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Owing toDragon Ball‘s immense influence, Akira Toriyama is considered a legend not only in Japan but worldwide. Despite the legendary mangaka’s tragic demise at the age of 68,Dragon Ballcontinues to influence generations of kids, with Goku’s SSJ1 transformation still regarded as the best rage moment.
From Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct, Goku’s journey to become the strongest has entertained fans for decades. WithDragon Ball DAIMAmaking its highly anticipated premiere later this Fall,Toeicarries forward Akira Toriyama’s lasting legacy, ensuring it lives on forever.
Dragon Ball Superbrought back the fan-favorite characters on big screens, leaving several fans thrilled with the franchise’s return. WhileDBSgave many characters their moments to shine, Bulma, despite having the most screen time among the beloved cast, never truly had her spotlight. This brings us back to Toriyama’s one flaw which, if addressed, could have made Bulma’s character much more likable.
How One Simple Change from Akira Toriyama Could Have Elevated Bulma’s Character
While Bulma’s character became much more likable inDBZandDBS, many fans found her irresistibly annoying back in theDBclassic. That’s largely due to Bulma’s relentlessobjectification and s*xualizationin the series, which undermined her character.
Despite that, Bulma compensates by assisting Goku with her genius strategies and supporting theZ fightersthrough her intellect and gadgetry. Bulma can be considered the linchpin of the first arc’s main cast, as she is the one who eventually brings them all together.
Dragon Ball Gave Bulma and Vegeta a Massive Difference that Made Her Look Much Weaker than She Actually Was
During Goku’s quest to find all dragon balls, he encounters Bulma, who introduces him to the legend of theseven mystical gems. In every iconic series, there’s always one character who faces tons of fan criticism and earns the title of the worst character. For theDragon Ballfans, that character is Bulma.
While Bulma played a significant role in theDBclassic, her importance began to diminish as the story progressed. Not to mention, manyDBfans just view her as an annoying comic relief and tech/money supplier. Interestingly,Akira Toriyamahad the perfect opportunities to make Bulma’s character more likable and her role more engaging, but chose to overlook them.
“How the f*ck it is legal in television”: Goku in This Scene Was So Unhinged It Could Get Dragon Ball in Some Serious Trouble If It Aired Today
In theDBseries, Bulma is showcased as a genius scientist and millionaire who has all the resources in her hands that most individuals only dream of. Regardless, Toriyama never chose to have the character engage in combat, which might haveshifted the criticismof annoying comedic relief.
Despite possessing infinite resources and inherent intelligence, Toriyama could have made her develop technology that allowed her to take part in combat. Toriyama is highly praised for his female character designs such as Android 18, Chi-Chi, and Kefla, so giving Bulma a combat role could have made her character much more compelling.
Why Bulma is Considered the Worst Parent in theDragon BallSeries
Besides the criticism of her hyper-s*xualized character, Toriyama also showcased Bulma’s worst parenting approach with the upbringing of Trunks. Despite holding scientific expertise and knowledge, Bulma never encourages Trunks to follow in her footsteps or pursue a studious path.
Goku Managed to Damage Whis in the Most Unexpected Way in Dragon Ball Super Proving that He Never Needed a Single Ultra Instinct Transformation
On the other hand, her friend and Goku’s wife,Chi-Chi, always pushed herkids to be studious, especially Gohan, so they did not end up like Goku and her. Chi-Chi even trained Goten in martial arts, whereas Bulma was more busy with her own self rather than nurturing Trunks.
Also, back in the Android Saga, Bulma showed the worst motherly instincts and brought her newborn baby onto the battlefield. In comparison to Bulma,Vegeta emerges as a better parent. Not to mention,Dragon Ball Super,fans witnessed Vegeta’s adoring nature and selfless love for his newborn daughter, Bulla.
Dragon Ballis available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
