Summary
- Krillin is a true ride-or-die friend, always showing up to support his friends, despite his relative weaknesses compared to others.
- Krillin’s unshakable bravery sets him apart as a valued companion who consistently shows courage in the face of fear.
- Despite his lack of spotlight, Krillin makes moves in the background to help his friends, often putting himself in harm’s way for others.
Quick Links
Dragon Ball‘s Krillin is the kind of friend everyone should have in their social group. He’s the sort of all-purpose bro that can round out any circle. Not many can honestly say they have a true ride-or-die the way Goku can. Whether he’s expected to bring a dish to the barbecue, or pack his fists for a fight, this short king always shows up. His contribution may not always weigh as much as those of his more powerful companions, but that never stops him from doing everything he can to support his friends. If anything, his relative weakness in comparison to some of the show’s heavyweights only makes his presence on the battlefield more significant.
Krillin has been a constant in the series since his introduction in chapter twenty-five of the manga. Originally set to be a rival for Goku, the then thirteen-year-old was depicted as selfish and rude. He didn’t get along with Goku at the time, contrasting the show’s protagonist’s sweet, carefree personality with one of underhanded bitterness. Their rivalry spurred them both to get stronger while studying under Master Roshi. Since then, Krillin has become not only one of Goku’s oldest, but best friends. Throughout Dragon Ball, the former monk was always by Goku’s side, assisting him where he could.
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First Appearance |
Chapter , Episode |
|---|---|
|
Age at Introduction |
13 |
|
Age Currently |
54 |
|
Family |
Wife: Android 18/Lazuli, Daughter: Marron |
|
School of Martial Arts |
Turtle School |
Related
Every Dragon Ball Series, Ranked by Animation Quality
Dragon Ball’s animation quality tends to vary from series to series, with some boasting much higher production values than others.
A Ship that Won’t Sink
So, what is it that makes Krillin stand out above the rest as a true and invaluable friend? It’s no secret that the Saiyan formerly known as Kakarot has amassed quite an impressive array of allies over the years. With such an intimidating lineup of warriors and geniuses in Goku’s corner, how does a seemingly regular human manage to maintain his mantle of best friend and valued companion? He’s not the only human to have been proven weak in the shadow of the powerful Saiyans and other aliens that have joined the gang. What makes him better than Yamcha or Tien? It’s his unshakable bravery.
Courage in the Face of Fear
It almost seems silly to point out, when every member of the Dragon Ball cast has shown at least an ounce of courage here and there, but Krillin stays consistent. Eventually, the full-blooded humans all bow out gracefully, realizing that they just can’t compete with the new threats that Goku and the others are facing. Admittedly, even Krillin took a brief hiatus, becoming a police officer in order to help with problems he could solve. Even still, he came back when he was needed. Krillin will always show up. No matter how scared he is, or how useless he believes he might be, he will be there no matter what. He knows his role, even when it’s just moral support. No one hypes up his friends like this guy. He’s practically a one-man cheer squad. Sometimes, when the chips are down, having someone in your corner can mean more than anything.
Making Moves
In addition to ignoring his very sensible instincts to flee, Krillin is often one of the characters making moves in the background. When fighting is out of the question, he finds other ways to help. Sometimes that means getting an injured ally to safety. In other situations, he might relay information to the ones who need it. This is a man who knows how to stick to solving the issues he can handle, a skill that some of his companions sorely lack. However, if it comes down to it, Krillin will stick his neck out when it needs to be done. It’s a shame that the most powerful human on earth is made to look like a lightweight beside his super-powered friends and enemies, but that strength really shows when he puts himself in harms way for the sake of others.
Look you do want to bring piccolo and the others back to life, right? There’s no way in hell the two of us can take on someone like him. If we try, all we’ll get for our trouble is dead.
Staying Out of the Spotlight
There’s no question that Krillin is a good friend. He’s the kind of guy that will lift up his buddies even when it means putting himself at the bottom. He’ll take the blame while shirking credit. While Goku takes the lead, he’s always there to watch his back. Having such a friend is a blessing in itself. Goku may be the front man, but without allies like Krillin, he never would have made it as far as he has. Oh, to be so lucky as to have a friend like Krillin.
