There are many anime series that are able to transcend the medium and become mainstream successes, but there are few that can achieve the level of non-stop entertainment that’s been achieved by Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball for over 35 years. Dragon Ball is deceptively simple in its broader presentation of Earth’s greatest warriors defending their planet against dark forces, but there have been steady changes and developments that have helped the franchise evolve in necessary ways.

RELATED: Dragon Ball: 10 Ways Namekians Are Better Than Saiyans

The bigger that Dragon Ball becomes, the more it features new planets, universes, and powerful alien species. One of the most important aliens featured in Dragon Ball are Namekians, who certainly have privileged lives in many respects, but they’re also not without their disadvantages.

10 HARSH REALITY: Their Home Planet Has Been Repeatedly Destroyed

DBZ Planet Namek Explosion

Dragon Ball is a series that begins in a relatively grounded place, which makes it so exciting when it eventually leaves Earth’s atmosphere and travels across the galaxy. Planet Namek is the first destination that’s visited, and the homeworld for the Namekian race is quite peaceful and with an atmosphere and ecosystem that are not radically different from Earth. Unfortunately, Namek seems to become a beacon for conflict, and the Namekians have had to face the destruction of their home on more than one occasion. This type of displacement isn’t easy, yet it’s a process that Namekians have learned to accept.

9 PERK: They Have Incredible Regeneration Abilities

Anime Piccolo Regeneration DBZ

The Namekians may look physically different from humans, Saiyans, and other alien species that are present in Dragon Ball, but these unique traits exist much deeper than on a purely superficial level. One of the most prominent tricks that Namekians will resort to in battle is their incredible regeneration ability. This means that Namekians can completely regrow any lost limbs, or strategically remove damaged body parts only to regenerate fresh ones. It’s a technique that’s saved Piccolo on several occasions and serves as a way to seriously intimidate the enemy.

8 HARSH REALITY: Their Merging Fusion Process Results In An Absorbed Identity

Piccolo and Nail perform a Namekian fusion in Dragon Ball Z

Fusion is a revelatory technique that gets introduced during Dragon Ball Z’s Buu Saga and goes on to play a major role in the franchise’s future. Fusion through the Potara Earrings or the designated dance becomes the dominant means of this union, but much earlier in the series, it’s established that Namekians have their own form of fusion.

RELATED: Dragon Ball: 10 Most Powerful Namekians Ranked

Namekians can undergo a merging process that permanently combines individuals, which leads to greater strength, but it also erases one of the involved parties. Other fusion methods retain both personalities, but when Piccolo merges with Nail and Kami, he ostensibly absorbs them.

7 PERK: They Have The Power To Heal & Unlock The Potential In Others

Dende heals an injured Piccolo in Dragon Ball Z

Any shonen anime series is going to feature a good deal of action, but a healthy recovery is also essential. Dragon Ball has approached healing in a number of convenient ways, and Senzu Beans are still a common presence. Some individuals have their own select healing capabilities, which is one of the advantages of certain members of the Namekian race. Some Namekians are more predisposed for combat, but others are healers who can repair the damage in others. This idea gets taken even further with individuals like the Grand Elder, who can actively awaken the latent potential in individuals.

6 HARSH REALITY: They're Forced To Be The Guardian Of A Planet That's Not Their Own

Anime Kami & Popo Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball casually introduces some Namekians on Earth in the original series before the audience becomes privy to the information that they’re actually aliens from another planet. An odd custom that’s established on Earth is that it’s a Namekian who becomes the planet’s guardian, largely because of their ability to craft Dragon Balls. Kami serves this honor for years until Dende eventually takes over the position. There’s a lot of pressure that surrounds this role, but it’s also an isolating experience where a Namekian must leave their home to help another planet.

5 PERK: Their Hearing Is Painfully Advanced

Anime Dragon Ball Z Piccolo Ears Ripped Off

Any anime series that goes on for hundreds of episodes across several decades is going to get a little careless with certain niche details or forget elements over time. One of the more niche details of the Namekian species is that they have incredibly sensitive hearing.

RELATED: Dragon Ball: 10 Times A Namekian Saved The Day

The most important time that this functions as a plot point is during the Dragon Ball Z movie, Lord Slug. Slug’s advanced hearing is used against him, and what could be perceived as strategic advantage leaves the Namekian defenseless. Alternatively, Piccolo rips off his own ears to avoid suffering the same fate.

4 HARSH REALITY: Their Prolonged Lifespans Result In Years of Weakness & Longing For Youth

Anime Dragon Ball Lord Slug Wishes For Youth

Different Dragon Ball species also means that there are radically different lifespans that characters follow. The Namekians age at a different rate than humans or Saiyans, and it’s not unusual for Elders to be around for hundreds of years. Kami, for instance, is over 500 years old. Some may consider this extra time alive as a positive, but because Namekians can survive for so long they actually spend more of their life in an aged state than in a youthful form. This is why both Demon King Piccolo and Lord Slug use the Dragon Balls to regain their vitality.

3 PERK: They Can Grow Radically Larger & Are Extremely Malleable

Lord Slug grabs Goku with his Devil Arm in Dragon Ball Z Movie

Dragon Ball eventually prioritizes Saiyans and allows them to become the most powerful and useful characters in the series. However, before this domination occurs, there’s a lot of appeal and excitement that surrounds the malleable nature of Namekians. Namekians can elongate and stretch their limbs, which can give them an enviable reach over their opponent. This principle can also be applied in a more drastic sense when a Namekian grows gigantic in size and towers above their prey. Both are vital abilities that can easily turn the tables in battle.

2 HARSH REALITY: They're Targets Because Of Their Connection To The Dragon Balls

Dende recreates Earth's Dragon Balls in Dragon Ball Z.

The Dragon Balls are one of the most coveted items in the entire franchise, and they’re treasures that someone is always after. Namekians share a special connection to the Dragon Balls, and they have the ability to create their own set, complete with unique wish rules. This may seem like it’s an asset, but this association with the Dragon Balls has only put a giant target on the Namekian race. Namekians are killed and kidnapped because of a Dragon Ball agenda, with most ravaged individuals completely innocent.

1 PERK: They Can Asexually Reproduce

Demon King Piccolo asexually coughs up an egg and gives birth in Dragon Ball

The ongoing Dragon Ball saga covers such a long span of time that characters have been able to grow into adults, start their own families, and then watch their offspring go off and do the same. Dragon Ball excels with this generational quality, but reproduction and carrying on a legacy is even easier for Namekians. Namekians reproduce asexually, which gives them control over how and when they pull off this maneuver. This procedure isn’t overdone, but Demon King Piccolo capitalizes on it to build his demonic army and create Piccolo Jr.

NEXT: Dragon Ball: Every Major Race's Strongest Member, Ranked