Top Dragon Ball Characters Who Shine in the Manga

With Akira Toriyama hinting at an upcoming Dragon Ball tale through Dragon Ball Daima, Goku and his comrades are set to embark on yet another thrilling expedition. This time, they must find a way to reverse their unforeseen rejuvenation, a delightful nod to the earlier Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT for loyal followers. Nonetheless, fans of the Dragon Ball series eagerly anticipate whether specific characters will receive the same level of depth as their manga counterparts in their respective narratives.

Just like other manga-to-anime adaptations, some argue that certain Dragon Ball characters lack the same level of characterization in their anime portrayals. Hence, which Dragon Ball characters truly shine in their manga appearances rather than their animated counterparts?

10. Beerus

The God Of Destruction Doesn’t Always Threaten Destruction

Beerus, a powerful force in the Dragon Ball universe, is renowned for being one of the few threats that even Goku cannot defeat. If it weren't for his love for Earth's delicacies, the God of Destruction could easily annihilate the planet. While these characteristics hold true in both the anime and manga, the portrayal of Beerus differs in each medium. In the anime, Beerus is depicted as moody, hot-headed, and prone to casually threatening to destroy the world. However, in the manga, Beerus is shown as a more self-aware and controlled being, resembling his appearance in the movies. Although he still exhibits his temperamental nature and occasionally bluffs about destroying the Earth, the absence of casual threats gives deeper significance to his rare implication of using his Hakai power.

9. Gohan

Goku’s Son Gets Involved In More Grounded Fights To Showcase Growth

In both the anime and the manga, it is established that Gohan is the most powerful character in the Dragon Ball series when Goku and Vegeta are absent. Additionally, his Beast form in Dragon Ball Super further enhances his power. While Gohan's feats in the anime are considered better representations of his strength, some argue that his growth in the manga is portrayed more realistically through his fights. The condensed nature of combat in the manga allows Gohan to display surprising abilities, solidifying his potential as a warrior. This is particularly evident during the Cell Saga, where his fights gradually lead him to realize his role as the protector of the universe, surpassing even Goku's limits.

8. Cell

Longer Fights May Have Wasted The Tension Of The Perfect Being’s Presence

Cell's cunning and eventual arrogance were evident in both the anime and manga. However, the condensed fights in the Cell Saga showcased a stronger story arc, highlighting the irony of pride leading to the downfall of even the most powerful genetically-engineered warrior. Moreover, in the manga, Cell's character was more fully developed, consistently portrayed as an unbeatable threat that only Gohan could overcome.

By contrasting Cell's initial struggles against Piccolo with Vegeta's decision to let him reach his full potential, the manga presents Cell as a villain employing the same tactics that the heroes have used to defeat formidable adversaries like Vegeta. Additionally, Cell's irritation at Gohan doubting his potential and challenging him to prove himself further demonstrates his personality more effectively in the manga.

7. Frieza

The Tyrant Only Kills When Necessary

Frieza in the anime is characterized by casual sadism, whereas in the manga, he exhibits false politeness. Throughout the Frieza Saga, Frieza rarely killed his henchmen and only used extreme violence when met with strong opposition to his goals. Although Frieza did not show any signs of repentance during his time in Hell, his return as a villain in the Super manga was not surprising. However, Frieza's initial portrayal as a character who avoids violence unless absolutely necessary adds to his calculating and sinister nature.

6. Chi-Chi

The Nagging Mother Stereotype Didn’t Hold Well

Modeled after the stereotype of a strict rural mother, Chi-Chi's portrayal as an overprotective worrier can be seen as comical in Japanese culture but may be off-putting to Western audiences. Unfortunately, the exaggerated portrayal in the anime further reinforces this stereotype. In contrast, the manga allows for a more nuanced development of Chi-Chi's character.

Initially resistant to Gohan's training, Chi-Chi gradually becomes more accepting of it. During the Cell Games, she desperately pleads with Goku to prevent Gohan from fighting Cell, likely due to her recollection of Piccolo's brutal attack on Goku earlier in the manga. In the Buu Saga, Chi-Chi becomes more relaxed and allows Goten to play with Trunks.

