Dragon Ball has introduced countless fascinating characters through movies, video games, and filler arcs. While some pose interesting possibilities, others have developed strong fan followings, making them candidates for an official debut in the main canon. With Dragon Ball Super expanding the series’ lore, there’s a chance for other characters to enter the main continuity.
Over the years, characters like Broly and Gogeta have successfully transitioned from non-canon to canon, proving that fan-favorites can be integrated into the series. With numerous characters to choose from, Dragon Ball has exciting possibilities to explore for the future of the series. However, among all these possibilities, some stand out more than others.
10
Lord Slug
Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug
Lord Slug is one of Dragon Ball’s most intriguing villains. As an ancient Super Namekian with immense power. Unlike most Namekians, Slug embraced conquest and destruction and aimed to use the Dragon Balls to restore his youth. As a character, Slug offers a chance for the series to further build up its lore surrounding the Namekians.
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Making Slug canon would also introduce another Super Namekian to the series and explore the devastation a Namekian could cause if turned evil. Should he ever appear in the series’ main continuity, he could serve as the bridge to explain the history of Namekians in greater detail. With a solid backstory and his abilities, Slug could easily become a major antagonist or a possible antihero.
9
Shadow Dragons
Dragon Ball GT Episodes 48-64
The Shadow Dragons in Dragon Ball GT were one of the most compelling ideas in the series, and their inclusion in the canon could add more depth to the lore of the Dragon Balls themselves. Unlike traditional villains, the Shadow Dragons are manifestations of the overuse and misuse of the Dragon Balls, making them direct consequences of the Z-Fighter’s actions. Their presence in the series would introduce a dark, karmic element to the storyline.
Bringing the Shadow Dragons into a canon could also push the characters to stop relying so heavily on the Dragon Balls when a new threat arises. Despite being a staple of the franchise, the overuse of the Dragon Balls lessens the stakes, as nearly anything could be restored by Shenron. If Dragon Ball were to introduce the consequences of using the orbs, it could create greater tension that elevates the series.
8
Garlic Jr.
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone and Dragon Ball Z Episodes 108-117
Garlic Jr. is one of the few villains from a movie to make a return, and yet he is still not part of the canon. As an immortal being with a vendetta against Kami and a desire to take over Earth, Garlic Jr. had ample lore and an intriguing arc in the Dragon Ball Z series. Compared to other filler content, Garlic Jr. was memorable and gave the Z-Fighters quite a bit of trouble.
A canon version of Garlic Jr. may even act as an opportunity for Gohan and Piccolo to step into another leading role. Garlic Jr.’s grudge against Earth’s protectors, particularly Gohan and Piccolo, might create a compelling antagonist arc. With the right story, Garlic Jr. could emerge as an unexpected force to contend with.
7
Tapion
Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon
Tapion is one of Dragon Ball’s most well-received movie characters due to his complexity as a tragic hero. He is introduced as a legendary figure from the planet Konats and acts as the vessel for the upper half of Hirudegarn. With a rich backstory and character design, Tapion would provide a refreshing change of pace to the series’ martial arts-based combat.
Furthermore, his relationship with Trunks provides an opportunity for character development and acts as inspiration for Trunks to take up swordsmanship. Hirudegarn could also act as a striking and eye-catching villain for the heroes to confront. If Tapion is introduced into the series, he could easily become a fan-favorite as a tragic, legendary hero, boasting one of the most nuanced backstories in the franchise.
6
Baby
Dragon Ball GT Episodes 17-40
Baby is one of the best antagonists in Dragon Ball GT, harboring a deep personal grudge against the Saiyans. As the last survivor of the Tuffles, he embodies the consequences of the Saiyans’ brutality. Unlike most villains who seek power for its own sake, Baby’s drive for vengeance and his parasitic nature make him a unique and terrifying villain in the series.
Baby captured viewers’ attention by successfully taking over the minds of nearly everyone on Earth, including Vegeta and Bulma, which made him all the more terrifying as an enemy. He was one of the greatest threats in the series and nearly won before inevitably being beaten by Goku. However, making Baby canon could raise the stakes in the series and provide a deeper understanding of the Saiyan race as a whole.
5
Android 21
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Android 21 is one of the most fascinating non-canon characters, as she is an amalgamation of Red Ribbon technology and Majin-like abilities. A popular theory suggests that she is based on Vomi, Dr. Gero’s deceased wife. This would add a personal element to her existence that ties in to both Dr. Gero and Dr. Hedo. If canonized, this connection would expand on Dragon Ball Super’s exploration of Gero and his advanced scientific capabilities.
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By connecting Android 21 to Vomi, the series could strengthen Super’s revival of the Red Ribbon Army. Android 21’s split personality would also create an intriguing character arc as she struggles between her good side and her evil one. With Vomi’s appearance in Super Hero, the series may be on track to bring Android 21 into the main storyline, making her the most likely candidate to become the next canonized character after Broly and Gogeta.
4
Bojack
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
Bojack is one of Dragon Ball Z’s most underutilized movie villains despite his potential. As a cold-hearted space pirate who was imprisoned by the Kais, Bojack has plenty to offer the series. As a character driven by galactic conquest, Bojack could easily fit into Super’s narrative, and paired with his ability to transform, he could pose a true threat to Goku and the Z-Fighters.
Bojack could provide the franchise with an opportunity to explore the Kais and their role in the broader universe. With his own team, Bojack would introduce a fresh dynamic to the battles, leading to an engaging saga. As a pirate who was sealed away, Bojack poses a significant threat to the universe while also allowing for an expansion of the celestial lore.
3
Cooler
Dragon Ball Z: Cooler’s Revenge and Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
Cooler was introduced to the series as the eldest son of King Cold and the older brother of Frieza. Following Frieza’s defeat on Namek, he becomes driven by revenge, resulting in a confrontation on Earth. Cooler later returned to the series in a second movie as Meta-Cooler on New Namek, presenting an even greater threat to the universe.
Cooler is one of the most popular non-canon villains, and his return adds depth to Frieza’s lineage. Unlike his brother. Cooler is more composed and strategic and possesses a unique transformation outside Frieza’s capabilities. If Cooler appears in the current series, he and Frieza could become the series’ most formidable enemies.
2
Janemba
Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
Janemba is one of the most eye-catching villains in the series, with the ability to warp reality. With his power to manipulate evil energy and space, he poses a massive threat to the Z-Fighters. Janemba is a villain with far more than brute strength and is one of the few characters who can destabilize the fabric of the universe.
Janemba has great potential for the series, and as a visually striking character with unique abilities, there’s little doubt he will gain massive popularity. Additionally, bringing him into the main continuity would offer the chance to expand on his character and provide a chance to see a greater extent of his power. With the powerful transformations appearing in Super, Janemba may be the one to pose the greatest threat.
1
Pikkon
Dragon Ball Z Episodes 195-199
Pikkon became an instant fan favorite after the Other World Tournament arc in Dragon Ball Z. With his powerful fighting skills and collected demeanor, Pikkon quickly made a name for himself among fans and appeared in the film Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn. He proved to be a worthy rival and ally for Goku and Earth’s heroes.
Pikkon is indeed an intriguing character, yet he would gain from a more developed backstory. With a strong moral compass, he has the potential to be a powerful and respected force in the franchise. Despite his limited appearances, Pikkon remains one of Dragon Ball’s most memorable characters.
Dragon Ball
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- First Film
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Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
- Latest TV Show
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Super Dragon Ball Heroes
Summary
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
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