Dragon Ball Super’s New Chapter Subtly Fixes Fans’ Biggest Complaint About Goku

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Dragon Ball Super chapter 102!Goku is by and far the most iconic character in Dragon Ball Super, and every era of Dragon Ball, for that matter. Though despite his immense popularity, there’s always been one major complaint fans have had about Goku’s character that’s lingered since the very beginning of Dragon Ball Z. And now, Dragon Ball Super has finally fixed that complaint with a scene that subtly shows Goku being the one thing he’s arguably never been: a good father.

In Dragon Ball Super chapter 102 by Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou, Goku travels to Earth from Beerus’ world after having been away from his home for many chapters (indeed, this is the first time in this arc that he’s returned to Earth). He does so after learning of Gohan’s new ‘Beast Mode’ form, and he wants to see it for himself. So, Goku invites Gohan, along with Goten and Trunks, to Beerus’ world to test all their strength in a safer environment.

When they get to Beerus’ world, Goku is preparing to spar with Gohan (something Gohan seems very excited about), before tossing it over to Goten and Trunks on Vegeta’s suggestion, letting them in on the fun before the true match begins. Training and sparring have always been how Goku has connected with his sons, and this chapter shows that happening once more with Gohan, and arguably for the first time with Goten. In other words, this chapter shows Goku being a good father.

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The closest Goku has ever been with Gohan was during DBZ’s “Perfect Cell Saga”.

It’s widely recognized that Goku isn’t a very good father to his children, though those who argue the opposite usually point to DBZ’s “Perfect Cell Saga” as evidence of the contrary, as Goku spent an entire year training with and paying full attention to Gohan. It was during this time that Goku believed in Gohan so much, he empowered his son to reach a level of strength Goku himself hadn’t yet attained: Super Saiyan 2.

Inspiring one’s son to be better than oneself is the clearest indication of a good father, and Goku exhibited that during “Perfect Cell Saga” perfectly. Unfortunately, that was about the only time that happened – and only with Gohan. Goku has barely spent any time on-panel with Goten, and his time with Gohan has been few and far between (mostly whenever they need to get stronger to face a specific villain). However, in this chapter of Super, Goku just wanted to spend time with his kids for its own sake, using training as his way to connect with them.

Dragon Ball Super Fixes Vegeta’s Flaws as a Father as well as Goku’s

Goku isn’t the only Saiyan who has a reputation of being a terrible father, as Vegeta is certainly not the ‘World’s Best Dad’ either. Vegeta’s affection for Trunks usually relies entirely on Trunks’ power level. If Trunks allows himself to become weaker than Vegeta would like, Vegeta either beats him to a pulp through training, or ignores him altogether. However, in this chapter, Vegeta is actively including Trunks in his training on Beerus’ world, and is even the one who suggested Trunks and Goten work together to spar with Gohan.

It seems Goku isn’t the only Saiyan who subtly showed off his paternal skills in this chapter, as Vegeta proved to be an attentive and supportive father to Trunks in the very same scene. However, given his reputation, this chapter is way more significant for Goku’s parental development, as Dragon Ball Super subtly fixes fans’ biggest complaint about the Saiyan hero.

Dragon Ball Super chapter 102 is available now.

Dragon Ball Super chapter 102 (2024)
	Writer: Akira Toriyama Artist: Toyotarou

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