5. Future Trunks

Certain Decisions Ruin Trunks’ Point Of Being Independent

Trunks returns in Dragon Ball Super as a character when another version of Future Trunks seeks Goku and Vegeta's assistance in stopping the evil Goku Black from completely destroying his timeline. While the anime version of Trunks defeats Future Zamasu with a powerful form fueled by rage and a sword slash empowered by a Spirit Bomb, the way these powers are introduced and Vegeta's lecturing make his character poorly portrayed.

On the other hand, the manga version of Trunks in Super possesses healing powers. Although this approach may not be as exciting for his character development, it stays true to the original manga's depiction of Future Trunks and his realistic power progression. Additionally, Trunks' training under Gohan taught him to rely on himself rather than depending on Vegeta, resulting in a more independent character.

4. Jiren

Not Solely Being An Unbeatable Threat Humanizes Jiren

Jiren's intense independence and deep distrust made him an impossible challenge for Goku to overcome, resulting in one of anime's most iconic fight scenes. However, in the manga, Jiren's character is given more depth and development.

In the manga, Jiren expresses a desire to bring back his mentor so that he can truly complete his training as a warrior. This adds a humanizing element to Jiren's character and adds a layer of dramatic irony, as he consistently fights with all his might according to his teachings, yet fails to apply his master's crucial lesson: the power of teamwork.

3. Piccolo

A More Quiet Piccolo Makes His Conversations More Meaningful

In both the Dragon Ball anime and manga, it is widely accepted by fans that Piccolo plays a more fatherly role to Gohan than Goku. This is evident in various instances throughout the series. Some argue that the anime does a better job at portraying this dynamic, particularly through the use of filler episodes that allow for more bonding moments between Piccolo and Gohan.

Notably, the absence of filler chapters in the manga results in a portrayal of Piccolo as stern and serious more often. However, this makes the moments when he shows a softer side even more impactful. In the manga, Piccolo's character as a Namekian who doesn't speak much is amplified, yet he still demonstrates a willingness to risk his life for Gohan, which strengthens his role as a believable father figure.

2. Vegeta

No Filler Vegeta Paves The Way For More Consistent Characterization

Fans who are already impressed with Vegeta's growth as a character in Dragon Ball should read the manga for a more immersive experience of his development. Despite having fewer chapters than the action-packed Dragon Ball episodes, the manga successfully presents his character progression with greater nuance.

Unlike the anime, the manga avoids filler content and focuses on deliberate storyboarding, which highlights impactful moments of Vegeta's growth. From his acts of self-sacrifice against formidable foes like Majin Buu, to his descent into darkness as Majin Vegeta, and even his intense training under Beerus to attain Ultra Ego, these moments become even more meaningful when compared to the Goku-centric stories.

1. Goku

More Fighting, Less Heroics

The Dragon Ball anime portrays Goku as a heroic figure, using intense action-packed fights to showcase his efforts to save the world. However, this depiction differs significantly from Goku's original portrayal in the manga, where his valorous personality is not as prominent. In the manga, Goku's desire to face formidable opponents is seen as a manifestation of his martial artist nature rather than that of a traditional protagonist.

Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, was initially angered by the anime's portrayal of Goku as a hero. He believed that Goku's innocent selfishness in seeking strong enemies was better depicted in the manga, as it more accurately explained his enthusiasm for engaging in battles. The anime's portrayal of Goku as a hero can create confusion among fans, as it often presents contradictions such as Goku prioritizing training over his responsibilities as a father.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I grew up watching Dragon Ball Z and reading the manga series. I have always been a fan of the franchise and have enjoyed following the adventures of Goku and his friends. I believe that the manga series does a better job of developing the characters and their stories than the anime.

One of my favorite characters in the manga is Beerus, the God of Destruction. In the anime, Beerus is portrayed as a moody and hot-headed character who is prone to destroying planets on a whim. However, in the manga, Beerus is shown to be a more self-aware and controlled being. He is still capable of great destruction, but he is also shown to be capable of compassion and mercy. I believe that the manga does a better job of developing Beerus's character and making him a more well-rounded character.

Another character that I believe is better developed in the manga is Gohan. In the anime, Gohan is often overshadowed by Goku and Vegeta. However, in the manga, Gohan is given more opportunities to shine. He is shown to be a powerful and capable fighter, and he is also shown to be a kind and compassionate person. I believe that the manga does a better job of developing Gohan's character and making him a more interesting character.