Goku is arguably the most iconic character in anime history. From the pages of Weekly Shōnen Jump, the strange boy with a tail captured the hearts of manga fans, and eventually found himself becoming the unofficial mascot of the shōnen battle genre. Today, Dragon Ball's protagonist can be found on an unfathomable amount of merchandise, headlining Thanksgiving parades, and even taking on the role of brand ambassador for the Olympic Games.

Although Goku has long been Dragon Ball's greatest fighter, he's also the series' least original. For decades, fans of other characters have criticized the Saiyan for not having any techniques of his own, instead making use of the moves both his friends and foes once used on him. It is surprising that the hero of the most recognizable anime and manga franchise on the planet doesn't have a signature move unique to him, but to use that as a critique of Goku is to misunderstand Dragon Ball entirely.

Goku Has No Original Moves, But That's the Point

Dragon Ball's Main Saiyan Has Always Made Others His Strength

Goku's most frequently used attack is the Kamehameha. Fans, casual viewers, and even those barely familiar with the franchise would likely attribute the move to the Saiyan, but it isn't actually his. The attack has been used frequently by Goku, Yamcha, Krillin Tien, Gohan, Goten, and even enemies like Cell and Buu. Though he only used it a few times throughout Dragon Ball, the attack's creator is actually Master Roshi, and series' artist Akira Toriyama once itted that his first Kamehameha was his favorite in the series.

The Spirit Bomb, Goku's other signature move, was the creation of King Kai. The same goes for the Kaioken, which made quite the reentrance into the series during Dragon Ball Super. Though Goku was the only Super Saiyan in the franchise for some time, the transformation is unique to his race and not him alone, exemplified by the long list of Super Saiyans present in the series today. He's made use of the Instant Transmission, Solar Flare, Destructo Disk, and many more attacks, none of which belong to him.

Both fans and critics of Dragon Ball will often hold Goku's lack of originality over him, but his ability to make use of others' techniques is practically the entire point of his character. Not only does it showcase his immense talent and genius in battle, but it also reflects the series' core theme of becoming strong to protect loved ones, and turning those that matter into strength in return.

Teamwork and Fighting For Others Have Always Been Central to Goku's Character

Goku Embodies Dragon Ball's Central Theme That Strength Comes From Others

Shōnen has changed quite a bit in the years since Dragon Ball first debuted. Today, series like Chainsaw Man and Dandadan push the very boundaries of what defines shonen to their limits, while hiding heavy themes underneath complex narratives and characters. Dragon Ball is far more straightforward than many of the shows dominating these days, but it isn't entirely void of any overarching theme either. The more obvious comes in Gohan's character, who embodies the need for strength in order to protect loved ones, even if he prefers remaining peaceful.

While that also pertains to Goku's character, minus the peaceful part, he more so embodies the need for others in a journey of becoming stronger. His borrowing the techniques of both friend and foe only further leans into that message, and showcases exactly how teamwork and allies are far superior to attempting to become stronger alone. This divide is seen between Goku and Vegeta early on during the latter's time in the series. Vegeta prided himself on strength he built on his own, and was sured in every way by strength built on others.

Only when Vegeta began to allow other characters into his world did he begin to catch back up to Goku, and today, the two are able to stand on equal footing by becoming stronger together. From the very beginning, the series' leading Saiyan was open to anyone who could give him any kind of guidance, from Master Roshi to Korin, King Kai, and eventually Whis. Thanks to his friends and loved ones he reached new levels of power while learning new techniques, and he uses that power to protect them in return.

Goku Has Never Been As Selfish As Many Fans Believe

Goku's Friends and Loved Ones Have Always Been His Greatest Source of Strength

Despite saving the day whenever his help is needed, both fans of Dragon Ball and its biggest critics seem to point to Goku as an incredibly selfish character. While he is often selfish in how he puts fighting over other pressing responsibilities, and how he might treat those that matter a great deal to him, he isn't nearly as terrible as many let on. Goku is obsessed with fighting and always has been, but more often than not, he fights in order to protect his friends, loved ones, and the Earth.

Master Roshi's monologue towards the end of the fight between Goku and Jiren in Dragon Ball Super practically spoonfeeds that sentiment to the audience. Goku has reached heights far beyond what any of the Earthlings can manage, but the only reason both he and his friends have gotten so far is because they fight for and turn each other into their strength. A selfish fighter doesn't transform into a Super Saiyan at the death of his friend, and doesn't sacrifice himself to make up for mistakes he made with his son.

Goku may be Dragon Ball's least original fighter, but that's exactly what makes him the face of the series. With each Kamehameha fired, the Saiyan communicates to the audience just how far teamwork and companionship can take someone. Hey may not be the greatest friend or the most raliable parent, and he might disappear for months at a time to train, but whenever the world is counting on him, Goku protects those he loves and cares about.