A well-written character is one that changes and evolves throughout the run of a story. InDragon Ball, there are plenty of examples of this occurring, thanks to an incredible run with multiple arcs and series. Whether it’s the originalDragon Ball, its successor,Dragon Ball Z, or the latest series,Dragon Ball Super, mangaka Akira Toriyama has shown the world that his ability to write compelling characters is second to none.
In picking the ten characters that are written better than the rest of the crop, there are a few things that need to be considered. Their introduction to the story is a first impression that needs to be delivered with an impact. How they grow, and where the story takes them, are factors that lead to an audience latching onto them.
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FromDragon BalltoDragon Ball Super, this list covers the best written characters of the franchise and offers some insight into what makes them so great. And not just the heroes, but the villains will also get some love on this list.
Pure-Hearted And Determined
During the run ofDragon Ball Super, the story opens up to several other universes outside of Universe 7, but none get as much exposure as Universe 6. In this universe, we are introduced toa group of Saiyans, who may look different on the surface, but possess the same innate powers as the likes of Goku and Vegeta. Of the group formally introduced, none stand out more than Cabba.
Maybe it has to do with the idea that Cabba first begins as an unsure warrior, unable to manifest the Super Saiyan form and in constant doubt of his abilities. It’s not until Vegeta teaches him the way, through some harsh words and a couple of fists. Cabba grows exponentially in a short amount of time, though the path he has to take to get there is a sentimental one that fans can get behind.
9Zamasu/Goku Black
A Stand-Out, Super Villain
One of the shining lights in the unforgettable Future Trunks arc inDragon Ball Superis the duo ofZamasu and Goku Black. The reason they’re included as one is that they’re actually the same person. Goku Black is actually Zamasu from another timeline, utilizing the Super Dragon Balls to possess the body of Goku and use his power for evil ways.
It was a fascinating and unique introduction, and the reason people are able to say anything positive about this arc is because of Zamasu and Goku Black. In the end, their sole purpose is to serve as the bad guy that gets taken down, but they have a complex backstory that provides some understanding as to how they got that way. Fused Zamasu was on another level, and the transformation scene alone, paired with the soundtrack, was a marvel to see.
Evolution Has Never Looked More Perfect
Though a debate can be had when it comes to whom the best villain ofDragon Ball Zwas,many will point to Cell, specifically in his Perfect Cell form. As part of the Trunks storyline, Cell came from the future and managed to absorb Androids 17 and 18, transforming into the perfect being he longed for. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the damage he would offer to the group of Saiyans and Z-Fighters.
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to get to the present timeline, Cell had to kill Trunks, which immediately made him a lethal threat. Factor in his various battles with the likes of Vegeta, Trunks, Goku, and Gohan, and winning almost every one of them helps Cell stand out among the likes of Buu and Frieza. Possibly the most attractive thing about his character is his suave approach, and the arrogance that builds with each transformation. He was simply… Perfect.
7Android 17
From Pure Evil To Park Ranger
During the Androids arc, plenty of half-human, half-robot characters were introduced. The most powerful of the bunch were Androids 17 and 18, who are twins and almost equal in power. Of the two, Android 17 stands out thanks to his ability to adapt after turning from evil to good, and the aspirations he held later on in the series.
Android 17 developed the need to protect the innocent, becoming a park ranger and running a natural habitat for animals to survive and strive. AT the same time, Android 17 still trained every day, as evident byhis sparring session with Goku. When he was added to the Universe 7 Power of Tournament team, not only did he survive until the end, Android 17 was named the MVP. And in true, good-guy form, his wish was to restore every universe that was wiped out.
If Goku Was Batman, He Was Robin
He’s short, he’s bald, and he has a ton of heart, and Krillin comes in at the midway point of this list for several reasons. Introduced in the series as Goku’s best friend and sparring partner, training under the watch of Master Roshi, Krillin quickly becomes someone many can relate to. Unlike Goku,Krillin is human and has his limits, and as a result, he constantly shows human emotion with his struggle to keep up.
