Goku – Dragon Ball
Son Goku is a name that resonates strongly in the universe of Japanese animation and comics. This fascinating character is the focus of the Dragon Ball manga series, created by Akira Toriyama. His story is a mix of traditions and influences, which make him one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the world of entertainment.
The Origin of Goku
The genesis of Goku is a fascinating mix of cultures and influences. The character is inspired by Sun Wukong, known as Son Goku in Japan and Monkey King in the West, protagonist of the classic XNUMXth century Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” However, Toriyama added a touch of martial arts and the action cinema energy of Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee to create our beloved Goku.
His story begins in 1984, when he made his debut in the first chapter of Dragon Ball, entitled “Bulma and Son Goku”. Goku is presented as an eccentric boy with a monkey tail, gifted with superhuman strength and skilled in martial arts. His fate is intertwined with that of Bulma when they embark on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls, capable of granting wishes. Along the way, Goku makes friends with other characters who follow him in his quest to become an ever stronger fighter.
Childhood and Adoption
Born Kakarot on the distant Planet Vegeta, Goku was sent to Earth as an infant shortly before the destruction of his home world at the hands of Frieza, on Beerus' orders. On Earth, the newborn is discovered by Son Gohan, who becomes the boy's adoptive grandfather and gives him the name Goku. Initially, Goku is a violent and aggressive individual due to his Saiyan nature, but an accident that hits him on the head transforms him into a cheerful and carefree person. Grandpa Gohan's kindness and teachings further influence Goku, who later names his first son in honor of him, calling him Gohan.
The Global Icon
Goku is the undisputed protagonist of Dragon Ball and appears in most of the episodes, films, television specials and OVAs of the various anime series based on the manga (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z) and its sequels (Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super). Thanks to his international popularity, Goku has become one of the most recognizable manga/anime characters in the world.
Outside of the Dragon Ball universe, Goku has made cameos in Toriyama's parody series, Neko Majin Z, and has been the subject of numerous other parodies and special appearances. The adult version of Goku, as we know him today, was mainly introduced in the Dragon Ball Z anime, which adapted the last 26 volumes of the Dragon Ball manga. Initially, the character was presented as a child, but this version was not as successful abroad.
Son Goku is an extraordinary character that combines tradition, martial arts and cinematic influences. His story, from his past as a savage Saiyan to his evolution into an Earthly warrior and hero, continues to enchant generations of fans around the world. His influence on the world of shōnen manga is tangible, and his presence in Japanese animation remains a timeless touchstone.
The Story of Goku in the Dragon Ball series
The story of Goku is an epic of adventure and growth, which begins when our hero is just a newborn Saiyan, Kakarot, sent to Earth shortly before the destruction of his home planet, Vegeta. Here, Kakarot is adopted by Son Gohan, an elderly martial artist who raises him as his nephew and gives him the name Goku.
Goku's life takes a crucial turn when, as a child, he accidentally transforms the full moon into a powerful and uncontrollable Ape. This tragic event leads him to lose his grandfather Gohan, but at the same time makes him become a kind and altruistic individual. With Gohan's death, Goku inherits a dragon ball and a magical staff that will become an integral part of his life.
Goku meets Bulma, a young girl, while searching for the seven Dragon Balls to summon Shenron, the wishing dragon. This meeting marks the beginning of a long and fascinating adventure. Over the course of their journey, Goku and Bulma befriend characters such as the bandit Yamcha and the shapeshifters Oolong and Puar, who join their mission.
Goku's life changes further when he begins training with Master Roshi and the young monk Krillin. It is during this time that Goku receives Master Roshi's precious prize, the flying cloud Kinto'un, after saving a sea turtle.
Goku's first attack in martial arts is the Jan ken, a technique based on the game "paper, scissors, rock." As a child, he also uses the magical staff Nyoi-bō, a gift from his grandfather Gohan, which can extend and retract on command.
But Goku's most iconic move is the Kamehameha, a powerful energy wave learned from Master Roshi. This technique is symbolic of his training and his determination to become an exceptional warrior. Although Master Roshi dedicated 50 years to perfecting this technique, Goku manages to learn it with just one demonstration.
After training with the Guardian of the Earth, Kami, Goku learns to fly thanks to the Bukū-jutsu technique and begins to use the flying cloud less for his movements.
Goku participates in various Tenkaichi Tournaments, where he clashes with powerful opponents such as Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu and Piccolo. Despite some defeats, he ultimately wins the 23rd tournament, taking Chichi as his wife, without even knowing what marriage is.
