Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball

As a die-hard Dragon Ball fan, I can confidently say that the universe of this legendary anime is filled with a plethora of unforgettable characters, both heroes and villains. However, there are some characters who have left a lasting impression not for their heroic deeds or imposing strength, but for their sheer incompetence. Today, I’d like to shed light on three such individuals who stand out as the most inept villains in Dragon Ball.


Dragon Ball, without a doubt, is a renowned series that requires no introduction. The brilliant work of the late, acclaimed Akira Toriyama has sparked curiosity among countless anime enthusiasts, encouraging them to explore further into the vast world of animation. Originally, this series was a manga about people searching for magical Dragon Balls, with their intentions being either heroic or self-serving. However, as the story progressed, it evolved into a battle-centric narrative, which proved to be a genius move that catapulted the series to unparalleled fame and popularity.

In the Dragon Ball universe, numerous adversaries have played significant roles in pushing the protagonists to grow stronger and confront formidable challenges. Most antagonists in this series are skillful and offer tough fights for the Z Warriors, but there are also some Dragon Ball villains who are surprisingly dimwitted and barely present a challenge. These villains often serve as an opportunity for the heroes to demonstrate their prowess or are quickly eliminated so that the main antagonist of the story can take center stage.

5 Babidi

Got Killed By The Minion Who Was Supposedly Under His Control

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball

  • Manga Debut: Chapter 446 (Bobbidi the Warlock)
  • Anime Debut: Episode 220 of Dragon Ball Z (The Wizard’s Curse)

Following the Peaceful World storyline, which seemed to assure both the Z Fighters and the audience that peace was finally here, suddenly took a dramatic turn when Babidi’s minions changed the narrative, presenting another catastrophic threat that demanded immediate action from our heroes. Although this sinister wizard didn’t appear particularly menacing at first glance, his ability to manipulate Vegeta and unleash Majin Buu as a formidable enemy made him an adversary worth fearing during the initial episodes of this captivating storyline.

Man, it was pretty funny watching Babidi think he had some big-time threat like Buu under his thumb, but boy, did that backfire when his minion decided to rebel and attack him instead! It didn’t take long for the evil sorcerer to meet his demise, proving just how weak and inept he was compared to Buu’s immense power.

4 Captain Ginyu

The Body-Switch Technique Didn’t Work Out In His Favor

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 272 (The Ginyu Force)
  • Anime Debut: Episode 60 of Dragon Ball Z (Bulma’s Big Day)

Right from the get-go, it’s hard not to chuckle at the Ginyu Force. Their grand entrance, reminiscent of Power Rangers, has become legendary, labeling them as comical characters. But don’t let their goofiness fool you, they possess a power that surpasses all expectations. Again and again, Vegeta, Krillin, and Gohan find themselves in a pickle due to this team until, inevitably, Goku swoops in to the rescue.

In a turn of cowardice, Ginyu, who is no match for the enhanced Saiyan warrior, resorts to using the Body Switch trick to take control of the Saiyan’s body. However, he overlooks the fact that occupying someone else’s body doesn’t grant him access to their full power, leading to his beating until he tries to switch again. This time, Goku reclaims his body. Exasperated, Ginyu attempts the Body Switch a third time but fails once more, solidifying his reputation as one of the most inept villains in Dragon Ball, as he is now permanently trapped inside a frog’s body.

3 Cui

Failed To Make An Impression As An Adversary

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 246 (The Return of Vegeta)
  • Anime Debut: Episode 40 of Dragon Ball Z (Held Captive)

Although the members of Frieza’s army might seem like easy targets for our heroes, Cui held a significant role that suggested he could be formidable. It was unexpected to learn that his power matched Vegeta’s when he visited Earth. However, his self-assurance crumbled when Vegeta disclosed that the Zenkai boost he gained from being on the brink of death on that planet made him far stronger than Cui had thought.

In the scenes that unfold, Vegeta demonstrates his cold-hearted nature by mercilessly defeating Pui. The victory is swift and devastating, leaving Pui virtually erased from memory due to the humiliation of the defeat. It takes an extraordinary level of ineptitude for someone to be so poorly matched against Vegeta that they become a forgotten figure.

2 King Cold

Died Mere Moments After Being Introduced

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 329 (Where is Goku?)
  • Anime Debut: Episode 118 of Dragon Ball Z (Frieza’s Counterattack)

After the Frieza Saga concluded, it became clear that Frieza and King Cold were heading to Earth, causing immense dread among the Z Warriors due to Frieza’s notorious rule. Dealing with him required Goku to unleash a new transformation to outmatch his power, so facing this villain without Goku was daunting news indeed. However, fortune favored the Z Warriors when an enigmatic Super Saiyan emerged and swiftly defeated the cyborg, offering hope in their battle against the tyrant and his father.

After King Cold’s defeat, fans speculated if Frieza’s father might possess a hidden power strong enough to match Trunks. However, this proved untrue as his deceitful strategies were far from sufficient to overcome the Super Saiyan. Almost instantly after his entrance, King Cold met his end and has since not reappeared in the series, despite Frieza’s return in Dragon Ball Super.

1 Emperor Pilaf

Turned Into A Gag Character

Most Incompetent Villains In Dragon Ball
  • Manga Debut: Chapter 18 (Who’s Got My Balls?!)
  • Anime Debut: Episode 1 of Dragon Ball (The Secret of the Dragon Balls)

From the beginning of the series, Pilaf found himself in a challenging predicament as the main antagonist. His goal was unattainable, but it’s his humiliating defeat at the hands of an energetic group of new adventurers that truly solidifies him as one of the least competent villains in the world of Dragon Ball. Despite having the heroes captive and Shenron within reach, Oolong intervened, making a crude wish that thwarted Pilaf’s plans for immortality.

Goku transformed into his destructive Great Ape form, which left no chance for this villain to have a redemption storyline in Dragon Ball Super. Instead, he became more of a comic relief character. Among all the Dragon Ball villains, he is the weakest and least competent by far.

Read More

2024-08-04 12:34