Why Dragon Ball Characters like Baby, Raditz, Android 16, and Goku’s Grandpa Are Missed the Most

Dragon Ball, an iconic series that has captured the hearts of fans around the world, is a treasure trove of memorable characters and exciting adventures. However, there are certain characters who, due to their untimely departures or lack of development, are often missed by fans. In this article, we will explore a few such characters, including Baby, Raditz, Android 16, and Goku’s Grandpa.

Baby: The Adorable Tuffle Murder Machine

One of the most beloved and highly anticipated characters to return to the Dragon Ball universe is Baby. Originally introduced in Dragon Ball GT, Baby was a fearsome Tuffle warrior with an irresistible charm. Unlike many of the antagonists in the series, Baby’s transformation into a villain was both compelling and entertaining. His presence was briefly curtailed when he was seemingly killed by Bardock and Gine, but the fans still yearn for more.

Even in the Italian dub, Baby was a standout villain, described as “adorable” and “excellently creepy.” His dedication to his cause and his dynamic interactions with other characters made him a memorable addition to the franchise. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return, with hopes that he might not only appear in cutscenes but as a full-fledged character in future series such as Dragon Ball Super’s Heroes.

Raditz: The Forgotten Potential

Raditz, introduced in the original Dragon Ball series, was initially only brought into the show for shock value — to depict Goku as a mere mortal who could be defeated. However, his brief tenure in the series was far more significant than that.

Raditz possessed a depth and maturity that was slipping through the cracks, particularly given Kakarot’s (Goku’s real name) entry into the Final Bout and his professional fighting skills. If Raditz had lived, not only would he have had more opportunities to interact with Goku, but the possibility of Bardock and Gine being resurrected might have led to a richer and more complex narrative development in the Dragon Ball Z era.

Android 16: Undiscovered Depth

While not technically "dead," Android 16 is certainly a character that fans wish had more development. Created to destroy Goku, Android 16 quickly proved to have an unforeseen depth. The character’s purpose was straightforward, but his interactions with other characters, especially 17 and 18, were nuanced and intriguing.

The idea that Android 17 became a Ranger due to 16’s love for nature adds another layer to the character’s backstory. The potential for 16 to have a grander role, perhaps involving a redemption arc or even a team-up with 17 and 18, is tantalizing. Remarkably, if 16 were to be revived, he might even see the changes in his fellow androids over time, enriching his character arc even further.

Goku’s Grandpa: A Character with Depth

Another character who was underutilized and often passed over is Goku’s grandpa. Unlike many of the other deceased characters who could be resurrected by the Dragon Balls, Goku’s grandpa was a crucial yet unexplored character. As a Saiyan who served in the military, he potentially could have brought to the table a wealth of experience and background information about the Saiyan race.

Without his presence, we missed out on a more comprehensive understanding of Goku’s heritage and the sacrifices made by Saiyan ancestors. Bringing Goku’s grandpa back could have added a valuable piece to the puzzle of the Dragon Ball universe.

Conclusion

While Dragon Ball’s storytelling has been rich and varied, there are moments where certain characters might have deserved more development or continuity. From Baby’s lingering villainous presence to Raditz’s untapped potential, and from Android 16’s undiscovered depth to Goku’s grandpa’s missed opportunities, these characters stand out as ones that fans still miss and hope to see again.

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