Many anime series have gone on to become fundamental staples of the medium and the level of fanfare that surrounds Dragon Ball remains staggering. Akira Toriyama’s shonen series tells an engaging adventure that continually pits good against evil in unbelievable clashes of power. Dragon Ball’s mission statement hasn’t strayed far from its origins, but the scope of the series continues to change and evolve in ways that’s exciting for the fans.
The birth of Gohan, Goku’s son, moves Dragon Ball forward in important ways, yet the character has become somewhat of a controversial figure over time. Gohan’s usefulness fluctuates more than it should, but he’s still someone that’s valued for a number of reasons.
10 He’s The Perfect Balance Of Silly & Strong
The original Dragon Ball begins in a fairly comedic place and it takes some time for action to slowly become the dominant presence in the anime. Accordingly, there are lots of Dragon Ball characters that fit into either of these extremes, but well-rounded individuals are a little more uncommon.
Dragon Ball tends to slot its characters into the aggressive or humorous camps, but Gohan consistently tows the line and uses this to his advantage. Gohan is serious and dangerous when the occasion calls for it, but he doesn’t let this take over his personal life and become a humorless warrior.
9 He Wants To Be A Better Fighter
Dragon Ball Z sets up Gohan to be its main character and Earth’s new defender after Goku passes away. Gohan receives the Mystic upgrade to become Ultimate Gohan, as well as other perks that are specific to him. However, Gohan later adopts a more sedentary lifestyle where he focuses on the people around him rather than purely focusing on training.
It’s quite humbling when Gohan acknowledges the changes his life has taken, but he uses this to motivate him to get back in the saddle when it comes to combat. He desires to grow stronger, which is so important.
8 He’s A Great Husband & Father
Something that Dragon Ball doesn’t get enough credit for is its ability to show how characters can realistically mature and take unexpected directions with their lives. Gohan eventually marries Videl and has a daughter, Pan.
There are certainly Dragon Ball characters that start families, only to neglect them in favor of other pursuits. Gohan repeatedly stays by Videl’s side and makes sure that he can properly provide for their daughter. It may seem like most characters would give their families love and respect in Dragon Ball, but Gohan is easily one of the most inspiring examples here.
7 He Doesn’t Resent His Shortcomings
Dragon Ball is a series that’s full of characters that are never satisfied with their strength and as soon as they accomplish something, they’re already thinking about reaching the next plateau of power. Characters like Goku and Vegeta are so driven to be the best that it overwhelms everything else in their lives, arguably to an unhealthy degree.
Gohan’s strength has dipped over the years, but he doesn’t beat himself up over this or resent those that surpass him. It’s one of the healthier approaches for a character and proves that his priorities are properly in order.
6 He Possesses Incredible Special Attacks
The personalities of the characters in Dragon Ball are obviously important, but it’s admittedly a series where characters’ special attacks and transformations can sometimes receive more of the spotlight. It’s easy for the popularity of characters to get determined by the abilities that they show off in battle.
Gohan has adopted several techniques from his respective mentors, but he’s also crafted his own techniques that have become popular in their own right. Gohan is also the only character who undergoes the Mystic upgrade with Old Kai, which should not be underestimated.
5 He Continues His Great Saiyaman Duties To Keep The City Safe
One of the sillier elements to enter Dragon Ball following the events of the Cell Saga is Gohan’s adult superhero alter ego, the Great Saiyaman. Gohan is used to protecting the world from danger, but the Great Saiyaman has him take on street-level threats and become a more personable face of justice for the community.
Gohan is strong and busy enough that he doesn’t need to maintain this act, but it’s something that means a lot to him and he continues to perform this helpful service even in Dragon Ball Super.
4 He Willingly Takes The Role Of Leader
Danger is often right around the corner in Dragon Ball, with villains often not revealing the full scope of their plan, which makes preemptive measures sometimes end in disaster. A seismic event in Dragon Ball Super is the Tournament of Power, which pits the strongest fighters from the strongest universes in a battle royale competition.
Universe 7 puts together an impressive roster of warriors, but Gohan quickly volunteers to be the team’s leader and strategist. This is a risky role to be in, but Gohan’s ability to thrive in this position speaks to his natural talents in this area.
3 His Growing Bond & Teamwork With Piccolo
Training is essential in Dragon Ball and often characters are only able to mature as fighters because of their mentors in battle. Piccolo becomes an extremely unlikely role model for Gohan. The Namekian takes Gohan under his wing during Goku’s absence and instills vital skills in the young Saiyan.
Gohan could easily rush back to Goku after he returns, but he instead properly values the attention that Piccolo gives him. Gohan continues to forge a powerful bond with Piccolo, which is only possible because of his open mind. It establishes that he doesn’t take such things for granted.
2 He Helps Train His Brother To Be A Better Fighter
Gohan immediately shows his potential, even during his infancy, so there are equal expectations that surround Goku’s second son, Goten. Goten quickly picks up the basics of a Super Saiyan, but he’s also a character that sometimes recedes into the background.
The stakes continue to rise in a way where it makes more sense for Goku and Vegeta to tackle their problems head-on, but Gohan still tries to help his younger brother grow. Gohan understands that Goten can substantially improve with the proper foundation in place and he strives to provide that for him.
1 He’s Never Died & Is Ready To Carry The Torch
Death is inevitable in the Dragon Ball universe and most of the series’ strongest fighters have met their ends and had to come to terms with their limited immortality. The advent of the Dragon Balls helps make death a less permanent act than it is in most anime series.
Some of Dragon Ball’s biggest characters have perished on multiple occasions, but Gohan remains resilient and has avoided death within the series’ prime timeline. This might seem like a superfluous accomplishment, but it helps establish Gohan’s unique nature and why he really is special.