Since Dragon Ball first debuted, a key event in Goku’s backstory has remained shrouded in mystery. While it was always known that his adoptive grandfather, Gohan, met a tragic end due to Goku’s uncontrollable Great Ape transformation, the exact timing of his death was never confirmed. Now, thanks to a dedicated Dragon Ball historian, this decades-old question has finally been answered. Not only does this new information clarify the timeline of Grandpa Gohan’s ing, but it also highlights the importance of exploring supplementary materials to fully appreciate the depth of a creator’s vision.
Created by legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball follows the coming-of-age journey of a powerful alien named Goku. Since its 1984 debut, the manga has spawned a global phenomenon that continues to grow in relevance. A major reason behind its enduring appeal is the rich lore that Toriyama wove into the story and the characters. Even as new details about the series’ origins come to light, Dragon Ball continues to evolve—whether through new anime, major brand collaborations, or fresh artwork—cementing its place as one of the most influential franchises in pop culture.
The Mystery of When Grandpa Goku ed Is Finally Solved
The Answer to the 40-Year-Old Mystery Is Only Now Coming To Light
According to author, Derek Padula, Grandpa Gohan died two years before the start of the Dragon Ball manga. This revelation comes from Bird Land Press 15, a bimonthly newsletter penned by the late Toriyama, which Padula recently translated. Since Goku was 12 years old at the beginning of the series, that means he lived alone for two years following his grandfather’s death. This tragic loss played a crucial role in shaping Goku’s early life and combat skills, as he had to fend for himself in the wilderness before meeting Bulma and beginning his first adventure.
What makes this discovery even more surprising is that the key information had been available since November 1984, when Dragon Ball Chapter 1 was first published in Japan. Padula pointed out that because Goku described Gohan’s death as occurring "a long time ago," many assumed the event happened much earlier than it actually did. The newly uncovered timeline clarifies that Goku’s solitary years were not as prolonged as previously thought. This revelation is a reminder of the importance of supplementary materials and author interviews, which often reveal critical information not explicitly stated in their work.
Dragon Ball Continues To Expand Its Cultural Footprint
New Series, Brand Collaborations, and Artwork Keep the Z-Fighters Relevant
The latest hit in the Dragon Ball franchise, Daima, premiered on October 11, 2024, to rave reviews. The anime features Goku and his friends being transformed into children due to mysterious forces at work. Their Daima journey takes them to the Demon Realm, where they seek a new set of Dragon Balls while encountering new and old foes. Dragon Ball Daima is set to conclude its 20-episode run on February 28, 2025. Crunchyroll airs new episodes every Friday, with the English dub, starring Stephanie Nadolny as Mini Goku.
Dragon Ball Daima Is Nearing Its Finale, And We Believe We've Figured Out Its Endgame
Goku's latest adventure in Dragon Ball Daima is nearing its end, and though there's much to reveal before then, we think we know where it's going.
Beyond anime, Dragon Ball has also maintained its presence in other media, from new Dragon Ball merchandise lines. These partnerships provide a fascinating look at how the series has continuously adapted to engage new generations of viewers. Despite Goku’s global recognition as an adult martial artist, his childhood adventures remain an integral part of the franchise’s identity. Dragon Ball Daima has reignited interest in these formative years, making it the perfect time for revelations about Grandpa Gohan’s fate to surface.
