When the first episode of Dragon Ball was aired on 26th February 1986, it marked the beginning of an anime series that will make a groundbreaking impact on the anime genre, as it played a crucial role in popularising the shonen genre and paved the way for other anime series, that later gained global popularity. Hence, it is fair to say that when Akira Toriyama introduced the viewers to Goku, the character received immense love because he showcased characteristics that resonated very well with the viewers.

While most Dragon Ball fans have grown up loving Goku, as he was showcased as a character with strong determination and a strong sense of justice. However, Akira Toriyama portrayed our beloved character in the manga than he was showcased in the anime series. As a result, the artist has had a massive problem with the character since day one.

Also Read: Creator of $17B Dragon Ball Franchise Akira Toriyama Has Given Up on Drawing Manga: “It just didn’t feel right”

Akira Toriyama Is Disappointed With Dragon Ball Anime For Goku’s Portrayal

As fans know, Goku comes from an alien race called Saiyans, and he was sent from Planet Vegeta prior to the destruction of his home planet by Frieza. However, after hurting his head one day and being raised by the kind-hearted Grandpa Gohan, Kakarot’s Saiyan aggression ceased and he became the character that we now know and love. Time and again, not only did Goku save the world but also the universe. 

Regardless, of the immense love and popularity of Goku throughout the world, Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball had a massive problem with the way he was portrayed in the anime. During an exclusive interview with Wired Japan, the artist was asked about the motivation behind his characters. The interviewer asked, “There’s actually “poison” inside?” about a character perhaps not being as pure and heroic as they may seem on the surface. Toriyama replied,

“Right. There’s how, basically, Son Goku from Dragon Ball doesn’t fight for the sake of others, but because he wants to fight against strong guys. So once Dragon Ball got animated, at any rate, I’ve always been dissatisfied with the “righteous hero”-type portrayal they gave him.”

Although Akira Toriyama does not believe that Goku was not his “righteous hero,” he was disappointed because he only wanted to be the strongest warrior he could be. However, the anime decided to tweak the character’s tendencies showcasing him as a righteous fighter of justice.

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Dragon Ball Z Showcases Goku As a Selfless Hero

While there are several instances where the anime series has featured the Saiyan Warrior as a selfless hero. However, this is an iconic moment from the anime series that would be remembered by fans with unmatched clarity. In the anime during the Planet Namek saga, when the fight between Goku vs Frieza reached its peak, turning into a Super Saiyan.

He was showcased as a selfless hero, who was willing to save others and he was able to turn into a Super Saiyan because of his heroism. However, Toriyama stated that it was actually the opposite and he was able to transform to quench his thirst to be the strongest warrior in the universe. According to Toriyama, Goku is supposed to be a hero because he wants to be the strongest warrior, but all of it just happens to be evil. 

Even though Goku has compassion for those close to him, which was also shown in the manga. Goku is not the character who saves the world because he is the main character but he does it because the villain is strong and he wants to measure his strength and if he can break his limitations.

Also Read: Entire Toei Animation Was Against ‘Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’ Controversial 3D VFX, Wanted Classic 2D Animation Like in Legacy Shows

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

Source: Kanzenshuu