Super is trash. The many downsides to DBSuper.

It has been well over 2 years since the original Dragon Ball Super TV series had ended, but there are still some things that annoy me. Mainly with its concepts and how they handle certain characters and events. Plus, much more. Let’s start from the beginning and work our up.

Super takes over 2 years, with major events coming back to back. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem if it was not due to its randomness, and no full closure on for each event. The true effects of the events are just thrown to the side. There’s little to no consequences. It’s a shit show. Especially how the characters are portrayed. Let’s begin with the main cast, typically the one who was supposed to be the main character throughout the DB series as a whole. Step right up, Goku.

We start off being introduced to his new everyday living. He’s a farmer or trying to be. He still can’t get the hang of normal living. This I find would be far from the truth. The guy has been dead for 7 years and super starts about 5 years after he’s been brought back. Around this time, he would have gone through major adjustments, and would most likely just settle back to his life before Raditz. The peaceful era between series would have made him bored, but he would enjoy lots of family time. Especially since he’ll be playing catchup with his youngest, Goten. So, being a farmer would be a byproduct, and he would do it well. Keep in mind, when he first trained under Master Roshi, Goku did farming and construction. He’s no stranger to hard labor, so this job would fit him nicely.

Then the subject with it being because Chichi needs money would be a half-truth. In their relationship, Chichi is a typical housewife, who does most of the up bringer and caring for the home. Goku working is more beneficial for all parties and is fair. Their dynamic is that Chichi does all the work at home, and deals with a lot on a daily. For Goku to be the one who works would be less stressful for Chichi. Chichi can’t be a mother, clean the house, cook, and work. She has done that for the 7 years Goku has been dead. Emotionally and physically she would be tired. Sayian children are not easy with their large appetite, and high energy levels. Not to mention how destructive they would be if not watched. Which brings the fact she trained Goten. This would be both beneficial for burning out energy and keeping him away so Gohan could study. Got to give her props for dealing with 2 demigods.

Back to Goku. Goku would easily accept doing work for his family, but he and Chichi would have some agreement on his need/desire for training. There would be a nice balance. He would enjoy a semi-retired life but would be bored after a while. The way it was handle when Mark (Mr. Satan/Hercule) giving him that sum of money would be reasonable, but Goku would be more aware of how money works by now. He would use that as more of asking to train off-world for a while. He has earned it after all, and this probably wasn’t the only time he asked to go off-world to train. But the situation that they need money would keep him earthbound.

His interaction with King Kai and others would not be childlike, in nature. By now he’s a will manner adult. Super having him with a childlike mentally actually backtracks his character development by a lot. Goku is smarter than he seems. He’s slow but is smart. He’s just not socially aware and learns things differently. A dumb person would not be able to save complex puzzles as he did during the filler episodes before the Cell Games. In Z he is well mature and reasonable. He shows a great level of thought before doing any actions. In Super, they scrap that part of him and brought him back to a child level. Even in DB, he had shown a great understanding of situations that don’t involve social interactions. The whole inaction with Lord Beerus would have been different. Goku would have respectfully asked for a demonstration of strength. Not behave like a child and begging for attention.

Now Bulma’s birthday party was a disaster, and not talking about Beerus. I’ll get to him in a moment. Let’s talk about how Vegeta was shown to only want to train. By this point, it was clear that Vegeta doesn’t train all the time, and does engage in social events. He does take moments to spend time with people on his own will. During the Cell sage we see him not training, and casually being around the group. In the Buu saga, after the fight, he’s relaxed amongst the gang during a party. Him going on a family vacation would also not be stressful for him. He has shown to have a calmer demeanor after the 7 years after Cell. So, he would have already been at the party from the beginning and would have settled on a calm spot far enough to not be disturbed.

His inaction with Beerus would also be slightly different. The way they used Vegeta for comedic effect was executed poorly and also should have never been done. Childhood trauma is not something to make fun at. If anything, he especially wouldn’t be a yes man either. Vegeta would try to keep the peace, but do it in a way that won’t bring attention to himself. Let’s look at the whole thing with Buu and the puddling cup. You’re telling me there is no way to get more puddling or even reason with Beerus that more puddling would be acquired if he so wishes it. The level of maturity these characters are known for has simply vanished. Vegeta would be blunt but would try to reason due to the dire of the situation.

