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That’s not a slight to those people, either.

In the world of Dragon Ball, combat is often quite literally everything.

Art from Dragon Ball

It’s a method of self-expression, connection, and competition.

Despite this,the Dragon Ball franchiserelishes in a kind of sincere humanism.

It’s what ultimately makes it a very graceful, optimistic work.

Art from Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama

Goku is certainly a “Chosen One” character, a prodigy surrounded by those that consistently underestimate him.

From these introductory moments, one thing is clear: Goku won’t be able to succeed alone.

Roshi himself even defies expectations that Dragon Ball is fueled by bloodlust.

Art from Dragon Ball

That is better left for the next generation of fighters.

Battles are rarely won alone, even if Goku usually stands front and center.

His fight with Vegeta only ends thanks to the help of his friends.

Art from Dragon Ball.

The attack that he uses to finally defeat Kid Buu needs energy from around the world.

Does having strong friends mean that training against them can specifically make you stronger?

But that’s Dragon Ball, and it’s more of a feature than a bug.

One Piece Egghead Arc key art featuring Luffy and other characters

Akira Toriyama’s legacy is vast, spanning every genre and medium that he touched.

You don’t have to do a Kamehameha to get to be like Goku.

With one small change the One Piece anime isnow finally living up to the legendary manga.

Dragon Ball in order: Goku, Bulma and Yamcha in the anime, Dragon Ball.

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Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan and the rest of the cast of Thunderbolts*

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