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Son Goku is the main character of the Dragon Ball series, spanning the original Dragon Ball, its sequel Dragon Ball Z and the further sequel Dragon Ball GT (including related movies, games and merchandise). With spiky black hair and his trademark orange/red and blue clothes, Goku is known for his cheerful, energetic personality, love of competition (specifically fighting) and eating. He has remarkable intuition at seeing the good in others in spite of their actions, though his capacity for forgiving his enemies has occasionally been criticized as excessive.

Appearance

Goku stands 5 feet and 7 inches tall with black hair and black eyes. His hair is fairly spiky and also partly covers his forehead. He is almost always seen wearing a custom training outfit composed of a full body orange costume with a blue undershirt, boots, belt and wrist-bands. The back of this outfit commonly displays the symbol of his training master. There are few times he does not wear this outfit, the few being on his return to Earth from Namek where he is seen in traditional Yardrat garb and during his training to fight Cell, during which time he wears Saiyan combat gear, similar to that which Vegeta normally wears early on in the series. His skin is always lightly tanned and his hair-style never changes throughout the entire run of Dragon Ball unless he has transformed.

Name pun

Kakarrot is Goku's birth name as a Saiyan, which is a pun of the word carrot, continuing the trend of naming Saiyans after vegetables. At first Goku rejects his heritage by refusing to be connected to a race that destroyed civilizations on planets for profit. In the Frieza Saga, Goku gains some respect after hearing of Frieza's manipulation of the race and even proclaims himself as part of it. Only other Saiyans ever refer to Goku by his Saiyan name and Vegeta refuses to refer to him as anything else, believing he should be proud of his Saiyan heritage.

History

Behind the childhood
During Dragon Ball Z, it was revealed that Goku is a Saiyan from the Planet Vegeta, son to Bardock and younger brother to Raditz, his mother was never revealed. Goku's father was a low-ranked soldier in the Saiyan army and never spent much time with his second son before his death. Despite this, unbeknownst to Goku, Bardock gave his life fighting for the future of the Saiyan race and more importantly the future of his son who he psychically foresaw would be the one to defeat Frieza.

Before Planet Vegeta was destroyed, Goku had been sent to Earth in order to conquer its inhabitants and prepare it for addition to the planets under the rule of Frieza, even a low level child was apparently quite capable of conquering a planet like Earth. After landing on Earth, the infant was found and adopted by Grandpa Gohan despite his violent tendencies. One day during Grandpa Gohan's travels, Goku's violent actions caused him to fall from a great height and land on his head. The resulting impact removed his Saiyan programming and Goku became a much calmer and happier child who grew up to become a beloved hero of Earth.

Behind the hero
During his life on Earth, Goku was husband to Chi-Chi and father to Son Gohan and Son Goten. Despite being introduced to his elder brother Raditz and being told of his father, during Dragon Ball Z, Goku is relatively ignorant of them, embracing his life on Earth and the people who are part of his life over his biological connections. This was not helped by the fact that Raditz was a particularly cruel individual thinking nothing of harming his younger brother to get what he wanted.

Goku grew up to respect life and people granting mercy to even the most vicious of foes when he believes they are defeated, always giving them the option to change their ways and become a force for good. Because of this nature, Goku amassed and created a great deal of friends even from former foes like Piccolo, Tenshinhan and Yamcha (although most of these characters rarely appeared by the end of Dragon Ball Z). Goku has always loved his family and friends deeply and because of this he chose to stay deceased after the Cell Saga despite the ability to resurrect him being available. He made this decision believing that the majority of the threats to Earth and its inhabitants had occurred because of him. (Freeza coming to Earth, Cell and the Androids being created, and Garlic Jr.'s actions following his escape from the Dead Zone were all for their own or someone else's revenge on Goku)

Despite his laid back nature, in battle Goku is very serious and his love for his friends and the Earth gives him a determination and power that few can ever compete with.

Dragon Ball

In the original series Son Goku is first seen as a young boy living in the wilderness. He is seemingly normal except for ignorance of the world, his great strength, and his tail. In the original Dragon Ball series, he accompanies Bulma as they try to acquire the seven Dragon Balls. Who ever collects them all will have one wish granted. During their initial quest Goku confronts Yamcha who at first challenges Goku, but is soon overcome and then joins him. Goku owns both the Kinto'un (Flying Nimbus) and the Nyoi-bo (Power Pole). After the quest finishes, Goku begins to train with Muten-Rôshi (Master Roshi), and develops into one of the most powerful fighters on Earth. His fellow student Kuririn (Krillin) is a rival at first, but they soon become best friends.

After the first Tenka'ichi Budôkai (World Martial Arts tournament) Goku participates in, he leaves once more in search of his grandfather's Four-Star Dragon Ball, the Sushinchu. Along the way he must confront the ruthless Red Ribbon Army who are also seeking the seven Dragon Balls and have no scruples with killing anyone — not even women or children — who get in their way. However, Goku manages to overpower the army numerous times and they are forced to call in the World's Deadliest Assassin, Tao Pai Pai (Mercenary Tao) to "take care of" him. But against all odds he manages to defeat the infamous hired killer and defeats the entire Red Ribbon Army.

Goku's next major opponent would be Tenshinhan (Tien), a warrior trained by Roshi's nemesis, Tsuru-Sen'nin (Master Shen). Like Yamcha before him, Tenshinhan eventually sides with Goku.