Now if a fight were to break out it would be due to Beerus finding no use for the earth. It would be due to everyone not giving him the answers he sought and made it a waste of his time. But let’s say that Goku made it in time before Beerus declare that he was going to destroy the earth. Again, this is a situation where a level head is needed. If no one has any idea of what Beerus is asking then they would ask the dragon. Then the whole fight with super sayian God Goku would just be a show of power, due to that is what Beerus was seeking. The way the fight went down and how it end was pretty ok. Could have done better with how everyone acted. Like Vegeta easily accepting to go with everyone to see a better view of the fight. His talk with Goku would be a conversion between warriors. At this point, they would have a more respectful friendship. The rivalry would be more on friendlier terms than one of hatred. Their emotions would have long been settled between the 5 years after Buu.

Now after Beerus and Whis leaves everyone would have had a huge wakeup. This would be because there’s someone out there, stronger than anyone and can easily destroy the earth. To top it off, they were told what Whis was to Beerus, and that there was a promise of returning. Now there’s a looming dark cloud over their heads. And it took a ritual to bring out that kind of strength. This would not sit well with anyone. There would be panic and everyone would again look to Goku as if he has the answers. By now, they would have realized what they were doing and would even see that Goku himself was very troubled by this. A strength that cannot be reached by one’s means is not a good thing. Not something easily repeated unless all parties are accounted for. Other than panic, they would want to be with family even more. Almost like there’s a dooms-day clock over them and they don’t know how to go about this situation.

Chichi requesting that Goku stayed on earth again wouldn’t bother him. With news that he’s going to be a grandfather would excite him. Probably bring fond memories of Grandpa Gohan, and would want to have that type of bond with his grandchild. Goku shows he does like being around children, and even enjoying spending quality time with his boys. Which begs the question if he even wants to be a father again, since he missed out on most of Goten’s upbringing. But that’s my thought on the fact of how he is around children. He’s a happy father. People have argued that he’s an awful father or doesn’t spend time with his family.

Well, he spends a great deal with his family since the beginning. The 5 years between the 23^rd tournament and Raditz. The 3 years before the androids. If we put in the future Trunks events, it is clear he spent it solely on his family. There was no threat to worry about, to their knowledge. So, he would have lived a related peaceful and happy life with his family. The sayian and Frieza was a hiccup in his life. Then when news of more fighting and the fact he was going to die, would have a major impact on his psyche. He would have easily tried to fit as much time with his family between training. Now in Super, there are months between each event. Even more where Goku isn’t off-world training. For Pan’s birth and first birthday, he was on earth. We even see that he’s happily next to Gohan for his wedding.

Super focused too heavily on the fights that it’s hard to tell how much time has passed between events. Now with how Vegeta came to train under Whis, it wouldn’t have gone so rudely. Vegeta is blunt, but even he has manners and is very mature. When finding out about Whis it wouldn’t have been a shock. How would it be a shock if he lives with a wife that loves to brag about how great she is. She would have bound said how she is the earth savior for coming up with using food as a way to keep Whis and Beerus happy. So, when Vegeta finally caught up with them he would have respectfully asked if there was any possible way if Whis could take him as a student. Of course, Whis would have stated what was in it for him. This is where the junk food part would fit nicely.

Now when Goku finds out, he would be in shock but wouldn’t break a door. Also, Chichi’s reaction to Gohan rough-housing with Pan would be reasonable, but because Pan is a baby. Chichi’s main argument would be that Pan is a baby and should be treated as such, regardless of having sayian blood. Chichi is a protective mother at the end of the day. With the thing of her wishing Pan to be a girly-girl is just a fantasy. She does respect her son and daughter-in-law’s thoughts of letting Pan be what she wishes, even if that would mean martial arts would be involved. By now Chichi’s view on martial arts would be something similar to her view before the event of the 23^rd tournament. She would want her granddaughter to be safe, but she can’t stop her if she chooses to be a fighter. It’s not her place, and she would seem like a huge hypocrite due to being a female martial artist herself and had trained Goten.

