There are plenty of anime series that have persevered for decades and turned into foundational phenomena, but the success of the Dragon Ball franchise is on a whole other level. Dragon Ball has steadily expanded its universe through manga, anime, video games, movies, and more in order to create a story that’s endlessly entertaining and addicting. Many shonen anime series are only as strong as their protagonist and Dragon Ball benefits with its extremely affable hero.
Dragon Ball’s Goku is a crucial figure throughout the franchise who continues to grow, but he’s also a stubborn individual in many areas, and there are common mistakes that repeatedly trip him up.
10 Failing To Appreciate The Gravity Of A Situation
Goku makes for fantastic support to have in battle, but his constant naïvety has led to an increasing number of problems, many of which contain grave circumstances that he doesn’t seem to entirely grasp. Goku’s immense strength has built up a level of detachment in the character, and there are times when he should show respect and tone down his laid-back attitude. Goku’s introduction to Grand King Zeno is a perfect example where Goku’s behavior could have resulted in the entire universe’s destruction if he wasn’t so lucky.
9 His Attempts To Reform Villains Don't Always Work Out As He Hoped
Like many shonen anime, Dragon Ball revolves around exaggerated battles between good and evil. It’s standard practice for villains to meet their end at the conclusion of their arc, but Goku has a peculiar compulsion to always try to bring the bad guy over to the light side. Former villains like Piccolo and Vegeta have successfully transitioned into heroes, which is surely why Goku remains so optimistic, but there are times when he should know better. He’s given tyrants like Moro and Frieza chances for redemption when they’re far past this point.
8 He's A Beacon That Invites Danger To The Planet
There’s no denying that Goku has kept the Earth safe from destruction on many occasions. However, a compelling angle to consider is that Goku’s presence on Earth is also responsible for much of the danger that he’s faced. Goku’s strength and reputation attract enemies, and he sometimes does more harm than good by being around.
Goku accepts this reality when he chooses to remain dead at the end of the Cell Saga and during Dragon Ball GT, yet it’s a standard that he doesn’t hold himself toward and eventually ignores.
7 Turning His Back On His Saiyan Roots
It’s a major turning point in Goku’s life when Raditz informs him that he’s actually a member of an alien race known as the Saiyans. Goku struggles with this information, especially since some of his earliest associations towards Saiyans are with those who have killed his friends and family. Goku experiences a complex relationship with his Saiyan roots where he's either ashamed of or empowered by the association. For example, he's ashamed once his tail is removed, and yet, he'll appreciate the power that his Saiyan blood allows him to access.
6 Putting Too Much Stress On His Body
Goku technically isn’t human, but his body isn’t invincible and even it has its limits towards what it can endure. Goku picks up several techniques that allow him to access extreme boosts in power, but at a tremendous physical cost. The Kaio-Ken Attack is a maneuver that Goku is specifically told to use with restraint, otherwise, his bones may shatter and his body won’t be able to withstand the pressure. Goku repeatedly ignores this, which doesn’t result in his death, but it does lead to Goku being out of commission for a few episodes because he doesn’t properly pace himself.
5 Bad Timing & Showing Up Late To The Party
Goku is typically the strongest character in Dragon Ball, which means that he’s treated like a trump card and can’t always be the primary line of defense. The anime frequently creates tension out of the other heroes doing their best and staving off villains until Goku is able to arrive.
Granted, Goku typically has excuses for his absence, but it doesn’t change that several arcs result in everyone waiting for Goku to show up at the perfect moment and save the day. The routine gets a little old, and Goku could exhibit a little more foresight in this department.
4 He Heals Enemies To Make A Battle More "Fair"
Fairness and an even battle aren’t always the prerogative when the fate of the planet is at stake. It’s one thing for a hero to stoop to unfair means to defeat his opponent, but there’s also such a thing as showing too much leniency in battle. Goku is so focused on the best fight possible and how to be stronger that this blinds him on what’s truly important. Goku will readily give a villain a Senzu Bean to completely heal them or find ways to prolong the battle out of curiosity over his enemy’s strength. It’s extremely frustrating behavior.
3 He Doesn’t Listen To His Wife
Some characters like Goku might argue that when the fate of the planet, or even the universe, is at stake that it’s only natural that other priorities will become neglected. Goku’s marriage to Chi-Chi happens before Dragon Ball Z and Goku commits himself to starting a family together with his wife. Goku loves Chi-Chi, but training quickly becomes his focus and his wife’s wishes, especially regarding Gohan’s future, are repeatedly ignored. Chi-Chi’s frustration is palpable and Vegeta’s relationship with Bulma proves that it’s possible to respect both one’s wife and one’s training commitments.
2 He Doesn’t Prepare Or Do Reconnaissance & Just Rushes Into Battle
Raw power is an important thing in Dragon Ball, but a smart strategy is even more invaluable. Goku is an eager individual that often wants to deal with a threat as quickly as possible in order to minimize the damage from spreading. However, it’s not always prudent to charge right into battle, especially when the villain is still a mystery. Goku’s gung-ho attitude has backfired on him, whether it’s been against Cell, Buu, or Moro. It’s appreciated that Goku isn’t a coward here, but there are also more important factors than who makes the first strike.
1 He Stumbles Onto Abilities Before He Properly Masters Them
There are multiple ways to tap into power in Dragon Ball, whether it’s through intense training in order to master a specific ability or more circumstantial work that culminates in the unexpected arrival of power. Goku is a hard worker and takes training seriously, but there’s also a common feature where Goku stumbles upon a new ability or transformation when he’s locked in combat with the villain. When done sparingly, this can be an excellent surprise, but it’s beginning to get predictable with Goku after his experience with Ultra Instinct. The series needs to break Goku out of this habit.