The creator of Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, wanted the main protagonist of his series, Goku, to be a monkey instead of a human. Even though he was designed as a human in the final sequence, there were still many characters, or better to say, “Saiyans”, who had monkey-like tails, which included Bardock, Gine, and many more.
The creator was also heavily influenced by Sun Wukong a powerful and mischievous monkey king, featured in the Chinese novel, Journey To The West, who is often at odds with the gods.
What Were The Reasons To Make Goku A Human Boy Instead Of A Monkey?
Akira Toriyama realized how difficult it would be to animate a monkey, as a result of that, Goku was made a human boy with a tail.
“I originally wanted Goku to be an actual monkey, but this wasn’t very innovative. I thought it would be more interesting if he was a human boy with a monkey tail. This way, he could still be a battle creature, but he would also have a human side.”
Making him a human boy with a monkey tail was a great choice made by Toriyama. It helped readers and viewers identify with him more, and it also gave Toriyama a chance to go further into the themes of nature vs nurture and the struggle between good and evil.
Goku’s monkey tail is another reference to the Chinese novel, Journey to the West, which served as one of the sources of inspiration for Dragon Ball. Sun Wukong, the primary figure in Journey to the West, is a monkey king who is banished from heaven as a result of his disobedient actions. His monkey tail serves as a constant reminder of his uncontrolled animal side, which frequently conflicts with his desire to be a decent person.
In the end, Toriyama’s decision to change the protagonist into a human child with a monkey tail was ingenious and imaginative. It contributed to him being a distinctive and enduring figure who has connected with fans for many generations.
Why Did It Have To Be A Monkey Which Inspires The Character Of Dragon Ball’s Protagonist?
Goku was initially intended to be a real monkey by Akira Toriyama in order to make him a “pure battle creature”. In the end, Toriyama made a brilliant and inspired choice by turning him into a human kid with a monkey tail. It contributed to him being a distinctive and enduring figure who has connected with fans for many generations.
Also read: Goku is Not Invincible: 7 Dragon Ball Z Characters Who Nearly Killed Goku
Monkeys are renowned for their strength, agility, and fighting prowess, which is one reason why Toriyama could have intended Goku to be a monkey. In a tale about martial arts, this would have made him a natural fighter, which is significant. Additionally, monkeys are renowned for their playfulness and mischievousness. As well as helping to balance out his more serious side, this would have made Goku a more interesting character.
Many people associate freedom and revolt with monkeys. Given that Goku frequently defends his convictions even when doing so means defying authority, this would have been in line with his character.
Source: Kanzenshuu
