The Cell Saga stands out amongst the numerous story arcs in the Dragon Ball series, captivating fans with its unforgettable villain. Cell, charismatic and powerful, commanded attention with his eloquence and menacing demeanor. He effortlessly became a fan favorite, contributing to the arc's widespread acclaim and adoration.
Nevertheless, the popularity of the Cell Saga was not solely attributed to the compelling character of Cell. Goku, Vegeta, and Krillin also played significant roles in the arc, albeit for less desirable reasons. Their grave errors inadvertently paved the way for Cell to attain his formidable perfect form, thereby transforming him into a formidable adversary that proved incredibly challenging to overcome.
Some of these mistakes are still discussed today, nearly 10 years after it first aired on television.
Dragon Ball: Fans continue to discuss Goku, Krillin, and Vegeta’s mistakes in Cell Saga
To attain his desired perfect form, Cell had a sole condition: he needed to consume and assimilate all the Androids. Notably, among those Androids was Android 18, whom Krillin had a soft spot for. Krillin's role was to render Android 18 inactive, thereby thwarting Cell's chance to absorb her and reach his coveted perfection.
However, not only did Krillin sympathize with Android 18, but he also developed romantic feelings for her. As a result, he made the decision to spare her life. This choice ultimately led to Cell absorbing Android 18 and attaining his perfect form. With his near-indestructible nature, Cell became an extremely formidable opponent to defeat. Fans were quick to acknowledge Krillin's mistake of sparing Android 18.
Later on, a separate group of Dragon Ball enthusiasts shifted the blame onto Vegeta, criticizing his excessive pride that was clearly showcased during the Cell Saga. Despite being presented with a chance to triumph over Cell, Vegeta made the deliberate decision to forgo victory in order to face him at his utmost strength.
He gave Cell the opportunity to regain his strength, resulting in Vegeta's ultimate defeat. The Saiyan Prince was initially mocked by the entire fanbase for this turn of events, and even after a decade, fans continue to ridicule him.
Dragon Ball fans have a varied response to Goku's actions in the aforementioned story arc. It is undeniable that Gohan had the greatest fighting capability among the mentioned characters.
As a result, he was the sole individual capable of surpassing his own boundaries and defeating Cell in his flawless state. Goku was aware that Cell had depleted a significant amount of his energy and thus chose to provide his adversary with a Senzu bean just moments before Gohan intervened.
This resulted in Goku being labeled as a neglectful father by some fans. However, many others recognized the motives behind his behavior. They were aware that this was the necessary path for Gohan to surpass his own limits and attain the power of Super Saiyan 2. Ultimately, Gohan emerged victorious over Cell by obliterating his core.
Final thoughts
Numerous Dragon Ball characters had ample chances to vanquish Cell without enduring the harm they ultimately sustained. The errors committed were truly atrocious, yet they resulted in exceptionally captivating entertainment. Moreover, enthusiasts thoroughly enjoyed witnessing their beloved antagonist confront some of the mightiest warriors and effortlessly overpower them.
Gohan's journey reached a crucial turning point when he surpassed his boundaries and unlocked a brand-new transformation. Despite the flaws they encountered along the way, these pivotal moments set in motion a series of captivating events that forever changed the trajectory of the story. Keep yourself updated on the latest Dragon Ball anime and manga updates throughout the progress of 2023.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the Cell Saga in Dragon Ball. On the one hand, I understand the frustration of fans who believe that the characters made crucial mistakes that led to Cell's transformation into his perfect form. Krillin's decision to spare Android 18, Vegeta's excessive pride, and Goku's decision to give Cell a Senzu bean were all questionable choices that ultimately contributed to Cell's victory.
On the other hand, I also appreciate the way these mistakes helped to shape the story and develop the characters. Krillin's compassion for Android 18 showed that he was not just a ruthless fighter, but also a complex and caring individual. Vegeta's pride ultimately led to his defeat, but it also showed that he was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. And Goku's decision to give Cell a Senzu bean was a risky gamble that ultimately paid off, as it allowed Gohan to reach his full potential and defeat Cell.
Overall, I think the Cell Saga is a complex and well-written story arc that raises interesting questions about the nature of heroism and sacrifice. While the characters' mistakes were certainly frustrating, they also helped to make the story more engaging and memorable.