Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has established a prolific reputation as one of the biggest shonen anime series of all time. Audiences have followed the ongoing heroic adventures of Goku and company for nearly 40 years, and Dragon Ball is still able to capture the same magic that made these people fans in the first place. The powerful transformations and heightened battle sequences are a huge factor in Dragon Ball’s success, but it’s the many diverse characters that give the series its heart.
Vegeta has emerged as one of Dragon Ball’s most popular players, and he’s always essential in any adventure. However, Vegeta’s admirable traits can be at war with his more unbecoming qualities, which are good reminders that Vegeta’s far from perfect.
10 He Has Many Past Sins To Atone For
Vegeta has one of the richest character arcs in Dragon Ball, but his evolution makes such an impact because he begins the series as a villain. Redemption is an important part of Dragon Ball, and some of the most valuable heroes in the show started off with malevolent motives. Vegeta’s standing as one of the good guys is never in question, and he’s proven himself countless times over, but that still doesn’t erase the many lives that he’s taken and the accumulated weight of his past acts.
9 His Hubris Gets The Better Of Him
Extreme power is an easy way to gain an inflated ego. Plenty of characters in Dragon Ball are greatly humbled after their cocky attitudes can’t match their inferior strength. Vegeta comes from royalty and his childhood was filled with privilege and the finer things. Vegeta knows that he’s no longer a revered prince, but he often demands a comparable level of respect that gets in the way of the bigger picture. There are occasions where Vegeta’s tendency to gloat over a victory and demand submission provides enough of an opportunity for the villain to escape. Golden Frieza even successfully destroys the Earth this way.
8 He Still Holds Himself To Goku’s Standards
Vegeta and Goku first meet on the battlefield as bitter rivals, but their relationship evolves into one of Dragon Ball’s most rewarding friendships. Vegeta and Goku have pushed each other to grow stronger, but Vegeta has developed an unhealthy obsession to become superior to Goku, no matter the cost.
Vegeta has admittedly gotten better in this regard, and he’s started to forge his own path when it comes to his transformations and techniques. However, purely on a strength level, there’s still a desire in Vegeta to permanently surpass his friend.
7 He Leans Towards Execution Over Rehabilitation
Dragon Ball has proven that there are many diverse ways to resolve a conflict. Villains are often so unrepentant that they’re beyond the point of redemption, but Dragon Ball has introduced the Galactic Patrol and an impressive prison that can detain enemies so that death doesn’t need to be the answer. Vegeta’s killer instinct has been an asset to Dragon Ball’s heroes in the past during instances where Goku isn’t willing to cross that line. At the same time, Vegeta is so quick to take out individuals that there’s no chance for them to become potential allies.
6 He’ll Turn His Back On His Partners
Egos and ambition can get in characters’ ways in Dragon Ball, but there are still some very strong alliances that form that are only successful because of what everyone brings to the team. Vegeta enters Dragon Ball Z alongside Nappa, but he doesn’t hesitate to sever ties the moment his Saiyan comrade becomes irrelevant. Vegeta has betrayed partners in the height of battle on other occasions, and it turns him into a loose cannon. No one should have to worry if their cooperation with Vegeta is just a means to an end for him.
5 He’s A Common Target For Possession
Vegeta prides himself in how he’s risen to become one of the most powerful individuals in the whole multiverse. Vegeta frequently uses this strength to protect the planet and those that he loves, but it’s also a liability on occasion when it comes to parasitic threats that covet his power.
Vegeta’s exceptional strength has turned him into a target for individuals like Dragon Ball GT’s Baby or the Copy-Vegeta chaos in Dragon Ball Super. Vegeta needs to be especially on alert so that his abilities aren’t ever used against his friends and family.
4 He’s Emotional Over His Family To A Fault
Vegeta’s love for his family is not one of his faults, and it’s actually depicted as a healthier dynamic than what Goku appears to have with his wife and family. That being said, Vegeta’s protective instincts over his family are sometimes so powerful that he can’t control them. The most dangerous example of this is when Beerus’ discipline towards Bulma triggers a whirlwind of rage from Vegeta. It’s touching that Vegeta defends Bulma’s honor, but Beerus is a God of Destruction that could erase him on the spot for this outburst. His uncontrollable emotions aren’t always beneficial.
3 He Sometimes Struggles With Teamwork
Vegeta has come a long way from his destructive days on Planet Vegeta. Vegeta has become much more of a team player and usually plays a crucial factor in Goku’s success. However, Vegeta still seems to be more comfortable with a lone wolf mentality, which still gets the better of him in battle. Vegeta’s petty reluctance to fuse with Goku against Buu or his refusal to allow Goku to lend him a hand during the assault on Granolah show how Vegeta can still get in his own way. He should never feel like he’s above teamwork or that accomplishing a victory by himself proves anything.
2 He’s An Estranged Brother
Vegeta is very focused on training and combat, but his dedication to his wife and children is something that’s never in question. Vegeta may not engage in huge public displays of affection, but his adoration for his family is one of the sweeter aspects of his character. The Dragon Ball anniversary special, Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!, boldly introduces Vegeta’s younger brother, Tarble, as if it’s no big deal. It’s quite jarring to learn that Vegeta has had a brother out there for all of these years and never reached out to make contact.
1 He Stoops To Artificial Means To Grow Stronger
Honor is so important in Dragon Ball that there’s tremendous respect for individuals that may not be the strongest, but at least don’t stoop to cheating or twisted tactics to succeed. Vegeta is such a proud individual that it feels deeply out of character the few times that he takes shortcuts to grow stronger. This falls into ambiguous territory with certain tactics, like the Blutz Wave Generator that artificially turns him into a Super Saiyan 4, but Vegeta’s moment of weakness where he accepts a power boost from Babidi and becomes Majin can’t be excused. There’s always a price to pay.
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