trunks. When Kid Trunks took over in Dragon Ball Z, he was given lavender hair, a detail that continued into Dragon Ball Super. However, the introduction of blue-haired Future Trunks muddied the waters of continuity.
Given that purple is established as Trunks’ true hair color within the official manga, it raises questions about why the creators of Dragon Ball Super chose to deviate from this established norm. Popular sentiment favored Trunks’ original look, and the alteration appears unnecessary—especially when compared to other characters whose designs have seen regular changes, like Yamcha. Although there are various timelines and alternate realities within the Dragon Ball universe that could potentially justify these modifications, the shift in Trunks’ hair color has broader implications than a mere aesthetic choice.
The Case for Purple: Trunks’ Iconic Look
Trunks’ Roots: His Iconic Purple Hair
While the Dragon Ball franchise is notorious for its plot inconsistencies, the alteration of Trunks’ canonical hair color feels especially superfluous. Considering that Trunks’ character was already characterized with distinct attributes in Dragon Ball Z, the changes introduced in Dragon Ball Super create a disconnect that complicates fans’ understanding of his evolution. The creators might have sought to provide a clear distinction between the different timelines, yet this decision compromises the continuity that many fans cherish.
In Dragon Ball Daima continuity, even Baby Trunks retains his purple hair, further cementing this color’s significance to his identity. It’s apparent that anything the blue-haired version can achieve has already been surpassed by his purple-haired predecessors, reaffirming their superiority through numerous battles and arcs throughout Dragon Ball Z, including various non-canon adaptations. Therefore, the simplistic appearance of Trunks in Dragon Ball Super stands in stark contrast to the powerful and intimidating design of his earlier iterations, transforming a seemingly minor detail into a representation of how profoundly the character has evolved.
Trunks’ Blue Hair: A Stubborn Change
The Resolution: Blue Hair Remains
Interestingly, the latest film, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, has forward-timed the franchise, portraying Trunks as a teenager. In this iteration, he also sports blue hair—a shift that implies a visual alignment with his older self. This change, however, starkly contrasts with the previously established narrative where Future Trunks retains his purple hair in Dragon Ball Z, suggesting that this alteration was a deliberate retcon, although the reasoning behind it remains unclear amidst the outcry from dedicated fans.
Regardless of the motivations behind this puzzling change, such elements of design won’t diminish the joy I find in the Dragon Ball universe. However, when it comes to choosing between Trunks’ blue or purple era, the answer is evident.
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