King Piccolo Saga

The reincarnation of an ancient evil becomes the Dragon Ball world's most unlikely protector after a fateful tournament defeat.

The King Piccolo Saga represents a definitive shift in the Dragon Ball franchise, introducing the reincarnation of the evil King Piccolo who first appeared as a demonic antagonist. While initially assumed to be a member of the Demon Clan due to his parentage, the narrative later reveals he is actually a Namekian from the planet Namek. After losing to Son Goku in the World Martial Arts Tournament, Piccolo teams up with him and his friends against newer, more dangerous threats. Unlike previous likable villains, King Piccolo was designed by creator Akira Toriyama specifically as a true 'bad guy,' inspired in part by historical figures like Emperor Nero. The story establishes Piccolo's evolution from a pure villain into a hero who eventually teams up with Goku and his friends to face greater cosmic threats.

Quick Facts

Character origin: Reincarnation of King Piccolo, later revealed to be a Namekian from Planet Namek

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.

Reader's Guide

King Piccolo was created to be a truly evil opponent, as all of Toriyama's villains up to that point had something likable about them. 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.
The character inspired Naruto author Masashi Kishimoto and became an internet meme in Japan in 2013.