Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball is one of the most celebrated anime series of its generation and there's still no end in sight for the satisfying shonen property. The ongoing exploits of Goku and the rest of Earth's heroes have kept audiences entertained for nearly forty years, and it doesn't look like it's in any danger of ending any time soon.
One of the biggest ways Dragon Ball continually raises its stakes is through its increasingly powerful villains. Unique powers and superior strength are crucial characteristics for an antagonist, but Dragon Ball also emphasizes the importance of good design and style. These are the villains who have costumes and attire that are as bold as their attitudes.
10 Paragus Leads His People With A Revised Saiyan Staple
Dragon Ball Super: Broly brings both Legendary Super Saiyan Broly and his manipulative father Paragus into the series' canon. There are some careful changes made to these Saiyans' roots, which also happen to include slightly altered outfits for these confused characters.
Paragus equips his people with Saiyan battle armor, but it's aesthetically different from what every other Saiyan wears. This take on the resilient battle armor is green and purple instead of the traditional yellow. It may seem like a benign difference, but it makes Paragus and Broly stand out from the crowd.
9 Cooler's Armored Squadron Update A Consistent Classic
Salza, Dore, and Neiz make up the ruthless mercenary force, Cooler's Armored Squadron, who help carry out evil actions for Frieza's brother. Cooler's Armored Squadron wears matching armor that's similar to Saiyan battle armor and the look of the Frieza Force.
However, the small change to a green base with purple leggings and a well-designed logo results in a surprisingly sleek look for these villains. It's unique when compared to the Ginyu Force's attire, who don't deviate from the standard Saiyan battle armor.
8 Universe 9's Assassins Know How To Make A Coordinated Entrance
Dragon Ball's universes are forced to fight for survival in the Tournament of Power. However, some of the more unscrupulous realms attempt to level the playing field before the competition even begins. God of Destruction Sidra, alongside Supreme Kai Roh, hire a horde of assassins to take out Goku and Frieza.
Universe 9 is woefully overpowered by Goku and Frieza's combined efforts, but these nameless assassins at least get some points for style. The cryptic cloak outfits that these assassins wear help them blend into their surroundings, remain uniform with one another, and also apply intimidation to their opponents. They just pick the wrong targets.
7 The Looks Of Prototype Androids 19 & 20 Deliver Uniform Efficiency
The Androids are a game changer in the Dragon Ball universe. If gone unchecked, they're more than capable of leveling the world into chaos. Androids 17 and 18 become the dominant threats, but Toriyama's original plan was for Androids 19 and 20 to be the primary robotic rivals.
This is likely why Androids 19 and 20 wear matching outfits whereas the rest of the Androids wear unique outfits. Androids 19 and 20 have frumpy looks that fit with Dr. Gero's old age. Their Red Ribbon affiliation is also boldly on display. There's a self-aware quality to these Androids that just works for them, like Gero's huge hat that conceals his cyborg state.
6 Lord Slug Sports A Flashy Look That Represents His Namekian Nature
Namekians make up one of the most powerful races in the Dragon Ball universe, but they don't get their due nearly enough in the series. Lord Slug, the fourth Dragon Ball Z movie, doesn't have the best reception. At least it makes an impression through the villainous Namekian, Lord Slug, who's behind everything.
Lord Slug's ceremonial garb works as well as it does because of its eye-catching color pattern of orange, yellow, and purple. The straps and jewels that adorn Slug's torso and crown-like headdress also feel like believable Namekian fashion.
5 Gamma 1 & 2 Are Villains Who Look Like Heroic Caped Crusaders
The Dragon Ball fandom is collectively excited about the latest cinematic adventure in the series, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. This new film marks the determined return of the Red Ribbon Army, which includes two state-of-the-art Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2.
Androids are common in Dragon Ball, but these two actually view themselves as heroes and are definitely dressed for the part. Gamma 1 and 2 don't have wildly complex costumes, but the stark use of primary colors and their heroic capes make serious impressions. Gohan and Piccolo are locked in combat against them, and it's genuinely hard for the public to identify who's a villain.
4 Dabura's Revered Position As Ruler Of The Demon Realm Is Clear Through His Costume
A myriad of malevolent menaces try to take down the heroes during Buu's awakening. Most of Babidi's Majin minions are instances of style over substance, but Dabura is the exception. The ruler of the Demon Realm wields a deadly sword and his saliva can petrify targets into stone.
Dabura's attire doesn't complicate things, and it's really just a foreboding cloak. At the same time, this outfit wouldn't feel out of place on Dracula or Satan, which makes it perfect for Dabura. This look emphasizes Dabura's importance in the Demon Realm as well as his compulsion to brazenly show off his strength.
3 The God Of Destruction Attire Reflects Power & Authority
Dragon Ball has carefully expanded upon the boundaries of its universe and the important figures who watch over it in each of its series. Dragon Ball Super kicks off with the introduction of Gods of Destruction and Angels, with Beerus and Whis as the respective deities for Universe 7.
There are a dozen different Gods of Destruction and Angels who all reflect the contrasting conditions of their universes. Despite these differences, there's still a unifying thematic aesthetic that's present in all the Gods of Destruction costumes. The flair towards Egyptian iconography feels appropriate for Beerus, but it's present for each God of Destruction.
2 Bojack's Galaxy Soldiers Uniquely Reflect The Space Pirate Paradigm
Bojack Unbound, the ninth Dragon Ball Z movie, is an outlier for the franchise since it's set during Goku's extended stay in the afterlife, meaning Gohan is allowed to be the main character. Bojack and his Galaxy Soldiers, Kogu, Zangya, Bido, and Bujin, are notorious space pirates who were such a liability that they were locked away in a star by the Kais.
The Galaxy Soldiers don't disappoint in the space pirate department, but they each lean into this direction in different ways instead of a set uniform for the team. Each member's attire stands out and feels appropriate for their respective characters.
1 Granolah Survives Destruction With His Fashion Sense Intact
The Dragon Ball Super anime turns the grand spectacle of the Tournament of Power into its concluding act, but the series' manga has forged ahead and encountered several major villains along the way. Granolah is a fascinating figure whose Cerealian people were wiped out by the Saiyans, and he happens to share a connection with Goku's father, Bardock.
Granolah has such a detailed and exciting costume design that gives off serious Chrono Trigger vibes. Granolah's striking eyepiece also turns out to be a sentient device named Oatmeel, which adds further depth to his unique look.