Who doesn't love the Great Saiyaman? Depending on who you ask in the Dragon Ball fandom, people either adore Gohan's Superhero alter ego or think that he's one of the worst things to happen in DBZ since Garlic Jr. appeared for four episodes.
With such a divisive character, you'll hear a lot of strong arguments for the Great Saiyaman as well as ones that oppose the poor guy with the white-hot wrath of a thousand suns. So, as a way to show our appreciation and dread for the infamous hero, we'll be giving five reasons each for why we love Great Saiyaman and why we love to hate him.
10 Love: The Posing
With characters like the Great Saiyaman and the Ginyu Force, you can tell that Akira Toriyama was a massive fan of classic Super Sentai growing up. Much like Power Rangers, the Great Saiyaman loves to strike a pose, while giving a grandiose speech of justice and protecting the weak. If you grew up with shows like Sentai/Power Rangers, it's easy to see why so many love Great Saiyaman. His poses are just as silly and lovable as whenever the Power Rangers arrive on the scene.
9 Hate: The Headgear
Every great superhero needs something to hide their identity. Clark Kent has his glasses; Bruce Wayne has his cape and cowl, est. So, Gohan would need to make sure none of his classmates and the people of Satan City would find out who he is. But, the problem is with the Helmet is that it just doesn't match the green and black outfit he wears. It's hard to explain, but something is off. Even when Gohan used a do-rag and sunglasses, something was still of.
Maybe if Gohan still wore shades and were a Super Saiyan, like how he was during Videl's fight in the World's Martial arts Tournament, it would be better.
8 Love: The Voice
Before voice actor Kyle Hebert was voicing the over-the-top leader of team Dai-Gurren, he lent his chops to voice the older teen/adult version of Gohan. What we love about Hebert's take on Gohan is how he's able to change up Gohan's voice naturally. Sure, it's much sillier than Gohan's regular voice, but when you're dealing with such a crazy character like the Great Saiyaman, it's easy to ham up your performance. You can even sense a hit of Great Saiyaman whenever you listen to the dub of Gurren Lagaan.
7 Hate: Secret Identity easily discovered
Despite all of Gohan's best efforts, he's pretty terrible at keeping his identity a secret from others. First, there was him accidentally telling Videl who he was, then was when he forgot to keep his rag on when going up against Kabito Kai and let's not forget when CoCo happens to drop in when Gohan and Bulma were talking. It's a good thing that Gohan put his Great Saiyaman days behind him(for the most part) because it wouldn't be long before the entire universe would figure out that Gohan was the Great Saiyaman and he was the one that killed Cell.
6 Love: Got his own movie
While the Dragon Ball franchise will forever be tainted by the horror that is Dragon Ball: Evolution, the series can die happy in knowing that Great Saiyaman was able to star in his very own movie. Not only was the Gohan allowed to participate in the filming of the movie, but he was even allowed to do his stunts.
Sure, the main actor playing Great Saiyaman (Barry) was a prick, but he got his comeuppance by turning into an alien monster and getting his backside handed by the real Great Saiyaman (and as a Super Saiyan, nonetheless.) Goku may not have been a fan of it, but we can all agree it's better than watching Goku as a teen in high school for 90 minutes.
5 Hate: Heroes don't like him
While Gohan is old enough not to need the approval of his friends, you at least have to take a hint of how ridiculous you are dressing when everyone around you thinks your outfit is over-doing it. Just about everyone in Dragon Ball thinks that Gohan's Great Saiyaman outfit looks terrible. Trunks thought it looked dumb, Krillin and 18 though it was inane, even Goku thought he was wearing a stupid-looking costume. Sure, Goten thought Great Saiyaman looked cool, but even he changed his mind during Dragon Ball Super.
4 Love: Better Disguise than Super Saiyan
Gohan was in a bit of a hurry when he started his career as a crime fighter. With no time to change his appearance, all he did was turn Super Saiyan in his school outfit. Say what you will about Great Saiyaman, it's at least a better option to keep your self hidden than turning your hair yellow. This isn't DC comics, where you can just put on some glasses, and everyone thinks you're a different person.
3 Hate: Accidently shot his wife
Goku and Vegeta don't have a good history of treating their wives very well. Goku is always ignoring his responsibilities, so he can train to get stronger, while Vegeta and Bulma are continually arguing with each other every other day. Sure, Gohan and Videl didn't get off to a good start with her continually pressuring him to reveal his identity and blackmailing him. Still, they're a far better couple now than their parents, as well as Bulma and Vegeta.
The only time Gohan was pretty lousy was when he transformed into Great Saiyaman(partially drunk) and decided to deflect bullets that were shot by Mia. Not a wrong gesture, but one of them bounced off Gohan and hit Videl in the leg. Not cool Gohan
2 Love: Protector of Babies
Who doesn't love a hero that protects babies? When the evil Mr. Satan steals Pan's heart, Gohan once again dons the Great Saiyaman outfit and saves his daughter with the power of his "Super Mega Daddy Love." Only a true hero would find the strength within to stop an evil force that would steal the heart of a baby girl.... too bad Chi-Chi had to butt in and ruin the epic battle before its conclusion.
1 Hate: involved in some of the most forgettable filler episodes
Sure, everyone remembers some filler episodes of DBZ, like when Goku and Piccolo had to get their driver's licenses, but does anyone remember any of the filler from the Great Saiyaman saga? No one remembers when Gohan saved some dinosaurs from the circus or when some redhead blackmailed Gohan? Stop lying; you don't remember those episodes.