His life changes further when his older brother, Raditz, joins him on Earth and reveals his true identity as a Saiyan and his purpose to sell out the planet. This event sets off a series of events that reveal Goku's origins as a Saiyan and his destiny to protect the Earth.
After a series of epic battles, including a spectacular fight against the space tyrant Frieza, Goku becomes the first Saiyan in a thousand years to transform into a Super Saiyan. This extraordinary power becomes a milestone in his evolution as a warrior.
Goku continues to fight for Earth, encountering increasingly stronger opponents, forming new alliances and learning new techniques, such as teleportation. His dedication to protecting the planet leads him to sacrifice himself several times to defeat powerful enemies such as Cell and Majin Buu.
His story continues with new adventures, meeting new allies, and training the next generation of warriors, including his son Gohan and young Goten.
Goku's life is an extraordinary journey, from his humble beginnings as a child Saiyan to his growth as a living legend and champion of Earth. His strength, his fighting spirit and his dedication make him one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the history of comics and animation.
Goku's story in Dragon Ball Super
In Dragon Ball Super, the series continues Goku's story after the defeat of Majin Buu. After this battle, the Earth is finally at peace, and Goku decides to become a farmer, sometimes aided by his son Goten. However, Goku manages to convince his wife Chi-Chi to allow him to continue training and, therefore, leaves for King Kai's planet.
During his training on King Kai, Goku is joined by Beerus, the God of Destruction, and his master Whis. Beerus is looking for a legendary Super Saiyan God and threatens to destroy Earth if Goku fails to fulfill this request. With the help of the Dragon Balls, Goku discovers that he can become a Super Saiyan God through the energy of five Saiyans: Vegeta, Gohan, Goten, Trunks and the unborn Pan, daughter of Videl and Gohan.
After gaining the power of the Super Saiyan God, Goku challenges Beerus in an epic battle but fails to defeat him. However, Beerus is impressed by Goku's abilities and decides to spare the Earth.
A year later, Goku and Vegeta become students of Whis and Beerus to improve their skills. But their training is interrupted when Frieza, returned to life, attacks Earth. During the battle with Frieza, the Earth is destroyed, but Whis intervenes and rewinds time three minutes, giving Goku the opportunity to defeat Frieza before he can destroy the planet.
Later, Goku and Vegeta participate in an inter-universe martial arts tournament organized by Champa, the God of Destruction of the Sixth Universe. To prepare, the two warriors train in the Room of Spirit and Time for three days, which is equivalent to three years of training. During the tournament, Goku faces various opponents, including Hit, but in the end the Seventh Universe wins thanks to Monaka.
After the tournament, Goku and Vegeta resume training under the supervision of Whis and Beerus. However, they become involved in a new threat when an enemy called "Black Goku" appears, who turns out to be Zamasu, a Kaiohshin from the Tenth Universe. Goku Black stole Goku's body from another timeline and allied himself with future Zamasu for the “Zero Mortals Plan”. Goku and Vegeta try to stop this threat and eventually summon Zeno from the future to eliminate Zamasu and the entire future multiverse.
Subsequently, Goku convinces the two Zenos to organize the Tournament of Power, a multiversal competition in which the loser risks annihilation. Goku forms a team from the Seventh Universe and ultimately wins the tournament thanks to Ultra Instinct, a divine form of fighting. After the tournament, Frieza is resurrected for 24 hours and Goku and his team are welcomed as heroes.
The story continues with the arrival of Broly, a surviving Saiyan, who becomes a formidable opponent for Goku and Vegeta. Eventually, Goku and Vegeta merge into Gogeta to defeat Broly, who is teleported to a desert planet.
Later, Goku and Vegeta are involved in a mission to stop the sorcerer Molo, a dangerous prisoner who escaped from the surveillance of the Galactic Patrol. Goku tries to master Ultra Instinct under the guidance of the angel Merus and ultimately defeats Molo with this ability.
The story continues with Goku and Vegeta facing Granolah, the last survivor of the Cerelian race seeking revenge against the Saiyans. Goku discovers that his father Bardock saved Granolah as a child, but this does not prevent a series of battles. Ultimately, Goku helps Granolah defeat the Heeter, the true enemies behind the destruction of the Cerelian race.
This is an overview of Goku's story in Dragon Ball Super up until my last update in September 2021. The series may have had further developments after this date.
Goku's story in Dragon Ball GT
The Dragon Ball GT saga begins five years after the events of Dragon Ball Z, in the year 789. It all begins when Goku, the legendary Saiyan warrior, is accidentally transformed into a twelve-year-old boy thanks to a wish expressed by mistake with his Black Star Dragon Balls. This wish is made by Pilaf, an old enemy of Goku. The problem is that the Dragon Balls are scattered throughout the four galaxies and, if they are not collected within a year, the Earth is destined to explode.
