Looking back at the release of the Dragon Ball film, it’s hard to believe how monumental it was for the anime community. “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” made its grand debut on August 19th 2022, and it wasn’t just any release—it marked the biggest opening weekend ever for an anime film. Securing the top spot at the box office, it became a testament to the enduring popularity of the Dragon Ball series, from the days of Dragon Ball Z to the newer Dragon Ball Super episodes.
For long-time Dragon Ball aficionados, this was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Remembering the times when Goku and Vegeta were the central figures, this film took a refreshing turn by spotlighting Gohan and Piccolo. It was a nod to the best fights of the past, reminiscent of the intense battles against foes like Frieza, the Cell Juniors, and during the iconic Cell Games. The Saiyans, especially Super Saiyan 2 Gohan, have always been at the heart of the series, and this film was no exception.
The excitement was palpable among fans, especially those who had followed the series from the Buu Saga, witnessing the evolution of characters like Krillin and the formidable Buu. The film was a celebration of the Saiyan legacy, from the raw power of the Super Saiyans to the strategic might of characters like Piccolo.
In an era where anime films were once a rarity in theaters, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” broke the mold. It wasn’t just about the fights, though they were undoubtedly some of the best. It was about reliving the legacy of Dragon Ball, from the early days of Dragon Ball Z to the present. And as fans left the theaters, many couldn’t help but hope for more adventures, perhaps even a glimpse of the next saga in the Dragon Ball universe.
Contents
- 1 Nappa’s Demise
- 2 Gohan’s Challenging Moments: The Battle Against Dabura
- 3 Defining Moments: The Showdown with Frieza
- 4 The Clash: Gohan VS Vegeta
- 5 Gohan Vs Super Buu: The Rise of Ultimate Gohan
- 6 Gohan Vs Gamma 1: A Battle of Titans in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
- 7 Gohan Vs Cell Max: The Climactic Showdown in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Nappa’s Demise
The face-off between Gohan and Nappa in Dragon Ball Z remains an iconic clash in the series. This intense battle against Nappa, one of the most formidable adversaries the Z Fighters ever encountered, was a turning point for many characters. It was a time of sacrifice, with the valiant Chiaotzu, Tien Shinhan, and Piccolo laying down their lives.
The stakes were incredibly high. Without Goku’s timely intervention, both Krillin and Gohan might have been overwhelmed by the sheer power of the Saiyan warrior, Nappa. Yet, amidst the chaos, Gohan’s potential as a fighter began to shine through. His innate strength, when harnessed correctly, was unparalleled. He managed to deliver some solid blows to Nappa, showcasing his budding prowess. One can’t help but wonder, had Nappa been caught off guard, Gohan’s Masenko could have been a game-changer.
This battle was a testament to Gohan’s journey, marking his initial steps into the world of combat and setting the stage for many more of Gohan’s best fight moments in the series.
Gohan’s Challenging Moments: The Battle Against Dabura
The face-off between Gohan’s battle with Dabura in Dragon Ball Z is a testament to the complexities of character. Fans have often expressed their frustration with Gohan’s recurring pattern of losing his enhanced abilities due to periods of inactivity or lack of training. This recurring theme was evident during the Buu Saga, which set the stage for Gohan’s challenging duel against Dabura.
The intensity of the battle was palpable, with Gohan grappling to maintain an edge against the formidable Demon King. The confrontation, though cut short, left many wondering about its potential outcome. Yet, Goku believed in Gohan’s latent power, suggesting that if Gohan tapped into his deep-seated anger, victory could tilt in his favor.
This battle serves as a reminder of Gohan’s internal struggles and the untapped potential that lies within him, waiting for the right moment to be unleashed.
Defining Moments: The Showdown with Frieza
The confrontation between Gohan and Frieza on the iconic Planet Namek stands out as one of the most memorable battles in Dragon Ball Z. Set against the backdrop of this unique location, the duel was a mix of awe and terror. Frieza, the formidable Emperor of the Universe, showcased his might through a series of chilling transformations, challenging stalwarts like Gohan, Krillin, Vegeta, and Piccolo.
Though Gohan might not have matched the raw power of Vegeta or the strategic prowess of Piccolo, his unyielding spirit and bursts of anger propelled him to the forefront of the battle. His remarkable performance against Frieza not only highlighted his latent strength but also solidified his identity as a true Saiyan. Frieza’s realization of Gohan’s Saiyan lineage was a testament to the young warrior’s growing potential and the threat he posed.
The Clash: Gohan VS Vegeta
The culmination of the Saiyan Saga brought forth an epic showdown with the formidable Prince of Saiyans, Vegeta. It was evident that the combined efforts of Goku, Krillin, and Gohan were crucial in standing up to this mighty adversary.
Despite Vegeta’s weakened state, his prowess during the Saiyan Saga remained unmatched. Gohan’s ability to not only keep pace with Vegeta but also challenge him was nothing short of remarkable. In the heat of the battle, Gohan emerged as the sole contender capable of holding off and countering Vegeta’s relentless assaults. His triumphant moment came when he harnessed the power of his Great Ape form, ultimately tipping the scales in their favor and securing Vegeta’s defeat. This battle underscored Gohan’s latent potential and his evolving role as a key warrior in the series.
Gohan Vs Super Buu: The Rise of Ultimate Gohan
The confrontation between Gohan and Majin Buu in Dragon Ball Z marked the resurgence of Gohan, now embodying the power of “Ultimate Gohan” – a Saiyan form distinct from the golden-haired transformations. As the battle commenced, Gohan’s newfound strength was evident, granting him a significant edge over Buu.
However, reminiscent of his duel with Cell, Gohan’s overconfidence became his Achilles’ heel. Buu, seizing the opportunity, absorbed both Gotenks and Piccolo, shifting the momentum in his favor. With the tides turned, Buu relentlessly pursued Gohan, pushing him to the brink. It was only Goku’s timely intervention that prevented a tragic outcome. Despite the challenges, this battle underscored the peak of Gohan’s power, showcasing the formidable force that is Ultimate Gohan.
Gohan Vs Gamma 1: A Battle of Titans in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
In the cinematic spectacle “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” Gohan faced off against Gamma 1 in one of his two major battles. Their confrontation, set against the backdrop of a rain-soaked environment, was a visual masterpiece.
Driven by his unwavering determination to protect Pan, Gohan tapped into his latent strength, further amplified by the interventions of Piccolo and Pan. As the duel intensified, Gamma 1 showcased a formidable increase in power, challenging Gohan at every turn. However, once Gohan reignited the flames of his Ultimate form, the balance shifted, revealing the true might of Gohan as the dominant warrior.
Gohan Vs Cell Max: The Climactic Showdown in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
In the grand finale of “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” the heroes faced off against a revamped adversary: Cell Max. The intensity of this battle reached its peak with the tragic demise of the valiant Gamma 2. Yet, his sacrifice paved the way for the remaining warriors to rally and ultimately defeat Cell Max.
Witnessing the perilous situation of his mentor, Piccolo, Gohan’s latent power surged, unveiling a new transformation known as the Beast form. In a fitting tribute to his mentor, Gohan unleashed the Special Beam Cannon, a move synonymous with Piccolo, sealing the fate of Cell Max once and for all.