List of Dragon Ball characters

This article lists characters who appear in the anime and manga fictional universe of Dragon Ball.

Creation and conception

Author Akira Toriyama initially based most of the characters from the Chinese novel Journey to the West. He also redeveloped one of his earlier one shot manga series, Dragon Boy. To be creative with the character, Toriyama stated that he designed Goku not as a monkey like the Journey to the West character, but as a human-looking boy with a monkey tail.

During this period of the series, Toriyama placed less emphasis on the series art work, simplifying the lines and sometimes making things "too square." He found himself having problems determining the colors for characters and sometimes ended up changing them unintentionally mid-story. For the female characters, Toriyama felt it was not fun to draw "weak females" so he created women that he felt were not only "beautiful and sexy", but also "strong". Going against the normal convention that the strongest characters should be the largest in terms of physical size, he designed many of Dragon Ball's most powerful characters with small statures, including the protagonist, Goku.

After the first chapters were released, readers commented that Goku seemed rather plain, so his appearance was changed. More characters (such as Master Roshi and Krillin) and martial arts tournaments were added to give the manga a greater emphasis on fighting. Knowing readers would expect Goku to win the tournaments, Toriyama had him lose the first two while continuing his initial goal of having Goku be the champion and hero. When having fights in the manga, Toriyama had the characters go to a place where nobody lived to avoid difficulties in drawing destroyed buildings. In order to advance the story quickly, he also gave most fighters the ability to fly so they could travel to other parts of the world without inconvenience. This was also the reasoning behind Goku learning to teletransport (thus allowing characters to move to any planet in a second).

Main characters

Goku

Main article: Son Goku

Gohan

Main article: Son Gohan

Vegeta

Main article: Vegeta

Piccolo

Main article: Piccolo

Krillin

Main article: Krillin

Bulma

Main article: Bulma

Trunks

Main article: Trunks

Yamcha

Main article: Yamcha

Tien Shinhan

Tien Shinhan (天津飯, Tenshinhan, nicknamed Ten), known as Shinto in the Harmony Gold dub, is first introduced in chapter 113 of the manga series. Initially an enemy of Son Goku who was trained by Master Roshi's rival Crane Hermit, Tien soon makes peace with Goku and becomes a Z Fighter. Accompanied by his friend Chiaotzu, Tien enters the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament and faces Goku, who proves to be a more than worthy opponent. Eventually, after Goku survives every attack thrown at him, Tien destroys the arena with his Kikohou, but Goku jumps into the air and uses his Kamehameha to slam himself into Tien. Both fighters fall down to the ground, but Goku is hit by a passing car, causing him to land on the ground first, which makes Tien the winner. Afterwards, Tien and Chiaotzu decide to become Roshi's new students and allies of Goku. He participated in the battle against the Saiyans in Dragon Ball Z, in which he is killed by Nappa, along with Chiaotzu, Yamcha and Piccolo. The four of them are trained by King Kai and later revived by Shenron. Tien also participated in the battles against Cell and Majin Buu.

Tien is bald and has three eyes, the third placed on his forehead. The third eye is from becoming enlightened. When Toriyama began creating the Dragon Ball series, he used Wu Cheng'en's Journey to the West as a prototype for his own work. Tien's three eyed physical characteristic resembles the story character Erlang Shen, and both are warriors who were originally adversaries of the main character. His outfits change consistently as the series goes on, and he usually doesn't wear a shirt when fighting.

Goten

Goten (孫 悟天, Son Goten) is the second and final child of Son Goku, the series' protagonist. First introduced in the 230 chapter of the manga, Goten resembles his father in appearance, with the same hair-style and similar clothing. In chapter 324, Toriyama changes his appearance to avoid confusion with Goku to include a shirt bearing his name, and a longer, shaggier hairstyle. Goten is trained by his older brother Son Gohan in preparation for the 25th World Martial Arts Tournament, which their father would be attending. During the training, Gohan discovered Goten could become a Super Saiyan. He also possesses the Kamehameha, a technique that concentrates chi energy and is released into a powerful beam.

In order to save the world from the villain Majin Buu, Goku and Piccolo teach Goten and Trunks the "Fusion" technique, which allows them to transform into a single powerful warrior, Gotenks. Gotenks battles Buu multiple times but even when he transforms into a Super Saiyan 3 he is unable to defeat Buu. Buu temporarily absorbs Gotenks, increasing his own power, but Vegeta and Goku are able to retrieve them from Buu. When Buu destroys the Earth in the 312 chapter, Goten and Trunks are killed. The Dragon Balls later bring Goten back to life along with the rest of the Earth in order to give energy to Goku's Super Spirit Bomb attack, which defeats Buu. Goten then returns to a normal life on Earth.

Frieza

Main article: Frieza

Cell

Cell (セル, Seru) is the ultimate creation of Dr. Gero. He is an artificial life form created using the cells of several characters from the series, including Goku, Piccolo and Frieza. As a result, Cell is able to perform techniques such as the Kamehameha, a powerful energy blast which he gains from the cells of Goku. In creating the character of Cell, Toriyama tried many different designs before finally settling on the one used in the series. Cell evolves several times throughout his appearances. He originally evolves from a cocoon-like form into his first "Imperfect Form", which is insect-like in appearance. Both his first form and his second "Semi-Perfect Form" have a tail that ends in a stinger-like appendage and allows it to absorb other organisms. The tail recedes under his wings in his final "Perfect Form", and he can use it to spawn Cell Jr. (セルジュニア, Seru Junia), which are minuscule child-like versions of himself.

Requiring androids #17 and #18 to evolve, he finds out that they are already dead in his time line, so he kills the Trunks of his time line and uses Trunks' time machine to travel back in time. He eventually absorbs both after many battles and ascends to his final form. He decides to hold the "Cell Games", a tournament in which he fights against the Earth's fighters until there are none left, resulting in Earth's destruction. Cell manages to defeat Goku, but he is eventually killed by a Super Saiyan 2 Gohan. Cell appears in Hell in Dragon Ball Z, and makes a few appearances in Dragon Ball GT. Norio Wakamoto voices him in the original Japanese anime adaptation, Dameon Clarke in the Funimation English dub and Dale Wilson in the Canadian English dub.

Majin Buu

Main article: Majin Buu

Secondary characters

Android #17

"No. 17" redirects here. For the natural number, see 17 (number).

Android #17 (人造人間17号, Jinzōningen Jū Nana Gō, Artificial Human #17) is a human forcefully turned into a cyborg by Gero along with his sister, #18. The two are released by Gero as a last resort, but they turn on their creator and quickly kill him instead. Androids #16, #17 and #18 begin to travel in order to find and kill Goku, coming into contact with the Z Fighters several times. Like his sister, #17 had to rely on #16's ability to sense fighting spirits as he and his sister lacked the ability. In Future Trunks' timeline, he is a mass murderer who is later killed by Trunks. #17 returns one last time in Dragon Ball GT, when he fuses with a new #17 created by Doctors Gero and Myu in order to become the Super Android #17, who is finally defeated by Goku and #18. He is voiced by Shigeru Nakahara in Japan, Chuck Huber in the Funimation dub, and Ted Cole in the Ocean Group dub.

Android #18

"No. 18" redirects here. For the natural number, see 18 (number).

Android #18 (人造人間18号, Jinzōningen Jū Hachi Gō, Artificial Human #18) is a human forcefully turned into a cyborg along with her brother, #17. After being released by Gero, she travels with #16 and #17 in order to kill Goku, though they are interrupted by Cell and the Z Fighters several times. She and #17 are eventually absorbed by Cell, but later during the Cell Games, a hard blow from Gohan causes Cell to regurgitate her. Though Krillin is unable to wish for her to be turned into a human, he is able to have her self destruct device removed. Krillin later pursues #18 and, at some point, they marry and have a daughter named Marron. In Future Trunks' timeline, she is a mass murderer who is later killed by Trunks. Like her brother, she is initially unable to sense fighting spirits, though this changes at some point before the events of Dragon Ball: Yo! Son Goku and His Friends Return!!. It should be noted that at some point she has acquired the ability to perform Krillin's Destructo Disc which she uses against Goten and Trunks disguised as Might Mask. She is voiced by Miki Itō in Japan, Meredith McCoy in the Funimation dub, and Enuka Okuma in the Ocean Group dub.