Right after the end of the 22nd Tenka'ichi Budôkai, Demon King Piccolo, the evil half of Kami, appears, and after killing Kuririn, wants to destroy all martial artists on Earth to ensure his unchallenged rule. It's a difficult series of battles, but Goku eventually manages to defeat the demon and avenges Kuririn's death. Moments before Piccolo's death however, he manages to spit out an egg that contains his offspring, Piccolo Junior.

After the difficult battle with the Demon King, Goku decides to accept the grueling training of Kami, the Guardian of Earth. He trains for three long years after which he participates in the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budôkai. King Piccolo's offspring, Piccolo Junior, much to the horror of everyone, also competes in the tournament. Piccolo proves to be a great rival for Goku, as he is determined to avenge his father.

After a long and very close battle, Piccolo becomes desperate to defeat Goku after nothing had seemed to work. He decides to use his Chobakuretsumaha as a weapon to defeat Goku. After an enormous blast, Goku is left unaffected and Piccolo looks on in horror at his situation.

Goku then proceeds to pummel Piccolo badly, and after Piccolo collapses in pain, Goku blasts him with a powerful Kamehameha attack. Piccolo lies still, and it appears he is defeated. However Piccolo has only been deceiving Goku, and pretending that he has been vanquished. The countdown begins and just when it seems Goku has triumphed, Piccolo gains the advantage in a surprise Kochikarakikouha (a blast from the mouth) attack and cripples Goku through his right ribcage, and then Piccolo proceeds to destroy Goku's body piece by piece, by breaking his leg, burning his arm, and attacking Goku's wound thus rendering Goku immobile.

Piccolo then rises to the sky above and uses his very powerful Bakurikimaha (a charged energy blast) attack as a final weapon to destroy Goku, however Goku manages to avoid it and defeats Piccolo in a surprise attack of his own by smashing headfirst into Piccolo's midsection, making Goku the champion of the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budôkai.

At the end of the original Dragon Ball series, the newly engaged Goku journeys off with Chi Chi on several adventures, and at the end of the series they marry, bringing Dragon Ball to its conclusion.

Dragon Ball Z

Saiyan Saga
At the start of the Dragon Ball Z series, Goku built a family with his wife Chi-Chi, and their son, Son Gohan. New threats soon arrive as Raditz, Goku's previously unknown brother, arrives from outer space. Raditz reveals to Goku his Saiyan heritage, and informs him that he was originally sent to Earth to destroy the planet (however, he apparently bumped his head, got amnesia, and lost all knowledge of his Saiyan warrior heritage, thus giving him a good-hearted personality). When Goku refuses to carry out his forgotten mission, Raditz quickly defeats him and kidnaps Gohan in an attempt to convince him otherwise.

To defeat Raditz and save the earth, Goku and his rival Piccolo must join forces. Even with their combined strength however, Raditz still holds the upper hand, until Goku makes the ultimate sacrifice by holding Raditz in place so Piccolo can kill them both with his Makankōsappō(Special Beam Cannon).

In Heaven, Goku learns that two more powerful Saiyans will arrive on the Earth within a year and decides to travel along Snake Way to the planet of North Kaiô (King Kai) for additional training. He masters several new techniques and increases his strength considerably. His friends on Earth manage to wish him back to life using the seven Dragon Balls just in time for him to join the battle against the Saiyans, which was already underway and going badly for the defenders of Earth.

By now, most of the Z Fighters are gone, as Yamcha, Tenshinhan (Tien), Piccolo and Chaozu (Chiaotzu) all died due to the actions of the vicious Saiyan, Nappa. Goku has become powerful enough to defeat Nappa without much difficulty, but is pushed to his limits by the strength of Vegeta. Vegeta is far stronger than Goku who is only able to keep up and eventually overcome him via the Kaiô-ken technique and the timely intervention of his remaining companions Kuririn (Krillin) and Son Gohan. After the fight Kuririn attempts to take Vegeta's life but is stopped by Goku who convinces him to spare Vegeta in hopes that he can one day fight him again. He also believes that by giving Vegeta a second chance he'll possibly become good and change his evil ways.

Freeza Saga
Kuririn (Krillin), Son Gohan, and Bulma then head to Planet Namek to use the Namekian Dragon Balls to wish their friends back to life. On his way to join his friends, Goku trains under 100x Earth's gravity to further boost his power.

Once again Goku enters the battle already in progress, this time saving Son Gohan, Kuririn, and Vegeta from the assault of Frieza's Ginyu Force. He is taken by surprise by their leader Captain Ginyu who has the ability to switch bodies with anyone he sees fit. Critically injuring himself, Ginyu then swaps bodies with the more powerful Goku. Goku manages to get his body back after intercepting a beam sent by Ginyu to swap bodies with Vegeta after being pummeled by the Z Fighters.

Goku then undergoes a recovery process inside Frieza's spaceship, emerging again to join another fight in progress, where Vegeta meets his demise against Frieza. The battle against Frieza is furious, as he seems to be invincible. Even Goku's most powerful attack, the Genki Dama (Spirit Bomb), fails to defeat the warrior. However, when Frieza kills Kuririn and critically injures Piccolo, Goku, in anger, taps into his inner power reserves and transforms into a legendary Super Saiyan. While his friends escape the crumbling planet, Super Saiyan Goku fights and eventually defeats the merciless Frieza just before Planet Namek explodes. His friends, who were teleported to Earth, believe him to be dead.

