Summary
Krillin’s recent actions in Dragon Ball Super challenge stereotypes and show his ability to break the rules of the series. Krillin’s heroic act of rescuing Android 18 is justified as he seeks redemption for past disgraces. Unlike other series, Dragon Ball Super uses Android 18 as a strong character and usually doesn’t need to be spared, which adds depth to Krillin and 18’s dynamic.
Spoilers for Dragon Ball Super Chapter #98Krillin’s recent actions in Dragon Ball Super are so pathetic that they’re considered unnecessary point-of-view concepts that don’t really matter. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many popular shonen series today are pandering to this particular trope at worst, showing that it is breaking the super norm. This unexpected but welcome development is also indicative of how well the Supers portray other characters.
In Dragon Ball Super Chapter #98 by story writer Akira Toriyama and artist Toyotarou, Cell Max is traveling at high speed and at one point targets Android 18 with a nasty looking energy ball. The manga clearly shows that the blast could damage the 18, but just in time some Krillin splits the ball in two with the Destructo Disc, allowing the two pieces to pass through safely.
In any other instance, many fans would see this as a big, strong man coming to the rescue of a helpless damsel in distress who can’t fend for herself, but that’s not the case here.
Android 18 is not a damsel in distress.
Although not the most worthless hero in Super, Krillin has had some embarrassing moments. In fact, the superhero manga adaptation has an earlier scene that completely mocks Krillin for losing a fight against a lowly cyborg wasp. That moment alone justifies saving Krillin 18. He had to do something heroic to redeem himself. Helping matters is the 18’s consistency as a strong and capable fighter. When Goku tries to recruit Krillin and join the 18 in the Tournament of Power in Chapter #31, Goku 18 eventually refuses to participate against Krillin, much to the bald warrior’s eternal dismay. Android 18 is not considered a victim as long as it can be saved without losing its character.
The same cannot be said for popular series like Boruto, which are known for perpetuating the stereotype that women are less capable than men. Sasuke’s daughter Sarada has recently been credited as a dual blue vortex, but a more subtle swipe at her character occurs much earlier in Naruto’s next generation when Kawaki tells her how to use the Sharingan after learning about the Uchiha technique. These unfortunate tropes are common in shonen, making 18’s appearance in Super a bright spot.
Dragon Ball Super explores the other side of Krillin and the 18’s dynamic
If Boruto had done what happened in Dragon Ball Super with Krillin and Android 18, it wouldn’t have been as well received because most of the male shinobi in Boruto are highly skilled fighters, while their girlfriends jump or are often in trouble. More help from their male colleagues. Meanwhile, Super Krillin is always the underdog, and 18’s only major flaw is that she’s mostly motivated by money. Although Super doesn’t cross any controversial lines this time around, it’s more refreshing to see female heroes save the day instead of being properly rescued, similar to how the manga reunited Pan to play a more pivotal role. That’s even if the hunter is a weak and clumsy guy like Dragon Ball’s Super Krillin.
Read Dragon Ball Super #98 now on Manga Plus!
Read on Manga Plus
Dragon Ball Super
Official date: 2015-07-05
take on Sean Schemmel, Jason Douglas, Christopher Sabat
Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Animation, Fantasy
Seasons: 1
Dragon Ball Super is the original Dragon Ball series as well as the animated sequel to the fan favorite Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball Super takes place ten years after the defeat of Majin Buu and follows Goku and his friends on new adventures. Like all its predecessors, Dragon Ball Super is credited with 131 episodes.
Story by: tatsuya nagamine
Writers: Tatsuya Nagamine
Streaming service All
Franchise(s): Dragon ball
Directors: Tatsuya Nagamine
Show runner: Tatsuya Nagamine