Dragon Ball features a pantheon of legendary heroes that have left an indelible mark on anime and manga history. While Goku stands as the series’ most iconic character, others such as Vegeta, Gohan, Trunks, and Piccolo have also emerged as fan favorites, each contributing their own memorable moments in battle. Gohan even rose to the role of a leading character, and Vegeta’s significance has steadily grown throughout the story arcs.
Yet, super-powered fighters are not the sole champions of this beloved franchise. In the early days of Dragon Ball, before extraterrestrial warriors and defining transformations became the norm, human beings claimed the spotlight. Key figures like Krillin, Yamcha, and Tien posed formidable challenges to their opponents, showcasing their heroism in various situations. Despite the series’ shift in focus, these human fighters still warrant recognition for their significant achievements.
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Yamcha Fought on Equal Ground With Goku
The Often Disrespected Character Did Some Damage to Goku
Before Goku became the invincible powerhouse we know today, he displayed extraordinary prowess from his very first appearance. This was evident when he comically battled Bulma’s car, showcasing resilience even as a young boy. Yamcha’s debut in the series marked him as a formidable rival; notably, during his initial confrontation, he attempted to rob Goku and his friends, leading to an unexpected clash. His “Wolf Fang Fist”attack even managed to send Goku across the battlefield, highlighting that Yamcha was more than just a minor character in those early episodes.
Remarkably, their first battle was characterized by an explosive exchange, with Goku retaliating with his unique “Rock, Paper, Scissors”attack, which shattered the manga panel. While hungry and weakened, Goku’s struggle with Yamcha emphasizes the latter’s impressive capabilities, challenging a character who would later reach heights of nearly unparalleled power.
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Tien Defeated Goku in the World Martial Arts Tournament
One of Earth’s Strongest Humans Handed Goku His Second Tournament Defeat
Despite the numerous tournaments throughout Dragon Ball, Goku’s performance has been surprisingly lackluster. His first victory against Piccolo came only after multiple attempts, and he quickly suffered losses thereafter. His initial defeat was to Master Roshi, who, masquerading as Jackie Chun, aimed to humble Goku.
Notably, Tien achieved a significant milestone by defeating Goku in the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament. Though Tien’s strength was not quite on par with Goku’s, a clever mix of strategy and circumstance allowed him to secure victory. This defeat marked a pivotal moment for Goku, demonstrating that even the mightiest can fall, a lesson that creator Akira Toriyama intentionally enforced against audience expectations.
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Krillin Took His Revenge On the Saibamen
Enraged By His Friend’s Death, Krillin Makes Light Work of the Saibamen
As the Dragon Ball narrative progressed into the Saiyan Saga, humanity’s fighters fell behind in terms of power. This starkly contrasted with Yamcha’s fate, who was abruptly killed by a Saibaman. However, Krillin’s revenge after this tragic event proved cathartic and satisfying to fans.
Fueled by rage over Yamcha’s demise, Krillin unleashed a Ki blast with devastating effect, obliterating three Saibamen in a single strike. This decisive moment showcased Krillin’s prowess and painting him as one of the series’ prominent heroes during a time when humans struggled massively against their adversaries.
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Hercule Saved the Day During the Buu Saga
The Champ Used His Fame to Convince the People of Earth to Lend Their Energy to Goku
Interestingly, not all heroes engage in direct combat. Hercule, often regarded as a comedic character, surprisingly played a vital role during the Buu Saga. His unique blend of popularity and wit helped bolster Goku’s chances in one of the most critical battles of the series.
During the climactic fight against Kid Buu, Hercule rallied the people of Earth, utilizing his fame to encourage them to contribute energy to Goku’s Spirit Bomb. This collective effort was instrumental in amplifying Goku’s attack to a level sufficient to defeat Kid Buu—an achievement that illustrates that heroics come in many forms, regardless of physical prowess.
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Yajirobe Helped Earth’s Heroes Regain the Upper Ground Against Vegeta
Dragon Ball’s Unlikeliest Hero Made His Presence Known With a Single Slice
Unlikely heroes often emerge at crucial moments. Yajirobe, who typically avoided confrontations, unexpectedly proved pivotal during the Saiyan Saga by severing Vegeta’s tail, restoring him to a vulnerable state.
Prior attempts to cut Vegeta’s tail had failed—most notably by Krillin, who found his attack evaded. However, Yajirobe’s small battle power allowed him to approach unnoticed, executing his plan before fleeing—a move that significantly impacted the battle’s outcome and showcased that even the seemingly weakest can change the course of events.
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Krillin Defeated Two Fighters in the Tournament of Power
Krillin Shined Long After the Rest of Dragon Ball’s Fighters Left Him Behind
The Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super highlighted a stark power divide between the Saiyan protagonists and their human counterparts. Yet, Krillin emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating his value by eliminating two fighters.
Partnering with Android #18, Krillin efficiently dispatched Universe 4’s Shosa. In a solo bout against another Universe 4 fighter, Majora, Krillin showcased his quick thinking by exploiting Majora’s enhanced sensory perception. By tossing his shoe, he disoriented Majora, enabling him to create an opening and finish the fight with a Kamehameha blast. The victory solidified Krillin’s place in a series often dominated by Saiyans.
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Tien Held Back Second Form Cell On His Own
As Dragon Ball’s Humans Faded to the Background, Tien Made a Final Stand
During the intense battles of the Cell Saga, the importance of human fighters diminished. However, Tien made a remarkable stand against Second Form Cell, demonstrating that humans still had a role to play.
Using his powerful Neo Tri-Beam attack, Tien not only managed to pin down Cell but also inflicted real damage. This comeback for a once-dominant fighter showcased that, even against overwhelming odds, the spirit of humanity can shine through. Tien’s brave effort remains an iconic moment in Dragon Ball, reminding fans that not all victories require superhuman strength.