Anime Trivia

In Akira Toriyama’s original sketches of Super Saiyan 3, a tail was included as part of the design. However, the final version removed it, focusing on the transformation’s distinct features, such as elongated hair and missing eyebrows. The decision to remove the tail was likely due to the evolving lore of the Saiyans, where characters like Goku and Vegeta had already lost theirs. Additionally, removing the tail visually differentiated Super Saiyan 3 from previous forms. Despite this, the transformation remained one of the most iconic in Dragon Ball Z, showcasing an immense power boost at the cost of stamina.

When Raditz lands on Earth, he mistakes Piccolo for Goku and uses his scouter to check his power level. The reading shows Piccolo’s power level as 322, which was considered low compared to Raditz’s own power level of 1,500. This scene highlights the vast power gap between Saiyan warriors and Earth’s strongest fighters at the time. However, Piccolo and Goku later join forces, significantly increasing their chances against Raditz. This moment also establishes the importance of power levels in the Dragon Ball series, although they become less relevant as characters surpass measurable limits through transformations and training.

After fusing with Supreme Kai using the Potara Earrings, Kibito’s earring color changed to green. This transformation permanently merged the two characters into Kibito Kai, a being with both Kibito’s healing abilities and Supreme Kai’s divine powers. The green Potara Earrings became a defining trait of the fusion, signifying the enhanced strength and wisdom of the combined entity. The Potara fusion is notably different from the Fusion Dance, as it was originally intended to be permanent. However, later in the series, it is revealed that non-Kai beings can have the fusion undone under specific circumstances.

Vegeta is the prince of the Saiyan race, being the son of King Vegeta. Despite the destruction of Planet Vegeta by Frieza, Vegeta carries himself with pride, often reminding others of his royal status. Initially introduced as an antagonist, he later becomes one of the most powerful and respected fighters in the series. His rivalry with Goku drives him to continually push his limits. Over time, Vegeta undergoes significant character development, shifting from a ruthless warrior to a devoted protector of Earth and his family. His Saiyan pride remains a defining trait throughout Dragon Ball Z and beyond.

Super Saiyan 3 is an advanced transformation that provides an immense power boost, surpassing Super Saiyan 2. However, it consumes a tremendous amount of energy, making it difficult to maintain for extended periods. Goku first uses this form against Majin Buu, demonstrating its raw strength and ability to manipulate energy on a massive scale. The transformation’s energy output is so intense that it disrupts the environment, causing seismic activity. Despite its power, Super Saiyan 3 is rarely used in later battles due to its high energy consumption. Instead, Goku and Vegeta focus on more efficient transformations like Super Saiyan Blue.

Cell is a bio-android created by Dr. Gero using the genetic material of various powerful fighters. He possesses cells from Frieza, Piccolo, Vegeta, Goku, and others, allowing him to utilize their abilities. However, he does not have cells from Future Trunks, as Trunks arrived from an alternate timeline. This explains why Cell lacks Trunks' unique fighting style or techniques, such as the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan without significant energy loss. Cell’s creation was intended to combine the best traits of the strongest warriors, making him one of the most formidable villains in Dragon Ball Z.

Human-Saiyan hybrids, such as Gohan, Trunks, and Goten, tend to have higher potential than full-blooded Saiyans because their human side allows them to tap into emotions more effectively. Unlike pure Saiyans, who are driven by battle instinct, hybrids can experience and control emotions like anger, love, and determination, which can trigger sudden bursts of power. Gohan is a prime example, as his hidden potential surpasses Goku’s at various points in the series. This emotional depth enables hybrids to unlock greater strength faster than pure Saiyans, making them formidable fighters despite not always having the same warrior mentality.

Goku's original Saiyan name was Kakarot. This name follows the Saiyan tradition of vegetable-based puns, as it is derived from "carrot." When Goku was sent to Earth as a baby, his mission was to conquer the planet, but a head injury caused him to forget his aggressive Saiyan nature. Raditz, his biological brother, later reveals his true identity, emphasizing how Goku's upbringing on Earth shaped him differently from other Saiyans. Unlike Saiyans who remained in space, Goku’s Earthly experiences influenced his values, ultimately making him the protector of the planet instead of fulfilling his original Saiyan mission.

Frieza destroyed Planet Vegeta because he feared the Saiyans’ growing strength and potential to surpass him. King Vegeta attempted to overthrow Frieza but failed. Frieza, knowing that Saiyans could transform into Great Apes and had legends of the Super Saiyan, decided to eliminate them preemptively. He used a massive Supernova attack to wipe out the planet, with only a few Saiyans—Goku, Vegeta, Nappa, Raditz, Broly, and Paragus—surviving. Frieza's actions led to Vegeta’s deep hatred and desire for revenge. Ironically, his fear became a reality when Goku, a surviving Saiyan, later achieved Super Saiyan and defeated him.

In the Saiyan Saga, Goku’s highest Kaioken multiplier was 4x. King Kai initially warned that excessive use of Kaioken would put an immense strain on Goku’s body. However, during his battle against Vegeta, Goku used Kaioken x3 to gain the upper hand. When Vegeta countered with a Galick Gun, Goku pushed his limits further and used Kaioken x4 to overpower the attack with his Kamehameha. The energy output at this level was dangerously high, causing severe physical strain. Later in the series, Goku improved his control over Kaioken, eventually reaching a 20x multiplier against Frieza on Namek.

Gohan was the first Z Fighter to achieve Super Saiyan 2 during the Cell Games. Unlike Goku and Vegeta, who trained relentlessly, Gohan's transformation was fueled by his deep emotional connection and suppressed rage. Cell's cruelty—especially his attack on Android 16—triggered an emotional outburst, unlocking his full potential. Super Saiyan 2 was significantly stronger than the first form, evident when Gohan effortlessly overpowered Cell’s Cell Juniors. His power output, speed, and control drastically improved, making him the strongest Z Fighter at that moment. Despite surpassing Goku, Gohan’s reluctance to fight later caused his power to decline.

Majin Buu’s Chocolate Beam was a unique ability that allowed him to transform enemies into candy or other edible objects. This ability was highly effective as it permanently immobilized opponents, making them defenseless. Unlike traditional energy attacks, which required sustained combat, Buu’s technique was instantaneous. He used it against powerful warriors, including Dabura, Chi-Chi, and even Vegito (though Vegito managed to resist its effects). The attack demonstrated Buu’s playful yet terrifying nature, as he often enjoyed consuming his victims after transformation. This ability contributed to Buu’s unpredictability, making him one of the most dangerous villains in Dragon Ball Z.