Summary
Although theDragon Ballfranchise is famous around the world for its unmatched blend of action and comedy, one of the lesser-appreciated facets of the series deals with the characters themselves. This story has arguably the most iconic characters in the entire anime/manga industry, with most of them transcending the genre to be recognized by millions across the globe. As such, their relationships with one another are very interesting to see.
From the early days of the franchise, the story has dealt with the intricacies and dynamics between multiple characters, which has turned into one of the greatest aspects ofDragon Ball. The ‘duo’ system is the most prevalent, with many consideringGoku and Vegeta to be the pinnacleof such a character dynamic, although Gohan and Piccolo may be coming for their title. So, let’s see which is the best duo in the series.
Vegeta’s First Appearance
Dragon Ball Z, Episode 5, “Gohan’s Rage”
Across the entireDragon Ballfranchise, and likely anime in general, there is perhaps no duo that is as iconic andimportant as Goku and Vegeta. These two characters started their journey off as bitter rivals who personified the strength and aspirations of their people, going from enemies who wanted to defeat each other at all costs to inseparable allies who always push one another to newer and greater heights.
Both are remnants of the powerful Saiyan race and, alongside Broly, are the only pureblooded members left in Universe 7, which is something that gives their dynamic a lot of narrative weight. Although Goku has been the focus of the story since its very first episode, Vegeta’s introduction to the series started a rivalry between the two, since he came to Earth to destroy it, with Goku standing as his main obstacle in doing so. Upon his defeat and exodus from the planet, the two would meet again in the Namek Saga.
It makes me angry just thinking about it! But… perhaps it is my anger that has made me blind to the truth for so long. I see it now, this day has made it all too clear. You’re better than me Kakarot. You are the best.
Here, the future of their relationship could be seen, since although they weren’t on friendly terms, they recognized each other’s strength and had a sort of kinship due to beingthe only Saiyans left in the universe. Eventually, they would go on to become Super Saiyans and unlock even greater powers and, in doing so, would inadvertently push each other to get stronger, birthing a unique bond between them. Of course, this relationship is driven by the need to be superior to the other, but this has created a role in the other’s life that simply can’t be replicated.
The very essence of Saiyans is the need to get stronger and to improve themselves over anything else, and Goku and Vegeta have both realized that they need each other to do so. Although they may never show it, they have an unparalleled underlying respect for one another and confide in their rival to keep them going, which has finally culminated inSuper, with both being on the same level of strength as the deuteragonists of the story. Their relationship has inspired countless others in some of anime’s biggest franchises.
Piccolo’s First Appearance
Dragon Ball, Episode 123, “Lost and Found”
On the other hand, another iconic duo inDragon Ballis that of Gohan and Piccolo, which has been quite prevalent since the start ofZ. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, these two characters aren’t rivals, but they are stillinstrumental in each other’s growth, since neither would have been able to reach the level that they are at right now if it weren’t for the other’s direct influence.
This relationship did start off on rocky ground, since Piccolo took Gohan under his wing following Goku’s death in the battle against Raditz and trained the boy very harshly. Although Gohan was young, Piccolo never let up in that training. While this was admittedly very cruel, it sowed the seeds for the best master-student dynamic in the entire franchise, as now, Gohan views Piccolo more like a family member than just the person who trained him. Although Gohan’s Saiyan genetics left Piccolo in the dust, the latter’s influence still shines heavily on his student.
TheDragon Ballcommunity is very big on memes, and one of the best is a long-running joke that claims that Piccolo is Gohan’s real father, and many instances in the series hilariously prove this point. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, Gohan and Piccolo’s dynamic has been shown a lot more in the quieter moments outside of battle, such as in theSuper Herofilm, where Piccolo is the de facto babysitter for Pan.
Fun little slice-of-life moments like this are very important in establishing a meaningful connection between characters, especially when they’re juxtaposed by very heavy moments.Super Herohas another great example of this, which is when Gohan sees Piccolo defeated and seemingly killed at the hands of Cell Max, prompting within him the greatest power-up he has ever gotten in Gohan Beast. Many fans believe that it is precisely because of this special relationship that Gohan and Piccolo may just be a better duo than Goku and Vegeta.
