Piccolo's Clan

Lore & Background

The history of Piccolo's lineage is defined by a major twist in the series' mythology. Originally, Toriyama never intended for Piccolo to be an alien; this concept only emerged after the character Kami was introduced. For decades, readers believed he belonged to the Demon Clan like his father, King Piccolo. The source clarifies that King Piccolo himself was modeled either on Emperor Nero or, according to Shenlong Times issue #2, directly on Toriyama himself. A significant modern development occurred in Dragon Ball Daima, which introduced the concept that Namekians are now from the Demon Realm, an alternate universe of demons, effectively reclassifying the entire race as a "Demon race." This creates a unique duality where Piccolo is simultaneously an extraterrestrial from Namek and part of a demon lineage, bridging two distinct origins. Toriyama noted that while transforming a villain into a hero felt cliché to him, he remained excited by the character's appeal despite his scary face.

In Their Own Story

Piccolo's journey began in chapter #161 as the reincarnation of King Piccolo, positioned as a demonic antagonist. After losing to Son Goku in the World Martial Arts Tournament, his trajectory changed permanently; he teamed up with Goku and friends to defeat newer threats including Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, Beerus, Zamasu, Jiren, Broly, and Moro. A pivotal moment in his story was his decision to train Goku's eldest son, Gohan. This relationship formed a powerful bond that Toriyama later highlighted as the central dynamic of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, noting it motivates Gohan even more than his father does. In that film, Piccolo achieved a new form called "Orange Piccolo," which Toriyama considered his first transformation. Because Piccolo lacks hair to change during transformations like other characters, this form was made extremely muscled and orange to distinguish him. Toriyama expressed gladness at finally giving Piccolo a chance to be as strong as Goku.

Reader's Guide

To understand the "clan" or race of Piccolo, one must look at his Namekian physiology and abilities. As a member of this species, he can regenerate lost limbs provided his head remains intact, expand his arms, and move faster than the eye can see. He possesses telepathic skills, allowing him to read minds and contact others nearby, such as when he alerted Goten and Trunks about Buu's proximity. His fighting style includes unique techniques like the Chōkyoshinjutsu (Super Large Body Technique), which allows him to reach mountain-like heights, and the Makankōsappō (Special Beam Cannon), a drill-like energy attack expelled from his index and middle fingers that pierces targets rather than exploding on contact. He also utilizes fusion to increase power, notably merging with Nail on planet Namek to fight Frieza and later fusing with Kami to confront the Androids. These fusions created a "Super Namekian" capable of fighting on par with Android 17.

Did You Know?

• Piccolo was initially assumed to be a member of the Demon Clan (Mazoku) before it was revealed he is an extraterrestrial Namekian.
• Dragon Ball Daima introduced that Namekians are from the Demon Realm, making the whole race a "Demon race."
• Orange Piccolo is considered by Toriyama to be the character's first transformation, designed with extra muscle since Piccolo has no hair to change in forms.
• Voice actor Toshio Furukawa stated he got the role because he wanted to play a villain, though it became his favorite role of all time by Dragon Ball Super.
• Piccolo's Makankōsappō is unique among energy attacks because it pierces targets like a drill rather than exploding on contact.