Cell Saga
When Goku returns to Earth, he is confronted by Trunks, a half-Saiyan son of Vegeta and Bulma from the future, who tests his strength in battle. Satisfied, Trunks gives Goku medicine for a heart disease that he will contract later and warns him about two Androids that will threaten the Earth in three years. Goku trains himself for this new threat during this time span.

On the initial assault with the Androids, Goku is bested by Android 19 when he begins to drastically weaken from the heart disease he was warned of. Despite believing Trunks story of the future, he did not believe that he could be killed by a heart disease and neglected to take the medicine he was given. However, Vegeta manages to save him. Goku then spends the rest of the fight against the Androids recovering from the disease.

When Cell absorbs Android 17 and transforms into his second stage, Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, and Trunks go into the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to obtain a year of training under heavy gravity in one day. Despite Vegeta and Future Trunks' training, Cell manages to absorb Android 18 and reach his perfect form. However, instead of killing Trunks and Vegeta, Cell suprises everyone by deciding to hold a 'Cell Games' tournament in which the Earth's greatest fighters must attempt to defeat Cell or the world will be destroyed. Cell decides that the tournament will be held in 10 days time.

While in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, Goku realizes that brute strength will not be enough to end Cell, as the Ultra Super Saiyan form Trunks achieved has a major weakness in speed. He decides that he and Gohan will perfect the form of Super Saiyan by maintaining the transformation permanently until it no longer requires excessive energy to utilise. During the tournament, Goku is first to face Cell and Goku finds himself almost equally matched by Cell in every way. Goku enjoys the fight but realises that their only hope for victory lies with his son Gohan. He decides to let Gohan, who is only 11 years old at that time and possessed a profound power deep inside that's kindled by anger, greater than even Goku's power himself, fight in his place.

Cell does not take Goku's assessment of Gohan's abilities seriously and simply tries to defeat Gohan easily. But quickly, Gohan is forced to unleash his incredible power, and transform into a Super Saiyan 2. Gohan's power is now double that of Cell's, and he has the ability to finish Cell off. However, Gohan's arrogance is amplified by the power he now possesses and Goku is forced to step in with the "Instant Transmission" technique when Cell attempts to self-destruct and destroy the entire planet. Goku teleports Cell and himself to King Kai's planet and dies in the explosion. Cell manages to recover however and due to his saiyan cells, his power doubles and he brutally cripples Gohan. During the final battle, Goku spiritually motivates Gohan from beyond to help give Gohan the confidence in his abilities he needs to fuel the Kamehameha attack, which successfully obliterates Cell.

Buu Saga
In the afterlife, Goku spends his time training and facing (Deceased) heroes from other quadrants of the universe in battle. His strength and fighting ability increases substantially over the years to the point that he achieves both Super Saiyan 2 and Super Saiyan 3. On the day of the revival of the Tenka'ichi Budôkai, Goku is given special permission to return to Earth for one day to participate in it. It is soon interrupted by an incident initiated by the evil wizard Babidi.

Goku and the Z-Fighters travel to Babidi's ship and are forced to face several of Babidis henchmen, unwittingly giving power to Buu's resurrection. During these battles, Vegeta is returned to his evil ways by Babidi's magic and Goku is forced to face Vegeta in battle. During the fight however, Buu is released which both Goku and Vegeta sense. Goku asks Vegeta to help him defeat Buu to which Vegeta agrees before knocking Goku unconscious and going to face Buu himself.

Upon awakening, Goku finds no trace of Earths other mightiest heroes, Gohan and Vegeta and with Goku's time on Earth running out he decides to teach Goten and Trunks the fusion dance technique, believing that together they can defeat Buu. Goku faces Buu in combat, unveiling for the first time his Super Saiyan 3 transformation, and easily takes on the mystical being for the fight. The transformation however burns up the majority of Gokus energy and he is forced to return to the Afterlife earlier than expected.

In the Afterlife, Goku learns that Gohan is alive and training with the Kais and teleports to his location. As Gohan trains, Goku observes the fight on Earth through a crystal ball as Gotenks faces Buu. Gohan, fully trained, returns to Earth to face Buu but he fails so Rou Dai Kaioshin surrenders his life-force to Goku so that Goku can return to life. Goku returns to Earth with the Potara fusion earrings to fuse with Gohan but Gohan loses his earring and Goku is forced to turn Super Saiyan 3 again to hold off Buu while Gohan searches for the lost item. During the battle, Gohan is absorbed and adds to Buu's power.

However, the newly revived Vegeta appeared and though hesistant, agrees to fuse with Goku to form the strongest character in the DBZ series, Vegetto.

Vegetto outclasses Super Buu and easily overpowers his efforts against him. Vegetto taunts Buu into purposely absorbing him in order to gain entry to Buu's insides and rescue Gohan, Piccolo, Goten and Trunks. However, the mystical properties of Buu defuse Vegetto into Goku and Vegeta once inside. While attempting to escape with their friends Vegeta removes the absorbed Fat Buu from Buu's insides resulting in Super Buu transforming into Kid Buu. During this transformation, Vegeta, Goku and their still unconscious friends escape to safety.

Kid Buu destroys the Earth in an extreme show of power while Kibito Kai teleports the survivors to the Kai's planet, however Gohan, Goten, Trunks and Piccolo are lost.

