Dragon Ball Super has been controversial, in part, because of how the series has ostensibly retconned Goku's character for the worse. While some critiques have merit, other accusations have been less than accurate. One example of the latter is the response to how the anime adaptation had Goku show a desire to undergo Old Kai's unlocking power because he would supposedly never do such a thing. However, not only does this not contradict Goku's core principles, but his past actions disprove it as the original Dragon Ball manga showed a young Goku engaging in a similar ritual.
The controversial Dragon Ball Super moment in question takes place in episode #91 of the anime when Old Kai suggests that Goku prepare for the Tournament of Power by having him unlock Goku's latent, untapped potential. Goku shows excitement at the notion, but the plan falls through only because Supreme Kai points out that they don't have enough time. However, Korin once presented Goku with the very same option after the young Saiyan lost to King Piccolo, and Goku took him up on the offer.
Goku Once Drank the Water of the Gods in the Original Dragon Ball Series
In chapter #151 of Dragon Ball, Goku drinks the Water of the Gods to unlock his hidden strength. Korin explains to Goku that the elixir wouldn't work if he'd already gained as much strength as he could through training. And yet, even with this knowledge, Goku still goes ahead with the plan. Clearly, Goku getting excited over the prospect of having his latent, untapped potential being drawn out of him in Super doesn't tarnish years of his character or history when he's actually participated in such a ritual before.
It's also critical to point out that Goku never voiced disapproval over the technique when Old Kai performed the same ritual with Gohan during the Buu Saga in Dragon Ball Z. While the argument could be made that Goku never jumped at the opportunity for him to undergo the same treatment after Gohan finished, the reason why he didn't was because Goku believed that he could never be revived again. Once Old Kai later traded his life for Goku's, the Saiyan had no time to consider getting his latent abilities unlocked, since he was needed on Earth.
Dragon Ball Super Didn't Retcon Goku, But Did Eliminate Any Potential Character Growth
With this added context, these moments do make Goku look hypocritical when he later chastises Moro and Gas in the Dragon Ball Super manga for obtaining their strength by means of something else besides training or hard work. For Moro, it was through his copy ability, and in Gas' case, it was for his Dragon Ball wishes.
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Beerus' power level has never been officially revealed, which has caused more than one issue for the plot of Dragon Ball Super.
Of course, the argument can be made that there's a difference between receiving latent abilities and ones that a person is physically incapable of obtaining naturally, but that's beyond the point. If anything, the Dragon Ball Super anime adaptation ruins any potential growth for Goku because he's obviously still fine with what he did as a child, and that's the real tragedy.
Dragon Ball Super is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball series as well as the fan-favorite Dragon Ball Z anime. Dragon Ball Super takes place ten years after Majin Buu is defeated and follows Goku and his friends on all-new adventures. Much like its predecessors, Dragon Ball Super was praised throughout its 131 episodes.
Cast Sean Schemmel , Jason Douglas , Christopher Sabat
Release Date July 5, 2015
Seasons 1
Writers Tatsuya Nagamine
Directors Tatsuya Nagamine
Showrunner Tatsuya Nagamine
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English (US) ·