Many of the most popular anime are shōnen, a demographic for anime and manga that is targeted toward young teen males; however, it’s known for its massive global appeal to all ages and genders. Within shōnen anime, there have been countless iconic, unforgettable heroes that inspired audiences around the world.
Many of these heroes have gone on to influence generations of creators and fans alike, but there is one who stands out from the rest, even 40 years later. Son Goku from Dragon Ball set a new standard for shōnen anime heroes that is still followed today. His legacy helped define what shōnen would become and only continues to stand as one of the greatest heroes of all time.
No Shōnen Hero Has Matched Goku’s Legacy
When Dragon Ball introduced Goku for the first time, he stood out from the other heroes of the time, who were typically defined by stoicism, hyper-muscular bodies, and lone-wolf attitudes. Unlike these intense, hardened protagonists such as Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star, Goku stood out for his humor, curiosity, and boundless energy.
At the time Dragon Ball was released, manga and anime were largely dominated by realistic and serious titles, making Goku not only a groundbreaking protagonist but also the foundation for a new era. Goku brought forward a strong sense of lightheartedness and adventure, completely breaking the mold and setting this new standard that inspired other creators.
Four decades after his initial introduction, both Goku and Dragon Ball continue to draw in audiences, with many loyal fans and newcomers to the series eagerly awaiting the next chapter of his journey.
Beyond that, as the face of the franchise, Goku’s reach extended much further than just Japan, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the West, anime was little more than a niche interest; however, Goku quickly captured audiences’ attention and drew in a strong fan base with both his optimism and intense power.
Since then, Goku has become recognizable even outside of anime, appearing in games, collabs, discussions, fan art, and much more. Four decades after his initial introduction, both Goku and Dragon Ball continue to draw in audiences, with many loyal fans and newcomers to the series eagerly awaiting the next chapter of his journey.
Goku Built the Formula That Shōnen Still Uses Today
As one of the most recognizable and influential shōnen heroes, Goku laid the foundation for some of the biggest shōnen hits. His rivalries, transformations, dedication to self-improvement, and positivity all became the framework for later series to build on, including One Piece with Monkey D. Luffy and Naruto with its titular character, Naruto Uzumaki.
Both these characters embody aspects of Goku’s personality or journey, whether it’s through unwavering optimism or seemingly endless growth. These protagonists have carved out massive spaces for themselves in anime, and while they don’t mirror Goku directly, they were created with an approach that Goku modeled and solidified.
40 Years Later, Goku Looks Unrecognizable In Dragon Ball’s Original Concept Art
Dragon Ball’s Goku is one of anime’s most recognizable heroes, but Akira Toriyama’s original concept art reveals a version of him fans haven’t seen.
Other characters like Gon from Hunter x Hunter or Asta from Black Clover share some of these traits, proving that Goku’s influence can still be felt years later across shōnen. This, paired with Goku’s initial introduction, is proof that he’s created a legacy unlike any other hero. Apart from Goku, there are few characters who defy convention, creating their own path and becoming celebrated enough to directly influence other series and protagonists.
Goku will forever remain a defining force in shōnen anime and manga due to all that he has accomplished both in the series and in real life. His worldwide reach and personality have made Dragon Ball one of the most successful, known, talked-about, and influential anime series ever created. Goku set the standard for what to expect from shōnen protagonists, and no other character contends with his influence.
- Created by
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Akira Toriyama
- Latest TV Show
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Super Dragon Ball Heroes
- First Episode Air Date
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April 26, 1989
