Dragon Ball: 7 misconceptions about the anime debunked

Dragon Ball has earned its place as a legendary franchise in pop culture. However, with its immense popularity comes a plethora of misconceptions, often perpetuated by both casual viewers and die-hard fans. Here, we dispel seven common myths about Dragon Ball that are entirely unfounded.

#1 Goku Has Truly Defeated Vegeta

The rivalry between Goku and Vegeta began in Dragon Ball Z and has continued through Dragon Ball Super. Over the years, fans have often seen Vegeta grappling with feelings of inferiority compared to Goku. However, it is crucial to note that Vegeta has consistently triumphed over Goku in their encounters, whether during the Saiyan or Buu arcs. The ambiguity introduced in DBS complicates this narrative. In a post-credits scene from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Vegeta claims to have defeated Goku for the first time. This statement raises questions about the nature of their past battles.

#2 Yamcha Lost to the Saibaman

Yamcha’s reputation has taken a significant hit over the years. The notion that he lost to the Saibaman in a fight has become a widely accepted belief. Yet, Yamcha actually dominated the battle, incapacitating the creature. It was only through a desperate act that the Saibaman managed to cling to Yamcha and self-destruct. Thus, Yamcha technically won the fight, and one could argue it ended in a draw at worst.

#3 Vegeta Says “It’s Over 9000”

Most fans of Dragon Ball have shouted “it’s over 9000!” mirroring Vegeta’s iconic line when he assesses Goku’s power. However, this statement is inaccurate. In the original manga, the reading was eight thousand units, not nine thousand. This discrepancy stems from the American dub of the anime, which altered the figure for dramatic effect, although “9000” does have a more impactful ring.

#4 Chi-Chi Weakened Gohan

Throughout Dragon Ball, Chi-Chi consistently encourages Gohan to focus on his studies, aspiring to be a scholar. Many have attributed Gohan’s diminished fighting capabilities to his mother’s influence, but this is a misconception. Gohan has always had a personal ambition to pursue education. He only fights when necessary and could potentially be the strongest character in Dragon Ball, as illustrated in DBS with his Gohan Beast transformation. His lack of training is primarily due to his academic responsibilities and career, not Chi-Chi’s wishes.

#5 Vegeta Achieved Super Saiyan 2 with Babidi’s Help

Vegeta’s transformation into Majin Vegeta marked his first appearance as a Super Saiyan 2, leading many to believe that he attained this form through Babidi’s influence. However, this belief is not accurate. According to the Super Exciting Guide and Daizenshuu 7, Vegeta had already achieved Super Saiyan 2 prior to the Buu saga. Babidi’s power merely elevated him to match Goku’s level.

#6 Kid Buu is the Most Powerful Buu Form

The debate surrounding the strongest form of Buu—Kid Buu or Buuhan—has endured for years. While Kid Buu is undeniably fierce and portrays a wild and unpredictable nature in the manga, Buuhan is recognized as the most powerful form, according to Dragon Ball Z scriptwriter Takao Koyama. By absorbing Gohan, Super Buu acquired an unfathomable level of strength that only the fusion of Goku and Vegeta could counteract, a feat that Kid Buu does not achieve.

#7 Goku is a Hero

It is widely accepted that Goku serves as the main hero of Dragon Ball. However, his heroism diverges from classical archetypes. Unlike Superman or Luffy, Goku lacks a “noble” goal. His primary motive is the thrill of battling formidable opponents. While his actions have resulted in heroic deeds, they are not his primary intention. This misconception has been partly fueled by various anime adaptations, particularly the American version, which often depicts him as a superhero. Recently, especially following DBS, Goku’s character has been viewed as simple-minded, a notion that is also misleading.