The Dragon Ball series has introduced a multitude of beloved characters to its fans. Along with its intense action scenes, the series gained popularity for its extensive roster of characters and the diverse range of species that enhance the world-building aspect of the story.
Nappa is a character who, although not widely favored, possesses a distinctive quality. Unlike most characters in the Dragon Ball series, he defied a well-known unspoken Saiyan tradition by shaving his hair for his own personal motives.
This unspoken code among Saiyans in the series dictates that individuals of this alien species typically sport flamboyant hairstyles. Despite this, Nappa defied convention by choosing to shave his head and remain bald throughout the majority of the anime and manga.
Dragon Ball: Nappa’s Baldness Goes Against Saiyan Tradition
A common feature of shonen manga is the use of exaggerated hairstyles for characters, which is particularly evident in Saiyans. This trope is a defining trait of Saiyans and is often utilized by shonen manga creators to give their characters a unique appearance.
Nappa’s appearance in the Dragon Ball series has changed over time, as he used to have a buzz cut before becoming completely bald. Those who haven’t recently watched the series may not remember Nappa with hair when he was initially introduced. In shonen series, it’s not common for characters to voluntarily shave their heads, and this was a unique choice for Nappa as no other Saiyan has been shown to do so.
After the passing of mangaka Akira Toriyama, his statement regarding the character was later confirmed. In a 2008 interview, the highly regarded manga author revealed that Nappa purposely inflicted harm on himself to demonstrate his determination. This went against the typical shonen trope and came as a surprise to avid fans of the series.
Throughout the series, fans have yet to witness Vegeta and Goku defy the traditional Saiyan code in the same manner as they do in this instance. This unique characteristic of having exaggerated hairstyles is a common trait among Saiyans, and is especially prominent in shonen characters. Indeed, it is iconic characters like Vegeta and Goku who have shaped the shonen genre and paved the way for other memorable characters to follow.
Despite being a member of a race known for their pride, Nappa stood out for being one of the few, if not the only, Saiyans who chose to be bald. It was uncommon for Saiyans to willingly go against their tradition, making Nappa a unique individual who was willing to set aside his pride and showcase his strength to others.
Apart from being representative of his character, Nappa’s new look was also visually appealing. He possessed a wide physique with a significant amount of muscle mass.
Despite Nappa’s decision to embrace baldness, it caused a lot of excitement. However, he did not receive as much screen time as other Saiyans such as Vegeta. This aspect made Nappa stand out and Toriyama’s explanation only added to fans’ appreciation for him.
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