If you think you know everything about Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z Fighters, think again! Today, I’m going to dive into 10 shocking secrets that only the truest Dragon Ball fans know.
Trust me, these are going to blow your mind. Whether it’s about hidden details in the story, surprising facts about the characters, or little-known trivia, you’re going to see Dragon Ball in a whole new light. So, get ready to have your mind twisted and your Dragon Ball knowledge taken to the next level! Let’s go!
10. The True Origin of Goku’s Name
Did you know that Goku’s name isn’t just a random name? It’s actually a clever nod to the classic “Journey to the West” novel! In that story, Goku is the monkey king, Sun Wukong. Toriyama, the creator, was inspired by this character, and that’s why Goku’s full name is Son Goku. Isn’t that awesome?
Also Read: 30 Things You Never Knew About Dragon Ball
9. Goku’s Original Design Was Very Different
When Akira Toriyama first started sketching Goku, he didn’t look anything like the Saiyan warrior we know today. Early designs had Goku as a little monkey with a tail and even a weird-looking mouth. It was only after some tweaks and inspiration from his favorite manga that Goku turned into the hero we all love.
8. The Namekian Dragon Balls Can Grant More Wishes!
Okay, this one blew my mind. Everyone knows about the Dragon Balls on Earth, right? But did you know that the Namekians have their own Dragon Balls? These ones are way cooler because they can grant more than one wish at a time! The Earth Dragon Balls can only grant one wish per summon, but the Namekian Dragon Balls can be used multiple times. Talk about an upgrade!
Also Read: Pride of a Saiyan Prince: Vegeta’s Path from Villain to Anti-Hero
7. The True Story Behind Vegeta’s Pride
Vegeta, the prince of all Saiyans, is one of the most badass characters in Dragon Ball. But did you know that his pride is actually a huge part of his downfall? Toriyama designed Vegeta’s character to be a mix of strength and arrogance. This pride often blinds him to the bigger picture, making him a complex and fascinating character. Without his pride, Vegeta wouldn’t be half as interesting.
6. Yamcha’s Hidden Power
Yamcha is often the joke of the Dragon Ball series, but did you know he’s actually a lot stronger than he appears? In the original Dragon Ball, Yamcha was a desert bandit with some serious martial arts skills. He even had a special move called the Wolf Fang Fist. Sure, he got clowned on by Saiyans and Androids later, but Yamcha’s early days were no joke!
5. Dragon Ball Z Wasn’t Always Going to Be a Hit
Believe it or not, Dragon Ball Z almost didn’t make it big. The early episodes didn’t have the same hype as they do now. Toriyama was worried that people wouldn’t like the change from the original Dragon Ball’s adventure style to the more serious, battle-focused storyline. But boy, were they wrong! Once the Saiyan Saga hit, Dragon Ball Z became a global sensation.
4. The Real Reason Why Goku is So Naive
Goku’s naivety is something that’s always confused some fans. Why is he so clueless about everything? Well, it turns out that Goku’s upbringing on Earth was pretty isolated. He grew up in the mountains with Grandpa Gohan and had no idea about the real world’s complexities. This explains why he’s always so innocent and straightforward, making him a unique hero in the world of anime.
3. The Hidden Message in Vegeta’s Last Name
This one is super cool. Vegeta’s full name, Vegeta IV, has a hidden meaning. “Vegeta” sounds a lot like the word “vegetable” in Japanese, and “IV” stands for the fourth planet in the Saiyan Solar System. It’s a clever pun by Toriyama, and it just adds to the layers of humor and depth in the series.
2. The Secret of Goku’s Power Level
Everyone remembers the power levels in Dragon Ball Z, right? But here’s something you might not know: Goku’s power level wasn’t always the highest. In fact, during the early sagas, his power level was often overshadowed by Vegeta, who was always seen as the superior fighter. It wasn’t until Goku’s transformation into Super Saiyan that he truly became the legend he is today.
1. The Real Reason Behind the Dragon Balls’ Design
Ever wondered why the Dragon Balls are so simple? They’re literally just seven magical balls with stars in them. Toriyama designed them this way because he wanted the focus to be on the adventure and the characters, not the objects themselves. Plus, the simple design makes them easy to remember and iconic in the world of anime.