Babidi

Babidi (バビディ, Babidi) is the son of Bibidi, the creator of Majin Buu. After Buu is sealed and his father is killed, he sets out to resurrect Buu to help him conquer the universe. Babidi manages to take over the minds of many strong warriors in order to help him achieve his goal, including demon king Dabura, alien warrior Pui Pui, light-devouring monster named Yakon, and two muscle-bound humans, Yamu and Spopovitch. Babidi uses them to collect energy for Buu's revival, and later enlists Vegeta to help him, though Vegeta is able to ignore his orders. After Buu is revived, Babidi manages to control him with the threat of resealing him, though after being manipulated by Goku, Buu decides to kill him and then in Dragon Ball GT he appears briefly when various villains escape from Hell. He is voiced Jōji Yanami in Japan, Duncan Brannan in the Funimation dub, and Terry Klassen in the Ocean Group dub.

Chiaotzu

Chiaotzu (餃子, Chaozu) is a small human that resembles a doll with white skin, red cheeks, and one hair under his hat. Though he is not physically strong, he is skilled with psychokinesis and telepathy. He first studies under the Crane Hermit with his close friend, Tien Shinhan. After Tien realizes that the Crane Hermit's teachings are wrong, the two leave him and join with Goku and his companions. He continues to support Tien throughout the series, even going as far as self-destructing on Nappa in order to attempt to save him. After the fight with the Saiyans, Chiaotzu no longer becomes involved in battle. He is voiced by Hiroko Emori in Japan, Cathy Weseluck in the Ocean Group dub, and Monika Antonelli in the Funimation dub.

Chi Chi

Chi Chi (チチ), known as Chi-Chi in the Viz manga, Chichi in Japanese versions, and Milk in Latin-American TV, is the wife of Goku and the mother of Gohan and Son Goten. She is very protective over the well being of her family, and wishes to remove them from Goku's lifestyle of fighting and constant conflict. She attempts to have Gohan focus on studying during his childhood, but this is interrupted by the constant threats to Earth. She later relaxes with Goten, even training him herself. As the daughter of the Ox-King, she is very strong in her own right, having easily made it to the quarter-finals of the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. She and Goku first meet as children, and Goku promises to marry her, thinking marriage is a kind of food. She later confronts him to have him fulfill the promise, despite the misunderstanding. She is voiced by Mayumi Shō and Naoko Watanabe in Japan, and Laura Bailey and Cynthia Cranz in the Funimation dub. She will be played by Jamie Chung in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Dende

Dende (デンデ, Dende) is a Namekian child saved from Dodoria by Son Gohan and Krillin. He later gains the power to heal after having his power unlocked, which he uses to aid the warriors fighting Frieza until he is killed by the tyrant. After being revived, he lives on New Namek until he is asked by Goku to replace Kami as Earth's guardian and revive the Dragon Balls. He accepts and continues to serve as the guardian throughout the rest of the series. He is very close to Piccolo, who fused with his friend Nail on Namek. He is voiced by Tomiko Suzuki in Japan and Ceyli Delgadillo, Laura Bailey and Justin Cook in the Funimation dub.

Hercule

Hercule, known as Mr. Satan (ミスター・サタン, Misutā Satan) in Japanese versions and other adaptations, is a flamboyant martial artist that becomes a world renowned hero after the Cell Games. After Goku and his companions stop attending the World Tournaments, Hercule starts winning them and becomes the reigning champion for many years. During the Cell Games, he attempts to fight Cell, but even after being swatted away, he is given credit for Cell's death by the media. He is soon called a world hero, gaining great wealth and a city named after him. Though Goku and his companions find his inflated ego and arrogance very annoying, he becomes close to them after befriending the good Majin Buu, helping defeat Kid Buu by using his appeal to get energy from all of the individuals on Earth for the Spirit Bomb, and his daughter, Videl, marries Gohan. He is voiced by Daisuke Gōri Japan, Chris Rager in the Funimation dub, Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub.

Kami

Kami (神様, Kami Sama) is the guardian residing over the Earth for much of the series. He is the good half of an unnamed Namekian that had to split himself in order to become guardian. The evil half, Piccolo Daimao was later sealed away by humans. After Piccolo Daimao is unleashed and killed by Goku, he spawns a much stronger reincarnation, Piccolo. Seeing a threat, Kami decides to attempt to seal away the new Piccolo in the World Martial Arts Tournament, possessing a human named Shen (dubbed Hero in the English anime) as a guise, but the plan backfires on him. After Goku defeats Piccolo, he eventually reforms, and much later during the Cell saga, Kami agrees to merge and rejoin Piccolo to stand a chance against Cell and the Androids. He is voiced by Takeshi Aono in Japan, Michael Dobson and Dale Wilson in the Ocean Group dub, and Chris Sabat in the Funimation dub.

King Kai

King Kai, also known as North Kai (北の界王, Kita no Kaiō), is the Kai of the northern quadrant of the galaxy. His companion is a pet monkey named Bubbles and in the anime he also has a flying grasshopper companion named Gregory. King Kai trains fighters allowed to keep their bodies if they manage to reach his small planet at the end of Snake Way. Before training any students, he forces them to appeal to his strange sense of humor, catch Bubbles, and hit Gregory with a mallet. He provides Goku with martial arts training and two of his own techniques, the Genki Dama and the Kaio-ken, which King Kai was never able to master. He continues to help Goku and his friends throughout the series, lending his planet locating and telecommunicating abilities for their use. When Goku brings a self-destructing Cell to his planet, the explosion kills King Kai and destroys his planet. As he is already in the Other World, he only gains a halo and in the anime he appears to settle down on Grand Kai's planet. He is voiced by Joji Yanami in Japan, Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub, and Sean Schemmel in the Funimation dub.

Master Roshi

Master Roshi (亀仙人, Kame Sennin) is an ancient and wise martial arts master and the first Earthling to wield the Kamehameha. Though he seems frail, he is a mighty warrior, having trained Grandpa Gohan, Ox King, Son Goku, and others. He is a stock character, as he is both the archetypal wise old man and dirty old man, the latter being typical of shōnen manga. Still, he is depicted to be a very wise and gentle person, who loves life and its simple pleasures, but is willing to die if necessary, such as when performing the Mafuba technique (Evil Containment Wave in the English dub) against Piccolo Daimao. Sometimes he gets cranky, which further provides comic relief. He is bald, with a thick van dyke beard and wears sunglasses. Roshi wears beach clothes or martial arts suits and, during the earlier stages of the series, a turtle shell on his back. He usually wields a walking stick. When wishing to act anonymously, Roshi sometimes uses the name Jackie Chun.

Roshi was originally voiced by Kouhei Miyauchi. Miyauchi's final acting session before he died was for episode 260 of Dragon Ball Z, which he recorded only 3 months before his death. The episode aired on March 15, 1995. In his final line, he yells out "Kuririn!", and is turned into a bar of chocolate by Majin Buu shortly afterwards. Since episode 288 of Dragon Ball Z, Roshi is voiced by Hiroshi Masuoka, who voices him throughout Dragon Ball GT, and in the recent video games, such as Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi. In the 10th anniversary special he is voiced by Kinya Aikawa, and Masaharu Satō voiced him in movie 13. He will be portrayed by Chow Yun-Fat in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Oolong

Oolong (ウーロン, Ūron) is a shapeshifting anthropomorphic pig that uses his abilities for his own greedy desires. He was expelled from shapeshifting training for stealing the teacher's underwear, so he lacks the ability to change his form for more than five minutes at a time without a break. He joins with Goku to search for the Dragon Balls and eventually steal them, but he abandons his plans. In Dragon Ball Z, he is often in the company of Roshi. He is voiced by Naoki Tatsuta in Japan, Doug Parker in the Ocean Group dub, and Mark Britten and Bradford Jackson in the Funimation dub.

