Summary
Despite being the world martial arts champion,Mr. Satan(also known as Hercule in the Funimation dub) is mostly known by fans as an annoying and weak character throughoutDragon Ball, since his strength is insignificant compared to that of the Z-Warriors, who possess superhuman powers, can fly, launch energy waves, and defeat enemies that can destroy planets. On the surface,Mr. Satan may be seen as a con artist who serves as comic relief,but his personal development is vital inDragon Balland a key to understanding the true message of the series, self-improvement.
Dragon Ballestablishes training and surpassing physical limits as crucial aspects ofGoku and Vegeta’s development as warriorsand individuals, which come naturally to them due to their Saiyan blood driving them to reach a higher strength. However,Mr. Satan offers another, more human perspective on personal growthin the series.
From his introduction in the Cell Games to the end of the Majin Buu Saga,Mr. Satan is the best example ofDragon Ball’s themes: the true value of a hero isn’t his strength but how he strives to improve himself.
Dragon Ball’s Complete Timeline, Explained
What order should Dragon Ball’s plethora of content be consumed in? Here’s a chronological breakdown of every Dragon Ball series to date.
Mr. Satan Goes From Being a Liar To Becoming the Savior of the Universe
Satan’s Efforts at the End of Dragon Ball Z Are Recognized by Goku
Mr. Satan is a character who lives for his reputation, so in theCell Games Saga, he lies to maintain his facade as an invincible hero, despite his cowardice and being aware of his own abilities compared to Cell and the Z-Warriors. However, Mr. Satan changes upon listening to Android 16’s request. Although terrified,Mr. Satan demonstrates moral growth and humanityby deciding not to escape and instead risking himself by bringing Android 16’s head closer to Gohan, an act that, although small, represents a great moment of bravery for him given his selfish nature.
Mr. Satan’s actions end up being the emotional trigger for Gohan to awaken the Super Saiyan 2 transformation. Later, Mr. Satan gained fame after claiming he was the one who defeated Cell and bragging about being the strongest man in the world, andhis influence became key during the final battle against Kid Buu, since he used his popularity to persuade humanity to donate their energy toGoku’s Spirit Bomb. Additionally, Mr. Satan also willingly carries Vegeta away from Kid Buu so that he will not be hit by the attack, which earned him recognition from Goku.
Not bad, Mr. Satan! Maybe you’re the savior of the universe after all! - Goku
Not only wouldn’t Goku have had enough ki for the Spirit Bomb if it weren’t for Mr. Satan, but also Vegeta may have been killed during the blast without him. While Mr. Satan is not as powerful as the Z Fighters, he grows to become someone capable of acting despite his fears to protect others, finding his value in being a hero in his own way by using his influence for the good of humanity and supporting the true heroes when they need it most.
Mr. Satan Shows Genuine Change Through His Friendship With Majin Buu
Mr. Satan Teaches That Everybody Can Change
In the Majin Buu saga, Mr. Satan shows empathy and kindness that contrast with his selfish behavior. Hercule, despite his fears, really intends to defeat Buu and save the world by using his brain, since he knows his strength isn’t enough, even if it is in part for his reputation and fame. Mr. Satan initially approaches Buu with the aim of gaining his trust and eventually betraying him; however, he begins to see in him something more than an enemy and an emotionless, cruel being.
Because Mr. Satan genuinely cares for Buu and teaches him compassion, he responds with loyalty and begins to develop a moral conscience and a sense of friendship, resulting in the subsequent separation of his inner evil and his eventual transformation into Good Buu.This bond humanizes them both and leads Mr. Satan to act with true braveryto protect his friend when, at the end of the saga, he implores Vegeta not to kill Buu and vows to take care of him.
Dragon Ball Teaches Through Mr. Satan That Anyone Can Be a Hero
The Self-Improvement in Dragon Ball Isn’t Always About Power
Unlike Goku and Vegeta, physical improvement is not a central focus for Mr. Satan, despite being considered strong only among humans, since he is aware of his lack of power and doesn’t seek to gain more. Mr. Satan, who was initially seen as a comical and selfish character, develops and shows humanity and courage, being able to risk his life to protect others and demonstrate through his friendship with Buu, that everyone is capable of changing and people can positively influence others without using force but through kindness and acceptance.
Mr. Satankeeps being a con artist, since he loves the attention and popularity. However, his journey shows that he is more than just a weak fighter, provingDragon Ball’s message that people just need to keep trying to improve themselves to eventually become a hero.
Dragon Ball Z
Cast
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku, who lives a peaceful life with his family until the arrival of Raditz, a mysterious warrior claiming to be Goku’s brother. This revelation unveils their true heritage as Saiyans, a formidable warrior race known for conquering planets.
