It’s truly impressive to look at how much Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series has been able to elevate itself into one of the most evergreen anime of its kind. Dragon Ball was a breakout hit when it first debuted in the ‘80s, but it’s gone on to become a major shonen influence. Dragon Ball understands when it’s necessary to revise its formula and introduce changes, but its success is also due to the consistent characters audiences have gotten to know and love for decades.
There’s no confusion over the fact that Goku is the star of Dragon Ball, but there are plenty of opportunities where he’s only as good as the support that’s by his side. Goku has accumulated some incredibly powerful allies over the years, some of which possess strength that even surpasses his own.
10 Gotenks Is Goku’s Only Other Super Saiyan 3 Support
Fusion is a fascinating concept that Dragon Ball has truly embraced, but a lot of the time the greatest combinations typically involve Goku. Gotenks is an exception and a character who becomes a major asset during Buu’s initial attack on the Earth. Goten and Trunks are both incredibly powerful for their young ages, but they gain access to a whole new level of strength after they properly perform the fusion dance together. Gotenks is the only other character in Dragon Ball Z’s anime who can achieve Super Saiyan 3 status, which takes a lot of pressure off of Goku.
9 Uub Is Filled With Potential That’s Yet To Be Properly Explored
Goku has a tendency to attempt to reform his enemies and bring them over to the side of justice, but a unique variation on this trope occurs when Goku wishes for the evil that lived inside of Kid Buu to be reincarnated into a pure human, Uub. Accordingly, Uub is primed to become a major player, which is something that Dragon Ball GT explores to a greater degree. However, Uub hasn’t been forgotten in Dragon Ball Super. Goku finds himself lacking the necessary energy to defeat Moro until Uub lends the Saiyan his strength, which pushes Goku over the edge.
8 Universe 6’s Hit Is A Legendary Assassin Who’s Grown To Respect Goku
Goku’s first encounter with Hit is during the tense tournament that takes place between Universe 7 and Champa’s Universe 6. Champa’s recruits are all powerful in their own ways, but Hit is the universe’s standout warrior thanks to his exceptional Time Skip ability.
Hit makes a strong impression in Dragon Ball Super when he appears to “kill” Goku, but the friendly competition between the corresponding universes opens up Hit’s eyes toward Goku’s positive qualities. The two still compete against each other in the Tournament of Power, but they also respectfully have each other’s backs.
7 Gohan Is Set To Surpass His Saiyan Father Until He Becomes Valuable Backup
The growing Dragon Ball saga allows its characters to grow older and carry on with their lives. The majority of Dragon Ball Z progressively sets up Gohan to become the anime’s main character and a stronger Saiyan than his father. This trajectory doesn’t fully come to fruition, but there’s no denying that Gohan still accomplishes incredible feats, especially after he’s opposed to Old Kai’s Mystic/Ultimate upgrade. Gohan’s training regresses slightly once he starts his own family, but his position as Universe 7’s team leader in the Tournament of Power proves that he’s still a vital ally to Goku.
6 Kefla Brings The Best Of Universe 6 Forward To Learn From Goku’s Example
Dragon Ball Super’s revelation that the entirety of the anime merely represents just one of twelve unique universes opens up a lot of opportunities for the series. One of the most exciting developments from the multiverse concept is that a handful of new Saiyans enter the picture through Universe 6. Goku helps these fledgling Saiyans master their natural power, the culmination of which results in fused super warrior, Kefla. This union between Kale and Caulifla is nearly at the same level of strength as Goku and becomes an important asset against Jiren during the Tournament of Power.
5 Goku Is One Of The First People To Allow Broly Free Will & Independence
Broly is a somewhat controversial character in the Dragon Ball canon. He’s been a frequent threat in both Dragon Ball Z’s movies and video games, but he properly enters the franchise via Dragon Ball Super: Broly. The Dragon Ball Super film incorporates some essential revisions to Broly’s character.
He’s still an unhinged, rage-filled Super Saiyan, but the movie ends with both him and Goku reaching a tacit understanding. Broly’s life has been full of lies and manipulation, yet Goku promises to show him true friendship and encouragement, which will hopefully get explored in the future.
4 Vegeta Remains Goku’s Friendly Rival & Ultimate Motivator
Vegeta enters the Dragon Ball franchise as a ruthless tyrant who’s at least partly responsible for major casualties among the anime’s core heroes. Vegeta and Goku initially come to blows, but the altercation establishes the ongoing rivalry that exists between these two Saiyans. Vegeta still loves to give Goku a hard time, but at this point, he’s effectively proven that he’s there for Kakarot when it counts. Vegeta is a fundamental ally, whether it’s through his unique progression as a fighter or when he’s there to fuse together with Goku and lend him his strength.
3 Merus Instills Important Values In Goku & Helps Him Master The Impossible
Dragon Ball Super’s manga has surpassed the events of its corresponding anime, which has led to the introduction of some incredible new allies and dangers. Merus becomes a crucial presence who helps Goku properly master his unstable Ultra Instinct skills. Merus’ lessons push Goku through to the next stage and success against Moro would likely otherwise be impossible. However, Merus also physically contributes to the larger fight against Moro. Merus’ actions here end up costing him his life, but this only makes his assistance resonate even more strongly with Goku.
2 Whis’ Heavenly Duties Still Aren’t Enough To Keep Him Away From Helping Goku
Dragon Ball Super brings Gods of Destruction and Angels into the anime’s hierarchy of supreme beings. Universe 7’s representatives, Beerus and Whis, often apply a hands-off approach to their dominion over Earth. Beerus is more belligerent than Whis and he’s less likely to fight alongside Goku, with pride being the major factor here. Alternatively, Whis’ Angel status means that he’s not allowed to intervene in Earth’s proceedings. However, that doesn’t stop Whis from helping Goku in a major way against Golden Frieza when he briefly rewinds time to prevent the Earth’s explosion.
1 Zeno Watches Over The Entire Multiverse, & Goku Is In His Good Graces
Goku is an incredibly powerful fighter, but there’s a level of innocence to him that never fully disappears. This naivety can sometimes be a major impediment to success, but it’s also allowed him to make friends with unconventional characters, like Zeno, the revered Omni-King. Zeno and Future Zeno can erase an entire universe without breaking a sweat and they’re even more dangerous because of their unpredictable, child-like nature. Fortunately, Goku’s energetic spirit meshes with these deities and they’re happy to go out on a limb for him, even if everyone else remains petrified of the duo.