The Dragon Ball universe has always been a labyrinth of plot twists, character transformations, and high-stakes battles. Akira Toriyama introduced one of the most intriguing yet conflicting characters in Dragon Ball Super as Goku Black. While his real origin and intentions have been long revealed, there’s no doubt that Goku Black is the worst form of Goku himself, resetting all his growth and making his personal journey redundant.
Countless theories have emerged since his appearance in Dragon Ball Super, trying to dissect his character. Although his original identity is currently known, this cunning move surely was a huge degradation for Goku’s character, making all his legacy and growth disposable.
Analyzing the Theory of Goku Black as Future Goku
Several speculations have been emerged since the introduction of Goku Black in episode 49 of Dragon Ball Super. One intriguing theory proposed by yoelloey on Reddit suggests that Goku Black is actually Future Goku, transformed into a Kai and stripped of his memories.
The theory suggests that since the Dragon Balls were destroyed, Future Goku had no way to be resurrected, so he continued to train in the afterlife and grew extremely strong. The Kais might have given him the opportunity to become a Kai after realizing his great potential. It’s possible that this transformation involves reviving him and wiping his memories to return him to the vicious, original Kakarot Saiyan form.
Goku Black’s new status as a Kai is evident by his time ring and Kai earring. He may have lost weight because of a change in focus from physical training to spiritual development, which is an indication of a restored identity.
Although it was definitely a convincing theory, ultimately, Goku Black was eventually revealed to be Zamasu who used Goku’s body using the Super Dragon Balls. This revelation of Goku Black as Zamasu stands as one of the series’ most brilliant plot twists. By brilliantly setting up a ruse that misled fans and played on their theories, Toriyama not only created an unforgettable moment in the series but also deepened the narrative and thematic complexity of the Dragon Ball universe.
While the theory of Goku Black being Future Goku remains a intriguing “what-if” scenario, the actual storyline involving Zamasu adds a unique layer to the Dragon Ball universe.
Why Zamasu as Goku Black is the Worst Form of Goku
The unexpected twist in Dragon Ball Super occurs when it’s revealed that Goku Black is actually Zamasu, a Supreme Kai apprentice who switched bodies with Goku using the Super Dragon Balls. All of Goku’s development is halted by Zamasu taking control of his body. using him as a vessel for his own evil plans, this event totally disregarded Goku’s character growth that made him a beloved hero.
Zamasu, as Goku Black, symbolizes a deep tragedy by taking away Goku’s selflessness and heroic essence. He completely differs from Goku’s character by committing crimes and carrying out acts of mass destruction. He lacks the empathy and compassion that defined Goku’s relationships with both allies and enemies. Zamasu also corrupts Goku’s enormous power, utilizing it for his twisted justice and wicked intentions. In addition to his evil purposes, Goku Black’s violent acts ruin Goku’s legacy as Earth’s savior.
The black Goku not only represents the worst form of Goku but also serves as a warning about the loss of identity. While this twist by Akira Toriyama adds a different aspect to the series, it also sparks a sense of loss for Goku’s character that everyone loves.
You can watch Dragon Ball Super on Crunchyroll.
