Dragon Ball Super could have been a reimagined series with the next generation at the center of the story, with Gohan at the forefront
From the last act of Dragon Ball ZThe Buu saga was shaping up to be the beginning of a different era, with Gohan taking center stage, replacing his father, Goku. Akira Toriyama, the creator, initially sought this transition, but soon reversed his decision, reassigning the role of hero to Goku. These elections not only defined the closure of Dragon Ball Zbut he also continued Dragon Ball Supersetting a path that, while successful, has been the subject of criticism and debate among enthusiasts.
A leader for a new era
Gohan’s potential as the new leader of the series is undeniable. After finishing Dragon Ball Z as the most powerful Saiyan, his story in Dragon Ball Super would have offered a more coherent and focused narrative. Imagine Gohan facing off against Beerus in his quest for the Super Saiyan God in the Battle of the Gods saga, or leading the attack against Golden Frieza in Resurrection of ‘F’. Each story arc takes on a new tone with Gohan at the helm, exploring not only epic battles, but also his personal growth and leadership.
With Gohan as the central figure, each arc of Dragon Ball Super transforms. From the Gods Saga to the Tournament of Power, the battles and character developments revolve around him. His focus on responsibility and leadership, in contrast to Goku’s eternal quest for challenges, provides much-needed freshness. Additionally, characters like Goten, Trunks, and Videl would have more significant development, aligning more closely with Gohan’s importance.
A more marked generational change
Promoting Gohan to the lead role would not only revitalize his character, but also allow the next generation of fighters to become more organically relevant. Imagine Goten and Trunks not just as companions, but as storytelling pillars, growing under Gohan’s tutelage. Even characters like Pan and Uub, who have been underutilized, could significantly thrive in the shadow of a Gohan who is more mentor than rival.
In a universe where Gohan is the hero, his dynamic with characters like Piccolo and Krillin would deepen, exploring deeper aspects of mentorship and camaraderie. Additionally, clashes like Gohan versus Broly or the new power figures would present unprecedented conflicts and alliances, enriching the storyline with additional layers of complexity and emotion.
An alternative role for Goku
While Goku is an iconic and irreplaceable figure in Dragon Ballrelegating him to a secondary role after his sacrifice in the Cell saga could have allowed for a riskier and perhaps more rewarding narrative shift. Goku would still have moments of glory, but through appearances that would complement Gohan’s story, rather than overshadow it.
Reimagine Dragon Ball Super with Gohan as the protagonist, it is not simply a change of character, but a complete restructuring that affects every element of the series. This approach not only satisfies the requests of many fans, but also offers a more cohesive and mature story, focused on the evolution of its new hero and the transition to the new generations.
This redesign would not only revitalize familiar stories, but would also open up new avenues to explore, ensuring Dragon Ball Super resonates with a freshness that has perhaps been lacking in its more recent iterations. With Gohan at the helm, the series could have lived up to its potential, delivering a saga that balances legacy and innovation with the heart and action that fans love.