There are very few anime series that are able to achieve the same level of universal enthusiasm as powerful as Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball has endured for more than three decades and it’s arguably more popular than ever with Dragon Ball Super‘s manga still going strong and a new animated feature film on the way.
Fans are drawn to Dragon Ball for a magnitude of reasons, but it’s always entertaining to watch characters grow stronger and reach new milestones. Power upgrades and transformations are expected in Dragon Ball, but there are some curious cases where individuals are oblivious to the power that lies inside of them. Sometimes, their powers and transformations are even locked behind specific devices.
8 Gas’ Unbridled Heeter Strength Comes Out When His Necklace Is Removed
The latest story arc in Dragon Ball Super‘s manga has shifted from Granolah as its primary antagonist to a greater threat arising with the Heeter Force’s Gas. Granolah turns into a reluctant ally to Goku and Vegeta as they all struggle to hold their own against Gas’ improved strength.
The biggest breakthrough that’s revealed about Gas and all other Heeters is that their decorative bone necklaces are actually power inhibitors. Most Heeters cannot control this radical surge in strength, but Gas is finally able to sustain it after the strength that he’s given via the Dragon Balls.
7 Broly’s Regal Attire Is Used To Manipulate The Legendary Super Saiyan
One disturbing variation on a power inhibitor is explored with the Legendary Super Saiyan Broly and the unhealthy, manipulative hold that his father, Paragus, has over him. Broly’s initial appearance in Dragon Ball Z‘s movies includes a prominent crown for the character, which is actually a means to dampen his power and allow his father to mentally control him via a ring of his own.
This principle is slightly revised in Dragon Ball Super: Broly with a shock collar instead of a crown, but it serves the same purpose. It’s only after this device is gone that Broly’s full potential can be realized.
6 Cumber Is Turned Into A Saiyan Experiment Through Intense Restraints
Super Dragon Ball Heroes is an extension of the franchise that’s grown into a chaotic free-for-all where anything is possible. Super Dragon Ball Heroes’ anime and video games have introduced some original characters and Cumber is a destructive Saiyan that’s largely used as a weapon by Fu on the Prison Planet.
Cumber bears a lot in common with Broly and the true extent of his strength is held back by a mask and straitjacket that restrain his power. Cumber eventually breaks free of Fu’s hold over him and he’s able to prove to everyone that he can hold his own against Super Saiyan Gods and other powerful transformations.
5 King Gurumes Becomes A Hideous Monster Through The Powers Of The Blood Rubies
The Dragon Ball series has a fascinating relationship with its movies and the original Dragon Ball series uses these grander outings as opportunities to reinvent previous events from the series in fantastical new ways. The first of these efforts is Curse of the Blood Rubies, where the titular treasure carries a dangerous curse that taints whoever claims them.
The movie uses King Gurumes as its tragic guinea pig in this scenario, who unknowingly gets transformed into a hideous beast because of his involvement with the Blood Rubies. Gurumes is considerably stronger in this transformed state and the Blood Rubies actually make him a formidable fighter, but he’s also unstable and reckless while transformed.
4 Gohan’s Tail Is A Major Liability During His Younger Years
Dragon Ball‘s examination of its Saiyans has featured some enlightening developments that progressively push the characters away from the warrior race’s barbaric roots. A common Saiyan function before the days of Super Saiyan supremacy was their Great Ape transformation, courtesy of their tails.
Saiyan Elites can control themselves in this state, but many Saiyans are unable to do so, such as Goku and his son, Gohan. Gohan’s Great Ape transformation is treated like an unstable time bomb during his youth and it’s a common fear that this ferocious side of the young boy will get unleashed.
3 Kogu’s Full Hera Powers Are Connected To His Fashion Sense
The Dragon Ball Z feature films contain some of the series’ most unique villain designs, which makes it a shame that so many of these satisfying fighters have only returned in video games and other supplemental materials. Bojack Unbound is one of the stronger Dragon Ball Z movies that put Gohan front and center since Goku is still deceased in the series’ timeline.
It appears that the members of the Hera race are able to gain tremendous strength through a bold transformation, but Kogu’s metamorphosis involves a trigger from his earrings and necklace. The other Heras don’t feature this restriction, but these fashion touches seem to serve a practical purpose with Kogu.
2 Launch’s Sneezes Bring Out Her Killer Instinct
The original Dragon Ball series indulges in some especially heightened fantasy ideas with many of the show’s supporting characters, which is also why some of these individuals later recede into the background once action begins to dominate comedy and fantasy.
Launch is a fascinating figure who fulfills a Jekyll and Hyde dynamic since a more aggressive version of herself comes forward whenever she sneezes. This seems to be a side effect that Launch has no control over and leaves her perplexed. It’s definitely an odd means to activating her powers.
1 Watagash’s Infection Brainwashes And Transforms Its Victim
Over the years, there have been some truly persistent and dangerous parasitic threats that set their sights on unsuspecting hosts in the Dragon Ball universe. Dragon Ball Super unleashes a pesky presence known as Watagash, who can attach himself to individuals and make them transform into kaiju-esque monstrosities.
Barry Kahn, an egotistical actor, becomes Watagash’s prey and is completely oblivious to the damage he causes to the city. Gohan’s Great Saiyaman is there to clean up the mess and reinforce his role as a superhero.
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