Vegeta’s redemption arc in theDragon Ballfranchise is one of anime’s best and most beloved. Despite his beginning as a ruthless conqueror who cared only for himself, the prince of all Saiyans has grown into a trusted member of the Z Fighters, a caring father, and a loving husband. His character development has often been praised by fans, who believe it is better than any other in the series.
Yet, when studying Vegeta’s life in-depth, there is no denying that his best contributions to the franchise have been as a villain. While the prince has become a cherished hero,many of his best episodescome from his early days as Goku’s nemesis. A large majority of the fandom agrees that Vegeta’s prime happened before he became a hero.
Vegeta’s Most Iconic Moments Feature Him as a Villain
The Prince Shined Brighter as an Antagonist
Introduced during the Saiyan Invasion arc of theDragon Ballmanga, Vegeta was once a ruthless conqueror who traveled the galaxy looking for weak planets to control. He arrived on Earth with his companion Nappa to find the titular treasure, as he wished to become immortal. After his defeat, Vegeta began a path to redemption that fans of Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece are quite familiar with. Nonetheless, his most iconic and memorable moments came from his time as Goku’s bitter archnemesis.
Vegeta’s role as Earth’s defender has been without a doubt vital for the story, andhis redemption journey is by far one of the best in the industry. Still, fans have always remembered fondly his initial fight against Goku and his friends, a time during which Vegeta could prove himself as a warrior. His introduction to the franchise was unlike any other villain until that point, as he was giventhe prestigious role of being Kakarot’s opposite. Even though the protagonist can see parts of himself in all his previous opponents, the prince is his best and ultimate foil.
Dragon Ball’s Creator Forgot to Inform the Anime Team About a Major Vegeta Detail, Changing the Saiyan For Good
One of Vegeta’s defining characteristics in Dragon Ball came about when Akira Toriyama forgot to share an important detail with the anime team.
Vegeta brought to the series a character who, like Goku, seeks strong opponents and whose growth as a fighter was never over. Still, in contrast to Kakarot, the prince did not battle for the fun of it or because he had loved ones to save.Vegeta fought and lived only for himself, as not even his life-long companion Nappa was safe from his wrath. He was a complete and shocking antithesis to everything the main character of the manga stood for. No other villain has ever fulfilled this role as effectively as the prince.
Vegeta’s Role as a Hero Is Often Lackluster
Goku Tends to Keep All the Spotlight
Ever since Vegeta became a hero, fans have raised the same complaint every time a major villain threatens the main cast:he is never given a true chance to shine. During almost all subsequent arcs after the prince’s redemption, he has been given a supportive or unimportant role. Whenever it is time for the saga’s antagonist to be defeated, followers know that Goku will be the one to put an end to them. The moments in which Vegeta was able to prove himself as the elite warrior he truly is have been few and far between.
When he was a villain, Vegeta had no one stopping him from acting in any way he wanted, which allowed fans to see his true skills as a fighter. For many followers, his prime was during the Namek Saga, as he was allowed to help the heroes without being one himself. The prince could be seen fighting unabated, doing whatever was necessary to demonstrate to the world he was a member of the Saiyan elite. Having him still harbor anger and hatred towards Goku and his friends keeps the readers in constant tension.
There was no guarantee for the main characters that Vegeta would not betray them if it were convenient for him. This ultimately did not happen, as the prince was forced to find refuge on Earth after his iconic fight against Frieza. Another incredible example of how much better developed Vegeta is as a character was seen during the Majin Buu Saga.Majin Vegeta is one of the most popular iterations of this beloved Saiyan. The prince obtained his full strength when he accepted the evil inside him.
Vegeta Still Struggles With Dark Emotions
His Training With Beerus Proved He Is Still Not as Pure as Goku
In chapter #69 of theDragon Ball Supermanga, the most powerful God of Destruction, Beerus, reveals to Vegeta that he has the potential to harness the power of Destruction. The prince had a uniquely destructive soul inside him, and he only needed to harness the darkness inside him to access it. Throughout the Granolah the Survivor Saga, Vegeta did just this, allowing himself to embrace the destructive thoughts that he had kept hidden for so many years.
In the end,he decided to stop pursuing this power because he did not want to be defined by his past, a decision that shocked fans. Nevertheless, it also proved that even though Vegeta actively avoids becoming a villain once again, the twisted and egotistical conqueror Goku met still lives inside him. His story is one of self-control, perseverance, and a true desire to become better, something that is not common in anime.
Vegeta Will Remain One of the Most Iconic Heroes
His Past Does Not Define Goku’s Rival
Although Vegeta’s time as a hero has not been as spectacular as his villainous arcs, he has become one of the best and most admirable warriors inDragon Ball. His hatred for Goku has fully transformed into a respectful rivalry, with both characters pushing each other to become better. If not for Vegeta, it is unlikely that the protagonist would have reached the impressive level he is at now.
Vegeta is no longer a villain, and that decision should be loved and celebrated by fans, as the series would not be the same without Goku’s rival by his side.Dragon Ballis a complex and emotive story that completely revolutionized the Shonen genre. Toriyama’s work is proof that there is good inside everyone, andVegeta’s redemption is an amazing example.
Dragon Ball Z
Cast
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku, who lives a peaceful life with his family until the arrival of Raditz, a mysterious warrior claiming to be Goku’s brother. This revelation unveils their true heritage as Saiyans, a formidable warrior race known for conquering planets.
