Vegeta’s Ultimate Sacrifice: Why Dragon Ball’s Hero Must Die

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Summary

  • Death in Dragon Ball lost meaning due to the overuse of Dragon Balls, making it less serious for fans.
  • Vegeta’s potential death at the end of the series could bring lasting stakes and impact fans deeply.
  • Vegeta’s sacrifice would be a fitting end to his character arc and add meaning to death in the series.

In the universe of Dragon Ball, death is not seen as a significant issue due to the frequent use of the Dragon Balls over several decades. This means that characters can be brought back to life whenever they die, reducing the sense of urgency or danger for the series as it appears that no one is truly at risk of perishing permanently.

It’s widely accepted that eventually, Dragon Ball will conclude its run. In this final chapter, there may be significant events with lasting consequences, and one popular fan theory suggests the demise of beloved character Vegeta, the Saiyan Prince. The specific scenarios leading to his death are complex, so let’s explore the possibility of Vegeta meeting his end in the series finale.

Why Death Has Lost Meaning In Dragon Ball

A Byproduct Of Wish Granting Orbs

Initially in the Dragon Ball saga, death holds the same significance as any other storyline. Yet, the specter of it looms constantly given that this world is inhabited by magical beings with immense power, capable of destroying planets at a whim. There were numerous characters possessing such abilities. Regarding resurrection, the process was challenging and required finding the Dragon Balls to bring back the deceased. However, the rules for this were largely consistent across the series.

Consequently, once Z started moving about, the process of collecting Dragon Balls to revive someone from the dead turned into a routine task, unintentionally conveying a sense that death was not something to be overly concerned about. Although characters seemed scared of it, their frequent resurrections, either through the Dragon Balls or other means, made it seem as if there were no real consequences.

Why Vegeta May Die At The End

The Prince’s Last Moments

First Appearance Dragon Ball Z, Episode 5, “Gohan’s Rage”
Debut Date May 24, 1989
Story Arc Saiyan Saga

From the onset of the series, Goku has consistently been the audience’s favorite character, a fact that is quite understandable. Yet, things took a different turn during Dragon Ball Z, as Vegeta switched allegiances to the heroes and left behind his villainous background. Over time, as he spent more time with Goku and his companions, Vegeta evolved into one of Earth’s strongest and most vital defenders.

Generally speaking, there’s widespread consensus that the Prince is considered the best-crafted character across the whole series, and his captivating character development has been a standout element, significantly contributing to the franchise’s overall appeal. Various fan polls and rankings have consistently placed Vegeta at the top, naming him as the most adored, most skillfully written, and ultimately the greatest character in the entire franchise. This repeated voting suggests just how impactful his story is for fans on an emotional level.

Trunks, Bulma, I’m doing this for you. And yes, even for you, Kakarot.

In Dragon Ball Super, Vegeta, who was often overshadowed by Goku during his heroic tenure, rose to become Goku’s equal as they faced some of the multiverse’s mightiest adversaries. This newfound prowess has placed him at the vanguard of Universe 7’s forces, undergoing Divine Training alongside Goku, although learning distinct techniques. The formidable opponents introduced in Super are exceptionally powerful and continue to grow stronger. As a result, it can be expected that by the series’ end, there will emerge the strongest antagonist yet.

It seems highly plausible that this character is Black Frieza, the main antagonist across the entire series, particularly significant to Vegeta. The destruction of Vegeta’s planet and annihilation of his race was orchestrated by Frieza, which has instilled an intense grudge in the Saiyan. Most franchise enthusiasts anticipate that it will be Vegeta who delivers a decisive defeat to this arch-nemesis. Therefore, there is much excitement among fans for a climactic showdown between Vegeta and his greatest adversary towards the end.

In this battle and across the entire saga, Vegeta’s demise would create massive ripples globally. His most remarkable act – the selfless sacrifice he made to annihilate Buu and safeguard Earth – is considered one of the franchise’s most pivotal moments. If he were to replicate such a heroic act at the series finale, but with an ultimate sacrifice that ensures his demise for the greater good, it would be a fitting conclusion to the storyline of a character who once aspired to dominate the universe, only to ultimately lay down his life in its defense.

As a die-hard fan, I must confess that the thought of bidding farewell to Vegeta is both exhilarating and heartrending. It would undeniably be an epic send-off for such a remarkable character, a fitting finale that addresses the perceived emptiness surrounding death within our beloved series.

Now, I’m not saying he should vanish forever – a return could always be on the cards. But think about it: stripping the series of this constant resurrection would add weight to Vegeta’s ultimate sacrifice. It would elevate the stakes and make each battle truly meaningful.

Only a failure abandons his principles and his pride!

Vegeta is chosen for a significant role because his death will resonate deeply with fans and carry substantial emotional weight. While Goku’s demise might also be impactful from a storytelling perspective, Vegeta has gained equal importance in the hearts of many followers over time. Additionally, the poignant theme of Vegeta sacrificing himself for his adopted family and home planet would create a much more profound sense of tragedy.

At the current point, it’s merely conjecture since we haven’t yet resumed reading the Dragon Ball Super manga to find out where the narrative leads. However, if Vegeta does indeed make a self-sacrificing move in the storyline, it would bring his character full circle and solidify him as an exceptional deuteragonist in anime lore, arguably among the greatest fictional characters ever created, even though some might already hold this view.

Dragon Ball can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-02-10 22:24