Summary
- Master Roshi taught Goku the iconic Kamehameha Wave in Dragon Ball.
- Yamcha’s early importance declined, leading to him becoming a comedic character.
- Gohan unlocked his potential in Cell Games, but his role in Dragon Ball Super fluctuates.
Dragon Ball is a legendary shonen anime that needs no introduction. Goku’s battles against nefarious forces as he unlocked new transformations and saved the world time and time again transformed many people into anime fans who can’t get enough of modern shonen anime.
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The legacy of this series is immense, spanning four anime series (five if fans count GT) where the Z Warriors go on numerous adventures. Along with the Saiyans, there are several Earthlings and one beloved Namekian who have appeared the most number of times in Dragon Ball.
8 Master Roshi
Played A Major Role In Dragon Ball Before His Influence Started Waning
- Debut:The Nimbus Cloud of Roshi (Episode 3 of Dragon Ball)
Without Master Roshi, Goku would’ve never learned one of the most iconic anime attacks of all time. Watching Roshi’s power as he pulled off the Kamehameha Wave compelled Goku to seek him out after his adventures with Emperor Pilaf to learn martial arts.
He’s a gifted warrior who had numerous moments to shine in Dragon Ball before eventually receding to a comedy role in Dragon Ball Z. Thankfully, Super gave him the respect he deserved, letting him play an important role during the Tournament of Power before being knocked out.
7 Yamcha
An Early Member Of The Adventuring Group Whose Weakness Prevented Him From Playing A Major Role Later On
- Debut:Yamcha the Desert Bandit (Episode 5 of Dragon Ball)
Before Yamcha was a womanizing weakling who turned into a joke later on in Dragon Ball Z and Super, he was one of the first people to join Goku’s team during his initial adventures to find the Dragon Balls. He’s been a member of the Z Warriors ever since, even if the most he did was lose embarrassingly in fights.
As one would expect, his appearances declined slowly but surely as he became useless in battle. Still, Yamcha was used for a few jokes here and there to ensure that fans wouldn’t forget about his presence in Dragon Ball.
6 Son Gohan
Goku’s Son Makes A Major Impact From The Moment He Debuts
- Debut:The New Threat (Episode 1 of Dragon Ball Z)
Gohan debuted in the first episode of Dragon Ball Z and has been a major part of most story arcs ever since. This Saiyan’s untapped potential was finally realized in the Cell Games, where his rage overflowed and allowed him to unlock the power of an Ascended Super Saiyan.
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It’s a shame that Dragon Ball Super relegated him to the sidelines as he focused on his career and ignored his training (twice), but the advent of Gohan Beast has made it clear that this character has more to bring to the table in later Dragon Ball Super storylines. Despite some frustrations fans have with his writing, there’s no denying that everyone loves Gohan and can’t wait to see him succeed once again.
5 Piccolo
The Final Villain Of Dragon Ball Becomes An Ally After Witnessing Gohan’s Compassion
- Debut:Lost and Found (Episode 123 of Dragon Ball)
The son and reincarnation of Demon King Piccolo was a tough antagonist who served as the final villain of Dragon Ball‘s anime. He gave Goku a tough fight but was eventually defeated. With Raditz’s arrival, he begrudgingly teamed up with Goku to lay waste to this powerful Saiyan after a grueling battle.
Piccolo experienced a change of heart after spending some time with Gohan and eventually become a stalwart ally of the Z Warriors. He’s played a major role in almost every arc since, and his Orange Piccolo form will continue to help him stay relevant in future storylines.
4 Krillin
Goku’s Best Friend Who’s Been With Him Through Thick And Thin
- Debut:Goku’s Rival (Episode 14 of Dragon Ball)
Despite turning into a joke of sorts, Krillin is still a reliable member of the Z Warriors who has played a major role across numerous arcs. He was Goku’s rival for the longest time when the duo joined the Turtle School, only to develop a sense of respect for this Saiyan as time passed.
Krillin may not be the most powerful fighter, but it’s clear that the bonds he shares with other characters in Dragon Ball Z make him a relevant character who will continue to make appearances in Dragon Ball. His death on Namek led to an epic transformation that changed the landscape of Dragon Ball Z and turned the anime into one of the most beloved shows fans can’t get enough of.
3 Vegeta
The Prince Of All Saiyans Makes A Splash In Dragon Ball Z And Never Looks Back
- Debut:Gohan’s Rage (Episode 5 of Dragon Ball Z)
Vegeta is a character who debuted as a villain and Goku’s rival before slowly settling into life on Earth. The Saiyan grew in power as the series evolved, unlocking several transformations that made him a force to be reckoned with.
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He is powerful enough to share the screen with Goku across most major arcs as the threats in Dragon Ball continue to boast more impressive power than ever before. With godly ki and new transformations, Vegeta will continue to enjoy major appearances as his entertaining and prideful character takes part in numerous battles.
2 Bulma
Appears From The Very First Episode And Becomes An Enduring Presence In The Series Ever Since
- Debut:The Secret of the Dragon Balls (Episode 1 of Dragon Ball)
From the very first episode, Bulma established herself as one of the most important characters in Dragon Ball who’s a joy to interact with every time. Players love the many scientific inventions by this character that make life more convenient for the Z Warriors.
From the iconic Dragon Radar to capsules that house impressive items, it’s easy to see why Bulma’s scientific mind makes her one of the most important and recognized Dragon Ball characters. The fact that she never participates in a single battle makes it astounding to see just how much screen time she enjoys throughout the series.
1 Son Goku
The Protagonist Of The Series Who Has Played A Major Role In Almost Every Arc
- Debut:The Secret of the Dragon Balls (Episode 1 of Dragon Ball)
It’s only a given that the protagonist of Dragon Ball who was present from the very first episode would have the most screen time in the series. As the series transformed from an adventure manga into a battle-heavy series, Goku’s power continued to expand and reach new heights as he challenged greater threats and came out victorious.
From his iconic attacks to the many transformations he has undergone throughout the series, it’s easy to see why Dragon Ball would feel empty without the presence of this lovable Saiyan. He’s a gentle warrior whose love for battle allowed him to unlock new levels of power and beat down his toughest enemies after grueling battles time and time again.
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Dragon Ball
- Release Date
- February 26, 1986
- Seasons
- 9
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- Release Date
- April 26, 1989
- Seasons
- 9
-
- Release Date
- July 5, 2015
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
