“Tired of people disrespecting my King”: Goku’s Ugliest Criticism Has Gone Too Far, Dragon Ball Fans Are Fighting Back

SUMMARY

• Goku faces constant criticism for being "one-dimensional" and stupid sparking fan outrage.
• Goku's supporters argue his simplicity and optimism define his unique heroism.
• The debate will decide how Goku’s enduring legacy will stand in anime history.

For many decades, Goku of the Dragon Ball franchise has stood as one of the most iconic protagonists in anime history. But the tallest tree gets struck down first, as even legends are not immune to criticism.

Son Goku, protagonist of the Dragon Ball series. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Over the recent years, Dragon Ball’s lead character has been taking the heat for being dense, one-dimensional, and stupid, protected only by ridiculous amounts of plot armor. The critics have scrutinized Goku about almost everything, from his parenting skills to his simplistic motivations.

While the debates about his flaws have always existed, in recent times, these continued criticisms seem to have struck a nerve. This has led to the fans fighting back harder than ever to protect the kindest Saiyan protector of the universe.

Why fans are stubbornly defending Goku

The backlash against Goku’s critics started trending in full force online after some critics labeled him “one-dimensional” and even “irresponsible,” both as a father and a hero. These comments have rubbed salt in the wounds of the veteran Dragon Ball fans and legacy audience.

Young Goku in Dragon Ball. [Credit: Toei Animation]

It resulted in sparking widespread outrage among these fans and Dragon Ball devotees, who argue that Goku’s character is often misunderstood. There are many things about him that are often taken out of context and he is attacked unfairly.

Goku has always tried to do the best for his family, when his family did not have any money to feed the stomachs of growing Saiyans, Goku took up the profession of farming radishes to support his family.

He would be a family man, but life had taught Goku that it is better to trust in the strength of one’s fists rather than depend on someone else to protect you (Earth would have long been destroyed- the alternative was Mr Satan).

The legacy of Goku: A flawed character that never gives up

Critics often focus on Goku’s shortcomings as a father, saying that he was never present and is the same as the father who went to get milk and never came back.

Son Goku in Dragon Ball DAIMA. [Credit: Toei Animation]

However, there are many moments in which Goku’s actions are often guided by trust in his friends and family, and he pushes them to be better, a mark of a true father.

It is even more unfair when Goku, who is from the 1980s, is being compared to more complex modern protagonists who not only have a diverse personality with unique traits but are a culmination of many of the cultural references that have occurred in the past four decades (since Dragon Ball first came out).

Ultimately, the debate needs to take into consideration how Goku is the mold that shonen protagonists are shaped out of; it is his pure heroic legacy that gave rise to a wide variety of anime and popular manga. Goku’s simplicity and optimism are timeless strengths, at the same time, they are a reminder of an earlier time long past.

You can stream Dragon Ball DAIMA on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Written by Chandra Shekhar

Articles Published: 122

Chandra Shekhar, also known as Dan, is a voracious reader with an insatiable hunger for fantasy and fiction. Having devoured countless books, explored manga worlds, and delved deep into anime realms, Dan lives and breathes stories. As a creative mind who rambles on about books and anime all day long, Dan fits right in at FandomWire.