Dragon Ball Super’s Comeback Is Going to Finally Give Us What Z Couldn’t

For decades, Dragon Ball has stood among the greatest anime ever to be created, influencing countless series, creators, and fans across generations. Part of the franchise’s allure is its ability to evolve, creating new villains, landscapes, and allies while expanding on the established lore. However, some evolutions the series goes through leave behind open threads and unexplored, untapped potential.

Gohan had always been portrayed as the character with the most potential, and many fans expected him to take over the leading role in Dragon Ball Z, yet by the end of the series, it was Goku dominating the spotlight once more. However, Dragon Ball Super has the opportunity to deliver what Dragon Ball Z refused to.

Gohan Peaked During the Cell Games

The Cell Games saga stands as one of the most thrilling arcs in all of Dragon Ball. With its high-stakes action, heavy tension, and character-driven drama, the saga stands out as the pinnacle of what Dragon Ball can achieve. From Cell’s introduction as a bioengineered android to the Cell Games themselves, the narrative stunned fans with its grandeur.

One of the most important and meaningful aspects of the arc was the culmination of Gohan’s development. Audiences watched as he grew from an unsure child to one of Earth’s most powerful warriors, yet the true extent of his potential remained hidden until the climactic finale, marking the end of one of the most iconic villains.

Gohan’s emotional ascent to Super Saiyan 2, Goku’s sacrifice, and the Father-Son Kamehameha became some of the series’ greatest and unforgettable moments. The animation, music, voice acting, and pacing all played a role in turning the Cell Games into a thrilling, impactful experience. Gohan’s triumph over Cell marked the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Dragon Ball Z.

With Gohan poised as Earth’s next defender and Goku’s decision to remain in Other World, the series passed the torch, opening the door to a bold, new era. Unfortunately, this didn’t last long, and soon enough, the franchise returned the spotlight to Goku during the Buu saga, undermining all that Gohan could have accomplished.

Dragon Ball Z Took the Spotlight Away From Gohan

For a short while, the series focused on Gohan’s life outside of fighting, zeroing in on a calmer, humorous, slice-of-life approach for the Great Saiyaman Saga as the young half-Saiyan navigated high school. Dragon Ball Z explored how Gohan attempted to balance normal teenage experiences with his desire to protect and defend others with his new secret identity.

However, despite Toriyama’s intention to place and keep Gohan in the leading role, he later admitted that he felt Gohan wasn’t suited for it. By the time the Majin Buu Saga came around, Goku was back in the spotlight, acting as the series’ main hero. While this didn’t completely sideline Gohan, it drastically reduced the part he played.

Gohan received character development throughout the arc and achieved a new level of power with the help of Elder Kai. Yet, it ultimately wasn’t enough to take down the villain. While the arc remains thrilling and Goku will forever be a loveable hero, the series went back on its promise to many fans about its future.

Dragon Ball Super Can Finally Deliver on Z’s Promise

Dragon Ball Super may have been on an indefinite hiatus since April 2024, following Toriyama’s passing in March of that year; however, many fans remain optimistic about the series’ return. Ending on a cliffhanger, first with the introduction of Black Frieza, then concluding the Super Hero Arc, Super has left fans with many unanswered questions and unresolved storylines.

Fans are eager for the series to return, and once it does, audiences know that the next arc could become one of the most intense yet. Dragon Ball Super’s return may even fully reclaim Gohan’s potential and allow him to become the next arc’s main hero, delivering upon the promise set forth decades ago.

Throughout Super, Gohan has been somewhat limited or relegated to the sidelines, focusing on his studies and new responsibilities as a father. However, in the latest arcs of Dragon Ball Super, he has steadily taken on more prominent roles and reentered the battle scene as a Saiyan warrior full of potential once more.

These shifts might be hinting at a future where Gohan takes the stage, fighting as an equal, or possibly surpassing his father and Vegeta, in the next arc. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero set the stage for Gohan’s return, and all that’s left is for the series to follow through on that promise when it finally returns.

Super Hero May Be Setting Gohan Up To Take Center Stage

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero spotlighted Gohan and Piccolo in ways that fans haven’t seen in years. In this film, he achieved a new, visually stunning form, Gohan Beast, that proves he still retains immense amounts of untapped potential and still stands among the most powerful characters in the franchise.

His evolution not only reestablished him as a powerful warrior but also suggests that the series may be serious about revisiting Gohan as a central hero. Beyond the film, the manga even allowed Gohan to pit his strength against Broly’s on Beerus’ world, emphasizing his growth and signaling that the series will continue to expand on his character.

By gaining a new form and being matched against a legendary powerhouse like Broly, it’s clear that Gohan is being positioned for a more central role. However, no one knows if this is simply granting him more screentime, or if the franchise is finally ready to bet on Gohan and deliver on his potential as the main hero.

Dragon Ball Z may have set Gohan up to be the next hero of the series, but it may be Super that officially fulfills a decades-old promise. With Super Hero priming the audience for a potential turning point and fans eager for the manga to return, Gohan could become a leading force in the next arc of Dragon Ball.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest TV Show

Super Dragon Ball Heroes

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989