Son Goku
A Saiyan heart beats within a hero who fights for everyone.
Son Goku is the primary protagonist of the Dragon Ball Super series and a Saiyan raised on Earth who has consistently pushed the boundaries of martial arts to protect his friends and universe. Originally sent as an infant from Planet Vegeta, he grew up believing he was human until discovering his alien heritage later in life, yet his heart remains deeply tied to Earth and its inhabitants.
Quick Facts
- Franchise
- Dragon Ball
- Species
- Saiyan
- Occupation
- Martial artist; Radish farmer
- Creator
- Akira Toriyama
- Based on
- Sun Wukong (Monkey King), Wu Cheng'en
- First
- Dragon Ball chapter #1 Bulma and Son Goku
- December 3
- 1984 (Weekly Shōnen Jump 1984 #51)
Lore & Background
According to Toriyama, Goku is more selfish than heroic: his main interest is fighting strong opponents rather than protecting the innocent. Throughout the Super era, Goku's connection to the divine realm deepens as he learns techniques like Ultra Instinct, a state where the body moves independently of thought.
Reader's Guide
His primary skill set includes mastering various transformations like Super Saiyan Blue and accessing godly energy states. He is also a master martial artist, capable of creating new techniques such as the Kamehameha and Instant Transmission through sheer adaptability. Defining moments include his first encounter with Beerus, which introduces him to the concept of Gods of Destruction, and his struggle against Jiren in the Tournament of Power. These battles push him to attain Ultra Instinct -Sign-, a state that lets him dodge attacks subconsciously.
Did You Know?
- Goku is based on Sun Wukong (Son Goku in Japanese), the central character of the Chinese novel Journey to the West.
- Toriyama said he had a young Jackie Chan in mind for a live-action Goku, stating that 'nobody could play Goku but him.'
- The Super Saiyan form has blonde hair because it was easier to draw for Toriyama's assistant who spent a lot of time blacking in Goku's hair.
- Goku's piercing eyes in Super Saiyan form were inspired by Bruce Lee's paralyzing glare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Son Goku?
He is the main protagonist of Dragon Ball Super and a Saiyan warrior raised on Earth who fights to protect his planet. Although he discovers his alien origins later in life, his loyalty remains firmly with humanity.
What are Son Goku's powers or role?
As Goku grows up he becomes Earth's mightiest warrior, battling a wide variety of villains with the help of his friends and family. His limitless potential allows him to transform into various Super Saiyan states to overcome powerful threats.
What is Son Goku's primary goal?
His main interest is fighting strong opponents, which Toriyama has said matters more to him than protecting the innocent. He balances this desire for combat with a deep commitment to protecting his friends and family on Earth.
More in Characters & Transformations
Elsewhere in Dragon Ball Super
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