In every iteration of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series, Goku stands as the principal hero who consistently arrives just in time to save the day. From the outset, Goku serves as the soul of the show, eventually becoming an integral part of the franchise itself. His presence is what shapes Dragon Ball, and without him, the series often lacks a sense of completion. As such, despite the numerous comebacks, Goku continues to be the lead character, embarking on fresh adventures, encountering new obstacles, and ultimately unlocking new transformations. This formula has become synonymous with the franchise, contributing significantly to its lasting appeal and continued financial success.
There’s often discussion among fans about who might take over Goku’s role as the primary character. One name that keeps coming up is Gohan. During the Cell Saga, Gohan demonstrated his hidden power, suggesting he was born with great potential, which some attribute to his half-human heritage. This made him a strong contender for the lead role. However, by the time of the Cell Saga, Goku had already established himself as the iconic character for the Dragon Ball series. Removing him from the forefront could risk losing the fanbase. So, if the Dragon Ball series had ended with the Cell Saga, allowing Gohan to take over in a symbolic and conclusive way, he might have become the main hero instead of Goku.
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Gohan Could Have Only Symbolically Replaced Goku After the Cell Saga
The controversy among fans regarding the ultimate conclusion of the Dragon Ball series has been clarified in a J-Wave interview with three primary editors of Dragon Ball. During this interview, they revealed that creator Akira Toriyama initially planned to conclude the series following the Cell Saga. Upon reflection, this decision seems fitting. Goku’s death and his decision not to be resurrected symbolically passed on the duty of Earth’s protector from him to Gohan, who as a teenager, demonstrated he was capable of carrying the role his father had held for many years. This moment could have marked Gohan’s emergence as the new central character, potentially wrapping up the series in a significant and definitive manner.
Given the pressure to continue the story, it’s possible that Toriyama’s original intentions for Gohan to be the central character were overshadowed by the editorial team’s decision to bring back Goku, who they believed would guarantee ongoing success. In an interview, Toriyama expressed his desire to have a lighter tone in the Majin Buu Saga, which explains the playful aspects, focus on transformations and fusions, and limited heroic role for Gohan. The sudden appearance of Goten also reflects Toriyama’s experimental nature during this arc. Regrettably, due to the editorial team’s priorities, Gohan never fully took over as the main character in a literal sense; symbolically, he could have replaced Goku had the series ended with the Cell Saga.
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2025-06-11 06:10