Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball stands as a revolutionary series that laid the groundwork for the incredible state of the anime and manga franchise today. Thinking back to catching an episode or two of the anime in the ’90s as a kid, it’s easy to see how the series’ captivating fights and compelling story were the highlights. But beyond those notable elements, the characters’ designs truly elevated the series.

Character design in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball goes beyond mere artwork, it’s a powerful means of showcasing each character’s personality alongside their appearance. In fact, some characters are more memorable for their design than for their narrative alone.

This rings particularly true for Dragon Ball, where many characters have become iconic precisely because of their unique designs. What truly revolutionized Toriyama’s character design, though, was how it inspired the broader landscape of shonen manga. However, some designs still stood out the most and have become iconic.

10

Super Saiyan 4 is the Most Dramatic Super Saiyan Transformation

Debuted Dragon Ball GT, Episode #34

Dragon Ball GT introduced a fascinating new transformation known as Super Saiyan 4, which was achieved through a unique process. What made Super Saiyan 4 truly iconic was its distinctive appearance, setting it apart from other Super Saiyan forms. Both Goku and Vegeta underwent striking physical changes when they transformed into Super Saiyan 4.

Their hair grew longer and took on a unique style, with a crimson-like shadow beneath their eyes adding to the intensity of their look. However, the most notable feature of this transformation was the fur covering their bodies. This fur, reminiscent of the fur of the Great Ape form, was a defining characteristic of Super Saiyan 4. At first glance, it might appear as though they’re wearing a jacket, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that it’s actually fur, symbolizing their connection to their Saiyan heritage and the primal power they wield in this form.

9

Master Roshi’s Design Symbolizes What Makes Him a Unique Mentor

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #3

Master Roshi is undoubtedly one of the most memorable characters in the series. He’s infamous and famous for his unique blend of characteristics. However, there’s something about Roshi that makes him even more memorable. The old guy always sports a turtle-like shell on his back. At first glance, it might seem like just a part of his character design, but there’s more to it.

Master Roshi was truly an exceptional master, as depicted in the first installment of the Dragon Ball franchise. He consistently emphasized “The Turtle Hermit Way” to his students, stressing the importance of hard work, diligent study, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle of eating and sleeping well. Despite his eccentricities, the old pervert wholeheartedly believed in his teachings, which is why he always carried something resembling a turtle, a tangible representation of his philosophy and guidance.

8

Goku Black Proves an Evil Goku Could Work

Debuted Dragon Ball Super, Episode #47

Goku has been portrayed as a symbol of encouragement and unwavering determination throughout the Dragon Ball franchise, resonating with long-time fans as well as newcomers. However, there has always been a lingering curiosity among fans about what it would be like to see Goku in a darker, antagonistic role. While fans may never witness Goku fully turning to the dark side, the introduction of Goku Black in the series comes quite close to fulfilling that desire. Zamasu, also known as Goku Black in the Dragon Ball Super series, hails from Universe 10 and harbors villainous intentions.

His plan to use the Dragon Balls to switch bodies with Goku in an unaltered timeline is a testament to his dark ambitions. However, what truly made Goku Black iconic was the design choice to portray him as an evil counterpart to Goku. The black clothing and an earring on his left ear are key elements of Goku Black’s design that contributed to his iconic status. By choosing Goku as the vessel for this villainous character, the creators created a captivating juxtaposition that immediately grabs the audience’s attention.

7

Future Trunks is Still Dragon Ball’s Coolest Saiyan

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #330

Trunks, the son of Vegeta and Bulma, holds the distinction of being chronologically the second character to achieve the Super Saiyan state after Goku. While Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan is iconic for what it represents in the series, Future Trunks brings his own unique flair to the transformation. Coming from a dystopian future timeline, Trunks’ Super Saiyan form can be likened to when the “cool kids” follow trends, adding a fresh perspective to the iconic transformation.

Trunks’ design in the anime is striking, with his purple-to-blue hair complementing his futuristic jacket, and his trusty sword by his side. In his debut, he effortlessly defeats Frieza with his sword, instantly establishing himself as a formidable warrior. It’s clear that Akira Toriyama put considerable thought into making Future Trunks iconic and cool.

6

Piccolo is One of Akira Toriyama’s Favorites For Good Reason

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #161

Piccolo has undoubtedly become one of the most recognizable Dragon Ball characters, to the point where every green-colored fictional character is inevitably compared to him. Like Vegeta, Piccolo has undergone significant character development over time, reflected in his evolving design. Initially, as the son of King Piccolo, Piccolo bore a striking resemblance to his father, with pointy ears reminiscent of demons and antennas that gave him an alien-like appearance.