To save the planet, Goku decides to go on a space adventure together with Trunks and his granddaughter Pan. Aboard a spaceship built by Bulma, they embark on the mission to track down and gather the Dragon Balls. During their journey, they meet new friends like the robot Gil and face various enemies, including the mutant machines created by Doctor Myu and Baby, a Tsufuru who seeks revenge against the Saiyans for the destruction of his race.
Baby is the main antagonist of the saga, and after escaping Goku and his companions, he arrives on Earth. Here he takes control of Vegeta's body and the minds of many other inhabitants of the planet. Goku must increase his strength and goes to the planet of Kaio Shin, where he manages to regrow his tail and achieves the transformation into Super Saiyan IV. With this new form, Goku manages to free Vegeta from Baby's control and defeat him.
The following saga sees the return of old enemies, awakened from the underworld thanks to a plan orchestrated by Doctor Frost and Doctor Myu. These scientists manage to trap Goku in the underworld, where he clashes with Cell and Frieza. After defeating them, Goku manages to escape Hell with Piccolo's help.
Back on Earth, Goku faces the cyborg Super C-17, created by the two scientists. Only thanks to Android 18's intervention, Goku manages to defeat the enemy. However, when Goku summons the Dragon Shenron to bring Super Android 17's victims back to life, something dark happens. In Shenron's place, an evil dragon appears and splits into seven evil dragons, each with a corrupted dragon ball in their body.
Goku begins to fight against these evil dragons and defeats the first six without much trouble. However, the seventh dragon, Li Shenron, the One-Star Dragon, proves to be incredibly powerful. To counter this threat, Goku merges with Vegeta, creating Gogeta in Super Saiyan IV form. Unfortunately, the fusion dissolves before Gogeta can defeat Li Shenron.
Finally, Goku manages to eliminate the evil dragon using a Genkidama that collects the energy of the entire universe. After this epic battle, Goku merges with the Dragon Shenron and decides to leave the planet. Shenron announces that he will not grant wishes for a long time due to humans' abuse of the Dragon Balls.
One hundred years after these events, in Dragon Ball GT: 100 Years Later, we see Goku return in the form of a virtual image to inspire his tatarannephew, Goku Jr. He animates the young Saiyan to pursue his dreams and never give up the fight. But his appearance is ephemeral, as he disappears shortly after, leaving only a virtual image of himself and his distant voice.
This marks the conclusion of Goku's incredible adventures in Dragon Ball GT, a chapter that took our hero through sidereal spaces, alternative dimensions and increasingly demanding challenges, demonstrating once again his extraordinary strength and indomitable spirit.
Characteristics of Goku
The Dragon Ball saga has given us many unforgettable characters, but one of the most iconic and beloved is certainly Goku, the pure-hearted Saiyan. Since the beginning of the series, Goku has stood out for his unique physical characteristics that differentiated him from humans. Equipped with a monkey tail, he had the extraordinary ability to transform into Ozaru, a gigantic monkey with unimaginable destructive power. However, this tail has been cut or removed several times by various characters, thus preventing Goku from transforming, until he lost the ability to regrow it.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of Saiyans is their black fur, which can change color in some transformations, thus showing their power. However, their hairstyle remains constant throughout their lives unless manually altered. Only in the Super Saiyan level 1 and 2 phases does the hair become golden, in phase 3 it grows like a mane and the eyebrows disappear, while in phase 4 the hair turns black again and reddish fur grows.
But what truly sets Saiyans apart is their extraordinary ability to grow during and after battles. When Goku recovers after being defeated and on the edge of his life, his power increases greatly, making him virtually immune to the attacks that previously injured him. This attribute, known as Zenkai Power, gives him infinite growth potential, provided he survives battles. However, it does not protect him from illness or accelerate his natural healing.
Another peculiarity of Saiyans is their accelerated metabolism, which requires them to consume enormous quantities of food to feel full and regain energy. Additionally, Saiyans are longer-lived and age more slowly than humans, meaning they can fight for a much longer period in their lives.
Despite his warrior nature, Goku is known for his friendly and joyful personality. He is determined to become stronger and stronger, is ready to defend good and, paradoxically, often proves to be the most powerful warrior in the universe. However, he also has his own weaknesses, including trypanophobia, a fear of needles and needles, and his vulnerability to his wife Chi-Chi's demands.
