Is Frieza still a prominent antagonist in Dragon Ball? Analyzed

Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated fans for years with its epic battles, iconic characters, and complex storylines. The beloved manga and anime series has a global following, with fans drawn to the compelling depictions of heroes like Goku and his son Gohan as they grow stronger through intense training and battles with formidable opponents.

At the heart of this beloved franchise is Frieza, the ruthless antagonist whose presence has shaped the series. Frieza's return in Dragon Ball Super has reignited conversations about his role in the show.

Dragon Ball: The Speculation of Frieza's Future Role

Frieza goes up against Goku in the series (Image via Toei Animation)

Following the conclusion of the Super Hero arc, there are hints in the latest manga that suggest Frieza may return to his antagonistic ways. While his recent team-up with Goku and Vegeta has blurred his villainous image, upcoming storylines in the pages indicate that he may revert back to his malicious old self.

It's important to keep in mind that this is speculation based on the manga alone. The next saga in the anime, following the current Super Hero arc, has not been released yet. Only time will reveal whether Frieza will once again become the heroes' main adversary in the future.

Dragon Ball: Frieza's History

Golden Frieza (Image via Toei Animation)

Frieza burst onto the scene in Dragon Ball Z and quickly established himself as one of the most formidable foes in the series. Inspired by the ruthlessness and greed of Japanese real estate moguls at the time, creator Akira Toriyama crafted Frieza as a merciless and shape-shifting antagonist, setting a high bar for future villains in the franchise.

Over the years, Frieza underwent significant transformations and resurrections. In Dragon Ball Super, he made a powerful comeback in the form of Golden Frieza, showcasing his unyielding thirst for power and determination to surpass his limits. Frieza's return not only demonstrated his resilience, but also reaffirmed his enduring role as a central antagonist in the series.

Frieza in Dragon Ball Super

Black Frieza (Image via Toei Animation)

Frieza has evolved significantly since his introduction in the series, displaying complex goals while retaining his wicked nature. His unexpected alliance with Goku and others in the Tournament of Power challenged the traditional categorization of good and bad, raising questions about his role.

Furthermore, Frieza's latest form, Frieza Black, in the Dragon Ball Super manga, showcases his continued character development. The co-creator of the manga, Toyotarou, highlights that Frieza Black's appearance reflects Frieza's cunning and strategic personality. This new form enhances Frieza's power and blurs the line between hero and villain even further.

Final thoughts

Frieza's character has evolved over time, challenging our preconceptions of him as a villain. With the addition of new teams and alliances, his role has become ambiguous. However, his return in the latest manga chapters proves that he still has the ability to instill fear in both heroes and fans alike. Frieza remains a formidable opponent in the series, but with a complexity that goes beyond simple villainy. While it's possible that Frieza may revert to his wicked ways, fans eagerly await the next chapter to see what fate has in store for this infamous antagonist.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Dragon Ball, I am thrilled to see Frieza's continued presence in the series. His return in Dragon Ball Super has brought back the excitement and intensity that characterized his earlier appearances. Frieza's complex character development, from a ruthless villain to an unlikely ally, has added depth to the narrative and kept fans engaged. His transformations and new forms, such as Golden Frieza and Frieza Black, showcase his unwavering determination to surpass his limits and challenge the heroes.

Frieza's ambiguous role in the latest manga chapters has created a sense of anticipation among fans. While his alliance with Goku and Vegeta has blurred the lines between good and evil, there are hints that he may return to his antagonistic ways. This uncertainty keeps us on the edge of our seats, eager to discover what the future holds for this iconic villain. Frieza's enduring presence in Dragon Ball is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has had on the series. Whether he remains an ally or reverts to his villainous nature, Frieza continues to be a captivating character that fans love to hate and respect.