Gohan is often the topic of a lot of polarizing controversial conversations in the Dragon Ball fandom. This character divides fans with differing opinions more than anything else that has been given any screen or panel time in the history of the entire series.
Part of this is for valid reasons but other parts of the arguments coming from both sides are simply because Gohan is the most understood character of the whole Dragon Ball series. For those wondering just how this half-Saiyan with endless potential is misunderstood, this list will be covering the whole nine yards.
10 HE NEVER LIKED FIGHTING
There are constantly fans wondering why Gohan isn't at the level of his father Goku or his father's rival Vegeta. Well, it is seen as early as Gohan's introduction in the series that he isn't really a fan of fighting. This may be ChiChi's fault for raising him a certain way but it has become a big part of Gohan's character and his arc.
This is actually one of the character traits that makes Gohan so great and different than other Dragon Ball characters. He's a pacifist with endless fighting potential in a world all about battle and was born into a race of fighters.
9 HE NEVER WANTED TO FIGHT
Launching off of the point before, it can be concluded that Gohan never even wanted to fight. In fact, he states this as well shortly after his introduction into the series. This was a seriously huge part of his character arc during the famous Cell Saga as well. Unlike his dad, Gohan just was never born to become a big-time fighter.
Again, this is a defining trait of Gohan. He would much rather spend his time actually studying and looking into a real future that will benefit him and his family. It's the way he was raised during a time where fighting wasn't necessary.
8 HE WAS RAISED DURING A MUCH DIFFERENT TIME
Part of the reason that Gohan isn't as much into fighting as his father and other Z-Warriors is that he was born in a much different time than them. While his dad was always a fighter who even won a World Tournament, Gohan was brought into the world when that wasn't something necessary for him.
Like anyone else Gohan has choices and the time that he was born gave him even more choices. Maybe if he was born at the time of the Cell or Buu Saga he would be much more interested in becoming the Earth's hero.
7 HE DOES ENJOY FIGHTING
Many fans think that Gohan not wanting to do nothing but fight and train for battles all his life means that he hates fighting. This just isn't the case at all. In fact, during Dragon Ball Super we actually see Gohan enjoying fighting with his father. He even lets the audience know that he loves martial arts as a sport.
Gohan doesn't like having the weight of the world on his back when it comes to fighting which is understandable. He would much rather be duking it out as a pastime for nothing but enjoyment like anyone else.
6 HE NEVER WANTED TO COMPLETELY STOP FIGHTING
One thing that can be inferred by Gohan's love of fighting in Dragon Ball Super is that he never wanted to fully give up fighting after the Cell Saga. It can even be seen in the early parts of the Buu Saga while he is beginning high school at Orange Star that he is still practicing to stay in shape while his father is away.
Heck, he's even busy teaching Goten to fight and going to the World Tournament with friends and family during this saga. It's a no brainer that he has a good time practicing martial arts.
5 HE UNDERSTANDS HE HAS TO FIGHT
One of the biggest takeaways of the Cell Saga is that Gohan understands that in the world he lives in he must always keep his tools sharp and that he can't simply just stop fighting. That's what Android 16 died to teach hi, and that's what leads Gohan to continue his training after his father's death to save the Earth from Cell's self-destruct attack.
Sadly this is one thing that many forget about the character. Not just fans, but the writers seem to forget that Gohan would never completely lock himself off from the world of fighting. Not when he has so much to lose in his adult age.
4 HE AND HIS FATHER HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
Another thing that the fans of Dragon Ball don't seem to understand is that Piccolo is not Gohan's "real" father. Goku is an amazing dad to his son, both of them. Many think that he is always away but it is seen that Goku loves and takes every chance he can to spend time with his family.
Gohan and his father have a great relationship despite the time Goku has to take away from them. Anytime he leaves it's because he's dead or training to keep them and the rest of the planet alive anyway.
3 HE IS SUITED TO TAKE OVER AS THE PROTAGONIST
One thing that writers and other fans of Dragon Ball don't understand as well is that Gohan is 100% suited to take over as the protagonist of the series. In fact, rumors state that he was supposed to take over after the Cell Saga.
Honestly, after the character developments of that epic saga, he is definitely ready to take his dad's position as a reluctant hero of the planet.
2 HE'S NOT A BAD CHARACTER THE WRITERS JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HIM
Gohan is far from a bad character and he doesn't get the respect he deserves. Sadly, a lot of the things that generate flack for the character come from writers that just don't fully understand him.
Funny enough when it comes to Dragon Ball Super, while there's a lot they get right there's just as much that's wrong. Gohan would never fully stop training as seen with developments in the Cell Saga. This is one thing that Dragon Ball GT gets right over the canon Dragon Ball Z sequel.
1 HE STILL HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME THE STRONGEST
Gohan is still the Saiyan with limitless potential. In fact, his potential can go even further than that of the newly introduced Legendary Super Saiyan Broly. This was seen throughout the series and even in the Buu Saga (although it was a bit mishandled).
The Dragon Ball series still has some ways to go and will probably keep continuing. There's definitely room for Gohan to keep growing depending on if the writers actually want to take that path with the character.