Most Forgettable Saiyans in Dragon Ball: From Gine to Tarble

Summary

Gine, Raditz, and Tarble are Saiyan characters often overlooked or forgotten in the Dragon Ball franchise.
Despite having potential, characters like Moroko, Nion, and Renso were not given enough focus to become memorable.
Paragus and Nappa, both Saiyan warriors, failed to stand out due to a lack of power or character development.

Dragon Ball is recognized for encompassing numerous anime series, each brimming with countless thrilling episodes and cherished moments. Across this universe, an array of characters has been presented, some of whom have endured and are now treasured by fans, while others left lasting impressions through brief yet impactful appearances. This diverse group includes a variety of Saiyans such as Goku and Vegeta, whose contributions to the franchise’s trajectory and richness cannot be overstated.

Although not every character from the Saiyan race has attained iconic status within the franchise, many have been overshadowed by time and forgotten, particularly in comparison to prominent figures such as Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, and Gohan. Some characters were simply given limited screen-time, failing to leave a lasting impact on viewers. This disparity is stark when considering the significant roles certain Saiyans play versus the profound influence these powerful warriors have on the franchise.

1. Gine

An Overlooked Central Saiyan That Could Stand Out

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Status: Dead

In the grand scope of the Dragon Ball universe, my role as Gine, Goku’s mother, has been surprisingly minimal. Given that I perished alongside the entire Saiyan race, it’s not surprising that I don’t feature much in the franchise. This is particularly noticeable when you consider the pivotal part I play in Goku’s lineage.

In the grand scheme of Dragon Ball, although she makes brief appearances that resonate, she isn’t quite as indelible as her spouse, Bardock. Remarkably resembling Goku, he steals the limelight. However, if just a sliver of the attention bestowed upon both her son and her husband were redirected towards her, Gine could undeniably establish herself as one of the most compelling female characters in Dragon Ball.

2. Moroko And The Other Saiyan Scientists

No Memorable Individuals In A Special Saiyan Group

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Status: Dead

It might seem intriguing for a scientist character to stand out in a warrior race, but surprisingly, Moroko and Nion failed to do so, being consigned to oblivion along with their group, as observed in the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie. Their only notable role was identifying Broly’s potential, yet they played no further part.

In the film, this band of scientists, reminiscent of Saiyans, briefly appear but are primarily introduced for their untimely demise. Yet, even within the obscure ranks of their forgotten kin, Moroko, Nion, and their comrades somehow left an impression, albeit not one that would be easily recalled individually.

3. Raditz

A Forgettable Antagonist Made Memorable

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Z
Status: Dead

Despite his relatively low power level among the Saiyan race and a less distinctive personality, Raditz stands out in the memories of fans more than might be expected. This is largely due to the dramatic circumstances surrounding his introduction, serving as an effective gateway to the Saiyan arc – a significant storyline within the franchise, which introduces one of its most popular characters: Vegeta. Even though Raditz is among the weaker Saiyans, he left an indelible mark in the series by providing an entrance point to this memorable character.

In essence, it’s the plot involving Raditz and his family history that makes him stand out among the crowd, otherwise, he would merely be indistinguishable from the numerous other low-ranking Saiyans who perished.

4. Paragus

A Second-Rate Saiyan Parent To A Top-Tier Warrior

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Status: Dead

Even though Paragus could be the father of one of the strongest Saiyans ever known, he doesn’t make much of an impact as a Saiyan fighter himself. Although he held the rank of colonel in the Saiyan Army, Paragus never demonstrated any significant power. On the other hand, his son Broly showed an extraordinarily high power level, which was attributed to a rare genetic trait.

From what can be observed, Paragus appears somewhat eclipsed by the grandeur of his son, Broly. His significance primarily lies in his capacity to manage Broly’s power, yet this leaves him vulnerable and seemingly lacking personality when Broly is not present.

Paragus isn’t as impressive as his son, Broly. He’s important because he can control Broly’s strength, but without Broly, Paragus seems weak and unremarkable.

5. Nappa

An Average Saiyan That Wasted His Screen Time

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Z
Status: Dead

In the Dragon Ball series, Nappa is one of the frequent Saiyan characters, yet he embodies a typical Saiyan warrior with few distinguishing features. Unlike other Saiyans, though he received ample screen time, he didn’t surpass the hurdle that served as a challenge for Goku to conquer.

Additionally, it became apparent that Nappa was unexpectedly frail, given his initial portrayal as a formidable enemy. In essence, Nappa was merely an ordinary Saiyan warrior, falling short of the grandeur he boasted and revealing very little character, particularly in comparison to Vegeta.

6. Renso

A Brief Introduction To A Saiyan With Potential

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Super
Status: Alive

In the universe of Dragon Ball, there’s not much information about Renso, who is the elder brother of a prominent Sayian character and the mentor of the rising star, Cabba. Despite his significant connections and potential for a captivating backstory, particularly with regards to Caulifla and Cabba, Renso is often overlooked due to an injury that forced him into an early retirement from combat.

As a passionate fan, I can see the immense potential Renso possesses to become an unforgettable Saiyan character, given some additional backstory. Unfortunately, due to the limited focus on him in the anime series thus far, he’s been relegated to the sidelines, joining the ranks of the numerous Saiyans who were only briefly introduced.

7. Leek

A Canon Part Of Bardock’s Forgotten Team

First canon appearance: Dragon Ball Super: Broly
Status: Dead

Bardock’s fellow team members are often overlooked, with Leek being the one character who was mostly ignored in the official storyline. As one of the numerous Saiyans that were slain by Frieza, Leek didn’t get enough on-screen time to fully develop a personality, even though he did appear briefly in the movie.

Leeks symbolize the numerous Saiyans similar to Beets, who make a brief appearance in the established lore via the backstory of Planet Vegeta, yet fail to leave a lasting impression due to not having their own memorable moments.

8. Tarble

Vegeta’s Forgotten And Forgettable Younger Brother

First canon appearance: Mentioned in Dragon Ball: Battle of Gods
Status: Alive

Born as Vegeta’s brother and part of the royal Saiyan family, Tarble is a character with significant potential. However, despite this rich background, he hasn’t had a canonical appearance within the franchise, which has led fans to overlook him.

Although Tarble has been mentioned occasionally within the canon and shown up in some non-canonical content, his lack of substantial screen time has thus far made him forgettable and unremarkable. There’s a possibility that he could emerge in a future storyline and become an integral part, but for now, the most recognition he’s garnered is being Vegeta’s less-known sibling.

2025-02-22 07:35