So being locked in a room would have never happened. Now due to Trunks and Goten being close friends, Trunks would have been the one to tell Goten of Vegeta training with Whis. This would make it so that Goten is the one who tells Goku the news. Goku would, in turn, speak with Bulma. This seems more like a logical cause and effect events. This is where Goku speaks with both Chichi and Bulma. To Chichi about the unfairness and wishing he could go. Chichi is a very understanding wife and would question if that’s what he really wants. Also bring up the fact of money and other days to day priorities, such as their granddaughter and Goten. They would come to an agreement where he would not miss important events if he can train under Whis.

Bulma agrees to tell Goku about when Whis returns, and how Goku bugs her would not have happened. Bulma from the start would have given Goku a phone since Goku would question how would he know when Whis comes to earth. This is keeping in mind that Goku is not always home, due to working in the fields. Reaching him would be impossible if there’s no way knowing where he is. Also, Chichi would not be surprised by the fact Goku has a phone and the reason why. It’s clear that they tell each other everything, and do not with-held important information from each other.

Vegeta doing chores is a funny sight, but it shouldn’t be a big surprise that Goku does chores. Complaining would be minim due to having done chores before. Again, another Master Roshi reference. Fieldwork he would have done under Master Roshi and cleaning he would likely have done so while living with Chichi. Not to the level of Chichi’s handy work, but some form of cleaning. Take for example during the accident when he came home from Yardrat and he had to take care of Chichi for a time being. So, him doing chores is nothing new, and would do them without question because he is used to such things.

The whole thing with Frieza’s return was a complete mess. For starters, why is Master Roshi joining the fight? The guy had stated in DB, the 22^nd tournament that he was stepping down. At this point, it seems like a lame way to bring back characters into being relevant, when there is no need. Master Roshi is a retired veteran now. Now with how they treated Yamcha and Gohan was a complete disrespect. For starters, after the whole thing with Beerus, there would be a need to train again. Yamcha isn’t scared of a good fight and doesn’t back down from one either. He still tries to be there for his friends. He’s honorable in that sense. Since Beerus everyone would be training. But not like they fully stopped either.

During the 5-year gape, everyone would train for the benefit of staying in shape, but Gohan had learned his lesson once already. He saw what not even putting some effort into training could do for the “in case” moments. Now that’s he’s a father it’s even more important that he puts some more time into extra training. Any training is better than none. So, for him to be so weak during Frieza’s rebirth is an understatement. He would at least be stronger than his teenage counterpart (Buu saga.) Also, for the record Gohan in the Cell games is preteen, and Gohan is a teen in the Buu saga; stop saying he’s an adult. Also, during Frieza’s return, he should be at least the level Goku was during Buu or more. This is if we’re being constant. Unlike Goku, Gohan benefits from a burst of heavy training, while Goku requires a longer time. This is more of the age thing, and the fact it is established that Gohan has the potential to be stronger than Goku.

Again, after Beerus everyone would have started fitting as much training as possible. Now when Goku and Vegeta came this would be another clashing moment. For one, getting in contact with Whis wouldn’t have taken so long. This would be due if the relationship that Bulma “claimed” has with Whis, he would have noticed sooner that Bulma was reaching out to him. Secondly, due to the high energy already being put out by the fight taking place, Goku could have easily picked up a weaken single. So, Gohan or anyone else would have to power up just a bit more to make the single stable.

When they do show up, there wouldn’t be a debate on who goes first. Since Goku had the last major fight, and this is a little personal for Vegeta. Goku should have been the backseat for this fight, and only come in when it was a must. Let’s not forget that thing where Goku gets shot down by a simple laser gun. Before this, he technically has a new body; it’s not as worn down as the last and no old battle scars. Not to mention the laser was aimed where Piccolo Jr stuck him in the 23^rd tournament. Goku could easily surpass that type of pain and continue fighting. Plus, Vegeta would have taken the fight more seriously due to 2 reasons. 1: Testing out his new strength but also trying to ware down Frieza. 2: This fight is more personal compared to the many fights he had. It’s like a second chance to kill his tormentor. The fight should have ended with Vegeta giving the finale blow, and not having to backtrack because Vegeta took too long. Vegeta isn’t the type to enjoy the kill anymore, compared to his android saga self. The android and Cell games was a big eye-opener for many characters, mainly Vegeta. So, for him to backtrack is a major flaw.

