Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball remains a staple of the medium and it’s remarkable how the quirky shonen series is just as relevant now as it was back during its formative years in the 1980s and ‘90s. Dragon Ball’s growing story isn’t afraid to push its characters to new places and frequently incorporates change in major ways that have gradually refined the series’ voice.
Additionally, Dragon Ball is no stranger to especially unusual characters and throughout its run has introduced a number of special individuals that take animals to new places and leave a lot to the imagination. They all add very unique wrinkles to the Dragon Ball universe.
10 Beerus Expands Dragon Ball’s Universe With The Addition Of Gods Of Destruction
Dragon Ball deserves credit for its ability to steadily expand the boundaries of its universe and introduce new tiers of power that require additional strength from Goku and company to properly take on. Each of the 12 universes in Dragon Ball have their own respective God of Destruction, but Universe 7’s representative, Beerus, is modeled after an anthropomorphic cat. This comparison is meant to draw connection to the hairless cats that were worshipped as Gods back during Egyptian times and Beerus’ unruly appetite is certainly beyond that of the standard cat.
9 Oolong And Puar Are Crafty Shapeshifters That Have Saved Goku On More Than One Occasion
Akira Toriyama has gradually made the Dragon Ball universe progressively more serious, which has led to a steady decline in anthropomorphic civilians and some of the more eccentric character elements that fill the original series. A prime example of this is Oolong and Puar, two unusual shapeshifters who use their powers to get Goku, Bulma, and Yamcha out of trouble. These characters can resemble whatever they want, but their base forms resemble an anthropomorphic pig and a creature that’s a hybrid between a cat and a rabbit.
8 Korin Is A Cat That Carries The Weight Of The World On His Shoulders
One of the most exciting moments in the original Dragon Ball series involves Goku’s ascension up Korin’s Tower and the important training that he endures with respected individuals like Kami and Mr. Popo.
Korin is initially quite a surprise for Goku since he looks like a talking cat, yet one that’s eternally wise beyond his years. Korin almost feels like a Hayao Miyazaki character, but he’s a strange Dragon Ball element that thankfully remains in the picture. Korin helps a number of important characters grow in strength and he’s a steady supply of Senzu Beans.
7 Gregory, A Cricket, Is The Key To Accessing King Kai’s Wisdom
Part of the reason that Dragon Ball’s Goku is able to mature into such a confident fighter is because he trains under so many brilliant martial arts masters. King Kai is one of Goku’s most important mentors and he helps him master both the Kaioken and Genki Dama. Goku first needs to prove his worth to King Kai by keeping up with Gregory and Bubbles, a levitating cricket and an energetic gorilla, that are part of King Kai’s inner circle. Gregory and Bubbles highlight King Kai’s eccentric nature, but these animals should not be underestimated.
6 Monster Carrot Is An Oddly Powerful Threat From Goku’s Younger Years
Dragon Ball reaches some particularly unusual places, but one of the weirdest obstacles from the original series is Monster Carrot, the leader of a gang that looks like a giant rabbit. To push this rabbit image even further, Monster Carrot can also turn unsuspecting prey into carrots, which make for satisfying snacks. Monster Carrot eventually gets stranded on the moon and it’s easy to forget about him, but there’s such a haunting idea at the core of this character. Monster Carrot is also a fascinating precursor for other similar, yet more dangerous, enemies like Majin Buu.
5 The Trio De Dangers And Three Wolves That Put Gohan To The Test
Dragon Ball Super entertains villains who are more powerful than anything Goku and company have previously encountered, but also features a very eclectic roster of enemies that come from multiple different universes.
The Trio De Dangers are three of Universe 9’s most powerful and determined warriors. Bergamo, Lavender, and Basil are three wolves that are dangerous as a team, but also as individuals. They each sport unique talents and make for an important stepping stone for Gohan as he demonstrates how much he’s grown as a fighter.
4 InoShikaCho Is A Monstrous Chimera That’s Linked To Tien And Chiaotzu
The original Dragon Ball is quite scant when it comes to filler episodes, but one of the better installments functions as young Goku’s introduction to Tenshinhan and Chaozu, who go on to become vital allies. Goku encounters these two through his efforts to stop the destructive rampage of InoShikaCho, a creature that has features from a boar, deer, and butterfly. InoShikaCho isn’t much of a match for Goku, even as a child. A similar character is faced in Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Journey, when Goku Jr. takes on Lord Yao, a boar-like threat.
3 Universe 10’s God Of Destruction, Rumsshi, Is The Elephant In The Room
Dragon Ball Super establishes that there are 12 distinct universes. Universes 7 and 6 receive the most attention in the series, but multiversal events like the Tournament of Power act as opportunities to highlight the Gods of Destructions and Angels from across the multiverse. There are a lot of unique designs and themes that are in play with these powerful individuals and several Gods of Destruction draw inspiration from animals, just like Universe 7’s Beerus. Universe 10’s Rumsshi resembles an elephant, but there’s also Quitela, who looks like a mouse, and Liquiir, the fox-like God of Destruction.
2 Shu Is A Vital Member Of Emperor Pilaf’s Squad
Dragon Ball matures in many ways, but it shouldn’t go unappreciated that the series’ first big enemy, Emperor Pilaf, remains a part of the universe throughout Dragon Ball Super and even Dragon Ball GT. Pilaf is nothing without his determined sidekicks, Shu and Mai. Mai is a female human, but Shu is an anthropomorphic dog. Shu often seems like he’s in over his head and Pilaf’s crew never seem to truly intimidate Goku, but they’re still important – even if it’s in the helpful supporting role that they adopt in Dragon Ball Super.
1 Moro’s Goat-Like Appearance Connects With The Character’s Connection To Magic
Dragon Ball Super’s anime concludes with the Tournament of Power, but the series’ manga continues and it’s progressed on to include new and dangerous villains. Moro is a deadly warlock who escapes from prison and uses the Dragon Balls to regain his youth – and access to greater magic – in the process. Moro’s form eventually changes to look quite a bit like Cell, but his debut appearance is goat-like, which could be because of the animal’s ties to the occult, dark magic, and supernatural forces.
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