The Ascension of Gohan
In the realm of Dragon Ball Super, a remarkable transformation has taken place, and at the heart of it lies the enigmatic character of Gohan. Over the past year, the resurgence of Gohan has sparked widespread interest and rekindled the fervor of fans across the franchise.
Gohan's transformation in the Super Hero movie (Image via Toei Animation).
The Super Hero movie, a pivotal turning point, has played a significant role in this resurgence. The manga's coverage of the film in 2023 has solidified the Beast Gohan transformation, elevating it to a level of canonical importance never before seen in the series.
This resurgence has led to a compelling question among enthusiasts of Dragon Ball Super: Is Beast Gohan the most formidable form in the series? The absence of clashes between this form and Ultra Instinct Goku, Ultra Ego Vegeta, or Black Frieza has ignited fervent debates within the fandom.
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Unveiling Gohan's Dominance
Author Akira Toriyama, in a moment of revelation during discussions about the Super Hero movie, affirmed Gohan's unparalleled strength within the Dragon Ball Super universe. This affirmation, rooted in the events of Beast Gohan's initial appearance, has solidified Gohan's status as the pinnacle of power in the current narrative.
This revelation holds profound implications, propelling Gohan back into the spotlight and positioning him as a pivotal figure in the forthcoming arcs. It signifies the consolidation of Gohan as a permanent member of the primary cast, alongside iconic figures such as Goku, Broly, and Vegeta, with the potential inclusion of Piccolo and Granolah.
Gohan's ascendancy to the zenith of power is a testament to his enduring legacy of sudden power surges, a characteristic that has consistently propelled him to the forefront of the franchise. Toriyama's adept utilization of this enduring element has infused Gohan's character with newfound relevance within the current landscape of Dragon Ball Super.
The Evolution of Gohan's Character
Gohan's transformation in the Super Hero movie (Image via Toei Animation).
Gohan's character has traversed a path of intriguing inconsistencies since his triumphant victory over Cell many years ago. These inconsistencies have been palpable throughout the annals of Dragon Ball Super, marked by Gohan's oscillation between periods of strength and laxity in his training, a narrative arc that has elicited commentary from fans regarding its stagnation in recent years.
The introduction of the concept of Beast Gohan in the recent manga chapters has ignited widespread consensus among fans, marking a pivotal juncture for Gohan's character and his potential involvement in the narrative. Gohan's diminished prominence throughout the Super series has been a subject of critique, a sentiment that both Toyotaro and Toriyama seem poised to address.
The prevailing inconsistency in Gohan's character, a longstanding issue, has now been undeniably eclipsed by his newfound status as the foremost mortal being in the franchise. This transformation heralds a promising trajectory for Gohan, encapsulating a recurring theme in his narrative journey within the franchise.
A Definitive Revelation
Akira Toriyama's confirmation of Beast Gohan's supremacy in Dragon Ball Super, conferred during the promotional activities for the Super Hero movie approximately a year ago, stands as an unequivocal testament to Gohan's ascendancy.