Why the Weakest Character in Dragon Ball is still Relevant

How is it that one of the weakest characters in Dragon Ball remains relevant even now? With over six hundred episodes and new additions being introduced throughout, it’s easy to understand how some of the original cast have been sidelined over time. Predictably for a shōnen anime, the characters with the most longevity are typically the ones who can trade blows with whatever new, over-powered opposition is threatening the universe. Dragon Ball is a fighting anime, after all. That being said, how is it that one of the remaining familiar faces is one of the physically weakest members of the gang?

Anyone who’s enjoyed this series from the beginning will tell you that much of the human cast has been demoted to background actors in the recent legs of the story. Even fighters that were once tough adversaries have since become lightweights in the grand scheme of things. It’s not surprising in the least, with new, powerful, alien fighters coming onto the scene at every twitch of a Saiyan’s tail. With that being the case, how does a human with absolutely no real fighting skills manage to maintain importance while the Z Fighters are tackling one threat of universal annihilation after another? The answer to that question is simple: brains.

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Bold and Blue

• Her original goal is to wish for a boyfriend.
• She doesn’t like to rough it, bringing capsules everywhere she goes.
• She is the youngest of two girls.
• She’s the genius heiress to the Capsule Corporation​​​​​.
• She prefers to let others do the dirty work.
• She uses the dragon balls to maintain her youthful appearance.

Morally Gray Girlie

At this point, it’s likely clear that the character in question is the blue-haired (or is it purple?) nepo baby that stumbled into her place in the spotlight in episode one. Bulma, the heiress to the Capsule Corporation, acted as the very catalyst of the story, kicking things off by hitting Goku with her car before enlisting him to help in her search for the dragon balls. While the extent of her knowledge and connections aren’t revealed right away, what is made clear from the jump is that she created the Dragon Radar herself, and the wish she’s working toward is getting a boyfriend.

With this frivolous goal pushing her forward, it’s easy to write Bulma off as a selfish airhead. On countless occasions, she puts herself first, and isn’t afraid to make sketchy choices if she believes it will benefit her. In a stark contrast to Goku’s natural good-nature, Bulma might seem like the kind of character that fans might boo off the stage. Despite her often flippant attitude, and demanding personality, this brainy broad has tenaciously held onto her place in the story of Dragon Ball over all these years.

Girl Genius

As the stakes continue to rise, Bulma’s specialized knowledge has come in clutch time and time again. Not only does she figure out alien technology as if it’s as simple as tinkering with a new toy, she even manages to hold off world annihilation by catering to a literal god’s appetite. This woman will use any tool or tactic at her disposal to help move her and her friends forward. Perhaps it was this shameless tenacity and unblinking determination that won over the prince of Saiyans, the only man with an ego that can eclipse her own. There aren’t many women in the universe capable of reigning in such a proud and often indignant man, and yet she pulls it off with style.

Dragon Ball’s Most Stylish Character

Speaking of style, this lady has plenty of it. Her unique and often eye-catching fashion sense has always stood out, even in a series so rife with masculinity. From bubble-gum-pink dresses, to astronaut jumpsuits, this genius is far from frumpy, wherever she’s headed. Any fan of the series can appreciate her iconic outfit sported on the title page for chapter four of the manga, later used for a volume cover, as well as being featured in the opening sequence for the original. Seasoned viewers can jump in at any episode, and guess what arc is featured simply by the hairstyle the genius inventor is sporting. Ever-changing, but always present; that’s Bulma.

Bulma’s Age in Every Series

No One Does it Like Her

While Bulma isn’t the only human to stick around from the original human cast, she is certainly one of the few who has managed to maintain a decent amount of screen time, even in the later arcs. She’s a perfect example of knowing one’s role.

While Goku and the others are bulking up for the next battle, Bulma is always contributing in ways only she can, whether that’s by building a new, useful machine, or taking an alien out to dinner. More than anything, Bulma acts as a relatable stand-in for the audience, reacting the way only most of us weak humans would in the face of the horrors she’s forced to confront with her friends. One way or another, this narcissistic, bull-headed woman is going to stay relevant, and somehow, she does it in a way that is impossible not to love. Just ask her husband.

Dragon Ball

Created by

Akira Toriyama

First TV Show

Dragon Ball

Latest TV Show

Dragon Ball DAIMA

Upcoming TV Shows

Dragon Ball DAIMA

First Episode Air Date

February 26, 1986

TV Show(s)

Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball DAIMA

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