Unveiling Videl in Dragon Ball: Exploring Her Incredible Transformation

Dragon Ball possesses a predominantly underrepresented cast of characters who are greatly admired. Tienshinhan, Yamcha, and to a lesser extent, Krillin, were individuals who were introduced with much promise and underwent substantial development throughout their respective storylines. However, one character in particular, Videl, son of Hercule, the reigning World Champion, was notably lacking in character growth and experienced a disappointing transformation after a single arc.

Initially, many people were drawn to Videl due to her spirited nature and the dynamic she shared with Gohan during the Buu saga. This was seen as an enticing and intriguing storyline that had the potential to develop into one of the few tomboyish characters in the Dragon Ball universe, alongside Android 18. Unfortunately, as evident in Dragon Ball Super and even previously in Dragon Ball GT, Videl's character, to put it simply, became diluted and lost much of the feistiness and overall tomboyish attitude that made her initially captivating. This has caused numerous fans of Videl and her earlier personality to question whether she has been diminished or poorly utilized as a character within the Dragon Ball series.

Videl's Early Start And Intrigue

Introduced in the Buu Saga, Videl joined Son Gohan as a fellow student, adding a sense of simplicity to their lives. Initially abrasive, Videl gradually gained confidence and exhibited her impressive martial arts skills. Being trained by a World Martial Arts Champion played a significant role in her growth. During the Buu Saga, Videl made a lasting impression when she participated in the World Tournament. Unfortunately, her defeat at the hands of Spopovich left her battered and sidelined for the remainder of the saga. In Dragon Ball Super, Videl's personality underwent a noticeable change, prompting debates about whether it was a diluted version of her former self. To understand this shift, it is important to trace its origins.

While Videl possessed qualities that differed from characters like Chi-Chi and Bulma, her presence on screen captivated many fans. The novelty of witnessing a female fighter in the Dragon Ball Super universe was not unprecedented, as seen with Android 18. However, what made Videl stand out was her journey from ignorance of Ki to becoming proficient in its usage. This potential, paired with her infectious spirit, also played a crucial role in Son Gohan's growth. Their bond evolved genuinely throughout their shared journey, even becoming a subplot in a few filler episodes.

Videl's strength didn't measure up to that of the Z-Fighters, but her determination knew no bounds. In fact, she pushed herself even harder in her battle against Spopovich, landing impressive blows and captivating the crowd with a seemingly knockout punch during the World Martial Arts Tournament. Unfortunately, Spopovich's enhanced abilities through Babidi's magic allowed him to brutally defeat her. While Videl's early potential and personality were highly intriguing, her subsequent story arcs took a different path as she embraced a new persona and eventually became a mother. Videl's fans had no issue with her decision to start a family with Gohan and their strong bond, but they had always hoped for more from her.

Decline & Downgrade

One of the most significant transformations in her character can be seen in the Battle of Gods movie, where her role in Goku's journey to becoming a Super Saiyan God is influenced by her maternal connection with Pan. However, it's easy to overlook her once vibrant personality, considering the passage of time and her current role as a stay-at-home mother. She may not possess the same level of boldness or combat prowess anymore, as she has fallen out of practice. While some attribute this character regression to Dragon Ball's sudden resurgence and Akira Toriyama's occasional neglect of crucial details, there are also plausible in-universe reasons to consider.

Hercule, whether willingly or not, has provided substantial support for his family and others due to their involvement in saving the world and also as compensation for him taking credit during the Buu Saga. However, it is likely that the comfortable lifestyle and Videl's defeat at the hands of Spopovich influenced her decision to become a mother instead of pursuing a career as a martial artist. Although many may feel disappointed, Videl's transformation is justified to some extent and can be viewed as a partial shift in her character rather than a complete character assassination. It appears that the Dragon Ball series has no immediate plans to alter this aspect of Videl's personality.