Dragon Ballhas, and will always be, Goku’s story. Others have spent time in the leading role,like Gohan during and after the Cell Games, yet each time the series progresses towards another major conflict, the iconic Saiyan is always in the driver’s seat.However, that doesn’t mean other characters don’t deserve some shine. The Cell Saga works so well because Gohan is the main fighter, while the focus being on Piccolo duringDragon Ball Super: Super Herohelps to keep the series fresh.
The character who has benefited most from some extra screen time is Vegeta, who took on a major role forDragon Ball Super, essentially splitting main character duties with Goku. Throughout that time, the prince’s character has really been able to shine, painting the once villainous warrior as a bona fide family man. Though creator Akira Toriyama has gone on the recordas being not a huge fan of Vegeta, an interview from just beforeDragon Ball Super’s premieremight explain his sudden rise into the spotlight, and why a future anime focused on him is needed.
Akira Toriyama Admitted to Never Liking Vegeta
The Once in a Lifetime Creator of Dragon Ball Never Liked Vegeta, But Found Him Useful
In a now famous interviewwith Akira Toriyama conducted just after the completion ofDragon Ball, the artist revealed several details about his writing style, characters, and narrative choices. When asked about his favorite character, he answered with Piccolo, saying he liked him just about the same as Goku. Surprisingly though, he went on to reveal that he didn’t care for Vegeta,“but he was extremely useful to have around.”
Vegeta was never exactly meant to become heroic. Toriyama felt he had traveled down that road already with Piccolo. But as his story unraveled, it seemed to have just worked out that way, leading to the Vegeta fans have become so fond of today. However, it’s likely Toriyama’s stance on the one-time villainchanged over the decades sinceDragon Ballconcluded, and another interview from 2014 seems to suggest just that.
Toriyama Wanted a Vegeta-Centered Movie
Before Dragon Ball Super Premiered, Toriyama Wanted to See a Movie Focused on Vegeta
Despite his prior comments about Vegeta,a 2014 interview withSaikyo Jumprevealed Toriyama’s feelings towards the prince had changed a bit since the completion of theDragon Ballmanga. When discussing the series' films, he said, “As for Vegeta, in the event that there’s talk of another animated film,then next time, I’d like him to play the main role,” before specifying that nothing was in the works or decided.
Forget Goku, Vegeta’s Character Arc From Daima To Super Is Deeper Than Fans Think
Dragon Ball Daima, and all of its many questions, might revolve around Goku, but the series actually captures Vegeta’s growth perfectly.
That Vegeta-focused film would never arrive, though there’s little coincidence thatDragon Ball Super, which premiered in both anime and manga format just the next year,featured Vegeta in a very prominent role. Now more than ever, he plays the perfect counter role to Goku’s combat-obsessed, lighthearted nature, while offering some very much-needed comedic relief when the series' protagonist does or says something that wasn’t entirely thought out.Toriyama originally brought Vegeta and Bulmatogether without any planning, and it resulted in the Saiyan as fans know him today.
Vegeta Deserves a Chance to Run With the Spotlight
The Prince Remains Relevant But Rarely Steps Into a Leading Role
Though Vegeta’s prominence in the events ofDragon Ball Superhas helped to expand his character, he’s never quite been given the chance to stretch his legs in the main character role, and there’s enough there for it to work. A dive into his time spent with Bulma and Trunks leading up to the Majin Buu Saga could provide insight into just how his transition from evil space warrior to father of the year began,and give the Majin Vegeta section of the series even more punch.
Even a movie following Vegeta on a new adventure, or simply just a day in the life, could make for a fresh change of scenery than what fans are used to.Dragon Ballwill always be Goku’s story, though it would be worthwhile for the series to throw his rival into the leading role for a change, as Toriyama expressed he wanted years ago. Until the anime returns in any capacity, fans can check outthe recently completedDragon Ball Daimafor the artist’s final vision for the franchise.
Sources:Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2: Story Guide (translations by Kanzenshuu), Saikyo Jump Interview 2014 (translations by Kanzenshuu)
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