Pan

Pan (パン) the granddaughter of Son Goku. Pan's ancestry comes from both humans, and the extraterrestrials called the Saiyans, which becomes the primary race throughout the Dragon Ball galaxies. Pan is the daughter of the first Saiyan Human hybrid to appear in the series, Gohan, and his full human wife named Videl. In the original Japanese anime, she was voiced by Yuko Minaguchi. In the English versions of DBZ, she is voiced by Kate Bristol in the Funimation dub and Brenna O'Brien in the Ocean Group dub. In the English versions of Dragon Ball GT, she is voiced by Elise Baughman in the Funimation dub and Caitlynne Medrek in the Blue Water dub.

Piccolo Daimao

Piccolo Daimao (ピッコロ大魔王, Pikkoro Daimaō), known as King Piccolo in the English dubs and Demon King Piccolo in the Viz manga, is the evil half of the Namekian that removed his evil in order to become the guardian of the Earth; this negative energy took on a physical form, becoming a cast-off being. He and the good half, Kami, are linked, so if one dies, the other also will die. After being formed, he designates himself as the Great Demon King and begins to terrorize the world. He is eventually imprisoned by Mutaito, the master of Roshi, in a rice cooker for centuries by the suicidal Evil Containment Wave. After being released by Emperor Pilaf, he attempts to kill anyone that could possibly seal him again, uses the Dragon Balls to restore his youth, and takes over the Earth before being killed by Goku. Before dying, he regurgitates the egg containing his reincarnation, Piccolo Jr., in order to pursue his revenge. He is voiced by Takeshi Aono in Japan, Christopher Sabat in the Funimation dub, and Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub. He will be played by James Marsters in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Besides Piccolo Jr., Piccolo Daimao creates several offspring in order to help him with his plans. His first offspring, Piano, helps Piccolo formulate his plan until his death. He also creates Tambourine to hunt down the contenders of the World Martial Arts Tournament to keep the sealing technique from resurfacing. Tambourine kills Krillin and beats a weakened Goku, but eventually Goku's Kamehameha vaporizes him. The third, Cymbal, is created to find Dragon Balls, but he is killed and eaten by Yajirobe. The fourth, Drum, is created to battle Tien, who he easily defeats until Goku appears and kills him in one blow. Tambourine is voiced by Ryūsei Nakao in Japan and Dameon Clarke in the English dub.

Puar

Puar (プーアル, Pūaru), known as Pu'ar in the Viz manga and Pu-erh in Japanese versions, is a soft-spoken shapeshifting blue creature and the constant companion of Yamcha. The name is revealed to be a pun on Pu-erh tea. He was designed to slightly resemble a cat. He uses his abilities to shapshift into anything to help Yamcha rob passersby in the desert. Afterwards, he travels with Yamcha and Goku during Dragon Ball, and continues to live with Yamcha afterwards. He is voiced by Naoko Watanabe in Japan, Cathy Weseluck in the Ocean Group dub, and Monika Antonelli in the Funimation dub.

Shenron

"Shen Long" redirects here. For other uses, see Shenlong (disambiguation).

Shenron (神龍, lit. "Divine Dragon"), also known as the Eternal Dragon in the Ocean Group and Funimation dubs, Shenlong in the Viz manga, Shen Long in Japanese versions, and the Dragon God in the Harmony Gold dub, is the wish granting dragon summoned when all of Earth's Dragon Balls are gathered. Shenron can bestow any wish as long as it does not exceed the power of his creator, who must be still alive. Shenron cannot bring back a person from the dead more than once. Shenron can originally only grant one wish, but after being revived by Dende, he is able to grant two at a time. Shenron often threatens to kill the summoner if they do not quickly make their wish, but never follows through with it. He is voiced by Kenji Utsumi and Masaharu Satō in Japan, Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub and Christopher R. Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Dragon Ball GT introduces the Black Star Shenron, a much larger red Shenron made by Kami when he and Piccolo Daimao were still one entity. He is summoned when the Black Star Dragon Balls are gathered, and can grant any single wish, regardless of any restrictions placed on the other dragons. He is voiced by Daisuke Gori in Japanese versions, and Chris Sabat in the English dub.

Kai

The Kai are the top-tier gods of the Dragon Ball universe. Like the lower-level Kai, there are five Kai. However, rather than each overseeing one quadrant of the main galaxy, the Kai each administer one quadrant of the entire universe.

Shin, the Supreme Kai (東の界王神, Higashi no Kaiōshin), also known as the Eastern Kai, is the supreme ruler of the Eastern Quadrant of the Universe along with his comrades, the North, West, and South Kai, and their leader the Grand Supreme Kai. After Buu's assault on the four Kai five million years before the events of Dragon Ball Z, he is the only survivor, and continues to watch over the universe. He is always found with his bodyguard, Kibito, who has the ability to heal any injury. He attempts to stop Buu from reviving with the help of Goku and his companions, but ends up failing. He is later permanently fused with Kibito, Kibitoshin. He is voiced by Yūji Mitsuya in Japan and Kent Williams in the Funimation dub.

Truffles

The Truffles are a race which used to live on the planet Vegeta but were destroyed by the Saiyans. Only two survived who were Dr. Raichi and Baby:

• Baby (ベビー, Bebī) is a parasitic alien supervillain that first appears in the 22nd episode of Dragon Ball GT. Baby was created by combining the DNA of the king of the Tuffles, a race destroyed by the Saiyans, with a cybernetic body. The last known survivor of the race, Baby desires to destroy all of the Saiyans to avenge his people. Baby is first reactivated from a sleep state by his creator, Dr. Myu. He attempts to fight Son Goku, Trunks, and Pan, but is easily defeated. To boost his power, Baby infects various people with his DNA and begins gathering energy from them. After a second defeat at the hands of the three Saiyans, Baby infects Trunks and then goes to Earth. On Earth he battles Son Goten and Son Gohan, infects them both, and is able to infect Vegeta and make him his primary host. Goku, Trunks, and Pan return to Earth to find the entire population is now under Baby's control. Baby is able to defeat Goku, then he begins using the Black Star Dragon Balls to restore the Planet Plant and transport the Earth population to it. During this time, Baby evolves into an even more powerful form and defeats Goku again. This causes Goku to transform into a Super Saiyan 4. In this new form, Goku is able to defeat Baby-Vegeta. He has Bulma, also under his control, fire a radiation beam at him from her Blutz Wave Generator which enables him to transform into a Golden Oozaru. After a lengthy battle, Baby separates from Vegeta and attempts to escape in a spaceship, vowing to return to destroy the Saiyans. Goku blasts the spaceship with a 10x Kamehameha attack, sending it into the sun. The ship is destroyed and Baby is obliterated.

His seiyū is Yusuke Numata and he is voiced by Mike McFarland in the English dub by Funimation.

• Dr. Raichi is the main antagonist of the two-part OVA special Plan to Destroy the Saiyans. He's a Truffle scientist and the last of the two who survives (the other being Baby). After escaping planet Vegeta, he hid on the Dark Planet planing his plot to destroy the remaining Saiyans. To live longer and be stronger, he turned himself into an android. To kill the remaining saiyans (Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Trunks), he sent demons which he cretaed to invade Earth and to flood the planet with Destron gas so the fighters energy attacks would be useless. Also to fight the saiyans, he created ghosts of Frieza, Cooler, Lord Slug and Turles.

He was later killed by Goku on the Dark Planet.

Uub

"Oob" redirects here. For other uses, see OOB (disambiguation).

"Ūbu" redirects here. For other uses, see Ubu (disambiguation).

