King Piccolo Saga

Lore & Background

King Piccolo was created by Akira Toriyama as a villain who would be a true 'bad guy,' distinct from previous likable antagonists. His editor, Kazuhiko Torishima, suggested inspiration from Roman Emperor Nero, though bonus material in the Shenlong Times issue #2 claims he was modeled after Toriyama himself. Originally introduced as the offspring and reincarnation of King Piccolo to continue his parent's mission of world domination, this character is later revealed to be a member of an extraterrestrial Namekian species capable of creating Dragon Balls. While initially perceived as part of the Demon Clan, the series establishes that all Namekians are aliens from the exoplanet Namek. Toriyama noted he never considered making Piccolo an alien until Kami was introduced, though recent lore in Dragon Ball Daima suggests Namekians originate from a Demon Realm alternate universe.

In Their Own Story

Piccolo made his debut appearance in chapter #161 titled 'Son Goku Wins!!', published in Weekly Shōnen Jump on February 9, 1988. Initially appearing as the reincarnation of King Piccolo to continue his parent's mission of world domination, he eventually loses to Son Goku during a World Martial Arts Tournament. This defeat marks a critical turning point where the former demonic antagonist teams up with Goku and his friends. Together, they unite to combat newer, more dangerous threats including Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, Majin Buu, Beerus, Zamasu, Jiren, Broly, and Moro. The narrative highlights Piccolo's unique role in training Goku's eldest son, Gohan, forging a powerful bond that motivates the young warrior even more than his father's presence.

Reader's Guide

To understand this saga, note that King Piccolo was created to be a true villain after nearly all previous antagonists were deemed too likable. His transformation from villain to hero, while considered cliché by Toriyama, remains a favorite character arc for the creator himself. Voice actor Toshio Furukawa, who voices Piccolo in Japanese, noted that he initially played the role as an energetic eighteen-year-old before shifting to a thirty-year-old persona in Dragon Ball Z, eventually citing it as his favorite role among all his characters. The saga's significance extends beyond the plot; it inspired Masashi Kishimoto and sparked a popular internet meme in Japan in 2013. Fans particularly remember episodes where Piccolo trains Gohan and instances of him acting out of character, such as making a pun for King Kai.

Did You Know?

• King Piccolo was inspired by Roman Emperor Nero's enjoyment of watching people suffer.
• Voice actor Toshio Furukawa stated he got the role because he wanted to play a villain in interviews at the time.
• Toriyama admitted that Piccolo grew to be his favorite character very soon after creation.
• The character inspired Naruto author Masashi Kishimoto and became an internet meme in Japan in 2013.
• Piccolo was initially assumed to be a Demon Clan member before being revealed as a Namekian alien.