From his very first appearance, Gohan has always been a special figure in the world of Dragon Ball. Goku's first son wasn't just another Saiyan descendant; he was a character designed with grand ambitions: to succeed his father as the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball Z series. A plan that, ultimately, never came to fruition.
Gohan's story is a narrative of extraordinary potential, the burden of expectation, and a personal struggle to find his own path. Why did Akira Toriyama, the creator, initially prepare him to lead the story, and what caused this dramatic change in direction? Let's dive into Gohan's epic journey, from a timid child to one of the strongest warriors in the universe.
The Creator's Ambition: A Torch Nearly Passed
From the early development of Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama had a clear vision: after Goku successfully protected Earth from various threats, it was time for the next generation to take over. Gohan, with his mixed Saiyan and human blood, and hidden potential that exploded in critical moments, was the perfect candidate. The climax was designed to happen at the Cell Games, a crucial moment where Goku willingly sacrificed himself, as if symbolically passing the torch of Earth's protection to his son.
Gohan was not only projected as the new protector but also as a representation of a more complex hero's evolution. His character was expected to grow from a child afraid of fighting into a mature warrior bearing immense responsibility. However, as we shall see, fate had its own path.
A Hero's Footsteps: From Birth to Miracles
Gohan's journey began long before he knew what a fight was. Born in Year 757, his relatively peaceful childhood drastically changed when the world needed protection.
A Shocking Childhood: Potential Awakened
Gohan's life completely changed in Year 761, , his uncle from outer space. This incident accidentally awakened hidden power within him, a burst of rage that surprised everyone, including Goku and Piccolo. After Goku's heroic sacrifice, Gohan was left under Piccolo's tutelage, who saw more than just a child in Gohan.
Over the next eleven months, Gohan underwent , a period that not only shaped him physically but also mentally. From a fearful child, Gohan learned about discipline, courage, and the importance of battle. His relationship with Piccolo developed into a deep mentor-student bond, almost like a father and son.
Adventures led him to Planet Namek in Year 762, where by Grand Elder Guru. This potential unlock gave him a significant power boost, allowing him to fight alongside Krillin and Vegeta against the Ginyu Force and eventually face Frieza's brutality. Each of these experiences nurtured his strength, preparing him for greater tests in the future.
The Peak of Power: Super Saiyan 2 at the Cell Games
Between Year 764 and 767, Gohan continued to train, preparing for the terrible Android threat. Training with Goku in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber opened the gateway to his first Super Saiyan transformation. However, the moment that truly changed everything occurred at the Cell Games in Year 767.
There, under the pressure of seeing his friends hurt and with his father's encouragement, Gohan unleashed his rage and achieved the Super Saiyan 2 form. This was a turning point for his character, where he not only surpassed Goku in strength but also definitively defeated Cell. If you want to delve deeper into and the details of that epic battle, a complete story awaits. This victory was meant to be the undisputed "passing-of-the-torch" moment, proclaiming Gohan as Earth's new protector.
From Global Hero to Regular Student
After the victory over Cell, Gohan briefly experienced a more normal life. However, the world of Dragon Ball is never truly peaceful.
A Double Life: Great Saiyaman and the Awakening of Buu
Seven years after the Cell Games, in Year 774, Gohan tried to live life like a regular teenager by attending Orange Star High School. It was here that he created his alter ego, , to fight petty crime and hide his identity, which also led him to meet Videl, Mr. Satan's daughter.
However, the peace was short-lived. The 25th World Martial Arts Tournament witnessed the theft of his energy, used to awaken the legendary evil creature, Majin Buu. After being defeated by Buu, Gohan was taken to the Sacred World of the Kais, where Old Kai performed an ancient ritual to unlock his latent potential to its fullest, a transformation known as "Ultimate Gohan". You can find more details about and its impact on his power. Although initially dominating Super Buu, he was eventually absorbed, but later freed and played a vital role in defeating Kid Buu by contributing his energy to the Super Spirit Bomb.
The Dragon Ball Super Era: Family Responsibilities and the Resurgence of Power
In Dragon Ball Super, Gohan takes on new roles as a husband and father, but the call of duty as a fighter never truly leaves him.
From Scholar to Tournament Leader
In Year 778, he helped Goku achieve the Super Saiyan God form to fight the God of Destruction Beerus. A year later, in Year 779, he led the Z-Warriors against Frieza's returning army, though he was ultimately defeated by a stronger Frieza.
The peak of his Super era was in the Tournament of Power (Year 780), where Gohan became the leader of Universe 7's team. He showcased his incredible tactical intelligence and impressive fighting abilities, defeating several strong fighters before making a heroic sacrifice alongside Frieza to eliminate Dyspo from Universe 11.
Gohan Beast: New Power in the Modern Era
In Year 783, when his daughter, Pan, was kidnapped, Gohan's rage exploded once again while fighting Cell Max. This moment awakened his strongest form to date, "Gohan Beast," a transformation that surpassed previous limits. To fully understand , including its power and how it differs from other Saiyan transformations, there's a dedicated guide that will satisfy your curiosity. This power proves that, although he might prefer a peaceful life, the Saiyan potential within him is always ready to rise to protect his loved ones.
Why Didn't Gohan Become the Main Protagonist?
Despite Gohan having all the potential and heroic moments to take over the main role, Akira Toriyama himself made the decision to bring Goku back to the forefront. Toriyama stated, "I intended to put Gohan in the main role. It didn't work. I felt that, compared to Goku, he ultimately wasn't suited for the role."
This decision was not due to editorial pressure or fan dislike, but rather Toriyama's own view that Gohan's character, with his nature preferring peace and study over fighting, was not naturally suited to lead a narrative centered on combat. Goku, with his adventurous spirit and his never-ending desire to become stronger, was deemed more fitting to drive the Dragon Ball story.
Gohan's Legacy: The Evolving Hero
Although he didn't become the main protagonist, Gohan remains one of the most beloved and important characters in the Dragon Ball universe. His story is a reminder that heroism doesn't always mean being the strongest or always being on the front lines. Gohan found his own balance, combining a normal life with the responsibility of a protector, and continues to evolve into the best version of himself.
His winding journey, from a fearful child to a supreme warrior, is a reflection of human (and Saiyan) potential to grow and adapt. And with every new transformation, every new battle, Gohan continues to write fascinating chapters in the Dragon Ball legacy.