Uub (ウーブ, Ūbu), known as Oob in the Viz manga and Ubu in Japanese versions, is the reincarnation of the evil Majin Buu. After Buu is destroyed, Goku asks him to be reincarnated as a good person, so they may battle again. King Yemma overhears the request and complies with it. Goku eventually senses Uub's hidden power, and seeks him out when Uub attends the tournament to gain money for his village. Goku ends up deciding to train him to be Earth's new guardian and as an opponent that he can battle. In Dragon Ball GT, Buu merges with Uub to become "Majuub", to face threats such as Baby, Super #17, and the Shadow Dragons. He is voiced by Megumi Urawa in Japan and Sean Teague in the Funimation dub.

Videl

Videl (ビーデル, Bīderu) is the daughter of Hercule. Like her father, she trains in martial arts, even surpassing him in strength. She uses her abilities to fight crime in the city, and after Gohan appears as the Great Saiyaman, she quickly figures out his identity. She uses that to blackmail him into showing her how to fly. After Buu is fully defeated, the two form a relationship, eventually become married, and have a child named Pan. When the two fight crime together afterwards, she takes on the role of the "Great Saiyaman 2 or Great Saiyawoman". She is voiced by Yuko Minaguchi in Japan, Kara Edwards in the Funimation dub, and Moneca Stori in the Ocean dub. Her name is an anagram of Devil, a play on words with her father's Japanese name (Mr. Satan).

Yajirobe

Yajirobe (ヤジロベー, Yajirobē) is an overweight samurai that Goku meets in Dragon Ball. He is often considered to be rude, unmannered, timid, lazy, and cowardly. He helps Goku prepare for the battle against Piccolo Daimao, and continues to support Goku and his companions, though often from the sidelines. He trains under Kami with the others in order to prepare for the Saiyans, and helps in their victory by cutting off Vegeta's tail. During Dragon Ball, he is a wanderer that lives off the land, but after meeting Korin and discovering the Senzu Beans, which provide the nutrients of ten days worth of meals, restores energy and heals wounds, he decides to live with Korin. He begins growing the beans with him, and often delivers them to Goku and his companions. He is voiced by Mayumi Tanaka in Japan, Brian Drummond in the Ocean Group dub, and Mike McFarland in the Funimation dub.

Other characters

Android #8

Android #8 (人造人間8号, Jinzōningen Hachi Gō, Artificial Human #8) is the first android seen in the series, and the eighth in the series of androids built by Dr. Gero. He is originally used as a last resort by the Red Ribbon Army's Muscle Tower, but when he is ordered to fight Goku, he refuses and states that he hates violence. Goku quickly befriends him, nicknaming him "Eighter", and the two repel the army from Jingle Village. He later takes up residence with a young girl named Snow (スノ, Suno), who Goku had saved from the army earlier. He is voiced by Shozo Iizuka in Japan and Mike McFarland in the Funimation dub.

Android #16

Android #16 (人造人間16号, Jinzōningen Jū Roku Gō, Artificial Human #16) is a large android developed by Gero. He is deemed a failure because of his gentle nature, and sealed up by Gero. He is later released, and determined to complete his mission of hunting down Goku. Android #16 was built with the ability to sense fighting spirits unlike #17 and #18, and assists the other androids in finding the Z-warriors. While failing to protect #17 and #18 from Cell, he is greatly damaged, though Bulma and her father repair him. Afterwards, he gives up his old orders and helps in the fight against Cell. Like the other androids he had the ability to self destruct, but Bulma an Dr. Breifs removed the device. While trying to sacrifice himself, he discovered this and has his body destroyed. His head and consciousness survived but later was destroyed by Cell, which pushes Son Gohan over the edge to Super Saiyan 2. In a recollection of Dr. Gero being destroyed by his creations, the silhouette figure that kills Dr. Gero bares a remarking resemblance to #16. He is voiced Hikaru Midorikawa in Japan, Jeremy Inman in the Funimation dub, and Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub.

Android #19

Android #19 (人造人間19号, Jinzōningen Jū Kyū Gō) is a rather fat android created by Dr. Gero. With pale skin and a mechanized voice, he is the most loyal of Gero's creations and even helped the doctor become an android himself. He is an energy absorbing model, equipped with the ability to drain the life force from his enemies. After successfully draining Goku of his energy, 19 is brutally executed by Vegeta.

Announcer

The Announcer (アナウンサー, Anaunsā) is active for every Tenkaichi Budokai from the beginning of Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball GT. He announces the fights, decisions by the judges, and provides commentary. He eventually becomes acquainted with Son Goku and his companions, witnessing Krillin's death, personally watching the fight between Goku and Piccolo, and knowing the truth of the events of the Cell Games. Though he knows that Hercule is not a true hero, he still praises him anyway to provide happiness to the crowds. He is voiced by Kenji Utsumi in Japan, Eric Vale in the Funimation dub, and Michael Dobson in the Ocean Group dub.

Bardock

Bardock (バーダック, Bādakku) is first introduced in the animated television special, Bardock - The Father of Goku. It was only after its airing in Japan that Bardock was later shown in two panels of the Dragon Ball manga by Toriyama, who helped design the character for Toei Doga's television production. While the Viz manga and Funimation's Japanese-language English-subtitled anime both use "Burdock", Funimation's English anime dubs use "Bardock", and some Japanese merchandise even use "Barduck".

The biological father of Raditz and Goku, Bardock is a Saiyan who is given the gift of precognition during one of his battles. In several of his recurring visions, he witnesses the destruction of his home planet by the hand of Frieza. After escaping certain death from Dodoria, he tries desperately to change his planet's grim future by attempting to combat Frieza and his legion of men head on. Bardock ultimately fails on ceasing Frieza's attack on the planet and is killed in the process. Moments before his death, he receives a vision of his son facing Frieza. In the Japanese version of the special, Bardock was estimated a power level of 10,000 by observant doctors while recovering from his last mission. He is voiced by Masako Nozawa in the Japanese version and Sonny Strait in the Funimation dub.

Broly

Broly (ブロリー, Burorī), is the featured supervillain in the eighth, tenth, and eleventh movies of the series. He is born with a level of power greater than most elite Saiyan warriors, and he is mentally unsettled as an adult, partially due to the crying of the infant Goku in the incubator next to him. He eventually becomes the "Legendary Super Saiyan" and his destructive tendencies are quelled by a special control device created by scientists for his father, Paragus. After Paragus lures Vegeta, Goku, and their companions to another planet, Broly recalls Goku and goes into a rage. He is eventually defeated, and manages to make his way into an escape pod. He later lands on Earth and goes into a frozen state until the crying of Goku's son, Goten, awakens him. He is killed by Goku, Gohan and Goten, though blood samples make their way into the hands of an industrialist who creates cloned warriors. The clone eventually awakens and becomes mixed with bio-liquid, transforming him into Bio-Broly. He is killed by Goten, Trunks, and Krillin after seawater solidifies his body. He is voiced by Bin Shimada in Japanese, and Vic Mignogna in the Funimation dub.

Bulla

Bulla, known as Bra (ブラ, Bura) in Japanese versions, is the daughter of Bulma and Vegeta. She avoids the fighting lifestyle of her father and brother, though she does know how to fly. She is close to both of her parents, and Vegeta is very protective of her. She is voiced by Hiromi Tsuru in Japan, Parisa Fakhri in the Funimation dub, and Brina Palencia in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2.

Cooler

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Cooler in his final form (above) and Meta-Cooler (below)

Cooler (クウラ, Kuura) is the main villain in the fifth and sixth Dragon Ball Z films and a minor villain in the DBZ OVA special Plan to Destroy the Saiyans. He is the brother of Frieza who travels to Earth in Cooler's Revenge to seek revenge on Goku, who had ruined Cooler's family honor by killing Frieza. Despite transforming into his final form, he is defeated by Super Saiyan Goku. He returns in Return of Cooler, his remains having combined with the Big Gete Star, a sentient planet-sized machine. This gives him the ability to create an indefinite amount of Meta-Coolers, which have the ability to constantly repair and improve upon themselves. He tries to consume the planet New Namek, but he is eventually destroyed by the efforts of Goku and Vegeta. He is later resurrected as a ghost by Dr. Raich in Plan to Destroy the Saiyans along with Frieza, Lord Slug and Turles but was defeated along with them when Goku and the fighters realised they were ghosts and shouted out that they wern't real. He is voiced by Ryūsei Nakao in the Japanese films and Andrew Chandler in the English versions. The character was designed by Akira Toriyama, the original manga author, for Toei Doga's theatrical productions.