Despite never achieving the same level as Goku or most of the other fighters, Krillin’s heart is always in the right place. He has an excellent moral compass, and always approaches circumstances with a level head. Even in later life, after settling down with Android 18 and having a child, he’s still able to show off some power and join Tournament of Power, if for nothing else than to protect those he loves.
The Most Intelligent Character In Dragon Ball
If you’re looking for the best-written character that was born on Earth, look no further than Bulma. From her beginnings inDragon Ball, to her role inDragon Ball Super,Bulma is a constant source of entertainmentand wit. It didn’t take long before fans noticed her brilliance, having a thorough understanding of technology and using her brains to build devices that help her and her allies.
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Even if it’s alien tech, Bulma takes after her father when it comes to adapting and learning. She was able to build a device that tracks down dragon balls, and her ability to command an alien spaceship and fly it to its destination are two examples of her brilliance. If that’s not enough, her quick wit is also why she is able to deliver one-liners that catch everyone off guard. There’s no getting one over on Bulma, she’ll have you beat no matter the conversation.
The Strongest Namekian In History
Everyone knows Piccolo is the character that helped train Gohan, fused with a literal God, and eventually turned orange during his strongest power-up. However, before that, Piccolo was actually a bad guy. The offspring of the Demon King of the same name, Piccolo’s only desire was to kill Goku and avenge his father. And when Goku did bite the dust, Piccolo kidnapped his son to train him for the impending Saiyan threat.
Throughout the many story arcs, Piccolo has a softer heart and approach to his teachings. A bond is created with Gohan at an early age, and the shift from pure evil to mentorship is visible during the episodes of their training. More so,Piccolo is one of the wisest fightersinDragon Ball, lending his wisdom to those willing to listen, and always approaching fights with every variable in mind.
Earth’s Most Reluctant Fighter
From his debut inDragon Ball Zuntil the end of the Cell Saga arc, fans literally watched a young, scared little boy turn into one of Earth’s greatest fighters. The signs were there early on in his story, asGohan would have bursts of angerthat would shoot his power level up to the moon. It was all about learning how to control that power and use it during battle, something Piccolo was determined to help him with.
Gohan reached his peak during the battle with Perfect Cell, as his transformation in Super Saiyan 2 is among one of the best peak moments in anime history. The visuals, the music, the blood-curling yell leading to the transformation, everything just clicked. After the Cell fight, Gohan tailed off into a weird superhero phase which derailed his power level, but it all came back eventually thanks to his Beast transformation inDragon Ball Super: Superhero.
When Time Travel Is Done Correctly
Trunks is the character I would point to when you want to discuss the pros and cons of time travel. On the one hand, he travels to the past to warn Goku and the crew about an upcoming android invasion, which should help them in theory. On the other, the butterfly effect causes everything to change, including the number of androids that show up, and Trunks' survival when he returns to his timeline.
Through the time that Trunks spends with his father and the other Saiyans, he grows as both a fighter and a person. There’s nothing more exhilarating than seeing Trunks return to his timeline as a capable fighter,and manhandle Androids 17 and 18, while toying with Cell. It wasn’t just a satisfying conclusion to the arc, but to Trunks' story as well. He defeated the very beings that destroyed his life, and you can’t ask for more than that.
One Of The Most Fleshed-Out Characters In Anime
If you go back toVegeta’s introductionand then look at the man he is in the current day, it’s two different characters, yet one and the same. Vegeta arrived on Earth with the idea of capturing the dragon balls, wishing for immortality, and killing anyone in his way. He was selfish, vindictive, and downright evil, yet everything he did had a purpose. Vegeta wasn’t evil for the sake of doing bad things, he came from a past of misery and slavery.
To watch him grow into a father and someone who cares for his allies was something nobody had on their bingo card. Vegeta is one of the most fleshed-out characters in any anime, which is why he is so beloved and popular outside theDragon Ballsphere. He’s perfectly flawed and imbalanced, yet he’s grown throughout the years and remains proud of who he is.
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