Gohan in Dragon Ball Z vs. Dragon Ball Super: A Wasted Potential?

Introduction: The Rise and Fall of Gohan’s Power

Few characters in the Dragon Ball franchise have had as much potential as Gohan. Introduced as Goku’s son, he quickly became one of the most promising fighters, displaying incredible strength at a young age. Dragon Ball Z built him up as the next great warrior, with moments that even surpassed Goku himself. However, when Dragon Ball Super arrived, many fans were left disappointed by Gohan’s regression. The question remains: Did Dragon Ball Super waste Gohan’s potential? Let’s compare his evolution in both series and analyze what went wrong—or if there’s still hope for him.

1. Gohan’s Development in Dragon Ball Z

A Childhood Marked by Hidden Power

His journey in Dragon Ball Z begins as a timid child with little interest in fighting. However, his hidden power is evident early on, particularly when he attacks Raditz in a rage. This moment foreshadows his true potential—one that surpasses even his father’s at times.

Saiyan Saga: The First Glimpse of His Strength

Under Piccolo’s brutal training, He develops into a capable fighter. Though he is still inexperienced, his role in the battle against Vegeta and Nappa proves he is not just another side character—he is destined for greatness.

Namek Saga: Surpassing Limits

His power continues to grow on Namek, where he fights powerful enemies like Recoome and Frieza’s forces. His ability to tap into hidden strength in moments of rage makes him a unique fighter, distinct from Goku and Vegeta. His most notable moment is when he stands up to Frieza in his second form, briefly pushing the tyrant back.

Android/Cell Saga: The Pinnacle of Gohan’s Strength

This saga is where he reaches his peak. Trained by Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he unlocks Super Saiyan and later achieves the legendary Super Saiyan 2 during the battle against Cell. His transformation is one of the most iconic moments in anime history. The sheer power, emotion, and storytelling behind it cement Gohan as the strongest character at the time. His victory over Cell is a defining moment—he fulfills Goku’s dream of surpassing him, proving he could be the new protector of Earth.

Buu Saga: The Start of His Decline?

After the Cell Saga, Gohan’s character shifts. He becomes more interested in academics than fighting, much to the frustration of fans. While he does unlock Ultimate Gohan, a form stronger than Super Saiyan 3 Goku, his role in the saga feels underwhelming. He is quickly defeated by Buu after initially dominating, marking the beginning of a trend where his strength is hyped but never fully realized.

2. Gohan’s Development in Dragon Ball Super

A Drastic Power Drop

When Dragon Ball Super begins, He has all but abandoned fighting. He has settled into a peaceful life as a scholar and father, losing most of his combat abilities. This stark contrast from his Dragon Ball Z self is disappointing for many fans, especially those who saw him as Goku’s successor.

The Resurrection F Saga: A Humiliating Defeat

Perhaps the lowest point in Gohan’s character arc is his defeat at the hands of Frieza’s forces. Once the strongest fighter in Dragon Ball Z, he is now so weak that he is easily taken down by Tagoma, one of Frieza’s minions. This moment cemented fan frustration—he had truly become irrelevant in battle.

The Tournament of Power: A Glimpse of Redemption

Fortunately, Dragon Ball Super does not completely forget about his potential. Before the Tournament of Power, he trains with Piccolo and regains his Ultimate form. While he does not achieve any new transformations, he proves himself as a capable leader. His battle against Dyspo and his strategic mindset show that he still has the makings of a great warrior. However, compared to his Dragon Ball Z self, he feels like a shadow of what he once was.

3. Why Did Dragon Ball Super Sideline Gohan?

Shifting Focus Back to Goku and Vegeta

One major reason for his decline in Dragon Ball Super is the series’ focus on Goku and Vegeta. Unlike Dragon Ball Z, which built he as a successor, Super revolves around the rivalry between the two Saiyans. Their journey into god-tier transformations like Super Saiyan Blue and Ultra Instinct overshadow any potential he had.

Gohan’s Personality and Lack of Drive

Unlike Goku and Vegeta, He never had a passion for fighting. His reluctance to embrace his Saiyan heritage makes it difficult for the writers to justify giving him new transformations. While Goku and Vegeta are always training, Gohan prefers a peaceful life—this fundamental difference in motivation affects his character progression.

View more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gohan

The Need for Balance in Power Scaling

If he were to regain his peak power, he would need to be stronger than characters like Goku and Vegeta. Given how Dragon Ball Super continuously escalates power levels, keeping he at the top would disrupt the balance of storytelling. The show instead chooses to maintain his role as a strong but secondary fighter.

4. Can Gohan’s Potential Still Be Realized?

Despite his setbacks in Dragon Ball Super, there is still hope for him. His Beast Mode transformation in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero suggests that he may finally be reclaiming his former glory. This new form, which rivals Goku and Vegeta’s latest transformations, could be the start of a new chapter for Gohan.

What Needs to Happen for Gohan to Shine Again?

• Consistent Training: He needs to commit to martial arts again, rather than temporarily returning to battle only in emergencies.
• A Unique Fighting Style: Instead of following Goku and Vegeta’s path, Gohan should develop his own identity as a fighter.
• More Screen Time: If Dragon Ball wants to restore Gohan’s greatness, he needs more meaningful battles and moments that prove his worth.

Conclusion: Was Gohan’s Potential Wasted?

His decline from his peak in Dragon Ball Z to his weakened state in Dragon Ball Super is disappointing for many fans. However, his resurgence in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero offers hope that he may still have a place among the top warriors in the franchise. While Dragon Ball Super may have sidelined him, it has not completely abandoned his potential. The question remains: Will Gohan finally step out of Goku’s shadow, or will he always be remembered as the Saiyan who could have been the greatest?

What do you think? Should Gohan return to his former glory, or is he better off as a scholar? Let us know in the comments!

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