Great Saiyaman Arc

From a school-focused student under Chi-Chi’s strict rule to a warrior awakened by rage, Gohan’s journey is defined by hidden potential and family duty.

The Great Saiyaman Arc is a story arc of Dragon Ball Z, part of the anime's seventh season. It features Gohan and the rest of the Z Fighters' lives seven years after the Cell Games, with Gohan now a teenager in high school who takes on the superhero alter-ego the Great Saiyaman. It takes place after the Other World Saga and before the World Tournament Saga.

Quick Facts

Protagonist: Son Gohan

Lore & Background

Son Gohan, the elder son of Goku and Chi-Chi, was created by Akira Toriyama and first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump on October 8, 1988. His name derives from the Japanese word for 'cooked rice,' continuing a naming scheme based on food items. Initially trained by Piccolo after his father’s death, Gohan possesses immense hidden potential that only manifests through rage or distress. Toriyama originally intended for Gohan to succeed Goku as the protagonist after the Cell arc but scrapped this idea, finding him unsuited compared to his father. Instead, Gohan focused on academics under Chi-Chi’s strict guidance until Earth faced new threats. He later became a lead in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, reuniting with Piccolo to face new enemies and unlocking a 'Beast' form through pure rage.

Reader's Guide

Fans can track Gohan’s growth through specific turning points: his debut in October 1988, training with Piccolo, and unlocking potential twice (Grand Elder and Old Kaiō-shin). His Super Saiyan 2 transformation at age nine against Cell is a critical moment. In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the focus shifts to Gohan and Piccolo’s dynamic, with Toriyama noting their relationship motivates Gohan more than Goku does. Masako Nozawa voices Gohan in the original Japanese anime and all other media; Saffron Henderson was his original English voice actor and Stephanie Nadolny his original Funimation voice actor.

Did You Know?

Masako Nozawa did not know she would voice Gohan until receiving the script on his debut episode recording day.
In Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, Director Tetsuro Kodama chose a rainy setting for the fight between Gohan and Gamma 1 because he found it appealing.
Saffron Henderson, Gohan's original English voice actor, has said she felt protective of the role and considers it one of her favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Great Saiyaman Arc?

This storyline bridges the Cell Games and the Majin Buu saga, focusing on Gohan attending Orange Star High School in Satan City while fighting crime under the alias Great Saiyaman.

Why does Gohan adopt the Great Saiyaman persona?

Gohan wears a superhero costume so he can fight crime without his real identity being known.

How does Videl's relationship with Gohan develop during this arc?

Videl tries to deduce Great Saiyaman's identity; she quickly figures it out and uses that knowledge to blackmail Gohan into teaching her new techniques, including the ability to fly.