Photo: Toei Animation
The Dragon Ball series is one of the best known animated franchises in the world. The adventures of the overly simplistic and benevolent alien being by the name of Goku captured the hearts of millions and kept them guessing about the young boy’s fate. However, according to many fans of the show, it is the Dragon Ball Z series that really took it to a whole new level and gave the viewers the most wholesome experience yet. In light of that, here are 8 of the most iconic DBZ characters that really left a mark on the series and gave it its legendary status. Take a look.
Chiaotzu
We’ll start the list off with Chiaotzu, a weirdly pale-looking martial artist who first appeared in the original Dragon Ball series as a longtime friend and partner of Tien Shinhan. The two were introduced as scammers who go from one village to another and offer protection from a beast they actually controlled. Goku tried to expose them but in vain. Chiaotzu showed us exactly what he is capable of at the World Martial Arts Tournament where he got to fight Krillin. Both Chiaotzu and Tien were the representatives of Master Shen, who was Master Roshi’s greatest rival. However, in the Dragon Ball Z, they all put their differences aside in order to defeat the Earth-threatening Saiyans. One of the saddest moments in the series is certainly Chiaotzu’s sacrifice when he turned into a bomb to try and defeat Nappa. Though it was all in vain, it showed everyone just how kind-hearted Chiaotzu really was.
Master Roshi
Photo: Toei Animation
Certainly one of the most significant characters in the Dragon Ball series is Goku’s teacher and spiritual guide – Master Roshi. The most interesting thing about Master Roshi is the fact that he is by no account the greatest fighter out there but knows how to help fighters reach their true potential and learn them valuable life lessons. The first time at the world tournament, Master Roshi participated in a disguise of Jackie Chun (a subtle parody eh?) in order to make sure his students don’t win, but instead learn the life’s hard lessons. Despite his proficiency in fighting and overall wisdom, what makes Master Roshi so unique is his perverted nature. He is often found visiting adult websites, reading nude magazines and blatantly staring at various girls. It is a unique mix that only Master Roshi is able to pull.
Bulma
Of course, Dragon Ball wouldn’t be the same without the magnificently neurotic and breathtaking Bulma. In a way, she is one of Goku’s oldest friends and has marked the franchise with her trademark blue hair and short temper. Bulma first met Goku while she was on her quest to locate all the Dragon Balls. The two quickly became friends and continued the search together, even meeting Master Roshi for the very first time during their journey. What really made Bulma stand out, however, besides the obvious sex appeal, was her high intelligence. A true scientist, Bulma made a number of great inventions in the series, one of them being the irreplaceable Dragon Ball locator which really started everything off. In the Dragon Ball Z series, we saw Bulma become a lot more mature, though as feisty as ever. She married the uncompromising Vegeta and tamed him, in a way, which only shows just how strong of a character she really is.
Krillin
Another member of the Goku gang that Dragon Ball couldn’t do without it certainly Krillin. This short and bald fighter with no visible nose first met Goku when they both trained under the supervision of Master Roshi. Although they were rivals at first, they soon became best friends that went on a number of adventures together. The most interesting aspect of Krillin is that he is in no way the best fighter out there, but still never backs away from a fight. Krillin often faced many superior enemies in order to protect the people he cared about and failed miserably. It didn’t stop him from trying, though, which really tells a lot about the sacrificing Krillin. Later on in the series, he settled down and became more family oriented with his Android #18 wife and child.
Piccolo
Photo: Toei Animation
Now we come to yet another significant character in the Dragon Balls Z universe that is Piccolo (or rather Piccolo Jr.) This green mean killing machine was actually a reincarnation of the evil King Piccolo that terrorized the world long time ago. Piccolo came to be when the dying King spit out an egg containing his offspring with all of the King’s memories, abilities and, most important of all, the hatred towards Goku. Despite being a cold and distant person, Piccolo eventually stepped up when it came to defending the Earth from the evil Saiyan forces and showed everyone his true, kind nature. Furthermore, his benevolent temper was mostly reflected in his behavior towards Gohan, Goku’s son who became his protégé and, more importantly, a friend. Piccolo’s troublesome background story, his cold demeanor, and great fighting techniques made him one of the most interesting characters in the series.
