Dragon Ball Z: The Evolution of the Saiyan Race

It’s no surprise that the frequent appearances of warriors like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan have led to a decline in the presence of human heroes. However, this transformation allows Dragon Ball to delve deeper into the lore of the Saiyan race.

Focusing on the alien characters has added significant layers to the storyline, enabling the characters to develop in fresh ways.

Retirement: A Distant Dream for Humans

As the story progresses through cosmic battles, human characters like Krillin and Yamcha begin to drift into a “retirement” phase, stepping back from the main conflicts. They find themselves living more ordinary lives, something Goku and Vegeta cannot afford due to their responsibilities. This separation serves as a poignant reminder that even human heroes have their own narratives, even if they are often overlooked.

Goku’s Story Arc

When Goku’s true identity as a Saiyan is revealed, the narrative has creatively explored depth in his character development. Goku and Vegeta’s battles to protect Earth, a planet that is not their home, add meaning to their actions. This also highlights the dynamic nature of the Saiyan identity, showcasing that humans can also be “alien” in their own right.

The Limitations of Humans

A common theme is the struggle of human characters against powerful foes like Cell and Majin Buu. Transitioning human characters into supporting roles allows the storyline to introduce increasingly stronger antagonists without compromising internal logic.

The Importance of Humans

The Dragon Ball franchise follows a formula that includes new characters and spectacular battles, leading to moments where human characters shine even brighter. For instance, the contributions of human fighters in the Tournament of Power have resonated because they highlight their perseverance. This illustrates that the series is acknowledging the value of diverse characters and is taking steps to balance the narrative approach.