When Buu finds them, Goku faces Buu in battle. The two seem evenly matched, but the power needed to maintain Goku's Super Saiyan 3 form winds up rendering Goku nearly helpless. Out of desperation Goku begins to gather his Genki Dama (Spirit Bomb) while drawing energy from all the humans on Earth (which was brought back by a wish from the Namekian Dragon Balls). Vegeta, despite being nowhere near Buu's power level, manages to keep him occupied until Mr. Satan convinces the earthlings to lend the Genki Dama their energy. Unfortunately Buu's resiliance allows him to hold off the incredible attack; so with the last Namekian Dragon Ball wish, Vegeta wishes for Goku's full strength to be returned. Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan and overpower Buu with Genki Dama, completely obliterating him, once and for all.

Goku continued to train after this battle in-between spending time with his family and friends, even Vegeta. 10 years later at the Tenka'ichi Budokai, the fighters come together again to take part but Goku leaves as soon as he meets (Uub), the reincarnation of Buu. Goku then leaves to train with Uub so they can someday fight again and determine who is the not only the stronger of them, but the strongest in the universe.

Dragon Ball GT (Non-canon)

Bebi Saga
Goku is wished back into a kid by Emperor Pilaf. The wish was made on the Black Star Dragon Balls. As a result, Goku must travel the universe and return them to Earth or else the planet will explode from the negative energy created by the wish. In the course of his travels he encounters a creature known as Bebi(Baby), who is in fact the last surviving Tuffle, the original inhabitants of Planet Vegeta. Bebi is a machine mutant who was created by Doctor Myuu; however, Bebi actually created Dr. Myuu first.

Eventually, Bebi arrives on Earth and starts wreaking havoc. He begins by planting a seed in everyone on Earth thus making them all believe they are Tuffles and that Bebi is their leader. After infecting and controlling most of the Saiyans (like a parasite), Bebi finds himself ultimately in the body of Vegeta and controls him; (afterwards he is referred to as Bebi Vegeta by fans, but is still called Bebi in the show).

Pan, Trunks, and Goku arrive on Earth to return the Dragon Balls, but soon discover what has happened. After a short fight with Bebi, Goku discovers that he can not sustain Super Saiyan 3 while still being a child. After being pummeled by Bebi Vegeta, Goku is weak and defenseless and Bebi Vegeta uses the Revenge Death Ball to finish off Goku. Kibitoshin arrives just as the bomb strikes to save Goku and bring him to the Kai's planet.

Believing that Goku is dead, Bebi Vegeta uses the Black Star Dragon Balls to wish Planet Plant (home world of the Saiyans and Tuffles, named 'Planet Vegeta' in the Funimation English dub) into Earth's orbit. He renames it the Tuffle Planet and moves all of the earthlings to it using Capsule Corporation's Doomsday Rocket.

Meanwhile, on the Planet of the Kaioshin, Elder Kai hatches a plan to "solve Goku's energy problem" by re-growing Goku's tail. Progress is slow at first, but Goku has an idea about how to accelerate the process. After a very painful procedure where the tail is pulled out by a pair of pliers, Goku returns to the Tuffle planet to confront Bebi.

During the battle with Bebi Vegeta, Goku is able to sustain his Super Saiyan 3 form but is still no match for his opponent. As he lies on the ground, defenseless, he gazes at Earth and realizes he has failed it. But instead of dying, looking at the Earth causes Goku to transform into an Oozaru. Although powerful, Goku has no control over his Golden Oozaru form. With Pan's help, Goku is able to regain control and become a Super Saiyan 4.

Bebi Vegeta is no match against a Super Saiyan 4. In desperation, Bulma (who's under Bebi's control) uses a Blutz wave generator that causes Bebi Vegeta to transform into an Oozaru. Goku's situation becomes bad, but after a lengthy battle, Goku succeeds in defeating Bebi Vegeta and leaving Bebi defenseless. In desperation, Bebi leaves Vegeta's body and tries to escape from the Tuffle Planet but Goku uses his Kamehameha attack to destroy Bebi and blast his remains into the sun.

Super 17 Saga
Goku fights in the world martial arts tournament, having to fight in the junior division due to his child status and a height requirement. His opponent, though weak, wins by tickling Goku while he is talking to Vegeta, resulting in Goku falling out of the ring. Goku and friends are at home eating until a badly beaten up Trunks arrives, saying he was beaten up by Android #17, and that he told him to tell Goku to go to hell to set things straight. Goku leaves for hell, where he meets Dr. Myuu, and Dr. Gero, who leave and seal the exit behind them, trapping Goku in the afterlife. To worsen matters, two of his oldest and worst enemies appear, Cell and Frieza. After a short fight Cell and Frieza perform a new technique trapping Goku into a tornado that drags him down to the deepest part of hell, where an old lady traps Goku within a block of ice with an ice machine.

With Cell and Frieza deciding how to kill Goku, it looks like it is the end, until they all realize that the ice machine does not work effectively on the living and the ice holding Goku begins to melt. After his escape, Goku freezes Freeza and Cell in ice and then shatters them, albeit accidentally.

Goku still trapped in hell, thinking for a way to get out, asks King Yemma for help, to which Yemma responds that his powers are being blocked and he cannot release Goku. Piccolo contacts Yemma and asks him to transport him to Goku, but Yemma refuses as Piccolo should not be in Hell. Piccolo destroys half of Heaven to force Yemma's action and Yemma is forced to teleport Piccolo to hell to help Goku. Piccolo and Dende create a portal between the living world and hell to allow Goku's escape.

