Dragon Ball enthusiasts frequently express differing views on certain characters and storylines, but few are as contentious as the discussions surrounding Goku’s character. Recently, a debate erupted on X, where fans examined the disparities between Goku’s portrayal in the official canon and the “fanon”perspective, which reflects the fans’ interpretations and opinions.
While Goku is typically depicted as a simple and straightforward character, fans often overlook some of the depth present in the Dragon Ball canon. Indeed, fighting and training are significant aspects of his life; however, the prevailing perception in recent years suggests that these are his sole priorities, disregarding other important elements—this, however, misrepresents his character’s true nature in the narrative.
Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers.
Dragon Ball Fans Share Diverse Views on Goku’s Character
Recently, discussions on X highlighted the contrasting interpretations of Goku’s character between fandom and canon, as exemplified by a tweet from @BasedPota18. This tweet illustrates how many fans perceive Goku as a borderline sociopath, obsessed solely with fighting and winning, whereas the canon reveals a more nuanced character.
Although Goku has never been the most complex character in the series, he has consistently shown that he is not malicious, despite his mistakes throughout the story. Interestingly, some fans argued that the fanon representation of Goku might be more fitting for Vegeta, who evolves from a selfish, violent individual into a more complex character.
Goku’s relationship with Gohan often comes up in these discussions, with critics pointing out how he has been a lackluster father by prioritizing training over parental duties. Nevertheless, Goku has made significant sacrifices, dying twice to protect Gohan, demonstrating that he does indeed care for others, even if he has erred in his responsibilities.
Online Reactions
Numerous misconceptions about Goku and the Dragon Ball series circulate within the anime community, largely due to a lack of attention to the source material or hasty assumptions based on critical moments. A prime example is Goku’s decision to help Cell recover before the fight against Gohan, an act often criticized as one of Goku’s low points.
Moreover, while Goku’s enthusiasm for fighting is evident, it is usually portrayed positively in the series, particularly concerning his desire for self-improvement and learning. This has contributed to the series’ lasting influence, inspiring viewers to adopt healthier lifestyles and pursue personal growth.
“‘Hates the idea of being the best’ is an inaccurate statement. Goku would be comfortable with being the best fighter; however, he would despise the inability to surpass himself at every new level of strength or accomplishment,”commented one fan.
“I believe they mistook the Goku on the right for Vegeta, as that behavior aligns more with Vegeta’s character in DBZ,”another user remarked.
“I joke about the Goku on the right occasionally, but we all recognize the Goku on the left is the authentic character,”shared yet another fan.
Created by author Akira Toriyama, Goku is arguably one of the most iconic characters in anime history, which explains the diverse opinions on what drives the Dragon Ball protagonist.
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