Dragon Ball: The Original Plan to Pass the Torch from Goku to Gohan
Explore Akira Toriyama’s original plan to make Gohan the main protagonist in Dragon Ball, highlighting Gohan’s potential as Goku’s successor during the Cell Games arc.
Dragon Ball: Gohan’s Potential as the Main Protagonist
Dragon Ball, a beloved manga and anime series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its iconic protagonist, Goku. However, the series’ creator, Akira Toriyama, originally intended for Goku’s son, Gohan, to take over as the main protagonist. In this article, we delve into Toriyama’s original plan and explore how it could have shaped the Dragon Ball narrative.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
During the Cell Games arc, a powerful bio-mechanical android named Cell challenges Earth’s fighters to a tournament. After Goku’s defeat at the hands of Cell, he suggests that Gohan should be the one to face the formidable foe. Gohan’s innate power and potential make him a suitable candidate, but his pacifist nature inhibits him from fighting at his full capacity. Eventually, Goku sacrifices himself to save Earth, leaving Gohan as the only fighter capable of matching Cell.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
In a 1995 guidebook called Daizenshuu, Toriyama revealed his original intention to place Gohan in the leading role. However, he later admitted that Gohan was ultimately not suited for the part when compared to Goku. Despite this, it is evident that Toriyama’s plan during the Cell Games arc was to highlight Gohan’s potential as the successor to Goku.
Goku’s Self-Realization and Character Development
During the Cell Games, Goku openly acknowledges that he cannot defeat Cell and that only Gohan possesses the power to do so. This realization prompts Goku to make the ultimate sacrifice, opting to stay dead to protect Earth from future threats. This moment showcases Goku’s growth as a character, as he accepts his son’s strength surpassing his own and finds peace with his own mortality.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
Choosing Goku as the main protagonist once again undid much of the character development that made the Cell Games arc so compelling. Gohan’s potential and his battles with Cell were left underexplored as he grew into adulthood. Additionally, Goku’s admission of his son’s superiority was a powerful moment that highlighted his growth. However, subsequent Dragon Ball storylines focused on Goku’s increasing power rather than exploring these character dynamics further.
Gohan’s Role in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Despite Toriyama’s initial reservations, Gohan and Piccolo were selected as the primary protagonists in the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film and manga arc. This choice emphasized Gohan’s different approach to heroism, prioritizing the safety of his daughter, Pan, over a desire for strength or the need to save the world. The success of the film suggests that Gohan indeed possesses the qualities to be a compelling main hero.
Conclusion: Gohan’s Untapped Potential
Although Dragon Ball ultimately followed Goku’s journey as the central protagonist, Akira Toriyama’s original plan to pass the torch to Gohan showcases an intriguing alternative path for the series. Gohan’s untapped potential and his unique character dynamics could have offered a fresh perspective and further enriched the Dragon Ball narrative. Nonetheless, Gohan’s recent portrayal as a main character in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero demonstrates that he has the qualities to carry the series forward if given the chance.
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