Amidst Super Saiyan transformations and cosmic battles that define the Dragon Ball universe in 2026, some iconic characters from the franchise ended up left behind. A recent analysis, based on the perspective of fans and experts, highlights seven warriors whose development was interrupted or abandoned by Akira Toriyama in the sequels DBZ and Dragon Ball Super. The names, ranging from Yamcha to Kami himself, represent a clear shift in the narrative focus of the work, which moved from earthly adventures with touches of comedy to intergalactic conflicts of overwhelming power.
This transition, which began with the Saiyan saga, caused human characters and figures from the past to struggle to remain relevant. As a result, many of them were relegated to secondary roles or even became jokes within the plot itself. The issue gains relevance in this early 2026, as reflections on the work’s legacy and the treatment of its broad cast continue to fuel discussions among the Brazilian fan community. Thus, understanding the fate of these characters is also understanding the evolution of one of the most influential anime series of all time.
The Warriors Left Behind by Power
Among the most emblematic cases is Yamcha, who was once one of Goku’s first great rivals. However, his trajectory in Dragon Ball Z turned into a succession of embarrassing moments, such as his death to a simple Saibaman. Furthermore, his relationship with Bulma was completely overshadowed by Vegeta’s arrival. Another painful example is Tien Shinhan, a rival who genuinely defeated Goku in a world tournament. Despite this, the power escalation in the series placed him in a position where, even strong, his contributions seem minimal compared to cosmic threats.
Characters like Launch, with her personality switch upon sneezing, represent the gag comedy tone of the early arcs. Therefore, she naturally disappeared when the anime adopted a more serious style. Meanwhile, the assassin Tao, a terrifying villain in the classic series, returned in DBZ only as a joke in a filler episode, completely losing his aura of danger. Even Krillin, Goku’s best friend, saw his role as a warrior drastically diminish, despite honorable participations in Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power.
Changes in Direction and Unfinished Legacies
The transformation of Chi-Chi from a determined warrior to an overprotective mother is also often cited as an abandonment of her original characteristics. Meanwhile, Kami, once considered Earth’s supreme deity, was reduced to a power source for a fusion, losing his unique status. These narrative choices, although understandable due to the need to evolve the story, leave a feeling of wasted potential for fans who followed the growth of these characters.
Looking to the future, the question remains whether productions like Dragon Ball Daima or potential new arcs can rescue any of these figures. Still, their legacy remains intact in the hearts of fans who grew up with the classic adventures. Thus, the discussion about their abandonment remains alive, showing the deep attachment of the audience to a universe that, despite its flaws, continues to captivate generations in Brazil and around the world.