After the second death of Frieza certain parts would no longer make sense. Since Gohan should have been training beforehand, he asking Piccolo is so he could take his training to the next level. More in the sense of a sparring partner. Yamcha also would have asked if he could train with them as well. Training alongside a sayian would logically produce greater results. Yamcha is much stronger than people give him credit for. The sayian saga was him being caught off guard and being a little cocky, but he did have a good upper hand in the situation. Goku would have also have had a family check-in moment since the situation was a life and death case.

Some of the comedic moments in super would be more out of curiosity than out of stupidity. When finding out about other universes would be another moment where Goku is genuinely just curious. Goku is curious by nature. When coming back to earth, to recruit fighters, the top of the list would have been Gohan, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Piccolo. Gohan declining due to work and Goku stating it was ok was one of the shining few moments where we see the Goku of DBZ. Moments like these are too far in-between and make Goku’s out of character moment too noticeable. This is one of my major problems with Super. Another thing is how easily forgettable they made Trunks and Goten.

They only give them a short spotlight in the first season, and they have not changed much since Buu. This is not a good sign. Goten and Trunks should be in their preteen years and would have at least reached the height of preteen Gohan by now. In my theory that Goten is a premature baby, him being a late bloomer would make sense. But for Trunks, it wouldn’t make sense. Referencing to Future Trunks timeline current Trunks would at least be past Vegeta’s elbow. Also, Goten should be closer to the height of Goku’s waist. They even made Krillin shorter, when his height was already established. Also, around this time, the kids should have gone through changes. Nothing major, but small things. Like: Goten’s vocabulary and maybe hairstyle. Also, by now, shouldn’t they also have some in increases strength. Or even given some background that they train daily. Since it is known that they do train, so why don’t we see how much they progress. They have the potential to be as strong or stronger than teen Gohan, without fusion.

The matches in the universe 6 and 7 tournament was done fairly well if you don’t count the whole Monaka thing. Again, Goku isn’t stupid. Using Monaka claiming he’s the strongest and to be a great motivation is underplaying. The fact that Goku already can’t beat Beerus nor Whis is already a motivation. That last spot on the team should have gone to either Yamcha or Tien. Mostly due to they are trained and experience in tournament style fights. For Krillin to fall back could have been different. Also, why a test? Was it some form of way to say that Goku isn’t really stupid?

On top of that, Goku wouldn’t have used a space picnic as an excuse. Again, another mark for how Goku would handle situations revolving his wife. Not to mention the whole “I ate too much” excuse. This whole tournament gave me a headache to watch. Chichi’s reaction was perfect though to Goku seeming to be dead. She doesn’t want to lose him after. But when Goku woke up and stated how everyone was watching was under reactive. They are not shy about public affection. He would have at least stated he was ok or said something to reassure her. It could have been a touching moment for them. Chichi is a caring mother and wife, and Goku doesn’t like worrying her. Their relationship is Super was very downplayed and insulting. The fight at the party shouldn’t have happened if everyone was truthful to Goku. He’s not a child after all.

Goku is known to push his limits, so giving him issues with his ki was a nice touch. But having him more distort over not being able to train was not a good motive to take it easy. If anything, Goku would be more upset over the fact he won’t be able to protect his family. It’s something Goku prides himself over. As much as he loves to fight and train, there is something even more important. He’s a protector. To not being able to do anything to keep his family safe would have crushed him. Goku would put his life on the line for his family, but being told he can’t do anything if he doesn’t rest would be a stab to the heart.

The whole thing with Hit should never have happened. Regardless Goku itch for a good fight, and wants to go against people at their best. This whole situation had no purpose. Goku had died enough times and would be wirier of dying again. He would be more careful so he would return to his family. When he came back after 7 years, he would have realized that his death caused more pain than good. He would not repeat his mistakes. He would not purposely put himself on death’s door unless he didn’t have a choice.

