Krillin

Lore & Background

Krillin's journey begins at age 13 on Master Roshi's island, where he trains alongside Goku. Their rivalry turns into a deep friendship after enduring hardships together. He competes in the 21st Tenkaichi Budōkai, defeating Bacterian before losing to Jackie Chun (Roshi). Years later, during the 22nd Tenkaichi Budōkai, he reaches the semi-finals again but loses to Goku. His life takes a tragic turn when he is killed by Piccolo Daimao's henchman and revived by Dragon Balls. During the Saiyan invasion, Krillin avenges Yamcha by killing Saibamen and fights Nappa with Tien and Piccolo. On Namek, he unlocks hidden potential under Guru, aids in fighting the Ginyu Force, and is killed by Frieza's internal explosion—a death that triggers Goku's first Super Saiyan transformation. After being revived, Krillin settles down with Android #18, raising a daughter named Marron, though he returns to the 25th Tenkaichi Budōkai for the prize money.

In Their Own Story

The air crackled as Krillin faced Nappa alongside Piccolo, their Tri-Form clones useless against the Saiyan's might. Later, alone and desperate, he launched a Kienzan that Nappa nearly caught before Vegeta intervened. On Namek, after unlocking his potential with Guru, Krillin teamed up with Gohan and a reluctant Vegeta to battle the Ginyu Force. In a pivotal moment against Frieza, Krillin stabbed him in the chest and removed his tail, buying time while Dende healed Goku. When Frieza emerged unscathed from the Genki-Dama, he detonated Krillin from the inside, killing him instantly. This act sparked the rage that transformed Goku into a Super Saiyan. Years later, after Cell's defeat, Krillin used the Dragon Balls to remove the bombs from Android #18 and #17, ensuring their safety before settling into family life.

Reader's Guide

Krillin's combat style relies on precision and strategy rather than brute force. He mastered these under Master Roshi and refined them against intergalactic threats. Notably, he utilized a deactivating controller for Android #18, choosing not to use it despite his fear, highlighting his complex moral growth. His tactical mind shines during the Cell Games, where he fights a Cell Junior alongside Gohan. Even without Saiyan transformations, Krillin remains essential by unlocking hidden potential (via Guru) and providing critical support, such as healing allies or distracting powerful enemies.

Did You Know?

• Krillin's lack of a nose was humorously explained by Toriyama as a 'physical idiosyncrasy' allowing him to breathe through his skin pores.
• The six moxibustion burns on Krillin's forehead, called jieba, are a direct reference to the practice of Shaolin monks.
• Screenwriter Yūsuke Watanabe originally wrote Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods to take place at Krillin and Android #18's wedding, but Toriyama changed it to Bulma's birthday party.
• Krillin stopped shaving his head after defeating Cell, growing out his black hair before shaving it again during Frieza's resurrection arc.
• During the Cell Games, Krillin was saved from a Cell Junior by Gohan after fighting alongside him.

Origins and Character Purpose

Krillin was introduced in chapter #25 of the Dragon Ball manga, published in Weekly Shōnen Jump on May 21, 1985. His creation was driven by editor Kazuhiko Torishima's feedback that Goku was "too plain," necessitating a character who was petty and mischievous to provide contrast. This dynamic led to Krillin's debut as a fellow student under Master Roshi. While initially a rival, he became Goku's closest ally, fighting every villain alongside him or before him. Toriyama often used Krillin for comic relief, but his role expanded to represent the human element in a world of gods and aliens.

Visual Identity and Evolution

Krillin is defined by his shaved head and lack of a visible nose, a trait Toriyama humorously attributed to a "physical idiosyncrasy" allowing him to breathe through skin pores. He bears six moxibustion burns (jieba) on his forehead, referencing Shaolin monks. At age 13, he wore monastery attire; later, he adopted the orange gi gifted by Roshi. During the Frieza arc, he wore Saiyan armor from Vegeta, reverting to an orange gi with a blue undershirt in the Cell arc. Post-Cell, he grew his black hair out before shaving it again during Frieza's resurrection. In his family life, he wears casual workout gear, notably a red "Tacos" T-shirt and brown drawstring pants.

Combat History and Sacrifice

Krillin's history is marked by bravery and sacrifice. He defeated Bacterian in the 21st Tenkaichi Budōkai but lost to Jackie Chun. In the 22nd, he beat Chiaotzu before losing to Goku. Killed by Piccolo Daimao's henchman, he was revived via Dragon Balls. During the Saiyan arc, he avenged Yamcha by killing Saibamen and fought Nappa with Tien and Piccolo. On Namek, he unlocked potential under Guru, fought the Ginyu Force, and was killed by Frieza to trigger Goku's Super Saiyan form. Later, he destroyed a deactivating module for Android #18, allowing Cell to absorb her, then engaged Cell in a futile battle before being healed by Trunks.

Narrative Significance and Legacy

Krillin serves as the emotional anchor of the series, contrasting Goku's plainness with his own mischievous nature. His death on Namek is a catalyst for major plot progression, directly leading to Goku's first Super Saiyan transformation. While screenwriter Yūsuke Watanabe originally envisioned Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods centered on Krillin and Android #18's wedding, Toriyama shifted the setting to Bulma's birthday party, likely to let fans imagine the event. Despite often being outclassed, Krillin remains a vital figure whose resilience and friendship define his legacy.