Raditz was Goku’s brother, and his death occurred at the start of Dragon Ball Z. This was one of those moments where Goku acted out of character and expressed no remorse after the death of a foe. However, it might have been a mistake. Thanks to some chapters in Dragon Ball Super, the entire ordeal about killing Raditz came out to be Goku’s biggest mistake ever.
Raditz was the eldest son of Bardock, who was sent to another planet when his homeworld was destroyed, and Goku was just a baby at that time who was sent to Earth in a space pod following the destruction of their planet. Raditz arrives on Earth to find the whereabouts of his brother and recruit him into the Frieza Army. During the interaction of both the brothers, Raditz revealed to Goku that he was a Saiyan, which could’ve been a firm platform for future developments in the saga.
How did Goku beat Raditz despite the vast difference in their power level?
Goku and Piccolo fight against Raditz, and the sheer difference in their power levels is prominent. However, Goku sacrifices his life by letting Piccolo hit him along with his brother, Raditz, with his Special Beam Cannon. Goku never showed any signs of regret for killing his brother. He never wished to bring him back, considering how forgiving Goku is; he showed minimal interest in his brother. When compared to other Saiyan, Goku is rather kind and humble and more than often lets his enemies live.
The Mangaka of Dragon Ball considers Goku’s lack of interest in his brother a mistake
According to the Mangaka of the Dragon Ball series, Akira Toriyama believes that Goku’s lack of interest in his brother could have been a great mistake. It was revealed in a flashback how Bardock fought against Gas in order to protect Granolah and Monaito, a Namekian, who uses the Dragon Balls to grant Bardock a wish. He proceeds to wish a bright future for both of his sons.
His wish, however, appeared to have worked for Goku well as he became one of the strongest fighters in the universe and a hero who saved the galaxy several times. However, looking at the unfortunate lifespan of Raditz, this wish didn’t apply. Goku gave Vegeta an opportunity to redeem himself and it turned out positive. If Goku tried to resurrect Raditz; the series could’ve featured both characters fighting evils together as the sons of Bardock and saving the universe in several instances while growing stronger and developing together as heroes.
