Dragon Ball is one of history’s most popular anime franchises, captivating fans for decades. Goku’s signature attack, Kamehameha, has become a global sensation, featuring numerous references in the 2024 Olympics. From Goku-Vegeta’s iconic rivalry to Super Saiyan Transformations, Akira Toriyama enthralled many fans for years.
Although Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super featured many antagonists from outer space, the classic Dragon Ball series featured Goku’s adventure on Earth. Fans who stuck with Goku’s journey since the beginning remember the Dragon Team’s iconic moments, including Krillin, who unfortunately holds the spot of the weakest character among several Dragon Ball fans.
Despite all the criticism, Krillin played a vital role in Goku’s journey and even in the DBS‘s Tournament of Power Arc. Sadly, because of Akira’s narrative in DBZ, Krillin was portrayed as a fragile character compared to Saiyans such as Goku and Vegeta. However, when it comes to the weakest warrior in the entire Dragon Ball franchise, Krillin definitely ranks above all skilled martial artists on Earth.
Krillin: The Underrated Warrior Fans Often Misjudge in the Dragon Ball Franchise
Back in the classic Dragon Ball series, Krillin was first introduced as Goku’s rival. However, he never stood near Kakarot’s power level because of his Saiyan heritage. Since Krillin spent most of his time with Kakarot, fans started comparing the two’s character power levels, with Goku easily overpowering Krillin. However, if compared to other human martial artists, Krillin overwhelmed many powerful opponents throughout the series.
In Dragon Ball Z, when Vegeta and Nappa invaded Earth, Yamcha couldn’t even defeat one Saibamen warrior; whereas Krillin managed to destroy all three Saibamen warriors with one attack. Not to forget that Krillin’s signature attack, Destructo Disk, scared both Vegeta and Nappa. Despite being regarded as a low-class warrior, Krillin made both Saiyans fear for their lives.
This wasn’t the only time Krillin had a moment to shine in the series. In the Namek planet, our beloved character overwhelmed many immensely powerful opponents where victory seemed uncertain. Moreover, during the Cell Saga, Krillin left fans stunned with his strength as he was showcased on par with Goku and Vegeta in strength while fighting the Cell Jrs.
Krillin is the Best Fighter in Dragon Ball Z
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Surprisingly, Vegeta, Goku, and Future Trunks had to transform into Super Saiyan; whereas Krillin managed to beat one Cell Jr. on his own, despite being the only human on the battlefield. Also, in the Majin Buu Saga, Krillin never backed off from any fight even when the odds were against him, which highlights his pivotal role throughout the series.
In comparison to other human martial artists like Yamcha, Krillin overcomes several challenges to save his friends and planet. Despite being only a human, Krillin played a crucial role in Goku’s journey and earned a spot on Universe 7’s team during the Tournament of Power Arc, showcasing his true strength.
Why Gohan Stands as the Strongest Character in the Entire Dragon Ball Franchise
Akira Toriyama introduced Gohan as the strongest character in the Dragon Ball universe, surpassing even the likes of Goku and Vegeta. After the end of the Cell Saga, Gohan was significantly stronger than any other character. Thus, Toriyama had to cripple Gohan’s character as it was restricting the DB‘s plot progression.
Although some fans believe the secret behind Gohan’s immense strength is his Saiyan heritage, a recent theory confirms it’s actually Chi-Chi’s fiery genes at play. The theory states that thanks to Chi-Chi’s special heavy-temper genes, Gohan witnessed several rage moments resulting in powerful transformations such as the Gohan Beast. This theory also explains the difference in strength between Gohan and other Hybrid Saiyans, such as Trunks and Goten.
Dragon Ball is available to stream on Crunchyroll as of August 16, 2024.
