How Did Piccolo Turn From Good To Evil In Dragon Ball? The Entire History Of Akira Toriyama's Favorite Character, Explained

To call Piccolo a fan favorite would be an understatement. Over the course of Dragon Ball, Piccolo has transformed from a Demon King, into an alien from the planet Namek, into Gohan's mentor, and eventually, one of Goku's closest friends. Not only has his transformation defined him as a character, but it's also cemented Piccolo's spot as creator Akira Toriyama's favorite character in the series.

Piccolo has always been wise, cunning, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done, no matter if he's fighting for the Z fighters or against them. His backstory and allegiances have been a little complex throughout Dragon Ball. As a character who is technically both the son and the reincarnation of another version of himself, understanding who Piccolo really is can be confusing. Thankfully, he's solidified himself as an ally to Earth's strongest warriors, and has also become a phenomenal babysitter in the process.

Dragon Ball’s First Piccolo Was Pure Evil (Until Goku Killed Him)

The first-ever version of Piccolo is most commonly known as King Piccolo. Before the planet Namek was revealed, and thus Piccolo's status as an alien called a Namekian, King Piccolo was often referred to as a Demon. He even wore an insignia on his chest that says "Demon", embracing his evil persona fully. He truly was evil, as before King Piccolo was King Piccolo, he was a Namekian only ever called "The Nameless Namekian", or "Katas' Son".

When the Nameless Namekian got to Earth, he split himself into two parts, separating the evil from his body. The good part became Kami, the purely-good protector of Earth. The evil part becomes the Demon King Piccolo, one of Goku's first-ever enemies. Demon King Piccolo went on a rampage with his sons who were also named after instruments.

Goku eventually goes on to kill the Demon King and his sons in a great fight. Before Goku knew how to transport himself instantly across the universe or summon a Spirit Bomb with all the positive energy of surrounding planets, he just launched himself through King Piccolo's chest. He used a Kamehameha to generate enough force to penetrate his enemy's midsection, mortally wounding him once and for all. King Piccolo then uses his remaining energy to create his final son/reincarnation of himself, creating Piccolo Jr. and the version of Piccolo that would be around for the remainder of the series.

The Piccolo Most Fans Know & Love Started As Goku’s Enemy

It's surprising to think that the Piccolo fans know and love today was actually Goku's biggest enemy at one point in the series. Piccolo Jr. came to Earth with his father's/previous incarnation's will to defeat Goku. He trained for three years until the two met at the World's Martial Arts Tournament to finally settle the score in the finale of the Piccolo Jr. Saga. Piccolo was mean, vicious, and willing to hurt innocent bystanders to get Goku's attention. Luckily, they all flee when they recognize him as the reincarnation of the Demon King, allowing Goku to go all out.

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Their fight is brutal. It takes place during a time in Dragon Ball when most combat was hand-to-hand, and it features the two fighters wailing on each other through heavy blows and amazingly animated combinations. Right as Piccolo Jr. thinks he's won, Goku ends the fight by flying into his opponent's midsection in a move completely reminiscent of Goku's defeat of the Demon King Piccolo. Instead of mortally wounding his enemy though, Goku just knocks him out.

Kami then goes to kill Piccolo Jr., but Goku stops him. Goku is an expert at redeeming people, and even though Piccolo vows to come back and take his revenge on the Saiyan, he doesn't. It's the final time Piccolo Jr. is seen as an evil character and the first time someone has treated him well, leading to his eventual redemption arc.

Facing The Saiyans & Training Gohan Ultimately Turned Piccolo Good

Dragon Ball Z starts with Goku asking his former nemesis for his help. Piccolo Jr., now just referred to as Piccolo, can't believe his Namekian ears. He begrudgingly helps Goku when he realizes the threat they're facing is stronger than both of them.

Sure, he's still angry at Goku, but he's smart enough to realize it won't matter if Raditz kills him. The two unite and finally take down Raditz, with Piccolo happily killing both of them with a well-placed Special Beam Cannon. When he learns that two more Saiyans even stronger than Raditz will be coming to the Earth in a few years' time, he makes another character-defining-mature decision. He sees the unrivaled potential in Goku's son, Gohan, and decides to train him himself.

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While most other former enemies probably wouldn't want anything to do with their rival's kid, Piccolo is again mature enough to realize that he's going to need Gohan's help in the upcoming battles. His relationship with Gohan is a high point in the series. He's a hard but fair teacher, turning Gohan into the powerful warrior he is today. Gohan was also the first person to see Piccolo as more than a monster, humanizing him during their training together.

Piccolo becomes a reliable mentor, but more importantly, a good person during his time with Goku's son. Later in the series, he even lays his life down for the young half-Saiyan, surprising even himself due to his own protective instincts.

Where Piccolo Sits In Current Dragon Ball Canon

The former Demon King is now the best babysitter in the galaxy. He went from Goku's archenemy to his grandchild's babysitter, one of the best and most drastic changes in Dragon Ball. Not only does Piccolo train Gohan, but he eventually goes on to train Gohan's daughter, Pan, as well. He's adorable when he's with Pan. The once hardened fighter is a sweet, grandpa-like figure to the three-year-old, teaching her how to fight while checking up on her to make sure she's not too hurt.

Piccolo was a complicated character in the original Dragon Ball series, but in Dragon Ball Z and now in Dragon Ball Super, he's softened in the best way possible. He's still just as cunning as he was before, but now he's using his powers for good. He's a great teacher to Goku's offspring, still one of the strongest fighters thanks to his awesome Orange Form, and best of all, a character with one of the best arcs in the entire Dragon Ball franchise.

Dragon Ball

From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

Created by Akira Toriyama

First Film Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies

Latest TV Show Super Dragon Ball Heroes

First Episode Air Date April 26, 1989

Latest Episode 2019-10-05

Cast Sean Schemmel , Laura Bailey , Brian Drummond , Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil