Dragon Ball Confirms Its Most Iconic Fighter After 40 Years
Dragon Ball is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking a significant milestone since Akira Toriyama’s manga first appeared in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump. This celebration includes revealing the franchise’s most beloved fighter, as determined by fan votes.
Popularity Poll Results
In a special event titled “Dragon Ball: The One,” fans participated in a popularity poll to determine the top character from the franchise. The results showcased Goku as the most popular character, which resonates with long-time fans familiar with the series.
Top Ten Characters in the Franchise
- Son Goku
- Vegeta
- Son Gohan
- Piccolo
- Vegito
- Teen Trunks
- Bardock
- Android 18
- Cell
- Frieza
Surprisingly, characters like Vegito and Bardock ranked higher than many anticipated. Following closely behind in the top twenty are other fan favorites such as Krillin, Yamcha, and Bulma. Notably, Bulma’s family cat made an amusing appearance at 15th place, outpacing characters like Chichi and Videl.
The Significance of Goku
Goku’s reign as the top character is unsurprising. While other characters may exhibit strength at different points in the series, discussions about Dragon Ball invariably lead back to Goku. His iconic status solidifies his position as the centerpiece of the franchise.
What Lies Ahead for Dragon Ball?
The franchise’s 40th-anniversary celebrations have commenced with a special event in Japan. Fans are eager for announcements regarding the future of Dragon Ball. Speculations include the return of the Dragon Ball Super manga, which has been on hiatus since Toriyama’s passing in 2024, and the revival of the Dragon Ball Super anime.
Furthermore, fans are hopeful for new anime projects that may surprise them. With the legacy of Akira Toriyama, the direction that Shueisha and other rights holders take remains to be seen.
As Dragon Ball enters this new chapter, fans are encouraged to engage in discussions about their favorite characters and what they wish to see next.