Goku battles the newly fused Super 17 after Piccolo frees him from his trap in hell. With the help of 18 who is mad at 17 because he killed her husband, Krillin, Goku is able to defeat him by flying straight through him with the Dragon Fist, and then following up with several Kamehameha attacks through the wounded 17's stomach.

Shadow Dragon Saga
When the dragon, Shenlong, is summoned to revive those killed by Super 17, the Dragon Balls crack, and a different, cigar-smoking Dragon appears in its place. This "Black Smoke Dragon" promptly splits into seven evil Dragons, each with a cracked Dragon Ball in its forehead. Goku and his companions fight valiantly to defeat these new Dragons. However, after six of the seven are defeated, the One Star Dragon, Yi Xinglong, absorbs the other Dragon Balls into himself, forming Super Yi Xinglong (aka Omega Shenron). Goku defeats him after the most difficult battle of his life, including a fusion with Vegeta to form the strongest fighter ever, Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta, that does not succeed in putting the One Star Dragon down permanently. Afterwards, the real Shenlong appears once again, saying that no more wishes will be granted for a long time. Goku, in exchange for one more wish, decides to accompany the Dragon, falling asleep on its back as it flies away. The seven Dragon Balls are absorbed into Goku's body, and the dragon and Goku vanish.

A century later, an aged Pan sits in the stands of the Tenka'ichi Budôkai to cheer on her grandson, Goku Junior. As the young boy enters the ring, his opponent appears: it is a distant descendant of Vegeta's, Vegeta Junior. The two fight, and quickly astonish each other by becoming Super Saiyans. As Pan watches, she catches a glimpse of a familiar face in the stands: her grandfather, Son Goku. When she tries to follow him, however, he disappears, but Pan knows that he has returned. With the battle of his descendant finished, Goku now walks along the outside of the Tenkaichi Budokai arena, remembers every major event in his lifetime through a dramatic 3 part flashback during his walking, looks in every direction in his path, and at last looks up into the sky and flys upward. With his destiny long since fulfilled, and his Great-Great-Grandson's just beginning, he makes one last wave to us, the viewers, catches his power pole, and flys off on the Nimbus to wherever it's taking him: Thus the Dragon Ball anime Trilogy comes to an end.

Forms and transformations

As a member of the Saiyan race, Goku possesses a large number of transformations that enhance his abilities to varying degrees and alters his physical appearance. Goku is the only Saiyan in the entirety of the Dragon Ball series to obtain all possible Saiyan transformations. These forms are listed in the order they were attained.

Normal
This is Goku's normal form (See Appearance). His appearance remains the same over the course of the entire series, though his basic level of power greatly increases from training and injury as time progresses. This in turn boosts the power potential for all his transformations. When any transformation is cancelled due to unconsciousness, depletion of energy, death or self-reversion, Goku returns to this form.

Oozaru
This form was a powerful but uncontrollable state common to all Saiyans where the user transforms into a large, ape-like creature, commonly referred to as a were-ape. As a child, Goku was able to use this form, growing to a size that rivalled small buildings. His eyes turned red and his body became coated in a thick, brown fur. In this form, Goku became an incredible force to be reckoned with but has no control over his actions at all, his mind overcome with a primal rage. This form was never used again by Goku after Dragonball due to his tail being removed.

Super Saiyan
Goku was the first Saiyan in the series to achieve this transformation during his fight with Frieza. After Frieza murdered Kuririn, seriously hurt Piccolo, and with his son Gohan in the path of danger, Goku was overcome with rage and the motivation to stop Frieza once and for all, transforming into the Super Saiyan state. This form granted him a large increase in speed, strength and energy.

In this transformation, his hair changes from black to blonde and stands on its ends. When surrounded by an aura it appears to have a more golden look. His eyes change from black to a blue-green as well and he gains more muscle in this form.

Ascended Super Saiyan
Goku achieved this form after training in the Room of Spirit and Time upon Kami's Tower by continuously increasing his power, forcing his body to grow to contain the energy. Though it granted him a huge power increase, he decided against ever using it in battle, instead preferring to perfect his Super Saiyan 1 transformation.

Goku's hair appears to slightly sharpen in this form, but the most significant change in this form is his increase in muscle mass.

Ultra Super Saiyan
Goku achieved this form inside the Room of Spirit and Time while training with Son Gohan. Further increasing his energy, he still appeared to be a Super Saiyan but his muscle mass was greatly over-developed. He decided against using such a form, because such a power increase with an offset of a decrease in speed would have indicated that it would be impossible to defeat Perfect Cell. Therefore, Goku decided to use a different route in achieving the power he needed to combat Perfect Cell.

Super Saiyan, Full-Power
Goku learned to perfect the Super Saiyan form with Gohan, so that he could remain in Super Saiyan form indefinitely, and without consuming energy, or straining himself. He could also focus more power into his body and attacks in this state, without burning himself out, because he had adjusted to the rigours of the Super Saiyan form.

Super Saiyan 2
Goku first revealed this ability during his battle against Majin Vegeta in the Buu Saga. Though it is never seen where Goku learns this form, it can be assumed he unlocked this transformation while in the afterlife. The form granted Goku further enhancements in speed and strength, though physically he changed very little from the Super Saiyan 1 form.

