Gohan's Complicated Case: Why He Couldn't Take Goku's Place
Fans have always had a particular place in their hearts for kid Gohan, Goku's kid, in the huge and constantly growing world of Dragon Ball. Many have predicted that he will someday succeed Goku as the primary character due to his amazing latent power and amazing feats. The story of the series reveals the reasons why Gohan, with all his promise and moments of glory, was ultimately unable to succeed his father.
The Compassionate Fighter: Gohan's Battle with Weaponry
Dragon Ball has essentially been about fighting from the beginning. The excitement of battles, the characters' never-ending quest for strength, and their unwavering determination to overcome their obstacles are what make the series so successful. Conversely, Gohan first appeared as a shy and frequently weeping child, who seemed out of place in this society that is so focused on battle. Even though his mentor Piccolo forced him to train, he still didn't enjoy fighting despite his incredible strength. Even while Gohan showed amazing strength when tested, his innate pacifism made him stand out from other main characters.
Threatening, not Creating: The Lack of Proactive Development
In contrast to Goku, who is always looking for new challenges and pushing the limits of his own strength, Gohan mostly responds to threats. Rather than going out of his way to fight, he frequently becomes involved in battles because of things that happen around Goku. Despite his demonstrated ability to overcome these obstacles, he lacks the proactive spirit that propels the plot ahead due to his reactive temperament. As Akira Toriyama himself pointed out, the main reason why Gohan can't take charge as a protagonist is that he lacks the motivation that is essential to Goku's appeal—the drive to constantly get better and push beyond his own boundaries.
Gohan's Moment: A Change in Attitude?
There was hope for Gohan's future as a protagonist with the release of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. Cell Max, the antagonist, was for the first time specifically designed to oppose Gohan and take control of Earth. This was a departure from the typical pattern of villains hunting after Goku. In the face of this personal danger, Gohan took out his recently obtained Beast Form and used the Special Beam Cannon, a move he had been training covertly. This suggested a renewed sense of drive and a readiness to actively seek strength—essential traits for a major character in the Dragon Ball universe.
The Goku Legacy: A Lasting Impact
Goku's relentless commitment to growing stronger and realizing his full potential has molded the Dragon Ball story. From his early travels to confronting villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, Goku's story has centered on his unwavering quest for power and innate love of battle. Even a character as strong and competent as Gohan finds it challenging to completely emerge from his shadow due to the heritage that permeates the Dragon Ball universe.
The Prospects for Future Development for Gohan
Even if Gohan's path as a protagonist may be difficult, there is no denying his talent. In the most recent movie, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, he was actively practicing and trying to get better, which showed a change in perspective. He even trains alongside Broly on Beerus' planet in the ongoing Dragon Ball Super manga. These revelations imply that, despite his inability to entirely carry on his father's legacy, Gohan may at last be accepting his place as a prominent player in the Dragon Ball universe.
