Dragon Ball Z’s Most Underrated Villain Deserves More Love from the Fans

Dragon Ball Z’s Most Underrated Villain Deserves More Love from the Fans

As a seasoned Dragon Ball Z enthusiast with over two decades of fandom under my belt, I must say that Garlic Jr. is one of those characters who deserves a second glance, if not a whole series dedicated to his antics. While he may have only graced our screens in a few movies and filler episodes, the impact this Demon Clan member made on the Z Fighters cannot be understated.


Dragon Ball Z narrates the thrilling exploits of Goku and his companions as they safeguard Earth from formidable adversaries and endeavor to preserve the universe from diverse perils. These dangers usually take the shape of supernatural entities intent on annihilating Earth. Dragon Ball Z has introduced some of the most iconic antagonists in anime lore, with many of them originating from the manga, such as the ruthless extraterrestrial ruler Frieza, the bio-engineered android Cell, and the enigmatic mystical being Majin Buu.

In contrast, certain characters have made their debut exclusively in the Dragon Ball movies or side episodes of the show. For instance, Broly initially emerged from non-canonical films, much like Cooler, who is Frieza’s brother. Although Broly is now considered canon, many other villains remain outside this classification and have yet to be revisited. One such character is Garlic Jr., who appeared only in a movie and an arc. Despite his limited screen time, Garlic Jr. presented a significant challenge, earning him recognition as one of the top filler villains that deserve another glance.

Dragon Ball Z’s Most Underrated Villain Deserves More Love from the Fans

Who is Garlic Jr. in Dragon Ball Z?

In simpler terms, Garlic Jr., also known as the offspring of Garlic who invented the Dark Water Mist, harbors intense animosity towards his father who is an alien from the Demon Clan. This hatred drives him to seek revenge. In the series Dragon Ball Z, Garlic Jr. makes significant appearances in two arcs – the Garlic Jr. Saga and the movie Dead Zone. He also appears in various video games such as Dragon Ball Heroes and Budokai Tenkaichi series. Despite his limited screen time, Garlic Jr. demonstrates himself to be a formidable foe for the Z Fighters.

Dragon Ball Z’s Most Underrated Villain Deserves More Love from the Fans

Why Garlic Jr. Is Worth Exploring in Dragon Ball Z

In the anime series Dragon Ball, themes related to ancestry and birthright are frequently explored. This is evident in characters like Vegeta, the Saiyan Prince, who takes immense pride in his heritage, and Piccolo, who represents the legacy of the Namekian race. Garlic Jr., born from the Makyo Star, belongs to the Demon Clan, although he’s referred to as a Serpent in the English dub. In the original Japanese version, the race is not named. Kami mentions that throughout history, the Serpent race has aimed to disrupt the natural order, thereby adding an inherited responsibility to Garlic Jr.’s struggles.

In the world of Dragon Ball, Garlic Jr.’s ancestry links him to his dad, Garlic, who attempted but failed to dethrone Kami and was subsequently locked away in a crystal, eventually passing away. Later on, Garlic Jr. recovers the crystal and exacts revenge against Kami. The influence of fathers on their offspring’s future, whether it be positive or negative, is a recurring theme in Dragon Ball. This is evident through characters like Goku and Gohan (and Goten), Vegeta and Trunks, and even Frieza and King Cold. Moreover, the bond between Garlic Jr. and his father forms a legacy that shapes his character and motivations.

Additionally, given that the series only touched upon Garlic Jr.’s character, his true powers remained largely unexplored. As the maker of the Black Water Mist, a substance that transforms those exposed into Demon Clan members, Garlic wielded considerable influence and immense power. Inhaling the mist brings out the darkness in one’s heart, turning them into a vampire-like demon who follows Garlic Jr. and the Spice Boys. The mist serves as a reminder of how hidden evil can corrupt individuals when it is exploited.

In this fictional universe, snakes are endowed with supernatural powers and may serve as Earth’s Protectors. They derive strength from the Makyo Star, growing more potent the nearer they get to its source. Garlic Jr., through a wish granted by the everlasting dragon, Shenron, acquired immortality. This wish not only made him resistant to any physical damage but also rendered him virtually indestructible, bordering on invincibility. The Dragon Ball series frequently delves into topics such as life, death, mortality, and the ethical decay that may arise amidst these complexities.

Garlic Jr., a standout villain in the series “Dragon Ball Z”, is distinguished by his lineage, immortality, and potent abilities. Being the offspring of Garlic and inventor of the Black Water Mist, he carries a dark legacy of vengeance. Nearly becoming invincible with a wish to Shenron, Garlic Jr. presents a formidable obstacle for the Z Fighters, necessitating strategic cooperation for his conquest. His immortality ensures recurrence, potentially solidifying him as an enduring and influential antagonist treasured by both contemporary “Dragon Ball” fans and creators alike.

Toyotaro draws Garlic Jr. For this month’s illustration!

— 𝑩𝒍𝒗𝒄𝒌 𝑩𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒂𝒂 (@BlvckBulmaa) March 30, 2023

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2024-11-29 00:39