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For many decades, Goku of the Dragon Ball franchise has stood as one of the most iconic protagonists in anime history. But the tallest tree gets struck down first, as even legends are not immune to criticism.
Over the recent years,Dragon Ball’s lead character has been taking the heat for being dense, one-dimensional, and stupid, protected only by ridiculous amounts of plot armor. The critics have scrutinized Goku about almost everything, from his parenting skills to his simplistic motivations.
While the debates about his flaws have always existed, in recent times, these continued criticisms seem to have struck a nerve. This has led to the fans fighting back harder than ever to protect the kindest Saiyan protector of the universe.
Why fans are stubbornly defending Goku
The backlash against Goku’s critics started trending in full force online after some critics labeled him “one-dimensional” and even “irresponsible,” both as a father and a hero. These comments have rubbed salt in the wounds of the veteran Dragon Ball fans and legacy audience.
It resulted in sparking widespread outrage among these fans andDragon Balldevotees, who argue that Goku’s character is often misunderstood. There are many things about him that are often taken out of context and he is attacked unfairly.
Goku has always tried to do the best for his family, when his family did not have any money to feed the stomachs of growing Saiyans, Goku took up the profession of farming radishes to support his family.
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He would be a family man, but life had taught Goku that it is better to trust in the strength of one’s fists rather than depend on someone else to protect you (Earth would have long been destroyed- the alternative was Mr Satan).
The legacy of Goku: A flawed character that never gives up
Critics often focus onGoku’s shortcomings as a father, saying that he was never present and is the same as the father who went to get milk and never came back.
However, there are many moments in which Goku’s actions are often guided by trust in his friends and family, and he pushes them to be better, a mark of a true father.
It is even more unfair when Goku,who is from the 1980s, is being compared to more complex modern protagonists who not only have a diverse personality with unique traits but are a culmination of many of the cultural references that have occurred in the past four decades (since Dragon Ball first came out).
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Ultimately, the debate needs to take into consideration how Goku is the mold that shonen protagonists are shaped out of; it is his pure heroic legacy that gave rise to a wide variety of anime and popular manga. Goku’s simplicity andoptimism are timeless strengths, at the same time, they are a reminder of an earlier time long past.
You can streamDragon Ball DAIMAon Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