The baseball episode could be done better and gave Yamcha a proper spotlight. He is, after all, a professional baseball player. In general, all the cast needed a very well spotlight. They could have done so much more with the characters. But instead, they tossed then to the side and made it about two grown sayian men. Oh, correction. It’s more of a Vegeta story and trash on a very well respected family. Throughout the Dragon Ball series as a whole, the Son family has gone through very heavy situations. Situations that had put their lives on hold, broke them apart, and completely left them with emotional and mental scars. But then super just insults them even more.

For example, making Goku stupid or how everyone is lying to Chichi again. It’s like nobody remembered their lesson from Z. Super threw out everyone’s character development and what made them rememberable. Don’t get me started how the future Trunks saga went down. That whole sage was a train wreck. They insulted Vegeta by constantly throwing in his face that Goku is way better than him; by his wife. Making Chichi seem that she’s in the wrong for worrying about her boys. Lying to Chichi! Chichi scolding Goku on why he didn’t win. That was way out of character for such an understanding wife. Then the thing with how Goku behaved. For starters, how he approached Zamasu for the first time was so out of character. The level of his true maturity and respect went out the window.

The way he reacted over the news of Zamasu killing his wife and Goten (in the anime) was the ONLY good thing done right. They have even done future Trunks dirty by taking away his edge. He grew up in an apocalypse. He should more battle-worn than compared to a timid child. He went through a lot, plus the Cell games and then this new enemy. And then there’s the whole kiss thing. I wanted to smash my head through a wall on that one. There is plenty of moments where it is known that Goku has kissed Chichi. This is one of the hugest mistakes that anyone could have made. I was about to just give up on the series as a whole because of it. It’s an outrage.

*Deep breath*

We finally get a chance to see everyone else interactions. I’m questioning why they made Piccolo seem like all he does is babysit. He has a life too. Some of the fuller episodes were decent enough but could have gone better. Now when Goku found out that Bulma was pregnant it could have gone a bit cuter. She’s his first friend and he would have shown as much joy for her second child as he did when he met baby Trunks. He would also understand Vegeta’s reasoning to staying behind, and wouldn’t put much thought into it. Goku is a father of two. You would think he would be overjoyed for Vegeta to be having a second child. Maybe even cheering for them.

With the Zeno’s, again, Goku’s character was off. it could have been that they soot after Goku, instead of Goku going to them. Since they were getting bored, they could have thought about Goku’s request for having a tournament again. The expo tournament also could have gone different because Gohan would have had a different mentality. To top it off, Goku and Gohan withholding the rules about the Tournament of Power was a big no. It’s better to know what’s really at sake so they could truly put their all. Also, Gohan would have joined the moment Goku told him the rules. Being a father, himself, he feels that strong need to protect. Something else his father had shown him. By now, Gohan would be naturally on par with Goku, due to the intensity of his training.

When the other universes found out the tournament rules and started to accuse Goku, it would have been right for Goku to do an apology. One where he stated his intension was just of that for a fight, and nothing past that. For the tournament line-up, Roshi would have not been picked. Also, Goku would be blunt with the rules with everyone. Goku’s reaction to Vegeta not wanting to fight would have been different. He would be more understanding and would try to convince Vegeta about the possibility that there might not be a future for the child. That should have sent Vegeta into a panic and asking what Goku had done. Then when Whis speed up the birth of Bulla, Goku wouldn’t have commented on him not knowing how babies were born. He knows full well how babies are born. If anything, he would just be shocked that Whis had such an ability.

Now the line-up for the tournament wouldn’t have included Master Roshi. He’s retired. But everyone else has indeed kept up with their training. Yamcha would be taking over Master Roshi’s spot. Goku would have no trouble convincing 18 because he would tell her what is at stake. The same with 17. The tournament in-of itself had its issues. Too many concepts clashing, but it was working. Regardless of its faults, it was at least entertaining. The actual fighting could have been animated better and could have gone more smoothly.

…

Overall take away:

• The maturity of the characters and character development was gone.
• Characters’ potential and relevancy were up in smoke.
• Characters that would have grown did not.
• Well establish concepts and the narrative was last.
• Character relationships were misinterpreted.