The Evolution of Goku: From Chibi to Super Saiyan
Goku, in his chibi form, is an adorable character that sets him apart from any other character. Although this design fits well within the comedic context of the Dragon Ball manga, transitioning to an action-oriented style has proven to be challenging.
In a recent interview, Akira Toriyama acknowledged: “It’s difficult to portray his battles when he is so cute, and that’s why I say that if the story had focused more on the fighting aspect, I would have had to turn him into a grown-up.”
However, this decision could not be implemented without serious repercussions. Changing the design of the main character is a significant taboo in the industry, yet Toriyama remained resolute. Many people doubt that such changes would yield any positive outcomes.
Nevertheless, the author has made his decision. In reality, he even had to subtly adjust the character design to align with the story’s direction.
Will Super Saiyan Ever Exist if Goku Remains Chibi?
If Goku never received a mature character design, the manga might not have effectively developed its action sequences. After the introduction of martial arts tournaments, subsequent arcs featured increasingly powerful and intense battles.
The most notorious villain in the series is undoubtedly Frieza. But would Frieza even exist if Toriyama faced difficulties in portraying a chibi Goku in battle?
Akira Toriyama is well-known for altering elements within Dragon Ball whenever something does not align with his vision. He has demonstrated this philosophy multiple times, especially when it comes to Goku’s hairstyle transformations.
It is highly likely that if Goku always remained a chibi, Toriyama would never have introduced the Frieza Saga or the Super Saiyan transformation. Ultimately, how can fans expect to see a chibi facing off against an extraterrestrial monster?
Toriyama crafted specific facial expressions for Goku in his Super Saiyan state, which also applied to Goku Jr. In the end, the mangaka ensured that whatever he created was for the best, and it significantly impacted Dragon Ball.
