Part of the reason that Akira Toriyama’s prolific Dragon Ball series has been able to become such an anime staple is that there are so many different elements of the show for audiences to appreciate. New adventures in Dragon Ball tend to culminate in climactic conflicts, but it’s far more than just an explosive action series. Dragon Ball has worked hard to refine its formula and properly evolve alongside modern anime sensibilities.
Anime like Dragon Ball can feature endless grandstanding from powerful individuals, and there is no lack of characters who are eager to inform others about how strong they’ve become. Humility and restraint can be essential virtues in a shonen series, but some of Dragon Ball’s biggest characters are also extremely arrogant figures.
10 Hercule Satan’s Public Image Is Rooted In Bragging And Embellishments
A lot of the time in Dragon Ball, there’s a direct correlation between a character’s arrogance and their level of strength. Hercule Satan is an odd exception, and he brings forward a more grounded audience surrogate character of sorts into the exaggerated shonen series. Hercule Satan has gotten used to viewing himself as Earth’s strongest, even though he just has basic martial arts skills and frequently relies on theatrics and showmanship. Hercule doesn’t hesitate to take credit for Goku and company’s accomplishments, but this only further fuels his ego rather than humble him.
9 Dr. Gero Considers Himself Smart Enough To Change The World
Some of the most dangerous forces in Dragon Ball sport incredible strength, while others are mad scientists who use their impressive intellect for nefarious purposes. Dr. Gero is a unique case since he uses his genius to create the Androids and Cell, but he also turns himself into a cyborg threat. Dr. Gero quickly meets his defeat, but he considers his actions to be the instrumental push that’s needed to change the world. He believes that his plan will be a success and that he’ll be the one responsible for Red Ribbon’s eventual defeat over Goku.
8 Vegeta Can’t Ditch The Royal Blood That Runs Through His Veins
Vegeta remains such a fascinating Dragon Ball character because he enters the series as a ruthless villain but steadily experiences glowing character development that turns him into one of Earth’s greatest heroes. Vegeta’s arrogance is out of control at the start of Dragon Ball Z, but he’s bested by Goku on enough occasions to finally accept a helpful reality check.
Vegeta has let go of his ultra infallible attitude but retains the pride that’s associated with his royal Saiyan roots. Vegeta maintains an acceptable level of arrogance, but it doesn’t blind him as much as it would in the past.
7 Cell Views Himself As The Ultimate Form Of Perfection
It’s become par for the course for any new Dragon Ball villain to have an ego that’s as unrestrained as their strength. These delusions of grandeur often manifest through evil accomplishments, but Cell is an evil force who’s specifically created for the purpose of perfection. Cell doesn’t just carry the DNA of Earth’s strongest fighters, but he’s given a clear blueprint on how to achieve perfection through the absorption of others, which he accomplishes. Cell’s trajectory, as well as his biological programming, all paint the picture of an extremely arrogant individual. His approach to the Cell Games is further proof.
6 Gogeta Combines The Strength And Ego Of Dragon Ball’s Finest
So much of Dragon Ball features Goku and Vegeta at odds with one another or at least locked in some friendly form of competitive rivalry. The powerful duo must make an important decision when they decide to engage in fusion together. The fusion process can often result in a boosted ego, which is much more on display in Gogeta than Vegito. It seems like Vegeta’s cockier tendencies rise to the surface and influence Gogeta’s arrogant, hasty behavior. He knows he possesses incredible strength and relishes the opportunity to show that off and humiliate his target.
5 Gotenks’ Mischievous Qualities Become Amplified In The Fused Fighter
Fusion has become a mixed bag in Dragon Ball, and it’s a concept that’s been abused and gotten out of control in many respects. Initially, fusion was supposed to be a subversive way for two fighters to combine their strength into a newly fused individual. Fused fighters feature combined strength and abilities, but they’re also shown to be incredibly cocky individuals.
This sentiment is greatly exaggerated in Gotenks since its fused contributors are still juvenile children. Gotenks ostentatiously shows off his powers and gives his techniques ridiculous names, which often leave the opponent feeling insulted.
4 Moro Has Had Centuries To Formulate The Perfect Plan
Dragon Ball Super’s anime triumphantly concludes with the multiversal Tournament of Power, but the series’ manga has continued and brings new and deadly dangers into the fray. Planet-Eater Moro is a feared magic user who’s treated like a more dangerous version of Buu. Moro has spent centuries in the custody of the Galactic Patrol, but he’s able to stage a colossal jailbreak and retain his youth. Moro’s ego and arrogance are out of control, especially after he becomes youthful again. He’s one of the most thorough threats Goku ever faces.
3 Zamasu Tries To Rewrite History And Erase All Mortals
Zamasu arguably puts into action the most impressive and comprehensive scheme that’s ever been experienced in Dragon Ball. Zamasu’s grand vendetta spans multiple timelines, fusion with his future self, achieving immortality, and co-opting Goku’s body for his own nefarious purposes. Zamasu doesn’t only succeed with the beginning stages of his plan, but the existence of Goku Black confounds even Dragon Ball’s most brilliant characters. One must be extremely arrogant to stand up against Gods of Destruction in an attempt to erase all mortals from existence. Just the consideration of such a plan demonstrates an incredible ego.
2 Beerus’ God Of Destruction Powers Leave Him Properly Prepared
Dragon Ball Super brings with it the existence of Gods of Destruction and Angels, as well as the reveal of multiple parallel universes that exist. Beerus is Universe 7’s God of Destruction, and due to his exalted position and past, he’s developed a very confident persona. There are very few people in existence who can make Beerus sweat, and so he decides to spend most of his time reaping the benefits of his power. A lengthy history as a feared God of Destruction has made Beerus feel like nothing can stop him. He’s able to remain relaxed in the face of utter chaos because he views himself above it all.
1 Frieza Has A Legendary Reputation And Has Literally Conquered Death
Frieza isn’t the strongest villain who’s ever appeared in Dragon Ball, but he’s certainly the most persistent and prevalent. Frieza is known throughout the galaxy as a malevolent tyrant who is responsible for multiple genocides. This properly inflates Frieza’s ego, but the character has still faced defeat in the past. However, Frieza has earned the right to be brought back to life, which has made him quite cocky and confident that nothing can take him out now. He’s accomplished what no other villains in the series have.
About The Author