Crane Hermit

The Crane Hermit (鶴仙人, Tsuru Sennin) is the master of the Crane School. Having trained under Mutaito with Master Roshi, the two are rivals, though the death of Mutaito drastically changed his personality. He trains Tien and Chiaotzu and teaches them techniques such as flight and the Dodonpa. He wishes for the two to become ruthless killers, though they eventually learn the errors of his teachings and leave him. He later attempts to take revenge along with his cyborg brother, Tao, but Tien manages to defeat him and demand that they leave him forever. He is voiced by Ichirō Nagai in Japan, and Chuck Huber in the Funimation dub.

Cui

Cui (キュイ, Kyui), known as Kiwi in the Viz manga, is a high-ranking henchman of Frieza. He is the rival of Vegeta, and bears much ill-will towards him. After learning of Vegeta's plans to obtain the Dragonballs, Cui sets out to kill him. Initially, it appears as if Cui is much stronger than his rival, but it soon becomes apparent that Vegeta was hiding his true power (a skill that he obtained during his time on Earth). Despite Cui's efforts, Vegeta easily dispatches of him. He is voiced by Kōji Totani in Japan, Jason Gray-Stanford in the Ocean Group dub and Bill Townsley in the Funimation dub.

Dabura

Dabura (ダーブラ, Dābura), known as Dabra in the English manga, is the king of the Demon Realm, being placed under Babidi's control by a spell. Dabura has the special power of turning his enemies to stone, simply by spitting on them. He fights Gohan to a standstill inside Babidi's ship, but retreats after noticing that Vegeta still has traces of evil within his heart. After Majin Buu is released, Dabura mocks him due to his childish behavior and non-threatening appearance, which eventually leads to Dabura's death after being turned into a cookie and devoured by Buu. Upon his death, King Yemma decides that Dabura would enjoy Hell, so he sends him to the most peaceful region of Heaven. In the anime, Dabura is later shown as a "good-spirited" soul consumed with love. He is voiced by Ryūzaburō Ōtomo in Japan, Rick Robertson in the Funimation dub, and Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub.

Dodoria

Dodoria (ドドリア, Dodoria) is one of Frieza's top two henchmen. He is a large, fat, pink alien with short spikes on his head and forearms. He travels with Frieza and Zarbon to planet Namek in search of the Dragon Balls. While interrogating villagers, they are interrupted as Krillin and Gohan save Dende from being killed. Dodoria pursues them, but he soon encounters Vegeta. After being outmatched, he tells the truth about the destruction of Planet Vegeta, hoping it would aid in sparing his life, but he is still killed by Vegeta. He is voiced by Yukitoshi Hori in Japan, Ward Perry in the Ocean Group dub, and Chris Forbis in the Funimation dub.

Dr. Briefs

Dr. Briefs (ブリーフ博士, Burīfu-hakase) is an eccentric engineer and founder of the Capsule Corporation. He is the creator of the Dynocaps, which allow any object to be shrunken into a small capsule. Along with his daughter, Bulma, and his wife, Mrs. Briefs, they live in a large building full of a variety of animals that they keep as pets. They refuse to leave their animals even in the face of death. His favorite pet is Scratch, known as Tama in the Japanese versions of anime filler, a small black cat that sits on his shoulder. Dr. Briefs aids Goku, Bulma, and their companions several times throughout the series by building a spaceship allowing Goku to reach Namek, restoring Android #16 with Bulma, and creating a gravity room for Vegeta. He is voiced by Jōji Yanami in Japan, Mark Hildreth in the Ocean Group dub, and Chris Forbis in the Funimation dub.

Dr. Gero

Dr. Gero (ドクター・ゲロ, Dokutā Gero) is the former chief scientist of the Red Ribbon Army. After the destruction of the organization, he begins using his development of androids to aid in destroying Goku for revenge. While creating a series of androids, he eventually implants his own brain into an exact replica of his body, becoming Android #20. Both he and Android #19, a round, pale android, are able to absorb the energy of others using small devices on their hands. The two eventually attack Goku and his friends. #19 manages to defeat Goku while he is being affected by his heart virus, but he is easily killed by Vegeta afterwards. Gero flees, attempting to release #17 and #18 as a last resort, though #17 quickly kills him. Gero appears once more in Dragon Ball GT, planning to return to Earth along with Dr. Myu by creating another Android #17. They succeed, though Myu betrays Gero and has the newly formed Super 17 kill him once again. He is voiced by Koji Yada in Japan, Kent Williams in the Funimation dub, and Brian Dobson in the Ocean Group dub.

Dr. Myu

Dr. Myu (ミュー, Dr. Myū), is a scientist who desires nothing more than total control of the galaxy. He was programmed by Baby in order to recreate himself as the ultimate machine mutant. He creates various mutants on M2, his base of operations, including General Rilldo, and attempts to obtain the Black Star Dragon Balls to complete Baby. His plans are eventually foiled by Goku and his companions, so Myu escapes, only to be killed when Baby emerges from his body. He later joins forces with Dr. Gero in Hell to create another #17 using Myu's machine mutant technology. After they escape to Earth, the two #17s fuse into Super 17. Myu has Super 17 kill Gero, and eventually Super 17 decides to kill him as well. He is voiced by Kazuyuki Sogabe in Japan and Duncan Brannan in the Funimation dub.

Elder Kai

The Elder Kai (老界王神, Rō Kaiōshin), also known as the Old Kai is a Supreme Kai sealed in the Z Sword for many generations. He resembles the East Supreme Kai, but with an older, wrinkled face, and a small mustache. He was originally youthful, but he accidentally became fused with a witch that stole one of his Potara Fusion Earrings. This granted him the ability to unleash a being's full potential through a long and tedious ceremony. He uses this to make Gohan stronger after Gohan releases him from the Z Sword. He later sacrifices his life to revive Goku, though as he is already in the afterlife, he only gains a halo. His life is later restored by the Namekian Dragon Balls. During Dragon Ball GT, he helps Goku become much stronger by helping him regrow his tail. He is voiced by Reizô Nomoto in Japan, Kent Williams in the Funimation dub, and Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub.

Emperor Pilaf

Emperor Pilaf (ピラフ, Pirafu) is a small, impish man who dreams of ruling the world. Though he proclaims himself an emperor, he actually only has a crown and a castle. Along with his two minions, Mai (マイ, Mai), a woman that wears a trench coat, and Shu (シュウ, Shū), a humanoid dog in a ninja outfit, he seeks out the Dragon Balls to wish for world domination. After obtaining the Dragon Balls once, he is foiled by Goku and his companions after another wish is granted just before he can speak his fully. He continues to antagonize Goku throughout the rest of Dragon Ball, and while attempting to obtain the Dragon Balls, releases Piccolo Daimao from his confinement. They appear again in Dragon Ball GT, where they obtain the Black Star Dragon Balls and accidentally wish Goku to be a child again. Pilaf is voiced by Shigeru Chiba in Japan and Chuck Huber in English dub. Shu is voiced by Tesshō Genda in Japan and Chris Cason in the English dub. Mai is voiced by Eiko Yamada in Japan and Julie Franklin in the Funimation dub. She will be played by Eriko Tamura in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Evil Dragons

The Evil Dragons, known as the Shadow Dragons in the English versions, are a group of evil beings born from the evil energy caused by overuse of the Dragon Balls. When attempting to repair the damage caused by Super Android 17, the cigar-smoking Evil Shenron is summoned from the Dragon Balls instead of the regular Shenron. He splits into seven dragons, each containing a Dragon Ball. They are known as the One-Star through Seven-Star Dragons in Japan, and Syn Shenron, Haze Shenron, Eis Shenron, Nuova Shenron, Rage Shenron, Oceanus Shenron, and Naturon Shenron in the English versions.

