Dragon Ball: Why Future Trunks Was One of the Series’ Best Characters

Dragon Ball: Why Future Trunks Was One of the Series' Best Characters

Key Takeaways

  • Future Trunks has a tragic backstory that resonates with fans due to relatability and loss.
  • With a unique design and fighting style, Future Trunks stands out as one of the best-designed Saiyans.
  • As the only Saiyan who uses a sword, Trunks’ fighting style adds depth and coolness to his character.

As a gamer who grew up with Dragon Ball Z and witnessed the rise of some of the most iconic characters in the anime/manga industry, I can confidently say that Future Trunks is one of my all-time favorites. With his tragic backstory, unique design, and badass swordsmanship, he stands out among the rest.


The Dragon Ball series boasts some of the most enduring characters in the whole anime/manga genre, whose influence has sparked popularity in countless others. Consequently, Goku is frequently regarded as the model for a typical shonen hero, while Vegeta is often viewed as embodying the classic archetype of a shonen anti-hero.

A character from “Dragon Ball” who may not have achieved the same level of fame as the initial two, yet boasts a dedicated fanbase, is Future Trunks. Entering the scene during the Android Saga, this figure swiftly climbed up the ranks of beloved characters thanks to his striking appearance, heartrending background, and compelling character arc. Thus, we’ll delve into Future Trunks and explore what makes him one of “Dragon Ball’s” top-tier characters.

A Tragic Origin

Future Trunks has one of the best backstories

Dragon Ball: Why Future Trunks Was One of the Series' Best Characters
First AppearanceDragon Ball Z, Episode 119, “The Mysterious Youth”
Debut DateDecember 4, 1991
Story ArcAndroid Saga

Frequently, it’s a character’s relatable nature that makes them cherished by their audience. Despite the sorrowful link, Future Trunks resonates deeply with fans because they can empathize and identify with the grief he experienced after losing someone extremely dear to him. Consequently, Future Trunks’ timeline is filled with heart-wrenching sadness.

If the tragic fate befalls Goku from a heart virus upon his return to Earth, it awakens the Androids who realize there’s no one powerful enough to stop their rampage, ultimately leading to the devastation of our world. Yet, amidst the ashes of humanity, Trunks, Bulma, and Future Gohan – the resilient remnants of the Z-Fighters – stand united, a testament to the unbreakable bond shared between them.

What do you suppose was Gohan’s reaction when you surrounded him in the pouring rain and left him with nowhere to escape? Now, it’s your time to experience the same situation. I hope you find it as entertaining!

Later on, Gohan battles the Androids all by himself to save Trunks’ life, sadly resulting in Gohan’s untimely death. This tragic event stirs up intense rage within young Saiyan Trunks, causing him to unlock his Super Saiyan form for the first time. With this newfound power, he strives to eliminate the Android threat in his timeline by finding their weakness or summoning Goku from another time period to help him defeat them.

In a compelling twist, the storyline of Trunks stands out among the series as one that resonates deeply with viewers. It offers a peek into a younger, less experienced side of the Saiyan, but also gives us an alternate portrayal of Gohan. When he stepped into the present timeline, Trunks was depicted as cautious, courteous, and watchful. A quick glimpse into his history instantly clarified why he carries this demeanor!

One Of The Best Designed Saiyans

Future Trunks had the best design and fighting style

Dragon Ball: Why Future Trunks Was One of the Series' Best Characters

In the animated series “Dragon Ball Z”, Trunks, the Saiyan character, stood out with his distinctive design, particularly in the movies. His attire was unique, featuring a short jacket whose sleeves were torn off, exposing a black tank top underneath. Additionally, in the films, Trunks displayed more muscular development than most other Saiyans, enhancing the already impressive appearance of this character, making him appear even cooler and intimidating!

In his Super Saiyan state, the intense design significantly boosted Trunks’ charisma. Unusual among Saiyans, Trunks had distinctive hair – a long, white-purple mane that was parted in the middle. This hairstyle transformed into a spiky, upright do in his Super Saiyan form, making him resemble Broly with his muscular build!

Often overlooked about Dragon Ball is that despite being a series primarily focused on fighting with characters sharing similar move sets, it boasts a variety of distinct combat styles! For instance, Goku is a strategic fighter, relying on finesse in his battles, whereas Vegeta is a full-throttle combatant aiming to inflict maximum damage on his adversaries. Unique among them all is Trunks, the only Saiyan who employs swordsmanship!

Initially, what surprised many was likely Trunks’ fighting style, as it enhanced his overall performance significantly. Wielding his sword, he swiftly defeated Mecha Frieza and King Cold, demonstrating an impressive level of power. Moreover, the sword added a touch of sophistication and intricacy to his image, elevating him beyond what he could have been without it.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2024-09-27 21:35