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Why Dragon Ball Super’s Strongest Fighter Remains Hidden

The Dragon Ball Super series has teased the return of a warrior with one of the highest power levels, but its creators don’t seem ready to share him

SUMMARY

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR DRAGON BALL SUPER MANGA CHAPTER #102

 

  •  An older Goten and Trunks fail to fuse into Gotenks true form again, creating an obese version unable to fight.
  •  Fans disappointed by the recurring gag, hope for a proper return and older design reveal of the powerful fusion.
  •  Dragon Ball Super potentially saving an epic Gotenks comeback for future sagas to maintain tension.

The franchise’s fandom eagerly anticipates the debut of one of its most formidable warriors on Dragon Ball Super. However, the absence of this powerhouse has become somewhat of a recurring joke, adding an element of intrigue to the series. While Dragon Ball Super has introduced a slew of impressive characters and fusion combinations, this particular fighter, known for their immense strength, remains conspicuously absent.

As the narrative unfolds, Goten and Trunks, now adolescents operating incognito as Great Saiyaman X-1 and X-2, find themselves embroiled in intense battles against formidable foes like Cell Max and Gohan. Despite their efforts, their attempts to execute the Fusion Dance and become Gotenks have consistently fallen short, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with each teased appearance. Chapter #102 of Dragon Ball Super once again showcases their struggle to perfect the fusion technique, adding further anticipation to their eventual debut.

Dragon Ball’s Epic Showdown: Goku vs. Gohan – Unraveling the Ultimate Battle’s Mysteries

With each attempt at the Fusion Dance, the stakes are high, and the potential for greatness tantalizingly close. Yet, as fate would have it, the intricate synchronization required for this powerful technique often eludes its participants, leading to comedic yet disappointing outcomes.

In the midst of a climactic showdown against the formidable Cell Max, the fusion misstep resulted in the creation of an unexpectedly rotund Gotenks, utterly incapable of tapping into their Super Saiyan prowess. A moment ripe with anticipation for readers, only to be met with a humorous twist that left them wanting.

Fast forward to chapter #102, where hopes for redemption ran high. Alas, the fusion foible reared its head once more, dashing the dreams of fans eagerly awaiting the emergence of a triumphant and powerful alliance. The disappointment felt by readers was palpable, as the potential for an epic turnaround was once again overshadowed by the whims of fate.

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Gotenks Deserves To Be More Than A Reoccuring Gag

The Buu saga of Dragon Ball brought a level of intensity and desperation rarely seen before in the franchise’s history. When faced with the seemingly insurmountable threat of Super Buu, Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan were unavailable, leaving the fate of the world in the hands of the young Trunks and Goten. Through perseverance and training, they mastered the Fusion Dance, birthing the powerful yet mischievous Gotenks, whose antics proved crucial in the battle against Buu.

Years have passed since those pivotal events, yet Dragon Ball Super seems hesitant to showcase an older, more mature iteration of Gotenks. Instead, the series leans heavily on Trunks and Goten as sources of comic relief, relegating their potential for growth and power to the sidelines.

A perfect opportunity for redemption presented itself during a sparring match against Gohan, with the eyes of their fathers and even the formidable Destroyer God Beerus upon them. This could have been the moment for Gotenks to reclaim their rightful place as a force to be reckoned with, pushing Gohan to unleash his full potential. However, the manga writers opted for a different route, once again trotting out the bumbling obese form of Gotenks, effectively sidelining the young warriors to allow Gohan and Goku to steal the spotlight once more.

The Spectacular Comeback Awaiting Gotenks in Dragon Ball Super

Crafting a narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of comedy and tension is no small feat, and perhaps that’s precisely why Gotenks has remained largely absent from the serious side of Dragon Ball Super. Introducing the formidable fusion warrior would undoubtedly add another powerhouse to the mix, capable of tackling even the most perilous threats head-on. However, this poses a dilemma for the storyline, as it becomes increasingly challenging to maintain the suspense and build tension with such a formidable ally in the mix.

Yet, it’s entirely possible that the absence of a significant Gotenks appearance is a deliberate choice by creators Akira Toriyama and Toyotarou. Perhaps they’re reserving the triumphant return of Gotenks for the climactic sagas of Dragon Ball Super, saving this momentous event for when the stakes are at their highest and the need for his unique brand of power and humor is greatest. Only time will tell when the fusion warrior will make his grand entrance, but when he does, it’s bound to be an unforgettable moment in Dragon Ball history

Read the Dragon Ball Super manga on Manga Plus and Viz Media

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