In the Super Saiyan 2 form, his hair is much more defined to create more individual spikes. Strands become sharper in appearance and three strands of hair instead of five now cover his face. When utilising power in this form, Goku's body would become surrounded in a golden aura of energy and sparks of electricity would randomly spark across his body.

Super Saiyan 3
This was the final transformation Goku achieved by the end of DBZ and Goku was the only character to ever use the form without having fused with another character first. He displayed this form first during the Buu Saga against Majin Buu and admits that he achieved it while training in the afterlife. The form was the strongest transformation available in the DBZ universe but consumed large amounts of Gokus energy, reducing his time on the Earth substantially. Again, the form augmented Goku's current strength, speed and energy levels but to a higher degree than those provided by Super Saiyan 1 or Super Saiyan 2.

In this state, his hair strands are clearly defined and his hair increases in length, growing down to his waist, his eyebrows disappear, and his face is more lean, giving him a more serious look. Goku's irises turn green but his pupils remain black.

Golden Oozaru
Goku achieved this transformation in DBGT after being transformed into a much younger version of himself and having his Saiyan tail restored to his body. This state allowed him to transform into a rampaging, mindless, Super Sayain Oozaru with golden fur instead of brown/black. This body allows him to contain greater levels of power than ever before. The raw, animal rage combined with the increase in raw strength made him a terrible force of destruction. When his granddaughter Pan managed to calm the raging Goku, the Oozaru power was condensed and focused allowing him to transform into the Super Saiyan 4 state.

Super Saiyan 4
Goku achieved this state during his battle with Bebi Vegeta in DBGT. After being calmed down in the Golden Oozaru state, his mind was allowed to focus, and he was able to control his power and transform into a Super Saiyan 4, shrinking from the Oozaru form down to his regular humanoid dimensions; but he looked a great deal more different than any previous transformation before. For Goku, this form gives him black hair which extend down a little of his back and hang over his shoulder close to his neck, gold eyes and scarlet/cerise colored fur which covers his entire body except for hands, face, chest and assumedly feet. This appearance is unique to him for this transformation (Vegeta's SSJ4 is slightly different.)

Fusions

Vegetto
The Potara Saiyan Fusion between Goku and Vegeta, Vegetto, is considered to be one of the most powerful beings in Dragon Ball Z. He was created as a desperate plan by Rou Dai Kaioshin, to stop the powerful Majin Buu. Goku's relaxation and Vegeta's strategic mind enabled Vegetto to be quite an intelligent character without being overcome by arrogance as Vegeta alone would be, but still possessing the ruthlessness to kill Buu that Goku would lack.

Gogeta
The result of a Fusion Dance performed by Goku and Vegeta, Gogeta is considered to be one of the most formidable characters introduced in the series. Like Vegetto, Gogeta was formed out of desperation, though this one was to stop the powerful demon Janemba, rather than Majin Buu. Gogeta easily outclassed Janemba, and the demon was quickly disposed of in a heartbeat. Unlike with Potara Fusion, the Fusion Dance creates a perfect fusion of minds and personalities between the participants, so neither is dominant. Gogeta was also seen in Dragon Ball GT to help defeat Omega Shenron.

Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta
Gogeta returns in Dragon Ball GT, to stop the tremendously powerful Ii Shenlong (Omega Shenron in the FUNimation dub). This time, Goku and Vegeta fuse as Super Saiyan 4's, instead of Super Saiyans, and the Fusion Dance produced the most powerful being ever introduced in Dragon Ball history, Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta. Gogeta is far more powerful than anyone introduced in Dragon Ball, including his alternate side, Vegetto. Unfortunately, the strength of Gogeta is so great that the normal 30-minute duration of the Fusion Dance is cut to 15 minutes, due to the huge energy drain associated with maintaining the SSJ4 form.

Techniques and special abilities

Bukujutsu
This is the ability to fly using one's ki. Goku simply controls his energy and pushes out from underneath him allowing him to fly. The name 'Bukujutsu' means 'Air Dance'.

Energy Barrier
With this technique Goku can create a shield around himself which can withstand many attacks as long as he has enough ki to supply.

Fusion Dance

A character can temporarily fuse with someone else provided that they also know the fusion dance and are within the same power range. The effects last for about half an hour and require a resting period of one hour before it can be done again.

In Canon, Goku never performs this technique, he only teaches it to Trunks and Goten. In Movie 12 and in DBGT (which is outside canon) he fuses with Vegeta to create Gogeta.

Genki Dama

Perhaps Goku's most powerful attack, the Genki Dama draws energy from all life and places it in a deadly ki ball. Goku uses this against many of his more powerful opponents. The downside is that he is quite vulnerable during its lengthy creation time. It is called the Spirit Bomb in the English anime. Despite its power, it has only succeeded in destroying its target once in the entire manga.

Hasshuken
(Dubbed 'Eight Fists') When Goku fights Tien during the 22nd Tenka'ichi Budôkai (22nd World Martial Arts Tournament), Tenshinhan (Tien) uses his Four Supernatural Fists on Goku. In defense, Goku decides to use an eight-arm attack, which works even better. Because of the extra arms Goku is able to fight much faster and attack/block more often as each arm moves so fast as it seems to appear in four places at once. Those arms were nothing more then illusions, as Goku was moving his arms up and down extremely fast, making this technique have much in common with zanzoken.

