Dragon Ball is not far from being a symbol of iconic characters in anime. From the infamous villain Piccolo to the formidable Majin Buu, Akira Toriyama has consistently displayed his talent in creating memorable characters that have defined the series.
However, there are no villains in the series as notorious as Frieza. In Dragon Ball, there has never been a force so destructive as Frieza, especially during the Namek Saga which left a lasting impact on audiences.
When Dragon Ball made a comeback in the 2010s, this brand needed something special to attract new and returning fans, and there was no better choice than Frieza for this revival. Longtime fans of Dragon Ball have always loved Frieza, while newcomers to the franchise may have been introduced to the character much later. Now, ten years after Frieza’s reintroduction in the series and its successful films, he remains an essential part of the main cast of Dragon Ball.
Frieza’s Challenging Comeback in Dragon Ball
Despite the broad acceptance of Frieza’s current role in the franchise, his initial return was not without its challenges. Nearly all audiences were taken aback when Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ was first announced in 2015, but the way this film resurrected the iconic character surprised many fans. From the very beginning when Goku first battled him, to Trunks defeating him, the heroes of Earth had evolved significantly. Goten, who was just a child during the Buu Saga, would later crush Frieza from the Namek Saga with ease.
To counteract this overwhelming nostalgia, writers have carefully crafted Frieza’s battles to showcase his remarkable combat skills, requiring only a short training period to regain his formidable strength. Within months, Frieza was able to reach a level of strength that rivaled the Super Saiyan Blue transformations of Goku and Vegeta. It wasn’t a definitive decision to bring him back, but it was unreasonable to think that the villain would not reach the Saiyan’s level in just a few weeks.
Based on this “rule,” one could argue that Frieza had fought hard enough during the Namek Saga to surpass Goku’s Super Saiyan level. However, Frieza had been bestowed with this new power and would continue to have a character arc that would allow him to reach any level that any Saiyan could achieve. The initial time frame during the Resurrection ‘F’ saga was brief, and his eventual downfall came when he failed to accept the power he had gained, leading to his downfall in the battle against Goku.
Frieza Reaches New Heights in Strength
Frieza’s initial return in Dragon Ball was met with a significant amount of anticipation from fans. He was meant to be stronger and more relentless, but his excessive confidence led to a catastrophic defeat. The Resurrection ‘F’ arc serves as a condensed version of the Namek Saga. Yet, when he was revived for the Tournament of Power, Frieza truly showed notable growth.
Despite being at odds with the Saiyans, Frieza was forced to join forces rather than fight alone. He entered the Tournament of Power with the condition that if he won, he would be revived and could do whatever he wanted. His participation was entirely self-serving, yet throughout the 48-minute tournament, he fought alongside the strongest fighters of Universe 7, even asking Goku for energy, much like Goku did for him during the Namek Saga.
Frieza’s time in the Tournament of Power reached a critical point during the final moments of the event against Jiren. This character, who had once been known for his selfishness, became the only victor and allied with Goku to complete their mission. His combined strength with Goku created one of the most unforgettable moments in Dragon Ball, with Goku transforming into a Super Saiyan while Frieza unleashed his full power, reminiscent of their earlier battles on Namek. This display shocked Vegeta, who could only watch in disbelief, and the remaining warriors in the tournament.
Since then, the relationship between Frieza and the Saiyans has changed little. His appearance in Dragon Ball Super: Broly in 2018 confirmed that while Frieza’s main goal remains Goku and Vegeta, he has evolved into something of a bitter rival. However, it is clear that his ambitions have broadened, and the increase in strength he seeks does not stem from a need to defeat the Saiyans. He wants to defeat anyone who stands in his way, but in his own unique way, without having to rely solely on these battles.
The Future of Dragon Ball Super with Frieza
Unfortunately, Dragon Ball Super had to go on hiatus for a long period after Akira Toriyama passed away in March 2024, and there hasn’t been any sign of a revival since. However, Frieza made another grand appearance in the story with the introduction of his new form, Black Frieza, which made Goku and Vegeta remember their strongest forms. Once again, this character entered the fray as the strongest being in the universe, much like he had done in Resurrection ‘F’. However, this time, he displayed restraint and maneuvered ahead of the battle against his own rivals.
The future of Dragon Ball Super remains uncertain, but fans can hope that Frieza will play a significant role in whatever lies ahead, serving as the necessary precursor to the final chapters of the series before it returns to the screen. Some fans may not want this iconic character to become the ultimate villain for Goku and Vegeta, but the Saiyan’s last encounter with the villain could be a fitting conclusion to their journey.
There remains the potential for Frieza’s story to continue, and he no longer has any alternative but to work with his rivals one last time. He may even find himself in a position among the strongest fighters of Universe 7. Regardless, as long as Dragon Ball continues, fans can expect to see more of Frieza.
According to Screenrant
