The Biggest Asspulls in Dragon Ball: From Goku’s Instant Transmission to DB Evolution’s Implausibilities

Dragon Ball is a beloved franchise that has captivated fans for decades. However, with its massive scope and numerous storylines, the series has occasionally led to significant plot points that leave fans questioning the logic behind events. These inconsistencies are often referred to as ldquo;asspullsrdquo;—elements that feel out of place or unrealistic in the narrative. In this article, we explore some of the most notable asspulls from various parts of Dragon Ball’s history.

Goku’s Instant Transmission

Introduction: Goku's Instant Transmission is a signature move that allows fighters to teleport to their desired location instantly. While this move is frequently used throughout the series, it occasionally leads to moments that feel out of place or less believable. For example, in the scene from 'The Spirit Bomb Against Frieza', Goku gathers overwhelming energy from the living beings present to create a powerful Spirit Bomb. Some fans argue that the sheer scale of energy he managed to gather in such a short time feels contrived and undercuts the intensity of the fight, especially given Frieza’s formidable power level at that time.

Gohan’s Transformation to Super Saiyan 2

Introduction: During the Cell Games, Gohan's transformation into Super Saiyan 2 is a pivotal moment. Fueled by rage after the death of Android 16, Gohan transforms, seemingly out of nowhere. While the transformation itself is emotionally charged, some viewers felt that it lacked the necessary buildup compared to Goku's earlier transformations. This moment highlights the contrast in the narrative's pacing and the emotional weight placed on Gohan's arc.

Super Saiyan God and Super Saiyan Blue

The Return of Frieza: In The Return of Frieza, Goku’s mastery of Ultra Instinct becomes a defining moment, showcasing his progression in the series. This ability allows him to react to his opponents' attacks almost instantly, a skill that dramatically changes the course of battles. However, the frequent use of Dragon Balls to resurrect characters can sometimes undermine the impact of their deaths, making it feel like any character can come back at any time. This inconsistency can detract from the narrative’s gravity and threaten the fanbase’s emotional investment.

Asspulls and the Dragon Ball Evolution Saga

Introduction: The Dragon Ball Evolution adaptation is often cited as one of the most controversial and implausible elements in Dragon Ball’s history. The film not only strays from the original manga and anime but also introduces a level of inconsistency that has left fans divided.

Goku Black Arc

In the Goku Black arc, Trunks' Super Saiyan Rage transformation and his Spirit Sword are particularly criticized. The move somehow makes him stronger than Super Saiyan Blue Vegito, which is by far the biggest and juiciest asspull in the entire Dragon Ball franchise. This inconsistency significantly detracts from the narrative's internal logic and the overall flow of events.

Transformations and Battles: The Case for Inconsistency

Vegeta’s Subpar Performance: The frequent representation of fights involving Vegeta and Goku is another area where the series stumbles. The battle between Cabba, who barely qualifies as a fighter, and Vegeta, a seasoned warrior, is particularly noteworthy. Cabba managed to give Vegeta a beating, which doesn't align with the established power dynamics in the series.

Gohan and Krillin’s Struggles: The episode where Gohan fails to defeat Frieza and his forces is a significant turn-off for many fans. Similarly, in the recent series, Gohan and Krillin’s fight concludes with Krillin beating Gohan in a duel, which is an outright absurdity. Given the progressive nature of Gohan’s training and the importance of the characters in the franchise, these moments feel out of place and diminish the credibility of the series.

Potential Cuts: In the interest of character development and narrative flow, some fights should have been resolved much more quickly, especially those involving Goku and Vegeta. While shorter fights might not align with the epic nature of Dragon Ball, the depth of their training under Whis should be reflected in their battles.

Despite these notable flaws, the Dragon Ball series remains a cornerstone of anime history, beloved for its action and emotion. However, the presence of these asspulls serves as a reminder of the importance of narrative consistency and internal logic in crafting a rich and believable world for audiences to enjoy.