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Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball has captivated audiences across generations, weaving a tapestry of unity and a vibrant energy that shifts with each era of the series. Despite the evolution of the franchise, modern iterations of Dragon Ball remain deeply connected to the roots of the original series, drawing on its rich history and timeless appeal.

In recent years, the Dragon Ball universe has expanded to introduce a host of new characters that have captured the imagination of fans. The past decade has seen the emergence of characters who have not only made a significant impact but also hold the potential to shape the future of the series. As Dragon Ball Super embarks on new storytelling adventures, these fresh faces stand poised to become integral to the evolving narrative.

One of the most exciting developments in Dragon Ball Super is the concept of a multiverse, which has opened up a wealth of possibilities for the series. This expansion has brought to light Universe 6, the sister realm of Universe 7, which still boasts a flourishing Saiyan population. Among the notable newcomers are Cabba, Caulifla, and Kale, a trio of Saiyans from Universe 6 who have emerged as formidable competitors in the Tournament of Power. Of these, Caulifla, the fierce protector of the group, stands out with her depth and potential for future storylines.

Caulifla Helps Usher in a New Age of Saiyan Supremacy

Dragon Ball Super’s introduction of a multiverse opens the series up to some rewarding possibilities, particularly when it comes to Universe 7’s sister realm, Universe 6. Universe 6 still has a thriving Saiyan population, which leads to the Cabba, Caulifla, and Kale’s introductions. This trio of Universe 6 Saiyans became standout Tournament of Power competitors and natural Super Saiyans, but it’s Caulifla, the group’s protector, who has the most depth.

Caulifla’s zest for combat nearly triggers Super Saiyan 3 power, which is no small feat. This is likely part of the reason why Caulfila and Kale’s Potara Earring fusion, Kefla, is nearly on par with Ultra Instinct Goku. Kefla is one of Dragon Ball Super’s strongest and most entertaining characters, with much of her success coming from Caulifla. Dragon Ball Super hopefully hasn’t seen the last of Universe 6’s Saiyans.

Hit’s Forces Goku to Use Super Saiyan Blue in the Tournament of Destroyers

Goku braces for impact from Hit's Time-Skip Technique in Dragon Ball Super.
Goku braces for impact from Hit’s Time-Skip Technique in Dragon Ball Super.
Image via Toei Animation

Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Destroyers between Universes 7 and 6 becomes an opportunity to introduce some of Dragon Ball Super’s strongest new characters. Goku and Vegeta breeze through most of Universe 6’s finest, such as Botamo, Auta Magetta, and Frost. However, it’s Hit, a renowned assassin whose skills do the talking for him, who stops both Saiyans in their tracks.

Hit’s Time-Skip Technique pushes Goku to debut his Super Saiyan Blue combo maneuver. Hit doesn’t say much, but his rigid morals are never in question. The assassination job he accepts from Goku reflects his commitment to his cause, while his willingness to throw the Tournament of Destroyers speaks to a lack of ego on Hit’s part. There’s something to be said for someone with such unwavering values, which is what edges Hit above other new Dragon Ball Super characters like Elec and Jiren.

Broly Went From Throwaway Dragon Ball Character to Fan-Favorite

Broly prepares his Planet Crusher attack in Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Broly prepares his Planet Crusher attack in Dragon Ball Super: Broly.
Image via Toei Animation

Broly, the Legendary Super Saiyan, is one of Dragon Ball Z’s most popular non-canon characters. Broly appeared in three separate movies, but he wasn’t exactly an especially deep character or someone who even said much beyond his visceral screams of “Kakarot!” Broly is a character who is defined by his implausible power and rage. Dragon Ball Super takes the foundation of Broly’s story and turns him into more of a misunderstood victim.

Broly is someone who wants to love and put his trust in others, yet he’s continually manipulated and used as a weapon to accomplish someone else’s goal, whether it’s his father or Frieza. Dragon Ball Super: Broly actually makes the audience feel sorry for Broly and experience a sense of relief when he actually survives his fight with Gogeta.

