Dragon Ball: Gohan & Broly EXPOSED!

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Summary

  • Gohan and Broly’s paths to power have caused a significant power scaling issue in Dragon Ball.
  • The series needs to avoid easy power-ups and ensure all characters train to reach higher levels.
  • Quick transformations undermine characters who have earned their strength through hard work and training.

From its inception, the Dragon Ball series has consistently featured power scaling as a significant element. Given the immense strength of numerous characters, capable of obliterating islands and even the moon, this focus on power was only natural. As the narrative progressed into the Z arc, power scaling reached new heights when characters who could destroy entire planets became commonplace.

Regardless, the approach to growing stronger has generally stayed the same, with training and enhancing one’s strength being the primary means. Yet, it seems that in the current Dragon Ball universe, the concept of power scaling has become somewhat diluted due to characters like Gohan and Broly who possess extraordinary powers. Here, we delve into why this is the case and propose potential solutions.

Gohan And Broly Have Birthed A Huge Power Scaling Problem

The Issue With Their Strength

Gohan’s First Appearance Dragon Ball Z, Episode 1, “The New Threat”
Broly’s First Canon Appearance Dragon Ball Super: Broly

The Dragon Ball franchise stands out for its emphasis on hard work as a highly respected and crucial trait. From the beginning of the series, Goku has consistently been depicted as an underdog, transforming into a champion through diligent training and unwavering self-belief. Regardless of who he faced off against, he always gave his maximum effort.

In the context of Z, this belief persisted and held significant weight during its early phases, notably during the Saiyan Saga. Initially, Goku was often deemed weaker than Vegeta due to his lowly Saiyan origins, but eventually, he emerged victorious in their confrontations, thanks to his tireless efforts to become Earth’s mightiest warrior. Later, even after Vegeta joined the Z-Fighters, both characters became emblematic of an unwavering dedication to excel through grit and tenacity, striving constantly to better themselves.

Many fans struggle significantly with Gohan and Broly’s journey to power due to their unique development in the series. From the start, Gohan was portrayed as the Saiyan with the greatest potential across the entire storyline. He could bridge significant power gaps with minimal effort, primarily driven by his emotions. Similarly, when Broly was introduced as the canon character in Dragon Ball Super, he too followed a similar pattern.

In the popular series, while Goku and Vegeta are cherished characters who have earned their strength through hard work and dedication, it seems that Gohan and Broly’s sudden surge in power by simply getting angrier feels like an overused plot device, particularly in Super. This is because Goku and Vegeta have consistently demonstrated their commitment to reaching their current levels, both mentally and physically. Consequently, when Gohan and Broly can achieve the same level without a comparable effort, it results in unsatisfying storytelling as it appears to be a convenient way for them all to reach similar power levels. Additionally, the argument that they’ve always had immense potential doesn’t hold water in this case because the justification remains contrived and lacks depth.

Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need.

Additionally, it lessens the impact of the character arcs for Goku and Vegeta, as they have consistently undergone immense development to reach their current levels. This is particularly noticeable in Super, where characters like Gohan and Broly are now displaying abilities equivalent to Ultra Instinct Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta. This decision by the writers seems questionable because these forms represent the unique techniques of the Angels and Gods of Destruction, the most powerful entities in the multiverse, which Goku and Vegeta have come to embody.

It seems illogical and lacks depth for both Gohan in Beast form and Full Power Super Saiyan Broly to attain equal strength as the strongest beings in the multiverse merely by becoming more enraged. Instead, it would be more fitting that their most potent abilities reflect the pinnacle of their power. If such a level of strength can be easily accessed through untapped potential without proper training, then it undermines the significance of Goku and Vegeta’s dedicated efforts in honing their skills over time.

How This Problem Can Be Fixed For The Series

Why It Needs To Be Fixed

  • The series needs to avoid quick and easy power-ups.
  • All characters should train and be held to the same standards because of it.

A more effective and straightforward approach for addressing this problem within the series is by eliminating simple shortcuts in the plot development. This would require all characters to undergo both physical and mental training to increase their power, rather than relying on an unrealistic ‘potential’ factor. Eliminating this convenience not only enhances the authenticity of the series but also prevents the misuse and disrespect towards those characters who genuinely train for growth.

Though Gohan’s inherent potential has been a key aspect of his character from the start, it doesn’t necessarily imply that it was the best decision for the series overall. While Gohan’s debut as Super Saiyan 2 was undeniably impressive and memorable, there was considerable preparation leading up to this point, such as his intensive training sessions with Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. This development always seemed justified because it was earned through hard work.

However, when compared to Gohan’s Beast form, the sudden appearance of this transformation and its equal strength to Ultra Instinct Goku leave many fans confused and unsatisfied. To this day, the reasoning behind this power level remains elusive.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-04-18 16:44