The two most popular characters of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, Goku, and Vegeta, are considered the epitome of strength. Both characters have proved time and time again why they have been at the top of the list of the strongest characters in anime and manga history for so long. They have not only defeated countless enemies but also carried the series multiple times.
Many other manga creators have taken inspiration from the Saiyan duo, and they have been fan favorites for 40 years. However, there is one character that the creator, Toriyama, thinks is much stronger than Goku and Vegeta. The character is Goku’s first son, Gohan, and multiple pieces of evidence support the manga creator’s claims.
Since childhood, Gohan has shown immense strength, and although he might not have been able to shine much as a protagonist, he has developed a legacy of his own. If given the chance, Gohan could have been a better protagonist than his father.
Akira Toriyama Believes in Gohan
The official Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero’s X (Formerly Twitter) account shared an interview that was published through pamphlets to Japanese movie theater audiences. There, Toriyama was asked about the bond between Piccolo and Gohan and why he brought the former master and student duo together in the Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero movie.
Toriyama revealed:
Gohan is actually stronger than anyone…or so it’s said, but lately, he hasn’t really gotten a chance to shine. In order to motivate Gohan, it takes his revered teacher Piccolo rather than his father Goku. I figured I’d try giving birth to a new superhero, by putting these two in the spotlight through their intense battles with the Gamma androids.
According to the manga creator, Gohan’s strength is much greater than that of Goku and Vegeta, but for the last few years, he has not had a chance to prove his worth. He needed motivation that could have brought his real power out, and that was done by his former master, Piccolo. This helped make Gohan shine as an individual character.
Gohan and His Feats of Strength in Dragon Ball
When Gohan was introduced in Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus, he was a timid young kid who always hid behind his father. However, as he grew, he learned the importance of combat and strength in the Dragon Ball world. He was taught how to fight not only by his father but also by Piccolo, who himself is one of the strongest characters in the series.
As the story progressed, Gohan started hinting at a power hidden inside him that was only seen by Goku. This strength was finally revealed during the Cell Games arc when Gohan became the first Saiyan to unlock Super Saiyan 2, and that too as a kid. That was probably the first time fans saw a glimpse of Gohan’s real strength.
Toriyama even tried to make Gohan a main character, but it didn’t work well at the time. Still, Gohan never shied away from proving why he was the strongest character in his fights against powerful enemies like Majin Buu, Gamma 1, Cell Max, etc. Therefore, there is a chance that Gohan may carry the Dragon Ball series after Goku.
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