Dragon Ball Super shows that Goku has finally accepted his Saiyan heritage.
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z resonates with audiences of every age for many reasons. But it also benefits from Goku, one of the most popular shonen protagonists. Dragon Ball Z tries to break Goku out of his shonen stereotypes by revealing that he is not human, but an alien warrior race called the Saiyan. Goku's Saiyan ancestry is the emotional backbone of Dragon Ball Zand the rest the anime. The Saiyans were a Dragon Ball development that came later, but they dominate the storyline once they appear.
Dragon Ball Z makes clear that Saiyans, despite being an endangered species, are not going anywhere. This causes Goku to have some complex feelings. Goku is forced to confront a race he doesn't know and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This journey seems to have culminated in Dragon Ball Super. Goku has taken decades to accept his Saiyan heritage. However, Goku does so in his own unique way, rather than following what history dictates.
Goku's first Saiyan introduction is through his murderous brother
No matter how you break the news to someone, it's never easy to learn that your people are violent and have committed genocide. If this bombshell had been dropped by friends and family in a controlled setting, it's possible Goku would have felt at ease with his extraterrestrial heritage. Goku's experience is the opposite. He learns about his Saiyan heritage at the same time as he finds out that he has an evil brother. Goku's Saiyan ancestry was inextricably linked for a long period of time to Raditz's death and the subsequent chaos. Raditz is not followed by every Saiyan, but Nappa and Vegeta are more wicked and kill the majority of Goku's close friends. Goku resents Nappa, Vegeta and everything they stand for, but it's easy to reduce this to Saiyans. Goku's reluctance to allow Gohan to regrow a Saiyan's tail is no accident. He's also more determined than ever to cut his own.
Goku's reluctance to accept Saiyan barbarism continues during his visit to Planet Namek. In this storyline, nearly all characters, both heroes and villains, are protected by Saiyan armor. Goku is the only character who does not wear this armor, likely because he dislikes Saiyans. Goku sets a new standard and rises above his genes by avoiding murder on Planet Namek. Goku is taught how to keep enemies alive while pacifying them. He also laments Vegeta’s reckless actions. Goku's disdain for Saiyans early in life is what leads him to value other people's lives and choose redemption over revenge, which became one of his trademark values.
Super Saiyan's strength opens Goku's eyes to his people
Dragon Ball Z teases the legend of an incredibly powerful Super Saiyan early in the game, but its existence is only confirmed after Goku's triumphant battle against Frieza. Goku's Super Saiyan Transformation is a difficult moment for him, as it makes him the ideal warrior. Goku's Super Saiyan transformation is a conflicting moment for the character, as it positions him as an ideal member of this warrior race. Goku's strength isn’t insurmountable. He decides to control it for the sake of understanding. Goku is sympathetic to Frieza, who cannot stop fighting. He tries to save his life before he has to strike back in revenge. Goku chooses destruction, but only after he is forced to. Goku also doesn't take pleasure in Frieza's defeat. This is a moment of darkness that leaves Goku feeling cathartic since a Saiyan defeated this tyrant. In doing so, Goku's fallen people get justice for Frieza's destruction of Planet Vegeta. Goku is apocryphal to the Saiyans.
Goku refines and experiments with Saiyan brutality during the Android Invasion
It was thought that Goku's Super Saiyan transform against Frieza would mark the end of Dragon Ball Z. Super Saiyans are not the endgame of the franchise, but rather a stepping stone to greater things. Dragon Ball Z’s Android and Cell Sagas popularize Super Saiyans via Future Trunks, Vegeta and Gohan. It's interesting to note that there is no one Platonic ideal of what a Saiyan should be. The extended training sessions are where this experiment with Saiyan development reaches some fascinating breakthroughs. The Super Saiyan Third and Second Grades further demonstrate that Saiyans can grow and change. Some Super Saiyan Forms are more aggressive than other forms, and Goku thinks that rage is not a necessary component.
Goku recognizes the potential of his son Gohan and helps him to become a Super Saiyan while he is still a young child. Goku encourages Gohan, like a muscular exercise, to remain in the Super Saiyan mode for extended periods. Goku not only wants Gohan stronger but also sees him as proof of Saiyans' ability to live without violence and anger. He tries to make Gohan an altruistic Super Saiyan, who will follow his example. Goku hopes the empathy he and his son share will define Saiyans, rather than what Raditz or Nappa had previously imposed.
Dragon Ball Super Introduces Goku to Saiyans Children
Goku is still processing and provoking his feelings about his Saiyan ancestry. Dragon Ball Super Multiverse is a major help to this issue. It finds a way of bringing more Saiyans in. Turles is an example of a Saiyan who was only ever presented as an antagonist. Cabba Kale and Caulifla from Universe 6 are not only friendly and honorable but also suggest a rich and thriving Saiyan world full of people who share similar values. Dragon Ball Super Multiverse is a great way to remix old ideas. A universe with less villainous Saiyans has a lot of potential. Universe 6's Saiyan Treatment continues to show that villainy doesn't matter when it comes to Saiyans. Goku is proud to see more and more heroic Saiyans.
Dragon Ball Super Broly canonically brings back Dragon Ball Z Legendary Super Saiyan. Broly's most significant changes are aimed at creating empathy for this misunderstood figure. Dragon Ball Z presents Broly's rage as unbridled, while Dragon Ball Superreinforces the lasting effects of Goku’s kindness. Broly survived the film, and continues to train with Goku and Vegeta in order for Saiyans to co-exist. Dragon Ball Super Bardock's flashbacks work in a similar way to redefine the warrior as a noble antihero. Bardock’s revised history plays a crucial role in Goku's acceptance of his Saiyan heritage. Goku becomes optimistic after learning that he is similar to his father and that Saiyan's compassion is not an exception.
Dragon Ball Super Villains help Goku celebrate his Saiyan pride
Dragon Ball Superprompts Goku to reflect on his roots. He finds a sense of peace in the villains he faces, as many of them force him to reflect on his own values and identity. Beerus and Golden Frieza help Goku reach new Saiyan landmarks, Super Saiyan Blue and Super Saiyan Blue. Both are the results of sacred acts which present Saiyans more as deities than destroyers. Goku's long battle with Granolah, Gas and the other characters forces him to confront his sins and choose the best course of action. Dragon Ball GT explores the same idea as Baby but results in Goku's reflection being less and lasting changes. Dragon Ball Superconcludes with the reveal of Perfected Ultra Instinct where Goku wears his original black hair in tribute to his Saiyan race.
Goku's Saiyan heritage has been scrutinized and confused for a lifetime. Dragon Ball Superprovides Goku with the ideal way to honor his heritage. It's based on the lessons he has learned from Earth and important Saiyans that have touched his heart. Goku is still not keen on wearing Saiyan armor, but he embraces his Saiyan heritage and is proud to be known as "Kakarot".
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