Goku and Pan kill all of the dragons besides the One-Star, Four-Star, and Three-Star Dragons, and collect their Dragon Balls. Goku soon fights the Four-Star Dragon, voiced by Ken Yamaguchi in Japan and John Burgmeier in the English dub, who is fire-based and much more honorable than his siblings. The fight is soon interrupted by the Three-Star Dragon, who blinds Goku in an attempt to kill him. Goku eventually manages to kill the dragon, and when the Four-Star Dragon attempts to help Goku with his eyes, he is killed by One-Star Dragon, voiced by Hidekatsu Shibata in Japan and Bob Carter and Christopher R. Sabat in the English dub. The dragon absorbs the Dragon Balls, transforming into Omega Shenron. After a long battle, he is killed by Goku's Super Genki Dama, and the Dragon Balls are purified.

Fortuneteller Baba

Fortuneteller Baba (占いババ, Uranai Baba) is an old witch that has been fortune-telling for more than 500 years. She is Roshi's older sister, whom he often bickers with. With her unique clairvoyant capabilities, she is able to see into the future and view any location using her crystal ball. She is more than happy to tell anyone what their future holds for them, although, the price is very costly at a payment of Ƶ10,000,000,000 zeni. However, the alternative way of gaining one's fortune is to defeat her five "other-worldly" martial arts experts. She can also travel to the "Other World" and back, allowing her to transport the dead. She is voiced by Junpei Takiguchi and Mayumi Tanaka in Japan, Ellen Kennedy in the Ocean Group dub, and Linda Young in the Funimation dub.

Her strongest fighter is , known as The Blue Demon, Spike the Devil Man, or Devilman in other English adaptations, though Grandpa Gohan later bumps him down a rank. Along with having won the Tenkaichi Budokai twice in the past, Akkuman has the ability to launch his "Devilmite Beam", which expands any evil within a person, causing them to explode. He appears along with Dracula Man, the kickboxing vampire, Suke, the invisible man, and Mirra, a large mummy.

Akkuman is voiced by Michihiro Ikemizu in Japan, Justin Cook in the Funimation dub, and Adam Henderson in the Ocean Group dub.

Garlic Jr.

Garlic Jr. (ガーリック・ジュニア, Gārikku Junia) is a Makyoan that appears in Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone and the Garlic Jr. Saga of the anime. His father was imprisoned by Kami in the realm of darkness, leaving Garlic Jr. with a deep feeling of resentment and desire for revenge. In the Dead Zone, he manages to obtain the seven Dragon Balls, wish for immortality, and begin his quest for revenge. He is defeated when faced with an angry Gohan, who pushes Garlic Jr. into the Dead Zone, an alternate dimension he can freely open. He later breaks free using his power source, the Makyo world, in the Garlic Jr. saga. After attempting to brainwash the world with the Black Water Mist, he is once again trapped in the Dead Zone after the destruction of the Makyo World. In the original Japanese version, Garlic Jr. is voiced by Akira Kamiya in Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone and Shigeru Chiba in the anime. He is voiced by Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub of the film and Dave Ward in the Ocean Group dub of the anime. Chuck Huber voices Garlic Jr. in the Funimation dub of the film and anime.

Gotenks

Gotenks (ゴテンクス, Gotenkusu) is the result of the Fusion Dance when performed by Son Goten and Trunks. Expanding on the negative aspects of the two characters he's comprised of, Gotenks is arrogant and easily distracted. At the start of his appearance, Gotenks is rebellious, however, he later learns to follow the advice of his mentor Piccolo. When trapped with Piccolo in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, he reveals the ability to transform into a Super Saiyan 3 and manages to get themselves out by creating a tear in the dimension.

General Rilldo

General Rilldo (リルド, Rirudo), is a machine mutant created by Dr. Myu in charge of security on his planet. He has the ability to transmute any object into metal, which he uses to capture intruders on the planet. He manages to capture Trunks when Goku's group first arrives, and he eventually fights Goku. After being overwhelmed by Goku's Super Saiyan powers, he fuses with the Sigma Force, becoming Meta Rilldo, and after that fails, he becomes Hyper Meta Rilldo, allowing him to merge with any metal on the planet. After being defeated, he is possessed and killed by Baby. He is voiced by Kiyoyuki Yanada in the Japan and Andrew Chandler in the Funimation dub.

Ginyu Force

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The Ginyu Force. Left to right: Recoome (top left), Guldo, Jeice, Burter (top right), and Captain Ginyu

The Ginyu Force (ギニュー特戦隊, Ginyū Tokusentai) is a team of five mercenaries who are hired by Frieza. Though physically some of the strongest individuals in the universe, the Ginyu Force's members delight in coming up with strange poses, betting candy on fights, and playing Janken. They are led by Captain Ginyu (ギニュー隊長, Ginyū Taichō), who has a unique technique that allows him to switch bodies with his opponents. Jeice (ジース, Jīsu), a flamboyant and showy mutant, and Burter (バータ, Bāta), the self proclaimed fastest being in the universe, are two beings nicknamed the "Red Magma" and "Blue Hurricane" that utilise various combination attacks in battle. Recoome (リクーム, Rikūmu) is a large humanoid that likes to toy with his opponents. Guldo (グルド, Gurudo), although physically the weakest, has various psychic abilities, including being able to freeze time when he holds his breath.

Frieza calls upon them to assist in the defeat of Vegeta and help obtain the Dragon Balls on Planet Namek. After many continuous battles, all of the members besides Ginyu are killed by Vegeta, though Recoome and Burter are defeated by Goku first before Vegeta finishes them off. Ginyu manages to steal Goku's body, but he is unable to utilise its full power. He decides to steal Vegeta's body after Goku's can no longer be used, but he inadvertently switches bodies with a frog instead. He is allowed to flee, and ends up on Earth after Namek explodes.

In the anime, they appear at King Kai's planet in the afterlife and battle Tien, Yamcha and Chiaotzu, who defeat and banish them to Hell. Tien defeats Jeice and Burter, Yamcha defeats Recoome, and Chiaotzu defeats Guldo.

Giru

Giru (ギル, lit. "Gear"), production number T-Twenty O 6 is a machine mutant that accompanies Goku, Pan, and Trunks on their quest to find the Black Star Dragon Balls in Dragon Ball GT. He meets the group in a desert planet in a near death state. He integrates their Dragon Radar in order to survive, so they utilize him instead. Once they reach his home planet M2, he and Trunks form a plan to have Giru to pretend betray the group in order to uncover Dr. Myu's plans. He continues to travel with the group and eventually helps track the Shadow Dragons. He is voiced by Shinobu Satouchi in Japan and Sonny Strait in the Funimation dub.

Grandpa Gohan

Grandpa Gohan (孫悟飯じいさん, Son Gohan jiisan) is the adoptive grandfather of Goku, whom he found in a crashed spaceship. He teaches Goku martial arts, having originally studied under Roshi, and he even knows Roshi's Kamehameha. He is killed by Goku as a rampaging Oozaru on a night with a full moon, though Goku does not realize it for many years. He is allowed to return to life for one day by Baba in order to fight Goku and anticipate his growth, and he later appears as an assistant to Annin, the ruler of the "magical furnace". He is only shown in flashbacks afterwards. He is voiced by Osamu Saka in Japan, and Christopher Sabat in the Funimation dub. He will be portrayed by Randall Duk Kim in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Guru

Guru (最長老, Saichōrō) is the oldest and wisest remaining Namek in existence. He has at least 108 children, and all current Nameks alive on the planet are descended from him. He is in control of the Dragon Balls on Namek. He has the ability to unleash hidden power within individuals, which he does with Gohan, Krillin, and Dende. He is close to death, but the chaos on Namek leads to him dying of depression, but he is eventually revived with the Dragon Balls and transported to Earth. Before his natural death, he passes on his title and the responsibility of the Dragon Balls to Muri. He is voiced by Junpei Takiguchi and Masaharu Satō in Japan, Lee Tockar in the Ocean Group dub and Chris Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Kai

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The Kai (Clockwise from left: North Kai, South Kai, East Kai, and West Kai)

The Kai (界王, Kaiō) are upper-level gods of the Dragon Ball universe. There are five at a time that rule over the main galaxy of the universe, with one presiding over each of the four quadrants in a galaxy, and the last overseeing them all. The Kai are responsible for the lower-level gods, who rule over individual planets. The Kai reside in the heavens, with each having their own small planet. There is a sense of competition among the Kai over whose quadrant has the best fighters. King Kai, the Northern Kai, trains Goku after his self-sacrifice to defeat Raditz.