What sets Goku apart from other high-class Saiyans is his ability to evolve as a fighter at a superior rate. This is due to his training in complex and powerful human techniques, which he honed through his education on Earth. While Saiyans rely primarily on brute strength, Goku has developed sophisticated techniques to optimize the use of ki, a life energy. This combination of biological abilities and constant human training has allowed Goku to surpass all known fighters.
Goku's benign nature was influenced by the elderly Gohan, who adopted him after finding him to be a violent and aggressive child. However, an accident that caused a serious head contusion changed his personality, making him kind and peaceful. Despite this transformation, Goku retained the biological characteristics of the Saiyans.
Goku is a skilled martial artist with an innate talent for fighting. He has an uncanny ability to master new moves, as he demonstrates by learning the Kamehameha after seeing it only once. However, his lack of formal education led him to make social mistakes, such as failing to distinguish between men and women without touching them and confusing marriage with food.
Despite his ignorance, Goku is an individual with a pure heart and extraordinary inner strength. His kindness, his fighting spirit, and his will to protect others make him an unparalleled hero. Although he is driven by a thirst for battle, Goku has shown that he is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of humanity and the universe.
Ultimately, Goku is much more than a Saiyan warrior. He is an icon of friendship, determination and inner strength. His story teaches us that good can triumph over evil, even in the most difficult situations, and that the power of a pure heart can overcome any challenge. Goku will forever remain a beloved hero and legend in the Dragon Ball universe.
Goku's powers
Goku, the legendary Saiyan warrior, is gifted with an extraordinary array of supernatural powers that put him in a class apart from humans. His Saiyan nature gives him a series of unique abilities that develop and intensify over the course of his life and his adventures.
Extraordinary Strength and Endurance: Since birth, Goku has demonstrated strength and endurance far beyond that of a normal human. Even as a child, he had the ability to defeat opponents far larger and more powerful than himself. This natural strength is a defining trait of the Saiyan and has helped him survive and thrive in dangerous situations.
Prolonged period of youth: Saiyans have a longer period of youth than humans, meaning they maintain their vitality and strength for a much longer period of time. This allowed Goku to continue to train and constantly improve over the years.
Transformation into a Giant Monkey: Like all Saiyans, Goku has the ability to transform into a form called "Giant Monkey" when the moon is full. This form greatly increases his fighting power, making him a devastating force to face. However, this transformation can be risky to control and can lead to losing your mind.
Zenkai Skills: One of Goku's most amazing abilities is known as "Zenkai". When Goku suffers serious injuries in battle but survives, his body regenerates and his strength grows significantly. This allows him to become more and more powerful during battles and to overcome his limits.
Teleport: After learning the teleportation technique from the Yardratians, Goku is able to instantly move from one place to another. This ability allows him to appear and disappear quickly during battles, catching opponents off guard.
Rapid Learning Skills: One of Goku's defining characteristics is his ability to quickly learn new techniques. After seeing a move just once, he is able to reproduce it precisely. This has allowed him to accumulate a vast repertoire of fighting techniques over the years.
Kamehameha: Goku's most iconic technique is the Kamehameha Wave. He learned this move from Master Roshi and uses it as one of his main attacks. Over time, he has refined and enhanced this technique, making it increasingly devastating.
Super Saiyan Transformations: Goku is capable of achieving several Super Saiyan forms, each of which increases his strength and abilities. These transformations include the Super Saiyan 1st level, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan God, and Super Saiyan Blue. Each form has its own distinctive characteristics and gives Goku exceptional powers.
Ultra Instinct: During the Tournament of Power, Goku reaches a new state known as Ultra Instinct. This form allows him to instinctively react to his opponents' movements, making him incredibly fast and agile in battle. It is one of his most powerful and difficult to achieve transformations.
Goku is an extraordinary warrior with an array of powers and abilities that have evolved throughout his adventures. His ability to constantly grow and improve makes him one of the most powerful fighters in the Dragon Ball universe, and his Super Saiyan transformations and Ultra Instinct state put him in a class of his own when it comes to facing cosmic threats and formidable opponents .
Technical data
Universe Dragon Ball
Original name 孫悟空 (Son Goku)
Original language Japanese
Author Akira Toriyama
Editor Shueisha
1st appearance 20th November 1984
1st appearance in Weekly Shōnen Jump of December 3, 1984
Original entry Masako Nozawa
Italian voices
Patrizia Scianca (child)
Paolo Torrisi (adult)
Claudio Moneta (adult, from Dragon Ball Super)
Features imaginary
Species Saiyan
Gender Male
Place of birth Planet Vegeta
Source: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_Goku
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