Why Doesn't Goku Bring Back Raditz to Life in Dragon Ball Super?

In Dragon Ball Super (DBS), Goku does not bring Raditz back to life for several compelling reasons, deeply rooted in the themes of character development, narrative choices, and thematic focus. This article explores the rationale behind this decision and its significance.

Character Development

One of the most significant reasons for not bringing Raditz back to life is the character development that occurred due to his death. Raditz's demise was a crucial turning point in Goku's journey, which introduced him to the concept of powerful enemies and the importance of effective teamwork, especially with the assistance of Piccolo. This pivotal moment signified a turning point in Goku's character and his understanding of strategy and cooperation. Bringing Raditz back could have undermined the significance of this event, making Goku seem less vulnerable or demonstrating that teamwork is not always necessary.

Raditz's Role and Character Development

Raditz is primarily portrayed as a villain in the series, with minimal character development compared to other key resurrected characters such as Vegeta and Frieza. These characters have undergone significant growth or redemption arcs, which adds depth to their stories and resonates more with the audience. Raditz, on the other hand, was a one-dimensional antagonist who never demonstrated significant remorse or change, making his resurrection less impactful and less aligned with the thematic focus of Dragon Ball Super.

Dragon Balls and Their Limitations

The limitations set by the Dragon Balls themselves play a significant role in this decision. The Dragon Balls allow for the resurrection of the dead, but with restrictions. For instance, someone can only be revived once, unless specific conditions are met. Additionally, the series often highlights new threats and characters, rather than revisiting older ones. Raditz was already revived once after his initial death and did not exhibit loyalty or growth that would justify another resurrection. Furthermore, the focus of Dragon Ball Super is on the living threats and missions that Goku and his allies face, rather than resurrecting characters who may not add value to the current story arcs.

Narrative Focus

The narrative in Dragon Ball Super often emphasizes new story arcs and characters rather than revisiting older ones. This shift in focus is evident in the introduction of new villains and allies, which takes precedence over characters like Raditz. The inherent dynamics and conflicts with new characters allow for more engaging and complex storytelling, making it more impactful to leave Raditz's fate unresolved.

Moral Choices and Values

Goku is often portrayed as someone who values life but also recognizes the consequences of his actions. Bringing back a character who was a constant threat and never showed significant remorse for his actions might not align with Goku's values. This decision highlights the moral complexity and the balance between compassion and the need for justice. Moreover, the resurrection of such a character could create moral ambiguity and detract from the clear, heroic narrative that defines Goku's character.

**In summary**, Goku’s decision not to resurrect Raditz is a multifaceted choice driven by narrative choices, character development, and the thematic focus of Dragon Ball Super. This decision ensures that the series remains focused on engaging storylines and the growth of key characters, while maintaining the moral integrity of its main protagonist.

Key takeaways:

Raditz's death was a pivotal moment in Goku's character development. Raditz is a one-dimensional antagonist with minimal character development. The limitations set by the Dragon Balls play a significant role in this decision. The narrative in Dragon Ball Super focuses on new threats and story arcs. Goku's values and moral choices are aligned with the depiction of his character.