Introduction

Dragon Ball GT

One of the most striking differences in Dragon Ball GT is the varying ages of the main characters. Among them, Krillin stands out as significantly older compared to his companions, Tien and Yamcha, who appear almost unchanged. But why is this the case? This article aims to delve into the specific reasons behind these character design choices, exploring the implications of their different life choices and the artistic interpretations within the series.

Character Design Choices

The creators of Dragon Ball GT made deliberate design choices to reflect the aging process of characters through various visual elements. One of the primary reasons Krillin appears older is his role as a family man with a daughter named Marron. This emphasizes the passage of time and highlights his more mature and responsible nature as a father. The aging process is a natural part of storytelling, serving to create a sense of progression and depth in the narrative.

Different Life Choices

Another key factor is the different life choices made by the characters. Krillin, portrayed as a family man with marital and parental responsibilities, often takes on more adult duties. This shift in lifestyle can naturally lead to a more mature appearance. In contrast, Tien and Yamcha remain characteristically portrayed as fighters, often embracing a more rebellious and youthful image. Their continued portrayal as fighters might contribute to their more youthful appearance as they focus on their martial arts pursuits rather than family life.

Artistic Interpretation

The artistic style of Dragon Ball GT also plays a significant role in the perception of character aging. The series is known for its distinct visual aesthetic, which differs from Dragon Ball Z. This new direction of the series reflects a focus on different aspects of the characters' lives, including their emotional and mental states. The aging process is as much an artistic choice as it is a narrative one, reflecting the intended evolution of the characters over the course of the story.

Visual Cues for Age Perception

The hair of the characters also contributes to the perception of their ages. Krillin is notable for his greying hair, which clearly denotes his age. If he were to shave his head and maintain his facial hair, he would likely appear much younger. Similarly, Tien, known as Kuririn in the English localization, could have a few grey hairs if he stopped shaving his head. This is a common visual cue in animated series, as hair color and texture can subtly convey age.

Yamcha's hair provides another interesting angle. While his hair is miraculously free of grey streaks, his “Ten Years Later” design always communicated a sense of age through other subtle visual cues. For instance, his hair might not be as thick or voluminous as it was in earlier designs, which can give an impression of aging to the audience. This is further emphasized by the style of his ponytail, which can evoke a sense of a mid-life crisis in some viewers. It's possible that Yamcha avoided greying due to good genes, or it's also possible that he has been dyeing his hair black.

Conclusion

While the narrative doesn't explicitly address the differences in aging among the characters, the creative choices made in their portrayal contribute significantly to the perception of Krillin as older in Dragon Ball GT. These choices reflect the passage of time, the different life paths of the characters, and the artistic vision of the series. Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the nuanced portrayal of the Dragon Ball GT characters and their evolution over the course of the series.