The following contains spoilers for Chapter 84 of Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball’s legacy continues to expand after more than three decades and there’s still no end in sight for 706z87″ title=”akira”>Akira Toriyama’s signature shonen series. Dragon Ball is such an evergreen property because of the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself in seismic ways. Dragon Ball’s plucky protagonist, Goku, develops in satisfying and surprising ways since the original Dragon Ball’s start. One of Goku’s most unpredictable revelations coincides with the start of Dragon Ball Z when the strong hero learns that he’s actually an alien from outer space.
Goku’s complicated relationship with his Saiyan heritage is one of Dragon Ball’s most compelling dynamics even if it’s one that’s typically avoided. Each Dragon Ball series adds more lore and content to the Saiyans and Dragon Ball Super has even prompted some thoughtful reflection from both Goku and Vegeta on their people and their past. Chapter 84 of Dragon Ball Super’s manga, “A People’s Pride,” facilitates an exciting moment where Goku gets the opportunity to don Saiyan armor that resembles that of his father, Bardock. Goku’s response to Bardock’s armor is one that’s left some audiences disappointed, but it makes a lot of sense when viewed in the context of Goku’s evolving connection with his Saiyan roots.
Goku’s Ignored His Saiyan Roots His Entire Life
Audiences have had decades to get comfortable with the idea that Goku is a Saiyan from Planet Vegeta, but the character spends the majority of his life ignorant of his true heritage. Goku’s surprise birthplace comes to light at the exact same moment that the characters learn that aliens exist in the first place. Goku is presented with a unique opportunity when his estranged brother, Raditz, allows him to join his side. Goku values family, but there’s never a moment where Goku considers this villainous alternative. Goku’s initial Saiyan reference points are all terrible people who hurt the people that he loves, which doesn’t give him much of an incentive to join their kind.
Goku isn’t just disinterested in his Saiyan roots, but he actively works towards ridding himself of the baggage that’s commonly associated with their kind. A Saiyan’s tail is one of their signature traits and yet Goku easily adopts a tail-less existence. Battle scouters also aren’t exclusive to Saiyans, but the warrior race certainly popularizes them and they’re the first characters to be seen sporting the iconic technology. Goku never turns to the assistance of scouters, despite their utility, likely because of their Saiyan association and how others perceive them.
He’s Previously Avoided Saiyan Armor
Dragon Ball includes some stylish looks throughout its run and the classic Saiyan battle armor becomes so valuable and versatile that even humans like Krillin temporarily adopt it. Vegeta is rarely seen outside this attire early on in Dragon Ball Z and Goku’s son, Gohan, learns of its advantages while on Planet Namek. Goku avoids the use of Saiyan armor even though everyone else around him has benefited from its strength. The one time that Goku temporarily wears Saiyan armor is during his Cell Games training with Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. This is a private environment where Goku isn’t going to be seen by anyone else and it’s purely done for endurance purposes. Goku doesn’t hesitate to take off the armor and return to his standard gi the second that he exits the chamber.
Goku’s disdain for Saiyan armor is a result of his ignorance over his own history. However, it also doesn’t help that this armor has been routinely worn by evil Saiyans like Raditz, Nappa, and Turles. Saiyan armor also becomes the standardized uniform for Frieza and his evil forces, like Dodorai, Zarbon, and the Ginyu Force. Goku could work to redeem the Saiyan armor’s reputation and make it more honorable, but it’s hard to remove it from its villainous connotation. There’s no incentive for Goku to present himself in the same manner.
Monaito Informs Goku Of His Father’s Importance
Bardock’s appearances in Dragon Ball have previously been restricted to flashbacks or supplemental stories, which have mostly been for the audience’s benefit rather than knowledge of which Goku is privy. Dragon Ball Super’s manga seriously shakes things up through the news that Bardock previously assisted Monaito and a young Granolah. Goku gets his first real opportunity to hear sincere stories about his father, both through Monaito’s stories and Bardock’s own recollections that have been recorded to his battle scouter. It’s important for Goku to learn that he’s more like his father than he realized and that he’s not the only empathetic Saiyan.
Goku’s understanding that Bardock was a good man means that his father’s armor also takes on a new meaning since it’s no longer just associated with bloodthirsty warriors. Kind people, like Bardock, can also wear Saiyan armor. It’s at this moment that Goku decides to wear Saiyan armor that bears a resemblance to his father’s look. This newfound knowledge properly pushes Goku out of his comfort zone. Goku insists on removing this Saiyan armor after only a few seconds, but his reason for doing this has nothing to do with being ashamed of his father or his Saiyan people.
Goku Finds His Own Way To Celebrate Modern Saiyan Pride
Bardock’s reflective recordings prompt an epiphany from both Goku and Vegeta that helps them better appreciate Saiyans as a whole. However, Bardock’s words also push them to reflect upon just how much they’ve changed Saiyans for the better. They’ve found their own traditions and ways to celebrate Saiyan and human hybrids that goes far beyond the type of armor that they choose to wear. Saiyan pride is about following one’s will and convictions while being true to oneself, not blindly obeying an antiquated past that individuals from the present share no real connection towards.
Goku has no real memory of Planet Vegeta and so there’s no reason for him to errantly pay it lip service now. Goku’s Perfected Ultra Instinct form, where he retains his original black hair, becomes his new way to celebrate Saiyan roots and make peace with his past rather than fitting himself into an old narrative. Saiyan battle armor may be infinitely malleable, but it’s still not the right fit for Goku.
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