Key Takeaways
- Some fans criticize Dragon Ball for sidelining female characters like Chichi, while others appreciate the depth of characters like Bulma & Android 18.
- Bulma showcases qualities that make her crucial to the Z-Fighters, while Android 18 evolves from a killer to a key member of the team.
- Female characters like Kale and Caulifla are gaining prominence in Dragon Ball, indicating a positive direction for future representation.
As a long-time fan of anime and manga, I have to say that my perspective on the representation of female characters in “Dragon Ball” has evolved over the years. Growing up, I was initially drawn to the series for its high-octane action scenes and larger-than-life characters, but as I grew older, I began to appreciate the complexity and depth of the female characters.
One way to rephrase your statement could be: Characters from the Dragon Ball series are among the most recognized and cherished in the entire anime world. Since the initial releases of the franchise, Goku and his companions have won the hearts of countless fans worldwide for numerous decades. Despite any criticisms or flaws associated with these characters, they’ve managed to garner admiration from fans and maintain their interest throughout this time.
Over time, some have expressed the belief that the women in this series are given less focus and should be more prominently featured. Some critics even argue that there are no strong female characters or that those present are poorly developed. Let’s examine how Dragon Ball portrays its women to determine if the show falls short in its representation of these characters.
How It Fails The Female Characters
A Reason Why They Aren’t Represented Well
Many people argue that the majority, if not all, female characters in the Dragon Ball franchise lack significant development or impact on the storyline. While this statement might seem critical, it does hold a grain of truth given that the main protagonists and antagonists in the series are primarily male characters like the Saiyans. As a result, some viewers perceive the female characters as secondary figures who don’t contribute much to the overall narrative of Dragon Ball.
An example that they tend to give is that of Launch, who was quite an interesting character back in the original Dragon Ball series whose personality would change every time she sneezed. She was a great character but was completely forgotten when Z started, often being relegated to mere cameo appearances every now and then. Another example of this which is far more present is Chichi.
Initially, Chichi from the original Dragon Ball series was a beloved and spirited figure that quickly won fans over. However, as the series progressed, she evolved into a character with minimal impact, providing little to no significant contributions beyond being Goku’s spouse. This transformation in her character seems unfortunate, as it reduced a well-liked character to one whose presence has little relevance to the main plot. Notably, Goku spends less time with her because of his frequent training sessions. In essence, Chichi’s development seems to have diminished her role in the story and reduced her connection to it.
In a series like Dragon Ball, known for its focus on combat, it’s surprising that none of the principal fighters are female, despite the continual introduction of new characters. Fans argue that these characters could just as well have been women, adding diversity without compromising the Saiyans’ central role.
Why The Female Characters Work
How They Serve Their Roles In The Series
Instead, it’s worth noting that there’s a rising opinion that the female characters from Dragon Ball are among the finest in all of animation. While there are valid concerns about certain aspects, these criticisms often fail to acknowledge what the series does well when it comes to its female characters. For instance, characters like Bulma and Android 18 offer depth and strength that make them standouts within the series.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Bulma’s significance in a series where combat is the heart. Unlike other characters with superhuman strength or extraordinary talents, she stands out for her unparalleled intellect that crafts machines that bend the rules of physics, making her an indispensable part of the Z-Fighters since their beginnings. It’s not far-fetched to think that without her inventions, none of us would have witnessed the extraordinary feats achieved by Goku and the rest of the Z-Fighters.
Whatever! Suit yourself! Saiyans are so annoying!
Contrarily, Android 18 is a multifaceted character who has undergone significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Initially portrayed as a merciless and formidable assassin, she eventually discovered how to harness her abilities for benevolent purposes, emerging as an indispensable ally of the Z-Fighters. Over time, she even tied the knot with Krillin, who openly admires her strength, acknowledging her as the superior combatant in their union.
Regarding the future course of the series, it appears to be progressing positively with regard to gender representation. Characters like Bulma and Android 18 continue to shine, and new female characters such as Kale and Caulifla are stepping into the spotlight for valid reasons. While some criticisms about this aspect of the Dragon Ball series may hold merit, there is equally much to praise about the roles and development of its female characters.
Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
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2024-12-11 19:04