The Majin Buu Saga stands as one of the most contentious arcs within Akira Toriyama’s celebrated Dragon Ball series. Occurring after a significant seven-year time skip following the Cell Saga, this arc reintroduces familiar characters basking in an era of peace on Earth. However, the tranquility is soon shattered by the emergence of Majin Buu—a formidable adversary that poses an unprecedented danger to the Z-Fighters.
Fan opinions on this saga are polarized; some view it as an artistic triumph, while others criticize it for failing to match the high standards set by earlier arcs. As is typical for the series, when trouble loomed, Goku stepped forward to confront the new threat. Yet, it’s noteworthy that the narrative initially positioned Gohan as the protagonist. Regardless of differing perspectives on the saga’s quality, a key takeaway is the missed opportunity to spotlight characters other than Goku.
Gohan’s Intended Role as the Protagonist
Akira Toriyama’s Shift for the Lead Role
A recent interview with the team behind Dragon Ball revealed that Akira Toriyama originally intended for the series to conclude after the Cell Saga. However, overwhelming fan demand and pressure from Shueisha compelled him to continue the story, leaving Toriyama uncertain about the direction he wanted to take. Given Gohan’s pivotal victory in the previous arc, many anticipated his rise to centrality.
The Buu Saga opens with Gohan’s mundane school life, wherein he dons the persona of the Great Saiyaman to combat minor criminals. The return of the World Martial Arts Tournament shifts the focus back to martial arts events, bringing excitement but also chaos. Goku’s unexpected return from the Otherworld to participate adds further anticipation. The tournament, however, does not unfold as envisioned; wizardly interference results in the awakening of Majin Buu, ultimately sidelining Gohan as Goku commandeers the narrative once again.
Reflecting on this change, Toriyama stated in an interview, “I intended to put Gohan in the leading role. It didn’t work out. I felt that, compared to Goku, he was ultimately not suited for the role.“This insight underscores a significant moment for the series, where an opportunity to explore different narrative avenues was unfortunately missed, reverting instead to Goku’s familiar heroics.
Limited Character Focus in Dragon Ball
Iconic Casts Yet Limited Opportunities
Despite the wealth of beloved characters in Dragon Ball, only a select few have enjoyed the spotlight in significant story arcs. Gohan’s victory against Cell was groundbreaking, as he became the first character other than Goku to defeat an archvillain. However, excluding Gohan’s victory over Cell Max in 2022’s Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, that trend has not shifted significantly.
The Buu Saga attempted to feature a broader ensemble, showcasing Gohan’s Ultimate form and Vegeta’s critical involvement under Babidi’s control. Characters like Krillin and Tien played roles in the unfolding chaos, yet the climactic battle was inevitably handed back to Goku, reinforcing the notion that the series revolves around his journey. Although it hinted at the possibility of character diversification, the narrative ultimately consolidated around its traditional hero.
As Dragon Ball Super progressed, side characters appeared increasingly marginal. Nonetheless, the latest developments hint at potential changes in this narrative focus.
An Evolving Dynamic in Dragon Ball Super
Insights from a Recent Interview with Toyotarou
In a promising shift for Dragon Ball, recent interviews indicate a balanced portrayal of its characters. Toyotarou, in discussing Dragon Ball Super Volume #24, emphasized the equal power status of Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, and Broly, stating, “I wanted to show that the power of these five characters are the same, so I made this collage.“This marks a significant evolution, suggesting upcoming narratives may prioritize teamwork and cooperation over singular heroics.
The time has come for less spotlighted characters like Gohan and Piccolo to rise alongside Goku and Vegeta, paving the way for more dynamic storytelling. Reflecting upon the Majin Buu Saga, while it enriched the series with standout elements like fusion, it also highlighted the need for broader character engagement. The future of Dragon Ball Super may finally embrace a narrative that uplifts a more diverse cast while honoring its rich legacy.
Sources: Dragon Ball Daizenshuu 2 (translations by Kanzenshuu), Dragon Ball Official