Jan Ken
('Rock Scissors Paper Fist' in English) This is Goku's special attack in early Dragonball, but is soon replaced by the Kamehameha. The user shouts "Jan Ken", then a name corresponding to the attack. "Jan Ken Gu", equals rock and will be a strong punch. "Jan Ken Chyoki", equals scissors and will be a poke in the eyes. "Jan Ken Pa", equals paper and will be an open palm strike. In the English dub of Dragon Ball, the scissor part was cut.

Kaiô-ken
This ability allows Goku to multiply his speed and power by turning potential energy from the body into pure physical energy, often letting him work on an equal level against an initially more powerful foe. Because of the extreme increase of energy flowing through Goku and the increased stress on his body, this form is potentially fatal. Goku no longer uses Kaiô-ken once he is able to access the more potent Super Saiyan state. One exception to this was during the filler saga of the Other World Tournament final against Pikkon, where he used Kaiô-ken while a Super Saiyan; he called it Super Kaiô-ken. The kaio-ken is normally represented as a red aura surrounding the user.

Kamehameha

Goku's signature technique, the Kamehameha attack, is a powerful, constant stream of energy hurled at an opponent through the hands (or sometimes the feet). Goku has several other variations of this attack as well. In some instances, Goku has launched the Kamehameha with one hand.

  • Feet Kamehameha - (Ashi kara Kamehameha in Japan) This attack was first used by Goku against Piccolo at the 23rd Tenka'ichi Budôkai (World Martial Arts Tournament). He fired a Kamehameha from his feet to propel himself at Piccolo and leave his hands free at the same time.
  • Double Kamehameha- This attack was used only once in Movie #3 "Tree of Might". This is when he shoots a kamehameha out of both hands in different directions.
  • Super Kamehameha - (Chou Kamehameha in Japan) An even more powerful version of the Kamehameha developed by Goku.
  • Continuous Kamehameha - (Renzoku Kamehameha in Japan) Goku fires more than one Kamehameha.
  • Warp Kamehameha - (Shunkan Idou Kamehameha in Japan) Goku charges up the attack; then, right before he releases, he teleports in front of the target and releases the blast directly into it. This is also known as Instant Transmission Kamehameha, probably due to the Japanese translation.
  • Parent & Child Kamehameha - (Oyako Kamehameha in Japan, Father-Son Kamehameha in the Budokai video games) A dead person assists someone who is alive with a Kamehameha. Goku helps Gohan against Cell, and helps out Gohan and Goten against Broly in The Second Coming (non-canon, and the Movie 10 one used to be called the "Perfect Kamehameha" by fans).
  • 10x Kamehameha - This name is given to the red-colored Chou Kamehameha used by Goku while in his Super Saiyajin 4 form, in the Budokai videogames, but the name is never used in the actual series. Some fans are confused by the fact that SSJ4 Gogeta used something called the "Kamehameha x10" ("Juubei Kamehameha" in the Japanese version) against Ii Shenron, but this was an illusionary technique that didn't do any damage.

Kiai
This is a technique in which the user uses their voice and their Ki to deflect incoming Ki attacks, or to knock away opponents. Goku pushes Jheese and Baata around with a Kiai. A variation of this technique allows shockwaves of energy to be launched from the hands.

Kienzan
Goku can use a disk-shaped Ki attack that is similar to Krillin's Kienzan (also known as Destructo Disk). It is used only once, to cut Super Buu in half. It is shaped differently than the Kienzan, being thicker, rather than a flat disk with the rotating edge of sharp Ki that Krillin's technique has.

Kyoken
('Mad Dog fist' in English) This attack is used by Goku who acts like a dog, barking and jumping around to scare his opponent. He then jumps behind and kicks his surprised opponent.

Renzoku Kikou Dan
A machine gun ki attack, used by pretty much anyone who knows how to form balls or beams of energy. It is fairly powerful, especially if the defender is caught off guard, as many beams can be fired and the ones that hit have more power than the last. It is good as a distraction tactic too, firing a few of them before charging up a really big attack to finish it off. The disadvantage is that this attack can take its toll on the attacker, due to the large energy drain. He used this against Perfect Cell in the Cell Games in a desperate attempt to incinerate him, which upon doing this severely drained his ki.

Ryu Ken

Dragon Fist is a technique where Goku charges his energy into his fist and it creates a Shenlong-like dragon which drives through the opponent. It is often referred to as Super Dragon Fist.

Saruken
('Monkey fist' in English) This is a distraction move designed to confuse and taunt the opponent. Goku uses this in reaction to Jackie Chun's (Muten-Rôshi's alter-ego) use of the Suiken (Drunken fist).

Shunkan Idô

An ability Goku learned on his way back to Earth from Namek on a remote planet called Yardrat. It allows him to teleport nearly anywhere instantly so long as he focuses on a specific ki signal at the desired location or can see where he wants to go. He places two fingers on his forehead to focus on a power signal.

This ability is called Shunkan Idou, but it is also referred to as Instant Transmission in the English anime translation. Evidence points to the technique transporting the user instantly, rather than at a certain speed.

Spinning Cyclone
A technique used by Goku at the Tenka'ichi Budôkai (World Martial Arts Tournament). He spins quickly like the motion of a cyclone and then knocks into his opponents. It did not work as planned because he got dizzy when using it, so he only used it once. He used it as well in Dragon Ball GT in order to defeat Ryu Shinron, the 6-star Black Dragon.

Taiyoken
Also known as the Solar Flare (in the English anime translation) or Fist of the Sun. A technique learned from Tenshinhan, it creates an extremely bright light which can temporarily blind and stun those in close proximity.