The Grand Kai rules over the North, South, East, and West Kai. He is portrayed as an aged hipster, wearing jeans and a denim jacket and constantly listening to rock music on his boom box. His characterization in the anime was suggested to the production staff by Toriyama himself.

These Kai are less powerful than the Supreme Kai, who each oversee a quadrant of the entire universe, and are ruled by the Grand Supreme Kai.

King Cold

King Cold (コルド大王, Korudo Daiō) is the father of Frieza and Cooler, appearing briefly at the start of the Trunks Saga along with his now cyber-organic son. After saving Frieza from death, the two travel to Earth in order to eliminate the threat of the Super Saiyan. After Frieza is killed by Trunks, Cold realizes he is highly outclassed and offers Trunks the opportunity to take Freiza's place to rule the galaxy. Trunks refuses and quickly kills him. He is voiced by Daisuke Gōri in Japan and Bradford Jackson in the Funimation dub.

King Yemma

King Yemma (閻魔大王, Enma Daiō) is a giant red oni who judges whether the dead go to Heaven or Hell. He also has the authority to allow worthy beings to keep their bodies, as he does with Goku. Until Goku arrives, he is the only being to have successfully trained under King Kai. He is voiced by Daisuke Gōri in Japan and Chris Rager in the Funimation dub.

Korin

Korin (カリン, Karin), known as Whiskers the Wonder Cat in the Harmony Gold dub, is an immortal cat that lives at the top of Korin Tower below Kami's Lookout. He is the being that trained Roshi, and later trains Goku after his defeat to Mercenary Tao. He continues to help Goku and his friends throughout the series by growing Senzu beans, which heal injuries and fatigue. He is later joined by Yajirobe who is initially lured by the beans. He is voiced by Ichirō Nagai and Naoki Tatsuta in Japan, Doug Parker and Ted Cole in the Ocean dub, and Mark Britten and Chris Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Launch

Launch (ランチ, Ranchi), known as Marilynn in the Harmony Gold dub and Lunch in the Viz manga and Japanese versions, is Roshi's house maid retrieved by Goku and Krillin in order to receive martial arts training from him. She has a dissociative identity disorder; whenever she gets her sensitive nose tickled to the point of sneezing, she switches between a sweet, innocent girl with indigo hair to a blonde woman who commits crimes for fun. Their memories are not shared, though both sides are aware of each other. She attempts to form a relationship with Tien, but his constant training makes it fail. She makes very few appearances after Dragon Ball. She is voiced by Mami Koyama in Japan, and Monika Antonelli, as the good girl side, and Meredith McCoy, as the bad girl side in the Funimation dub.

Marron

Marron (マーロン, Māron) is the daughter of Krillin and #18. As a little girl, she resembles her father, lacking a visible nose. It later develops as she grows older, and she begins to resemble her mother. She is voiced by Tomiko Suzuki in Japan, Laura Bailey in the Funimation dub, and Cathy Weseluck in the Ocean Group dub.

Mercenary Tao

Mercenary Tao (桃白白, Tao Pai Pai) is a highly skilled assassin-for-hire. He is hired by the Red Ribbon Army in order to retrieve several Dragon Balls from Goku and kill him. He easily defeats Goku and leaves him for dead after firing a Dodonpa at his heart, but the four-star Dragon Ball protects him. He returns afterwards to collect the last Dragon Ball, but Goku, having received training from Korin, easily defeats Tao. In desperation, Tao attempts to use a grenade on Goku, but Goku deflects it back at Tao, seemingly killing him. He later arrives at the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai with much of his body replaced with cybernetic implants and attempts to take his revenge with his brother, the Crane Hermit, but he is defeated by Tien. Much later in the series, he reappears during the Cell Saga as a bodyguard for a man trying to protect himself against Cell. After Gohan arrives and tells Tao that he is the son of Goku, Tao flees. He later attempts to outsmart Goku using puzzle rings and tricking him out of several Dragon Balls. However, Goku manages to untangle the puzzle rings, and reclaims the balls. He is voiced by Chikao Ōtsuka in Japan, Kent Williams in the Funimation dub, and Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub.

Mr. Popo

Mr. Popo (ミスター・ポポ, Misutā Popo) is a djinn who lives with Kami in Kami's Lookout. He acts as the caretaker, paying special attention to the gardens. He has served every other guardian of the Earth since the beginning of time. He was trained by Kami himself and later trains Goku to prepare for the battle against Piccolo. After Kami fuses with Piccolo, he is initially very depressed, but he eventually forms a new friendship with the new guardian, Dende. He is voiced by Toku Nishio in Japan, French Tickner in the Ocean Group dub, and Chris Cason and Christopher R. Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Muri

Muri (ムーリ, Mūri) is the elder of a Namekian village that is the home of Dende. While being interrogated by Frieza's group, he manages to destroy all of Frieza's scouters, which causes Frieza's collection of the Dragon Balls to be delayed. He is killed soon afterwards. After being revived by Dragon Balls, he is named the new grand elder, giving him the ability to return the Dragon Balls to life. After traveling to the New Namek, he powers up the Dragon Balls, giving Porunga the ability to bring multiple people back to life with one wish. He is voiced by Kinpei Azusa in Japan, Robert O. Smith in the Ocean Group dub and Mark Britten and Chris Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Mutaito

Mutaito is the teacher of Roshi and the Crane Hermit. Many years before the series, he and his students face Piccolo Daimao in battle. Many of his students are slaughtered and he is greatly injured, so he soon develops a technique to seal Piccolo away instead of facing him in combat. He then uses the new Evil Containment Wave to seal Piccolo at the cost of his own life. He appears in the anime after Goku uses a time traveling room to visit the time period. He will be played by Ernie Hudson in the upcoming live-action film Dragonball Evolution.

Nail

Nail (ネイル, Neiru) is a Namekian warrior who looks exactly like Piccolo, apart from the attire. He is described as the last fighter-class Namekian left. He is the personal bodyguard to Saichoro (Guru), and was the strongest Namekian left on the planet, being many times stronger than the rest of the fighting Namekians. Nail manages to stall Frieza to prevent him from using the Dragon Balls, though he is left near death. After Piccolo is revived on Namek, he comes across Nail, who requests to fuse with Piccolo. This increases Piccolo's strength dramatically, gives him Nail's memories and some personality traits, and allows him to fight Frieza's second form on even ground. Nail is voiced by Katsuji Mori in Japan, Michael Dobson in the Ocean Group dub and Sean Schemmel in the Funimation dub.

Nappa

Nappa (ナッパ) is an elite Saiyan warrior that accompanied Vegeta to Earth in search of the Dragon Balls. He has a somewhat violent nature. He survived the attacks of Tien and Chiaotzu which drained their lives. He put Piccolo to death with his incredible might, but fell powerless to Son Goku who had returned to Earth with new training from North Kaio. Vegeta ordered Nappa to stop fighting due to Goku's clear dominance over him. He was then executed by Vegeta when defeated by Goku. He returned briefly as one of the escapees from Hell in Dragon Ball GT, only to be killed by Vegeta once more.