Piccolo’s design initially encapsulated his sinister nature, with every evil aspect possibly represented through his appearance. The addition of a turban and a cape further enhanced his distinctiveness, to the point where removing them would almost make Piccolo unrecognizable. This versatility in his design was demonstrated in the latest Dragon Ball movie, where an orange version of Piccolo appeared, showcasing the adaptability and uniqueness of his character design.

5

Super Saiyan 3 is a Subtle Design With a Big Impact

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #474

Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 transformation stands as another iconic moment that inspires fans and resides deep in the hearts of Dragon Ball fandom. The process of Goku achieving this form is etched into the memory of viewers, as they witnessed his determination and resolve. In Episode 245 of Dragon Ball Z, titled “Super Saiyan 3?,” Goku’s transformation into this state was a pivotal moment, as he tapped into new levels of power. The voice actors poured their heart and soul into bringing this transformation to life, making it a truly memorable and impactful scene.

The attention to detail in the design of Goku’s Super Saiyan 3 transformation is truly iconic. At first glance, it might appear that Goku simply grew his hair to an extreme length compared to other Super Saiyan forms. However, Akira Toriyama made Super Saiyan 3 distinct by removing Goku’s eyebrows, a subtle yet significant change that sets this transformation apart. This seemingly minor alteration becomes strikingly noticeable upon closer inspection, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to Super Saiyan 3. Once viewers recognize this feature, they cannot help but be captivated by its distinctiveness.

4

Frieza’s Final Form is the Perfect Contrast to Goku

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #304

Frieza is one of Dragon Ball’s most instantly recognizable characters other than Goku and Vegeta. Frieza holds a significant place in Dragon Ball lore as the first character to showcase dramatic transformations, setting the stage for later iconic changes in appearance.

Frieza’s iconic transformation, which saw him evolving into a shorter, sleeker form with a distinctive mix of purple markings on his head and body, marked a significant turning point in the Dragon Ball series. This form, characterized by its pale white skin and menacing appearance, perfectly encapsulated Frieza’s sadistic nature and his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. As Goku pushed Frieza to the brink of defeat, the tyrant’s final form also saw a testament to his desperation and primal fear. Even as he faced his ultimate adversary, Frieza’s terror only served to enhance his menacing presence.

3

Perfect Cell’s Design Makes Him the Ultimate Dragon Ball Villain

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #382

Akira Toriyama embarked on a creative journey to craft the ultimate villain, following Frieza in the Dragon Ball universe. This quest led to the development of Perfect Cell, a character that demanded Toriyama’s meticulous attention to detail and artistic refinement until his editors deemed it satisfactory. Initially considering the Androids as potential adversaries post-Frieza, Toriyama faced rejection from his editors, prompting the inception of Cell as the new primary antagonist.

The initial two designs for Cell may seem intentional in hindsight, but they too were only given a nod of approval by the editors. It wasn’t until Toriyama dedicated months to crafting the final design that Cell truly emerged as the perfect villain. The blend of colors in Perfect Cell’s appearance is exceptionally appealing, highlighting every intricate detail of his character. Perfect Cell’s design stands as the epitome of how practice and persistence lead to perfection.

2

Super Saiyan is One of the Most Iconic Designs in Anime History

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #317

Goku’s transformation to Super Saiyan for the first time is perhaps the most iconic scene in the anime and manga franchise till date, incidentally making the desing for Super Saiyan Iconic too. Super Saiyan exemplifies the stage for all the upcoming iconic transformations that the essence of a truly great transformation lies in the change of hair color. Goku’s hair turning golden symbolizes a beacon of hope in the face of formidable adversaries, adding depth and significance to the transformation.

As Goku progressed to new stages like Super Saiyan God, the enduring significance of his initial Super Saiyan transformation remains unparalleled. Recall the moment when Goku first achieved this iconic form – it was a fleeting yet unforgettable moment that fulfilled the dreams of every viewer while turning Frieza’s worst nightmare into reality. The impact of the Super Saiyan transformation reverberated throughout the anime and manga world, inspiring other great transformations such as Naruto’s Nine-Tails mode and Luffy’s Gear 5.

1

Vegito Has the Best Design in Dragon Ball’s History

Debuted Dragon Ball, Chapter #503

As Dragon Ball Z approached its conclusion with the Majin Buu Saga, Toriyama surprised fans with yet another iconic design. Despite the anticipation for a new transformation to combat the franchise’s latest villain, Toriyama introduced an unexpected twist, a fusion between the original characters. This decision not only defied expectations but also gave rise to a completely fresh character, adding a remarkable layer to the series’ legacy.

Vegito’s design is truly iconic, blending the two greatest rivals in fictional media. The stakes were high, as using the Potara earrings meant a fusion until death. Despite the risk, Goku and Vegeta fused, creating something unforgettable, a moment we may never witness again and thus, Vegito stands at the culmination of the Iconic character designs from the Dragon Ball Franchise. Thus, Vegito stands as the pinnacle of iconic character designs in the Dragon Ball franchise.