Zanzôken
The user of this technique is able to move extremely fast over small distances, leaving an after-image behind. It can be considered a very short-range teleportation. In the English dub it's called "The Afterimage Technique".

Voice actors

In the English versions of Dragonball, the voice actors for Goku and many other characters of the series have changed as a result of the series' dubbers and translators changing companies and requiring recasting.

Toei Animation

FUNimation (Ocean Group):

FUNimation (in-house actors):

  • Sean Schemmel (Funimation Dubs of Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT and Season 5 of Dragon Ball)
  • Stephanie Nadolny (Kid Goku in Dragon Ball and "Kid" Goku Dragon Ball GT)

Blue Water Dub:

  • Zoe Slusar (Young Goku)
  • Jeremiah Yurk (Adult Goku)
Other:
  • Nenad Nenadović (Goku in Serbian Dragonball)
  • Laura Torres (Young Goku in the mexican Spanish dub)
  • Carlos Díaz (Goku in the 90's version of Dr. Slump Mexican Spanish dub)
  • Mario Castañeda (Adult Goku in the Mexican Spanish dub)
  • Henrique Feist (Portuguese (Portugal) dubs of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT, both kid and adult versions)
  • Wendell Bezerra (Portuguese (Brazil) dub of Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT)
  • Noeli Santisteban (Kid Goku in first Brazilian dub of Dragon Ball)
  • Ursula Bezerra (Kid Goku in Brazilian in second dub of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball GT)

Episode appearances

Goku as the main star of the show and having appeared in all 3 series of Dragonball has the most appearances of any character.

Dragonball Movies
Son Goku also appears in the following Dragon Ball Movies and Specials:

Appearances in other media

Video games

Manga

  • Goku appears as a cameo in the Neko Majin series as Neko Majin's teacher.

TV

  • In Japan, there is a short movie that features One Piece and Dragonball Z joining forces to take down Eneru who tried to destroy Japan. Both Luffy and Goku team up to put an end to his evil. (See here)
  • Characters personifying Goku and Gohan were featured in the Christmas special of Robot Chicken, in which Santa Claus asks Goku to save Christmas. Note: It is indicated in the episode that one of the characters is Gohan, but fans argue that it was Goten due to the hairstyle. However, Chibi Goku of Dragon Ball GT would be even more accurate, as then both the hairstyle and outfit would match.

Trivia

  • Being the main hero of Dragon Ball, Goku ironically does not kill any of the major villains in Dragon Ball Z. Freeza is killed by Trunks, Cell is killed by Gohan, and Majin Buu literally becomes good in the end.

In popular culture

  • Goku has commonly been referred to as the Japanese equivalent of Superman due to their similar origins (sent to another planet, homeworlds destroyed, found by a nice elderly person who raised him as his own) and powers (superstrength, flight, high-invulnerability). Also, both characters have died and been resurrected.
  • Naruto, a character from a popular anime series and manga titled after him, is inspired by Goku, his creator being a fan of Akira Toriyama. This is evidenced in the orange and blue combination of clothing that Naruto wears, his blonde (Super Saiyan) hair and his personality including an insatiable hunger, love of fighting, and urge to protect his family and friends. Other heroic main characters that have the same personality and happy appetite include the following:
  • The Dragon Ball universe began as a loose adaptation of the classic Chinese story, Journey to the West (despite departing rapidly from it) with Son Goku being an adaptation/homage of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. Similarities are Goku's prone for mischief as a child (due to his innocence), possession of Nyoibo (Sun Wukong staff that can fill the entire Universe), and Kinto'un (the magical cloud the 'Great Sage' rode on).
  • Andrew Wells, a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, references Goku and Vegeta's rivalry during an episode in the show's final season.
  • Goku is a playable character in the video game, Jump Superstars for the Nintendo DS. Goku is arguably the strongest character in the game as well. He goes up to the highest koma and has the highest HP bar. Goku is also able to do 999 damage.
  • In the 133rd edition of 'Wizard Magazine', a Superman vs Goku matchup was conducted. Goku won the fight quite easily, needing to just tap into the first Super Saiyan level to beat Superman. It has been argued the article had been unjust to Superman by showing him as being weak, and has been disregarded by many as nothing more then fanfiction due to inconsistencies in character portrayal that occur throughout the article.
  • Characters personifying Goku and Gohan were featured in the Christmas special of Robot Chicken, in which Santa Claus asks Goku to save Christmas. Note: It is indicated in the episode that one of the characters is Gohan, but fans argue that it was Goten due to the hairstyle. However, Chibi Goku of Dragon Ball GT would be even more accurate, as then both the hairstyle and outfit would match.
  • Another trait of Son Goku that is seen in many anime characters is how he gained most of his friends by fighting them (e.g. Krillin, Tienshinnhan, Yamcha, ect.). Examples of this trait are seen in many protagonists of shonen genre manga such as

See also





Dragon Ball characters | Z Fighters | Fictional swords | Fictional teleporters | Fictional warriors Fictional messiahs Superman pastiches | Fictional orphans | Fictional martial artists | Manga and anime protagonists | Son Goku | Son Goku (Dragon Ball) | Sangoku | סון גוקו | 손오공 | Goku | 孫悟空 (ドラゴンボール) | Son Goku | Goku | ซุน โกคู | 孙悟空 (漫画人物)

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Son Goku (Dragon Ball)".

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