Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is one of the most popular anime series of all time, and it’s incredible how excitement for the long-running shonen series has only gotten more intense over time. Dragon Ball’s legacy is nearly 40 years old, but there’s still no end in sight as new feature films, video games, and chapters of the manga continue to connect with fans.
Dragon Ball has gradually evolved over time, but its courageous protagonist, Goku, remains the anime’s guiding force and the face of the series. Goku is far from perfect, but his flaws only create a better-rounded protagonist and it’s why he’s viewed as one of anime’s most prolific heroes.
10 He Loves A Good Challenge
There are an endless amount of action and shonen series that prioritize heightened battles between powerful fighters. These dangerous altercations can devastate some heroes or send them into defensive tactics, but Goku is a rare case where the prospect of a new enemy fills him with excitement rather than fear. Nothing fills Goku with more joy than a new competitor that can hold their own against him. This zest for combat and the continued pursuit of greater strength is such an endearing trait for Goku. He’s like a kid every time he meets someone new and powerful.
9 He’s Trained Under Many Acclaimed Teachers And Can Never Know Enough
Goku possesses natural strength due to his Saiyan heritage, but he begins life on Earth with extremely limited resources and a skewed understanding of the ways of the world. Goku loves to learn and his compulsion to train under the very best has helped turn him into a versatile and revered fighter. Goku has studied under Master Roshi, King Kai, Beerus, Whis, and Merus, just to name a few, which leaves him with essential lessons from across the universe. It’s important to be strong, but a variety of battle tactics can often be more advantageous to success.
8 He’s An Inspiration To Other Saiyans
Saiyans represent some of the most powerful characters in the Dragon Ball universe, but a tragic culling by Frieza means that there’s a very select number of survivors left. Goku’s development as a fighter is such an inspiration because he’s merely a low-ranking Saiyan who’s supposed to pale in comparison to Saiyan Elites like Vegeta.
However, Goku’s constant accomplishments show just what’s possible from a low-level Saiyan. Goku doesn’t just inspire the Saiyans on Earth, but he helps educate Universe 6’s crop, too. Even Saiyans that resent him, like Raditz and Broly, can’t help but acknowledge his strength.
7 He’s Happy Even In The Afterlife
Goku does his absolute best to avoid harm’s way so that he can continue to protect the planet, but he’s not invincible and there are a few bleak instances where Goku perishes on the battlefield. Fortunately, death isn’t always the end in Dragon Ball and the titular wish-granting orbs have revived Goku on more than one occasion. Some individuals can’t stand their time in Other World, but Goku actually flourishes in this new environment. Goku excels in tournaments, helps protect hell from jailbreaks, and makes some crucial friends on the other side, like Pikkon. It’s a testament to how Goku can make the best out of any situation.
6 He Sees The Best In Everyone And Gives Second Chances
Forgiveness is a difficult emotion in Dragon Ball. There are many opportunities where a second chance has helped villains turn a new leaf and transition over to the side of good, but there are also vile individuals that are beyond rehabilitation. Admittedly, it’s often frustrating when Goku negligently gifts tyrants like Cell or Moro a Senzu Bean, especially when it’s clearly a lost voice. However, there’s still something charming about Goku’s tendency to see the best in everyone, even when it’s not there. It’s sometimes the necessary push that a villain needs to recognize their own humility.
5 He Doesn’t Know His Own Limits
Dragon Ball is full of deadly techniques and power-ups that are temperamental in their use and should be pursued with caution. Goku masters the Kaio-Ken Attack, which boosts his strength and speed, but at the cost of intense physical strain on his body.
King Kai warns Goku of the limits of this maneuver, but he ignores them when he’s still not strong enough. This reckless attitude could leave Goku’s body destroyed and useless, but it’s exciting to have a hero who isn’t afraid to push himself harder.
4 He Puts The Planet’s Safety Over His Own Happiness
Goku is originally from Planet Vegeta, but he views Earth as his real home and he’d do anything to keep it safe. It’s not unusual for Dragon Ball’s heroes to safeguard the planet, but Goku’s commitment is so intense that he’s willing to relinquish his own happiness for a slightly safer Earth. Goku demonstrates his maturity when he refuses his friends and family’s wish to bring him back to life. Goku longs to be back on Earth with his loved ones, but he views his presence on the planet as a catalyst for more danger.
3 His Innocence Makes Him Friends With Important People
Dragon Ball has introduced some extremely important individuals as Goku and company explore more of the universe. Dragon Ball Super establishes Omni-King, Zeno, as the ultimate ruler over all twelve universes and an entity that can erase billions of individuals in the blink of an eye. Understandably, everyone is nervous around Zeno and afraid that they might cross him in some way. Goku doesn’t change his behavior in the slightest, but this playful approach happens to win over Zeno and earns Goku a pivotal scapegoat for whenever the universe is in peril.
2 He Shies Away From The Public Spotlight
Goku’s closest family and friends know that he’s responsible for the safety of the universe, but he’s a relatively obscure figure when it comes to the general public. Attacks on civilians do happen in Dragon Ball, but it seems as if the population is largely oblivious to the Earth’s many attacks. Goku saves the planet, wins the World Martial Arts Tournament, and has many other claims to fame, but he’s happy to throw away the acclaim in exchange for a peaceful existence. Hercule Satan becomes the public’s big hero and Goku is content to let others receive the fruits of his labor.
1 He’ll Help Complete Strangers And Those Who Hate Him
A true hero understands that everyone deserves justice and a helping hand. There are certain characters in Dragon Ball who can absolutely defend themselves, but they don’t go out of their way to assert their strength or help random people in peril. Goku is such a pure hero because no one is unworthy of his help, even if he doesn’t know who they are. Goku’s default impulse is to spread joy and it’s this altruistic attitude that wins the favor of the Yardratians. Goku’s compulsion to lend a hand, even when it’s not expected of him, has earned him many allies and new abilities.
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