Goku is anime's most iconic protagonist, becoming a symbol of the medium in the years since his introduction, and acting as a starting point for countless fans of the shōnen genre. His ability to protect those dearest to him along with his unwavering desire to improve himself has inspired generations of Dragon Ball fans, and placed him among the most well-known superheroes to have graced the pages of manga and comics. But according to author Akira Toriyama, there is one critical trait that separates Goku from other righteous defenders of Earth.

The kind-hearted Saiyan is undeniably a good guy, who consistently saves his home planet from apocalyptic-level threats while caring deeply for his friends and family. But that doesn't necessarily mean that his motivations for doing so are pure. Growing up a Dragon Ball fan, myself and many others gravitated towards Goku's goofy nature and readiness to be serious when the moment called for it. The anime adaptations that introduced him to legions of eventual fans, however, differed somewhat from Toriyama's vision of the character.

In an interview with WIRED Japan following Dragon Ball's conclusion, the legendary author shared his discontent with Goku's anime portrayal, saying, "I guess I couldn't quite get them to grasp the elements of poison that slip in and out of sight among the shadows." Revisiting Toriyama's masterful manga source material once I grew a little older, it became clear just what that poison was, and I realized that it ultimately made Goku an even stronger protagonist.

Goku Is a Flawed Hero, and Better For It

Goku's 'Poison' Is His Need to Fight

Though raised among humans, Goku is a pure-blooded member of a race of vicious space-warriors. Sent to Earth as a baby, he hit his head hard enough to cause him to forget all about his heritage, and allowed for him to be made into the character we know and love today. However, that Saiyan blood still pumps through his veins, and is the reason for his obsession with fighting. The bloodlust may be absent, and his never-ending desire for improvement might be unrelated, but at his core, Goku's Saiyan genes are the poison responsible for his need to fight.

When a powerful threat makes itself known, Goku doesn't fight for the sake of others, but for his own selfish desires. Despite the genuine care that he has for his loved ones, he has and likely will continue to put them in danger, all for the possibility of a good battle. This is seen throughout the series, most notably during his fight with Frieza on Namek, and in causing the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super. The former contains a subtle, often overlooked moment that showcases how dangerous this poison can be.

When Goku first transforms into a Super Saiyan, King Kai is just as terrified as Frieza. It may appear that his new, overwhelming strength is shocking to the otherworldly being who trained him, but King Kai is genuinely concerned that Goku has lost himself entirely to his Saiyan power. Of course, we know that isn't the case, but if it was, the universe would be in grave danger. Though he is undeniably kind, Goku often saves the world in the process of fighting for his own selfish reasons.

Goku May Be Selfish, But He Still Saves the Day

The Saiyan's Imperfections Are What Make Him Interesting

Goku isn't entirely void of the understanding between right and wrong. Despite his tendency to plunge the world into danger, he isn't a bad guy. One of the common criticisms of Dragon Ball's protagonist is that he isn't very interesting, and that his neverending quest for more strength begins to lack substance as the series progresses. I believe that to be somewhat true of the version of Goku who is an undeniable hero, as his anime portrayal suggests. Akira Toriyama's Goku is precisely interesting because of the poison in his character.

He understands that he's selfish, and that his desire to fight is troublesome. When he asks Krillin to spare Vegeta's life during the Saiyan Saga, Goku apologizes to his best friend, recognizing that what he's asking for is a ludicrous request. Vegeta killed a few of Goku's allies, and would almost certainly return for his revenge, and Goku wanted him alive so the two could fight again. But Krillin obliged, understanding that Goku would just save the day next time too, and Vegeta then developed into what many fans consider a better character than Goku.

Unlike the traditional hero, who protects the Earth from whatever threat makes itself known, Goku often intentionally seeks out the threat in order to fight and protect Earth. The day remains saved, yet Dragon Ball's protagonist is the one putting it at risk most times. Whether or not this makes him a bona fide hero isn't exactly clear, but it certainly makes him a better and more interesting main character for me.

Goku Turns His Enemies to Comrades

Despite His 'Poison', Goku's Kindness Turns His Foes to Friends

One of Goku's defining traits is that he has a habit of turning his enemies into friends. And while this might have something to do with his desire to fight and train with them, it also speaks to the innate kindness that he approaches them with. It may be easy to look at the 'poison' which hides in Goku and come to the conclusion that he isn't that great of a person, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

What truly makes Dragon Ball's protagonist so compelling is that, despite his selfish tendencies and violent lineage, he is a genuinely kind person. So kind, in fact, that characters once dead set on defeating or even destroying him, can't help but be affected by him. He isn't perfect by any means, but he always means well, even if the fate of the Earth might become uncertain every now and then.

Though it seems Dragon Ball Daima might already be trying to change series lore, Goku has never been one of the true, righteous heroes that currently dominate our most popular media. But he has lasted so long in the spotlight for a reason: his flaws make him an even better protagonist. And were he not so kind and genuine, we the audience, alongside the story's many characters, would not be so quick to forgive him.