Moro Is an Ancient Magic User Who Executes a 1 Million-Year Plan

Dragon Ball Super’s Moro is the manga’s first original villain following the Tournament of Power’s events, and he’s not an antagonist who disappoints. Moro borrows some of the best traits from past foes like Cell, Buu, and even Demon King Piccolo. Moro has been kept in captivity for millions of years by the Galactic Patrol, during which he slowly put together the perfect plan. Not only does Moro escape from jail, but he frees hordes of other Galactic Patrol prisoners who distract the heroes and aid him in his pursuit.

Moro repeatedly proves the finely-tuned nature of his plan. Powerful allies, like Saganbo and Seven-Three, are revealed to be tools for Moro to become even stronger. Moro uses and combines Seven-Three and Merus’ powers to gain access to his own form of Ultra instinct. This plan would have conceivably succeeded had it not overloaded Moro’s body with too much power. Perfected Ultra Instinct Goku’s victory over Moro is also contingent upon both Vegeta’s Forced Spirit Fission and Uub’s cooperation, which are big variables.

Granolah Is Out For Revenge on the Entire Saiyan Race

Granolah aims a sniper shot in Dragon Ball Super manga.
Granolah aims a sniper shot in Dragon Ball Super manga.
Image via Shueisha

Granolah, like many of the greatest anime villains, is someone who doesn’t view themselves as a character who is in the wrong. In Granolah’s case, the vengeful Cerealian simply wants to get revenge on the Saiyans who ravaged his people.

He’s so determined to accomplish his goal that he even makes a Dragon Ball wish to become the strongest in Universe 7, albeit at the cost of a significantly shortened lifespan. Granolah’s tale is tragic, and he truly doesn’t care if he perishes in battle as long as he’s successful in his mission.

Dr. Arinsu Is Dragon Ball DAIMA’s Real Mastermind

Majin Kuu poses with Dr. Arinsu in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20.
Majin Kuu poses with Dr. Arinsu in Dragon Ball DAIMA Episode 20.
Image via Toei Animation

Dragon Ball DAIMA, the Dragon Ball franchise’s newest series, is very much a sequel to Dragon Ball Z’s Buu Saga. Dabura’s execution causes a power vacuum in the Demon Realm that triggers some sinister scheming from the dimension’s power players like Gomah, Degesu, and Dr. Arinsu. Gomah gets a lot of attention since he’s the one who curses Goku and company, becomes the next Demon King, and secures the Evil Third Eye. However, it’s Dr. Arinsu who hatches the most impressive plan.

Not only does Dr. Arinsu secure the Demon Realm Dragon Balls for herself and use Glorio as an undercover pawn in her plans. She also takes the initiative to create Majin Duu and Majin Kuu, the latter of which becomes Gomah’s Demon King successor. Dr. Arinsu doesn’t get much credit because she’s not a fighter, yet DAIMA’’s endgame wouldn’t be possible without her contributions.

Future Zamasu Is the Ultimate Villain For Using Goku to Kill Innocent People

An anime is often only as strong as its villain, which gets increasingly challenging for Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Super reintroduces many familiar faces, like Frieza, but Future Zamasu represents a terrifying vision of something different. Future Zamasu is part of an intricate plan in which the Supreme Kai apprentice teams up with an alternate version of himself who steals Goku’s body and dubs himself Goku Black with the express goal of wiping out all mortals from existence.

Their Zero Mortals Plan stems from Future Zamasu’s complete lack of faith in humanity’s ability to learn from their mistakes. It’s an extremely grim perspective for a God to take. Zamasu basically gives up on humanity and decides that it’d be more productive to break all the rules and wipe out mortals instead of giving humans the benefit of the doubt. Future Zamasu’s incredible resolve, not to mention how far he gets in his plan, is exactly why he’s such a terrifying and well-written villain.

The cast of Dragon Ball Z, including characters such as Son Goku, Vegeta and Piccolo, among others, leaps towards the camera in the poster for the show.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest Film

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero

First TV Show

Dragon Ball


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