The Dragon Ball Sacrifices That Were Just Plain Pointless!

by

Summary

  • Future Gohan’s sacrifice was integral to Trunks becoming a Super Saiyan but led to a bleak future.
  • Goku’s selfless act with Instant Transmission saved Earth from Cell, but Cell returned stronger.
  • Chiaotzu and Tien made heroic sacrifices against Nappa, but their efforts proved futile in the end.

Remarkably, a series centered on battles like “Dragon Ball” stirs deep emotions among viewers. This show was a significant part of countless childhoods, and it’s not hard to understand why fans became so invested in the hero’s victories against seemingly insurmountable odds against villains who were unparalleled in their raw power.

As an ardent fan of Dragon Ball, I can’t help but marvel at the poignant moments when some of the most beloved characters made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their kin. These instances were truly heart-wrenching and unforgettable. However, it was often disheartening that after such significant losses, the impact seemed diminished in the series (and in many shonen anime) as if these sacrifices didn’t carry the weight they should have.

5. Future Gohan

Took On The Androids On His Own And Was Brutally Executed

  • Occurs In: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

This post might stir up some frustration among fans, and it’s not hard to see why. The selfless sacrifice made by Future Gohan significantly shaped Future Trunks’ character. If his mentor and friend hadn’t perished, Trunks may have never gained the impetus to transform into a Super Saiyan. This pivotal moment underscored his power for the warriors of the present, but it’s undeniable that Gohan’s choice to face the Androids alone was a misstep in hindsight.

In this scenario, both he and Trunks were Earth’s last line of defense against the Androids, despite their superior power. His bravery stopped him from allowing Trunks to take unnecessary risks, but it was his downfall, as it left Earth with a grim future. If not for Trunks going back in time to warn the Z Warriors about the impending Android threat, there would be no hope for change.

4. Son Goku

His Instant Transmission Saved The Earth, But Cell Came Back Stronger

  • Occurs In: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

It’s important not to undervalue Goku’s selflessness when he utilized Instant Transmission to shield Earth from Cell’s explosive attack, as his actions essentially saved the world by sacrificing his own life. However, it’s worth noting that Cell did not completely perish and was able to survive despite causing such a catastrophic event.

He returned with incredible strength, forcing Super Saiyan 2 Gohan to his utmost capabilities until Goku’s child, after a tough struggle, focused all his power into one last Kamehameha wave, killing Cell for good. While we might not consider it a wasteful sacrifice, the sudden appearance of Super Perfect Cell and overshadowing Goku’s victory made his achievement seem less significant.

3. Chiaotzu

Exploding On Nappa’s Back Did Nothing

  • Occurs In: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

In one of their toughest battles yet, the Z Warriors faced off against Nappa. Despite not being as powerful as Vegeta, Nappa single-handedly defeated every Z Warrior effortlessly. Recognizing the futility of the fight, Chiaotzu chose to make a heroic sacrifice, aiming to eliminate this Saiyan permanently.

He climbed up on Nappa, ready to make a valiant effort, knowing his death would not be reversed by the Dragon Balls again. Despite this noble act, Nappa remained standing, ready for battle. This rendered Chiaotzu’s selfless act fruitless and plunged the Z Warriors into an endless pit of despair.

2. Tien Shinhan

Used His Life Force To Unleash Numerous Tri-Beams, But Nappa Survived

  • Occurs In: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

Following Chiaotzu’s demise, Tien was consumed by anger. The loss of his dearest friend left a profound wound, as Chiaotzu could not be revived using the Dragon Balls on Earth. His fury erupted, and he resolved to release all his power to harm Nappa and eliminate the Saiyan. Despite the Tri-Beam draining his life energy, this didn’t deter Tien from launching multiple Kikohos in a desperate bid to slay Nappa in a moment of utter desperation.

In the end, that action led to his demise, but it didn’t entirely defeat Nappa. Instead, he remained on his feet after taking some harm, which underscored how far beyond their reach Earth’s mightiest fighters truly were, as he subsequently focused on the other Z Warriors.

1. Majin Vegeta

Blew Himself Up To Kill Majin Buu, Who Promptly Regenerated

  • Occurs In: Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks

In Dragon Ball Z, Vegeta’s admission of love for Earth and his family after allowing Babidi to possess him was a significant shift in his character. Regardless of his attempts to reclaim his position as the Saiyan Prince, he eventually understood that he had evolved, and this change wasn’t necessarily negative.

Nevertheless, this awareness arrived too tardily, as Majin Buu’s menace loomed large over his loved ones and companions. Recognizing the dire need for drastic action against this foe, Vegeta took a heart-wrenching leave from those closest to him and detonated himself in a colossal explosion. Ordinary warriors would have been annihilated by such an explosion, but Buu’s regenerative abilities were so potent that he managed to recover even after being disintegrated.

Read More

2025-04-26 02:37