Ox King

Ox King (牛魔王, Gyūmaō), known as Gyū-Maō the Ox King in the Viz manga and Gyumao in Japanese versions, is a former pupil of Roshi. There are various violent legends about him, though they are false. He is very wealthy, owning multiple large castles, among other riches. He supports his daughter Chi Chi constantly, and teaches her to fight as a child. After she marries Goku, he often visits her and supplies them with income. He is voiced by Daisuke Gōri in Japan, Dave Ward in the Ocean Group dub, and Mark Britten and Kyle Hebert in the Funimation dub.

Pikkon

Pikkon (パイクーハン, Paikūhan) is a deceased inhabitant of the West Galaxy and is the West Kai's best student. Pikkon meets Goku in the afterlife and defeats Cell, Frieza and King Cold during an uprising in Hell with relative ease. He fights Goku in the final match of the Other World Tournament, and upon having the match result in a draw, strikes up a friendship with Goku. He appears again in the Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn helping Goku defeat Janemba, eventually holding off Janemba by himself to give Goku and Vegeta time to become Gogeta. He is voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa in Japan, Kyle Hebert in the Funimation dub and Brian Drummond in the Ocean Group dub.

Porunga

Porunga (ポルンガ) is the wish granting dragon summoned when all of Namek's Dragon Balls are gathered. Unlike Shenron, he has a large, muscular upper body and various Namekian traits. He can grant three wishes, so long as they don't exceed his creator's power, his creator is still alive, and each request is delivered in the Namekian dialect. Initially, Porunga had the ability to bring only one person back to life at a time, but could bring that same person back multiple times if requested. This as compared to Shenron, who can bring back an unspecified number of people as long as they died under similar circumstances, but could only bring each specific individual back once, and as long as their deaths weren't of natural causes. Later, Porunga's power is strengthened to bring back as many lives as needed. He is voiced by Junpei Takiguchi and Daisuke Gōri in Japan, Christopher Sabat in the Funimation dub, and Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub.

Raditz

Raditz (ラディッツ, Radittsu) is the biological brother of Son Goku and the eldest son of Bardock. Raditz went to Earth to help in the planet's invasion, and to persuade his younger brother Goku to join the Saiyans in their conquest. However, disappointed to discover that Goku had lost his memories and adjusted to life on Earth, Raditz kidnapped Gohan and tried to force Goku to become an ally. During his battle with Goku and Piccolo, Gohan seeing his father in danger explodes with rage and delivers a massive amount of damage to Raditz in a single blow. Taking advantage of the situation, Goku puts Raditz in a full nelson and demands Piccolo to kill them both with the special beam canon. Just before his death, he sneered that two more powerful Saiyans, Vegeta and Nappa, would be coming to Earth in one year's time. He is voiced by Shigeru Chiba in Japan, Jason Gray-Stanford in the Ocean Group dub, and Justin Cook in the Funimation dub

Red Ribbon Army

The Red Ribbon Army (レッドリボン軍, Reddo Ribon Gun) is a military organization bent on total world domination. Originally a technological cooperation, they lost out to the Capsule Corporation, and focused their technology on military weapons. They plan on obtaining the Dragon Balls to help with their goal, using any means necessary including raiding towns, hiring the mercenary, Mercenary Tao to attack Goku, among others. Despite this, Goku is able to wipe out the entire army. The quest for world domination turns out to be ruse by their leader Commander Red. He is a short man, who really plans on using them to become taller, even if the whole army has to be sacrificed. The second in command is Adjutant Black (ブラック参謀), who loyally obeys Red until hearing of his plan, at which point, he kills Red and attempts to take over, only to be killed by Goku.

General Blue is a high-ranking official of the army. He comes into contact with Goku and his companions multiple times, often using a special psionic ability that allows him to paralyze other individuals. He manages to steal the Dragon Radar during their final encounter, but after returning, he is set to be executed for not obtaining any of the Dragon Balls after multiple failures. He is allowed to fight Tao to redeem himself, though Tao easily kills Blue only using his tongue. Blue is voiced by Toshio Furukawa in Japan and Sonny Strait in the Funimation dub.

Saibamen

Saibamen (栽培マン, Saibai-man), known as Cultivars in the Viz manga, are small humanoid plant-beings used by the Saiyans for the purpose of training. They are grown from seeds, have the unique ability to shoot a stream of acid from the top of their heads, and if forced, can self-destruct as a last resort. They are used by Nappa and Vegeta to test the group of fighters during the Saiyan Saga. One manages to kill Yamcha with its self-destruction, and the rest are killed by Krillin. According to Nappa and Vegeta, their power levels are 1200, equivalent to Raditzs'. Their voice effects were done by Terry Klassen and Don Brown in the Ocean Group dub and by Chris Cason, Mike McFarland, and John Burgmeier in the Funimation re-dub.

Spopovich

Spopovich (スポポビッチ, Supopobicchi) is a human, made into Babidi's minion to obtain energy for Buu's resurrection. He and his partner, Yamu, enter the 25th World Martials Arts Tournament to find people with high energy. Having been humiliated by Hercule in past tournaments, Spopovich nearly beats his daughter, Videl, to death before being stopped by Yamu, and the two later collect energy from Gohan. After delivering the energy, the two are killed because Babidi no longer requires them. Spopovich is voiced by Hisao Egawa in Japan, Andrew Chandler in the Funimation dub, and Michael Dobson in the Ocean dub. Yamu is voiced by Naoki Tatsuta in Japan, John Burgmeier in the Funimation dub, and Brian Drummond in the Ocean Group dub.

Turtle

Turtle (海亀, Umigame, lit. "sea turtle") is Roshi's friend and long-time companion, the good-natured lovable turtle lives in the Kame House with the elderly hermit. He constantly berates Roshi's lecherous and self-interested actions. He is voiced by Daisuke Gōri in Japan, Scott McNeil in the Ocean Group dub, and Christopher Sabat in the Funimation dub.

Zarbon

File:ZarbonForms.jpg

Zarbon (above) and Zarbon transformed (below)

Zarbon (ザーボン, Zābon) is one of Frieza's top two henchmen. He has the ability to transform into a powerful reptilian beast, but only does so when it is absolutely necessary. Zarbon travels to Namek alongside Frieza and Dodoria to help collect the Dragon Balls. He eventually comes into contact with Vegeta, whom Zarbon manages to easily defeat and capture after transforming. After Zarbon retrieves Vegeta's battered body and brings him to Frieza's ship in order to heal him for interrogation, Vegeta manages to escape. Zarbon sets out to find him once again, but Vegeta, having become stronger after healing, kills Zarbon. Zarbon also appears in Bardock - The Father of Goku, where he advises Frieza to destroy the Saiyan planet and briefly appears in Dragon Ball GT when he escapes from Hell with other villains. He is voiced by Sho Hayami in Japan, Paul Dobson in the Ocean Group dub and Christopher Sabat in the Funimation dub.

In an issue of Beckett Anime, a Beckett magazine publication, Zarbon was voted as one of the top five greatest henchmen of all anime, and was the only character from Dragon Ball Z on the list.

Merchandise

Several pieces of merchandise were released based on the characters from the series. These include key chains, action-figures and plush. Other merchandise featuring characters include t-shirts, tumblers and trading card games. Characters are also featured in video games from the series. While initial games were role-playing games (RPG), the following became fighting games.

Reception

Anime News Network (ANN) praised the story and humor of the manga to be very good due conveying of all the characters's personalities. They also remarked Viz's translation to be one of the best ones of all the English editions of the series praising the lack of censore. Theron Martin from ANN praised the way the characters could turn the battles into "art", praising the ways they react while fighting, although they sometimes can become very long with little plot development. He also praised the themes from the warriors saying "it speaks to basic yet powerful themes like faith, confidence, heroism, sacrifice, love, and understanding what is truly worth fighting for", as well as the way Vegeta overcomes his pride to help the other characters. T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews considered the series characters are different from stereotypes characters and noted that they have much more development than those from the series' sequels.